✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook
There are great many things to do in Germany, and so are in Dresden.
Beneath the Baroque buildings and winding cobbled streets of Dresden lies a city brimming with culture, history, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
From exploring ornate palaces to sampling local cuisine, this city captures the essence of Germany’s rich past and vibrant present.
So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to join the hordes of past and present visitors who have fallen in love with what Dresden has to offer.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Dresden:
1. Zwinger Palace
Zwinger Palace is a stunning baroque palace in Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the beautiful palace complex, which consists of numerous museums and galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and more. Don’t miss the Old Masters Picture Gallery, which features works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and other notable artists.
Don’t miss: The porcelain collection, which boasts over 20,000 pieces of fine porcelain from all around the world, is a must-see. Additionally, make sure to take a stroll through the lovely gardens surrounding the palace.
Insider travel tips: The Zwinger Palace can get quite crowded, so it’s always a good idea to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Visitors may want to consider getting a Dresden City Card, which provides free entrance to many of the city’s museums and attractions.
2. The Frauenkirche
A stunning Baroque-style cathedral located in the heart of Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Admire the grand architecture and intricate details of the church’s exterior, then step inside to marvel at the beautifully restored interior.
Take a guided tour or attend a classical concert to fully appreciate the church’s acoustics.
Don’t miss: Climbing to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the cityscape, especially during sunset.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the church’s calendar for upcoming events, as the Frauenkirche hosts a variety of cultural and religious programs throughout the year.
Avoid visiting during peak tourist season if possible, as the crowds can be overwhelming. Additionally, consider purchasing a combination ticket to save money on multiple attractions in the area.
3. The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a magnificent building complex located in the heart of Dresden, Germany.
It was originally built in the 15th century as a castle for the ruling electors of Saxony, but was later transformed into a palace between the 16th and 18th centuries.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the many rooms and halls of the palace, which now house several museums and art collections.
Some of the must-see areas include the Green Vault, which showcases a dazzling array of rare and precious objects, and the Royal Armoury, which has one of the most significant collections of weapons and armor in Europe.
The palace also features stunning historic gardens, courtyards, and architectural highlights like the Zwinger Palace and the Semper Gallery.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive parts of the palace is the Crown Jewels exhibition, which displays an array of sparkling diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and other precious gems worn by the kings and queens of Saxony over the centuries.
Another highlight is the Tapestry Room, which features a series of large and intricately woven tapestries that depict scenes from the history of Dresden.
Insider travel tips: Book your entrance tickets in advance to avoid long queues, particularly during peak season (April to October).
Also, take the time to explore the palace’s exterior and the surrounding complex, as there are many hidden gems to discover.
Finally, for a unique and unforgettable experience, consider attending one of the occasional concerts or special events hosted in the palace’s stunning Marble Hall.
4. Brühl’s Terrace
A historic architectural terrace overlooking the river Elbe in Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the river and the city of Dresden. Take a stroll along the terrace, which is lined with historical sculptures and buildings.
Don’t miss: The magnificent view of the river Elbe and the Dresden skyline at sunset.
Also, don’t miss the nearby Frauenkirche, a stunning Baroque church that was destroyed during World War II and has since been restored to its former glory.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. The terrace can get very busy during peak hours.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the pavement can be quite uneven in some areas.
5. The Semper Opera House
The Semper Opera House is an opera house located in Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can take guided tours of the opera house to see the impressive auditorium, stage, and backstage areas. The opera house also hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including operas, ballets, and concerts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a performance at this historic venue, which has been hosting operas since 184Be sure to admire the ornate interior of the auditorium, which was beautifully restored after being destroyed during World War II.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should book tickets for performances in advance, as they often sell out quickly. The opera house also offers standing room tickets for some performances, which can be a more affordable option.
6. The Pillnitz Palace and Park
Pillnitz Palace and Park is a stunning 18th-century palace complex located in Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, fountains, and architecture of the palace. The palace houses several exhibitions, including a ceramics museum showcasing porcelain from the 18th century.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the impressive Camellia tree located in the palace’s orangery.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit Pillnitz early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. It’s also worth taking a boat tour along the Elbe River to see the palace from a different perspective.
7. The Dresden Castle
The Dresden Castle is a stunning baroque-style palace that is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors to the castle can explore its many chambers, including the breathtaking Royal Palace, which boasts opulent interiors and priceless works of art.
The castle also houses several museums, including the Green Vault, which features an impressive collection of rare jewels, and the Armory Museum, which showcases a vast array of historic weaponry and armor.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the palace tower for spectacular views of the city, and the courtyard during the summer months to catch a glimpse of the impressive fountain displays.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit the castle early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Also, consider purchasing a combination ticket to the other museums in the area for a discounted price.
8. The Dresden Panometer
The Dresden Panometer is a unique and immersive experience that showcases large-scale panoramic art exhibitions.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the stunning 360-degree panoramic art display that is housed within a historic former gasometer in Dresden.
These exhibitions are designed to offer a very realistic and fully immersive experience, taking visitors back in time or to other incredible places.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular exhibits at the Dresden Panometer is the “Dresden 1945” installation, which showcases the devastation that occurred in Dresden during World War II.
This exhibit is particularly moving and thought-provoking.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
9. The Elbe River Promenade
The Elbe River Promenade is a picturesque walkway along the Elbe River in the city of Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Stroll along the charming pathway and take in the stunning views of the river, the historic architecture, and the lush greenery surrounding it.
You’ll also find several notable landmarks along the way, including Augustus Bridge, the Japanese Palace, and the Dresden Frauenkirche.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the Elbe River Promenade is the lively atmosphere. Street performers, artists, and vendors offer a vibrant energy to the area that’s hard to miss.
Additionally, be sure to catch the stunning sunset views over the river.
Insider travel tips: – Try to visit during the summer months when the weather is warmer and the promenade is bustling with activity.
10. The Dresden Transportation Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of transportation, located in Dresden, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore exhibits featuring trains, planes, automobiles, bicycles, and other modes of transportation. The museum also has a large collection of model trains and interactive displays.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the historic steam engine that visitors can climb aboard and explore.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to check out the outdoor plaza, which features several large-scale transportation exhibits including trams and a vintage biplane. Additionally, the museum offers guided tours and special workshops for children.
11. The Pantheon in Hellerau
The Pantheon in Hellerau is a historic building located in the neighborhood of Hellerau in Dresden. Originally built in 1911, it was designed to be a space for cultural events and gatherings.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture of the building and take in its unique history. The interior of the Pantheon features a large hall with beautiful stained glass windows and an impressive dome.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the various cultural events that are still held in the Pantheon. From concerts to theater productions to art exhibitions, there is always something interesting happening in this historic space.
Insider travel tips: Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the building and the events that have taken place there.
Alternatively, attend one of the many events to get a sense of the cultural significance of the Pantheon in Hellerau.
12. The Yenidze
An oriental-style former cigarette factory in Dresden, Germany, with a distinct dome and minarets.
What to see or do: Visit the Yenidze to admire its unique and fascinating architecture, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the balcony.
The building now houses offices, restaurants, and a nightclub, but guided tours are available to learn about its history.
Don’t miss: The impressive stained glass windows and intricate mosaics inside the dome.
Insider travel tips: Go in the evening to see the building lit up, or visit during the Christmas season for the festive market. The Yenidze is also a popular location for film and photo shoots.
13. The Albertinum Museum
The Albertinum Museum is a modern art museum located in Dresden, Germany. It houses a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, photographs, and graphics from the Romantic period to the present day.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the masterpieces of famous artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Gerhard Richter, and Otto Dix. The museum also features contemporary art exhibitions from around the world.
Don’t miss: One of the most iconic artworks at the Albertinum is the “Sistine Madonna” painting by Raphael, which is considered one of the best-known Renaissance paintings.
The museum also houses a large collection of works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and other artists of the Die Brücke movement.
Insider travel tips:
14. The Erich Kästner Museum
The Erich Kästner Museum is a literary museum in Dresden dedicated to the life and work of the famous German author, Erich Kästner.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore exhibits featuring photographs, original manuscripts, and personal belongings of Erich Kästner. The museum also showcases the history of Dresden during Kästner’s lifetime and highlights his impact on German literature.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the recreation of Kästner’s study, complete with his writing desk, typewriter, and even his favorite armchair.
Another must-see is the collection of his famous children’s books, including “Emil and the Detectives.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least an hour at the museum to fully appreciate the exhibits.
✓ You on Insta? 👍@triplyzer✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook
