Dresden
Save36 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Baroque church rebuilt after WWII, with a landmark stone dome.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Climb the dome for city views
- Free entry to the nave
- Evening concerts are popular
📷 Photos
- 2
Baroque palace complex with pavilions, galleries and courtyards.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Courtyard is free to enter
- Home to several museums
📷 Photos
- 3
Dresdens opera house, a masterpiece of Renaissance Revival design.
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Beautiful at night
- Dress smart for evenings
📷 Photos
- 4
Royal palace housing the Green Vault treasury and the Turkish Chamber.
3 tips
- Green Vault needs a timed ticket
- Climb Hausmann Tower for views
- Allow three hours
📷 Photos
- 5
Elevated promenade known as the Balcony of Europe above the Elbe.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Free to walk
- Sunset views over the river
- Cafes along the way
📷 Photos
- 6
Giant mural of Saxon rulers made from 25,000 porcelain tiles.
3 tips
- Free to see
- Look for the Meissen porcelain
- Best with soft light
📷 Photos
- 7
Museum of modern and contemporary art with Gerhard Richter works.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Allow two hours
- Cafe with terrace
📷 Photos
- 8
Baroque cathedral with a rooftop gallery of saints.
3 tips
- Free entry
- Look for the Silbermann organ
- Next to the Semperoper
📷 Photos
- 9
Most beautiful dairy shop in the world, covered in painted tiles.
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Small entry fee for the tiled room
- Try the cheese and ice cream
📷 Photos
- 10
Steel bridge across the Elbe in Loschwitz, painted blue.
3 tips
- Take tram 4 or 12 to Körnerplatz
- Walk across for views
- Stroll the nearby Elbe banks
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Dresden tips
Transportation
- Use DVB trams: Trams and buses cover Dresden well; a day ticket is good value if you take several rides.
- Take the S-Bahn to Saxon Switzerland: The S1 line runs along the Elbe to Kurort Rathen and Bad Schandau, gateways to the Bastei.
- Cruise the Elbe: Historic paddle steamers sail along the river, a scenic way to reach Pillnitz Palace.
Security
- Mind bike lanes: Cyclists move fast on dedicated paths; check before stepping into them.
- Watch bags in crowds: Keep valuables close at Christmas markets and busy tourist spots.
- Stay clear of demonstrations: Political rallies sometimes take place in the center; simply avoid the area if one is happening.
Saving
- Visit free sights: Entry to the Frauenkirche is free outside services, and strolling Bruhl's Terrace costs nothing.
- Return bottles: Many drinks carry a Pfand deposit; return bottles at supermarkets to get it back.
- Eat in Neustadt: The Outer Neustadt has affordable cafes, bakeries and international food.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for cold winters: Winters are cold and grey; a warm coat, hat and gloves are needed at the Christmas markets.
- Expect warm summers: Summers are pleasant to hot; bring light clothes and sunscreen for riverside lounging.
- Bring hiking gear: For day trips to Saxon Switzerland, pack sturdy shoes and a rain layer.
Cultural
- Try local treats: Taste Dresdner Stollen at Christmas, Eierschecke cake and Quarkkaulchen, sweet curd pancakes.
- Respect Sunday rest: Most shops close on Sundays; plan shopping ahead.
- Sip Saxon wine: The Elbe valley produces local wines; try them at wine taverns or Pillnitz.
Local Hacks
- Book the Green Vault early: The Historic Green Vault uses timed tickets that sell out; reserve online in advance.
- Visit Kunsthofpassage: These quirky Neustadt courtyards feature creative facades, including a drainpipe that plays music in the rain.
- Visit the Striezelmarkt: One of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, it is best on weekday evenings.
1-day itineraries in Dresden
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.