Dresden is the capital city of the Saxony state in Germany. Some of the best things to do in Dresden, Germany include exploring palaces, royal collections, historic monuments, churches, museums, and art collections.
The city has been the historic seat of Prince-Electors of the Holy Roman Empire, Kings of Saxony, and even Polish monarchs (by union). Many of the best places to visit in Dresden were either used or commissioned by these royalties. Owing to the influence of nobility, the old part of the city is called the Jewel Box.
These Dresden tourist attractions show a heavy influence of rich and elegant architectural styles including Baroque and Rococo. The elegant nature of these architectural styles lend a regal grandeur to these Dresden attractions. You will see flowing designs, sculptures, reliefs, frescoes, tall windows, intricate carvings, and more. Even from inside the palace, churches, and historical buildings are the most beautiful things to see in Dresden, Germany.
The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its history, architecture, art collections, and cultural heritage. Many of these places to see in Dresden were damaged during the WWII bombings. But, most of them have been restored with great detailing. These events give a tragic element of the story to Dresden sightseeing.
If you want to see how the city looked in its historic prime and how the bombs devastated it, you should visit Dresden Panometer. This art exhibit has panoramic paintings depicting two states of this city. It is a must-see in Dresden as it puts the rest of the trip into perspective.
Another great aspect of Dresden travel is the collections in museums and art galleries. The rulers brought a lot of wealth to the city in terms of artifacts, artworks, fine art, interior decor, sculptures, jewels, and more. Almost all the palaces exhibit some part of these collections.
These are the most interesting tourist places in Dresden as you will find creations brought in from around the world. The royals often brought creators and artists from different places to deck their palaces.
While there is a lot to history, culture, art, and architecture to see in the city, you should take a day to go for some fun things to do around Dresden as well. You can take tours in paddle steamboats to the wilderness of Saxon Switzerland National Park. You will see forests, waterfalls, and huge limestone pillars.
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Top 23 Tourist Places to Visit in Dresden, Germany
1. Brühl’s Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse)
Also known as the “The Balcony of Europe”, this terrace stretches along the shore of River Elbe. Just walking along this path is one of the best things to do in Dresden, Germany. You will be literally walking on history and surrounded by culture.
The terrace dates back to the 16th century and was part of the city’s fortification. It is surrounded by many Dresden tourist attractions, public artworks, sculptures, and more.
The walkway also has many small cafes and viewpoints to admire the city. You can easily spend an hour walking this path when you visit Dresden.
2. Albertinum
This building houses the Modern Art Museum of the city. The collection of this museum spans an era of 200 years. It includes paintings, sculptures, art installations, and more. These are some of the most magnificent things to see in Dresden, Germany.
The Albertinum building is also a phenomenal work of art in its own right. It was built in 1887 and exhibits Renaissance revival architecture. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Dresden, Germany. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.
I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to Albertinum Museum in advance.
3. Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche Dresden)
This church was first built in the 11th century in Romanesque style and used to be a Catholic Church. It was rebuilt in the 18th century as a Baroque-style Lutheran church. It is one of the most wonderful Dresden attractions.
The church has great historical and cultural significance. It was desolated when the city was bombed during World War II. It was rebuilt between 1994 and 2005 in stages.
As you explore the church, you will see layers belonging to different time periods. You will need about an hour from Dresden travel to tour the church.
I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Frauenkirche with an Entry Ticket.
4. Church of the Holy Cross (Dresden Kreuzkirche)
The history of the church on this site dates back to 1168, although it used to be a small basilica back then. The rebuilding to its current glory began in the 15th century. Today it is one of the magnificent tourist places in Dresden, Germany.
The church predominantly exhibits Romanesque architecture. Although you will notice elements from different periods. These include neoclassical, baroque, and art nouveau. You will need an hour from Dresden sightseeing to tour this church.
5. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
The design for this town hall is the result of an architectural competition held in 1901. It was completed in 1910. It is one of the most important historical places to see in Dresden, Germany.
The building was damaged in the bombing of 1945 and was rebuilt in 1948. You should head to the viewing platform in the 100-meter-tall tower to get a view of the city. The sight is a must-see in Dresden. You need an hour to explore the town hall and its interiors.
6. Zwinger
This magnificent palace is one of the most beautiful things to see in Dresden, Germany. The baroque-style architecture and expansive lawns express the grandeur of the royalty.
The palace was part of the city’s fortification and was later developed as a palace. You can explore several parts of the palace including the gardens, interiors, rooms, and museums.
The palace is home to several popular tourist places in Dresden. You can visit the Porcelain Collection, Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments, Zoological Museum, Old Masters Picture Gallery, and more. It is one of the top things to do in Dresden, Germany. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this palace.
I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Zwinger in advance. Also, I suggest you should experience the Gala Concert in the Dresden Zwinger.
7. Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe)
This museum exhibits a vast collection of fine arts, decorations, jewelry, artworks, and more. It is considered the largest collection of such treasures in Europe. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Dresden, Germany.
The collection was initiated by Augustus the Strong in 1723. It is the second oldest museum in the world after the Vatican Museums. You will see artifacts from various cultures, design styles, and time periods. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum when you visit Dresden.
8. Dresden Castle (Dresdner Residenzschloss)
This castle is one of the oldest structures in the city, dating back 400 years. It is one of the most popular Dresden attractions for its history and architecture. This castle has been home to several kings of Saxony of the Albertine line of the House of Wettin.
The castle is home to six museums, which are also important Dresden tourist attractions. These include the Historic Green Vault, the New Green Vault, the Numismatic Cabinet, the Collection of Prints, the Museum of Drawings & Photographs, and the Dresden Armory. You will need at least 3 hours from Dresden travel to tour the entire place.
I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to Dresden Castle in advance.
9. Fürstenzug
This mural shows the procession of Saxony rulers in a mounted procession. It is a must-see in Dresden. The mural celebrates the 800th anniversary of the Wettin Dynasty. The mural is built with 23,000 tiles of Meissen porcelain. Take a few minutes from Dresden sightseeing to admire the artwork and appreciate the history behind it.
10. Dresden Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Dresden)
This museum looks at the evolution of several modes of transportation including shipping, railway, road, and airway. The collection specifically focuses on 120 years of Saxon transport history. You will need an hour to explore this museum.
I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to Dresden Transport Museum in advance.
11. Semperoper Opera House
This historic opera house was built in 1841 and is one of the most magnificent places to see in Dresden, Germany. The structure is renowned for its Italian High Renaissance design.
Even the interior of the opera is marvelous. You will see classic decorations, paintings, murals, statues, furniture, and more. One of the best things to do in Dresden, Germany is watching a show at this opera house.
There is no better way to experience this place when you visit Dresden, Germany. You will need at least 2 hours to enjoy a show and explore this place.
I suggest you should book a Guided Tour with an Entry Ticket to Semperoper in advance.
12. Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister)
This museum is housed in the Zwinger Palace. The museum houses several paintings created between the 15th and 18th centuries. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Dresden for art admirers.
You will see works by renowned Renaissance artists like Raphael, Tintoretto, Titian, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Vermeer, and so on. You will need about an hour from Dresden travel to tour this museum.
13. Dresden Panometer
Housed in a former gasometer, this building displays panoramic paintings created by Yadegar Asisi, a renowned Austrian-born artist. The wonderful exhibit was created by the artist himself. It is one of the top places to visit in Dresden for artists.
The two panoramic paintings are shown alternatively. The Dresden Baroque depicts the city as it would have been in 1756. The Dresden panorama shows the devastation suffered by the city during WWII.
These are some of the most impressive things to see in Dresden. You will need at least an hour to admire the artwork.
I suggest you should book your Entry Ticket to Dresden Panometer in advance.
14. The Grand Garden of Dresden (Großer Garten)
This place is actually called Großer Garten and is part of the Sommerpalais. The palace and the gardens date back to the 17th century. It is one of the most beautiful historical Dresden attractions.
These were among the first French Baroque-style palace and gardens of Germany. Aside from its historic and aesthetic appeal, this place is also known for fun things to do in Dresden for families.
It is home to the Dresden Zoo which has more than 1,500 animals hailing from different continents. The zoo also has a miniature railway for children.
The palace gardens also houses Dresden Botanical Gardens and Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory. Each of these are popular tourist places in Dresden in their own right. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour the entire place.
15. Kunsthofpassage Dresden
In 1685, a fire decimated parts of the city on the right bank of Elbe. This was rebuilt as Neustadt, a baroque-style town. If you are looking for quirky and cool things to do in Dresden, Germany this is the place to be.
The Kunsthofpassage is a lane that is the most creative in Neustadt. It has several happening venues including shopping streets, artisan studios, handicraft shops, restaurants, and more. Take an hour or so from Dresden sightseeing to see this creative, colorful, and quirky neighborhood.
I suggest you should go for a Neustadt District Street Art Walking Tour in Dresden.
16. Dresden Cathedral / Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis)
Also known as the Cathedral of Holy Trinity, this church was first built in the 18th century. It is a must-see in Dresden for its architecture, design, carvings, and artifacts.
The church was damaged during the 1945 bombings and was later restored during the 21st century. The church is also known for the crypts of Saxony royalty. You will need an hour and a half to explore this cathedral when you visit Dresden.
17. German Hygiene Museum
This museum is dedicated to health, medicines, and hygiene. It is one of the best Dresden tourist attractions for families. It educates people about the human body and healthy living.
The museum has several exhibits concerning psychology, genetics, biology, zoology, and more. It has several fun things to do in Dresden for children.
Your younglings can enjoy 5 islands themed around human biology. It takes about an hour from Dresden travel to explore this museum.
18. Pillnitz Castle (Schloss Pillnitz)
This palace was commissioned by Augustus the Strong during the 1720s. It was meant to be a summer palace to host social and entertainment events. It is one of the most magnificent places to visit near Dresden, Germany.
The palace and its garden exhibit a blend of several styles including baroque, and neoclassical. The palace is home to several Dresden attractions including the English Pavilion, Museum of Decorative Arts, Crafts Museum, State Arts Collection, and more. You will need 2 hours to explore this palace and its gardens.
I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Pillnitz Castle.
19. The Japanese Palace (Japanisches Palais)
Although named the Japanese Palace, this structure exhibits a blend of oriental, baroque, and Neo-classical styles of architecture. However, as you explore the interiors you will see Chinoiserie decor, which better matches the name of this Dresden tourist attraction.
The palace is also home to the State Museum of Pre-History and the Museum of Ethnology. You will need at least an hour to tour this palace, its gardens, and its museums.
20. Elbe River Cruise
This river tour takes you on a journey exploring the history, architecture, stories, and legends of the city. The steamboat and paddle-steamer tours cruise along river Elbe are among the top things to do around Dresden as well.
People can also take a multi-day cruise to tour 14 towns on the banks of River Elbe. There is also a nature boat trip through Saxon Switzerland National Park. The shortest boat cruise takes 90 minutes and includes a tour of the city’s palaces, churches, historical buildings, and other things to see in Dresden, Germany.
I suggest you should book a Sightseeing Boat Cruise in Elbe River in advance.
21. Saxon Switzerland National Park
When you move straight down southeast along river Elbe, you reach the beautiful Saxon Switzerland National Park. It is known for its huge limestone pillars and exceptional natural beauty.
People also come here for fun things to do around Dresden including hiking, nature trails, camping, and wildlife spotting. The national park has waterfalls, limestone pillars, stone bridges, forests, mountains, and more.
You can get here by road. But if you are looking for a more scenic tour, take a train or a paddle-wheel steamboat. You will need at least a day trip from Dresden to explore the wonders of nature in this national park.
I suggest you should book a Full Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park from Dresden.
22. Moritzburg Castle (Schloss Moritzburg)
This palace was completed in 1736 and was built as a summer palace and a hunting lodge. The exterior exhibits Baroque architecture with elements of Rococo architecture inside the palace. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Dresden, Germany.
The interior includes hunting trophies, paintings, weapons, classic furniture, murals, faux marble, and more. You will need about 2 hours from Dresden sightseeing to explore the palace.
23. Erzgebirge
This town is one of the most interesting places near Dresden. It began as a mining town and later became famous for making wooden Christmas ornaments. This industry is still active and you can see how the wonderful ornaments are made. You can also buy some as souvenirs.
It is also popular for its mining history and some historical places to visit near Dresden. These include St. Annenirche, Frohnauer Museum and Manufaktur Der Traume Museum. It is best to make a day trip from Dresden to explore this town.
If you are looking for more tourist places in Dresden and around it, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of attractions and fun things to do in and around the city.
Things to do in Dresden
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Dresden, Germany
- Frauenkirche Dresden
- Zwinger Palace
- Semperoper Dresden
- Dresden Castle
- Old Masters Picture Gallery
- Mortizburg Castle
- Green Vault
- Albertium
- Pillnitz Castle
- Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis
- Museum of Military History
- The Grand Garden of Dresden
- German Hygiene Museum
- Dresden Transport Museum
- Schloss Wackerbarth
- Porzellansammlung
- Dresden Panometer
- Galerie Neue Meister
- Dresdener Molkerei Gebruder Pfund GMBH
- Dresden City Museum
- Karl May Museum
- Theaterplatz
- Transparent Factory
- Holy Cross Church
- Kunsthaus Dresden
- Museum of Saxon Folk Art
- Kupfertich-Kabinett
- Schloss Weesenstein
- Albrechtsberg Palace
- Japanisches Palais
- Eisenbahn Museum
- DDR Museum Pirna
- Sculpture Collection from 1800
- Dresden Armory
- Friends of Dresden Contemporary Art
- Chateau de la Faisanderie
- Erich Kastner Museum
- The Grand Garden Palace
- Tram Museum of Dresden
- Museum of Ethnology
- Stallhof Palace
- Neurathen Castle
- Festung Fortress
- Technische Sammlungen Dresden
- Lingnerschloss
- Carl Maria von Weber Museum
- MTB Museum of Natural History
- Kronentor Palace Gateway
- Jagdschloss Graupa
- Hausmannstrum
- Kunstgewerbe Museum
- Leonardi Museum der Stadt
- Georgentor
- Mathematisch Physikalischer Salon
- Krasewski Museum
- Kamelienhaus Pillnitz
- Kleine Sachsische Schweiz
- Sonnenstein Castle
- Vineyard Church to the Holy Spirit
- Feldbahn Museum Herrenleite
- Munzkabinett
- Heimat Museum Dohna
- Leuchtturm
- Schloss Klippenstein
- Lugen Museum
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Dresden, Germany
- Malerweg
- Dresden Elbe Valley
- Dresden Heath
- Rabenauer Grund
- Lossnitzgrund
- Weisseritz
- Seifersdorfer Tal
- Widgehedge Moritzburg
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dresden, Germany
- Dresden Zoo
- Suspension Railway
- Dresden Park Railway
- Oskarshausen
- BOT Botanical Garden
- Barockgarten Grossediltz
- Time Ride
- Spitzhaustreppe
- Rosengarten Aulunpark
- Forstbotanicher Garten Tharandt
- Elbamare Erlebnisbad
- Bruhl’s Garden
Shopping in Dresden, Germany
- Callejon de Arte
- Kunsthofpassage
- Altmarkt Galerie
- Centrum Galerie
- QF Passage
- Prager Strasse
- Seestrasse
- Wilsdruffer Strasse
- Elbe Flea Market
- Neutadter Markthalle
- Elbepark Dresden
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Dresden, Germany
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Boat Cruise
- Ski Jumping
- Rock Climbing
Sightseeing in Dresden, Germany
- Furstenzug
- Bruhl’s Terrace
- Callejon de Arte
- Neumarkt
- Loschwitz Bridge
- Augustus Bridge
- Golden Rider Statue
- Schlossplatz
- Waldchlosschen Bridge
- Memorial Bautzner Street
- Nymphenbad Fountain
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dresden, Germany
- Sachsenmarkt
- Watkze Ball
- Kutscherschanke
- Lila Sose
- Carolaschlosschen
- Lesage
- Pulverturm
- Pfunds Molkrei
- Coselpalais
- Kastenmeiers
- Altmarketkeller
- Kugelgenhaus
- Gansedieb
- Waldschloesschen
- Brennessel
- Alte Meister
- El Horst
- Sophienkeller
- Falscher Hase
- Cafe Vestibul
Where to Stay in Dresden?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Dresden. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Dresden.
Luxurious Hotels
- Hotel Bulow Palais
- Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe
- Hotel Suitess
- Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss
- Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
- Townhouse Dresden
- Romantik Hotel Bulow Residenz
- Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz
- Aparthotel Am Schloss
- INNSiDE by Melia Dresden
Mid-Range Hotels
- Holiday Inn Dresden – Am Zwinger, an IHG hotel
- Star Inn Hotel Premium
- Hotel und Restaurant Schloss Eckberg
- Hilton Dresden Hotel
- Maritim Hotel Dresden
- ibis Styles Dresden Neustadt
- Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz, an IHG Hotel
- NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
- IntercityHotel Dresden
- Pullman Dresden Newa Hotel
Budget Hotels
- Hostel Louise 20
- Holiday Inn Dresden – City South, an IHG hotel
- Guesthouse Mezcalero
- AMEDIA Hotel Dresden Elbpromenade
- AZIMUT Hotel Dresden
- Dorint Hotel Dresden
- Ibis Budget Dresden City
- Leonardo Hotel Dresden Altstadt
- Hostel Mondpalast Dresden
- Hotel Novalis Dresden
Custom Tours Package in Dresden
How to Reach Dresden?
By Air
The city is served by Dresden International Airport. You can get direct flights to this airport from Antalya, Burgas, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Rhodes, Zurich, and several other cities in Europe.
You can get local trains, buses, and cabs to reach Dresden from the airport.
By Road
You can get direct trains to visit Dresden from several cities in Germany. These include Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munchen, Dortmund, Cologne, Frankfurt, and more. You can also get buses from Dresden and travel from almost anywhere in Germany.
If you are planning to reach Dresden by road, you should head for Autobahn routes: 4, 97, 6, 17, or 172S.
By Water
There are no direct water routes for Dresden travel. Although, the city is part of the 14-town river Elbe tour.
Image Reference
- Brühl’s Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse) – Simon / Flickr
- Albertinum – Hugh Llewelyn / Flickr
- Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche Dresden) – David Mark / PixaBay
- Church of the Holy Cross (Dresden Kreuzkirche) – James Stringer / Flickr
- New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) – Fred Romero / Flickr
- Zwinger – Anja / PixaBay
- Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe) – Andraszy / Wikimedia Commons
- Dresden Castle (Dresdner Residenzschloss) – a.canvas.of.light / Flickr
- Fürstenzug – Andreas Skuin / PixaBay
- Dresden Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Dresden) – Phil Beard / Flickr
- Semperoper Opera House – Anne Valdambrini / PixaBay
- Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister) – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
- Dresden Panometer – User:Kolossos / Wikimedia Commons
- The Grand Garden of Dresden (Großer Garten) – Lloyd Morgan / Flickr
- Kunsthofpassage Dresden – Hans Porochelt / Flickr
- Dresden Cathedral / Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis) – Waldo Miguez / PixaBay
- German Hygiene Museum – © Raimond Spekking / Wikimedia Commons
- Pillnitz Castle (Schloss Pillnitz) – Polybert49 / Flickr
- The Japanese Palace (Japanisches Palais) – X-Weinzar / Wikimedia Commons
- Elbe River Cruise – Manfred Reinert / PixaBay
- Saxon Switzerland National Park – Ma_Frank / PixaBay
- Moritzburg Castle (Schloss Moritzburg) – Toni Paul / Flickr
- Erzgebirge – Jörg Blobelt / Wikimedia Commons
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