Dresden travel guide

Dresden Tourism | Dresden Guide

You're Going to Love Dresden

Like a phoenix from the flames, Dresden rebuilt itself after World War II, meticulously recreating one of the world's most beautiful baroque cities. Nowadays, Dresden is more striking than ever, boasting numerous museums, fine food, and plenty of cultural attractions as well.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Dresden

1. A Glorious History

Dresden's golden age was in the 18th century under the Saxon ruler Augustus II the Strong. Palaces like the Zwinger and the Residenzschloss are simply stunning.

2. Some of Germany's Best Museums

Dresden is serious about culture, and this is reflected in exceptional museums like the Green Vault, the Military History Museum, and the quirkier German Hygiene Museum.

3. Art Galleries to Equal Any European Destination

Art lovers will adore the Albertinum, where Monet and Chagall sit alongside contemporary contenders, while the Old Masters Picture Gallery features big names like Raphael, Tintoretto, and Dürer.

4. Beautiful Gardens

Dresdeners are fortunate to have some beautiful parks and gardens, with the Grosser Garten head and shoulders above the rest, featuring a city zoo and botanical gardens.

5. Entertainment Options for All

Catch an opera at the lavish Semperoper, visit in May for the Dresden Music Festival, or dive into the clubs that have earned Dresden the nickname the "Detroit of the East."

1. A Glorious History

Dresden's golden age was in the 18th century under the Saxon ruler Augustus II the Strong. Palaces like the Zwinger and the Residenzschloss are simply stunning.

2. Some of Germany's Best Museums

Dresden is serious about culture, and this is reflected in exceptional museums like the Green Vault, the Military History Museum, and the quirkier German Hygiene Museum.

3. Art Galleries to Equal Any European Destination

Art lovers will adore the Albertinum, where Monet and Chagall sit alongside contemporary contenders, while the Old Masters Picture Gallery features big names like Raphael, Tintoretto, and Dürer.

4. Beautiful Gardens

Dresdeners are fortunate to have some beautiful parks and gardens, with the Grosser Garten head and shoulders above the rest, featuring a city zoo and botanical gardens.

5. Entertainment Options for All

Catch an opera at the lavish Semperoper, visit in May for the Dresden Music Festival, or dive into the clubs that have earned Dresden the nickname the "Detroit of the East."

What to do in Dresden

1. Theaterplatz: A Public Square Fit for a King

This large public "theater" square is located near the Elbe River and features an impressive bronze equestrian statue of King John or Johann, who was the ruler of Saxony from 1854 to 1973. Many of the city's landmarks are located along the square, including the Zwinger Palace, or Semperbau, which includes an art gallery and two fountains dating from the 1800s in front of the entrance. The Hofkirche, a Baroque church, is also located along the square, along with the Italienisches Dörfchen, and the neoclassical Altstädter Wache, or Old Town Watchtower.

2. Dresdner Frauenkirche: The Church of Our Lady

Bombed to rubble during the Second World War and then meticulously reconstructed in the 1990s, the Frauenkirche is an impressive example of ornate Baroque architecture. Its large dome, constructed of stone, has become an icon of the city. Visitors can tour the intricately decorated interior of the church, which includes an exhibit on the restoration process. The public may also attend services, which are held twice daily.

3. Grosser Garten: Baroque Splendor in the Heart of Dresden

The Grosser Garten covers just over one square mile in Dresden's center and delights visitors with its pristine landscaped grounds, impressive fountains, and other sights. Originally established in 1676, it was converted to a public garden in 1814. The Sommerpalais, a small but charming palace, is located at the center of the park and boasts impressive sandstone sculptures and other early Baroque features. The park is also the home of the Dresden Zoo, with over 300 species of animals, located in the southwest corner. The exotic Dresden Botanical Garden, featuring 10,000 different types of plants, is situated in the northwest corner of the park. The Parkeisenbahn, or Dresden Park Railway, a miniature railway service, travels throughout the grounds seasonally from April to October. Tours of the garden and palace are available to the public.

4. Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr: A Military History Museum

One of the most important military history museums in Germany, the Bundeswehr Military History Museum is located in what was once a military arsenal. Exhibits examine both German military technology as well as the human cost of war, and include objects such as uniforms, handguns, and other military gear. There is also an extensive collection devoted to art that examines war and its consequences, including over 1,000 paintings along with hundreds of sculptures, drawings, and prints. Historic artifacts include the ship's bell from SMS Schleswig-Holstein, which launched World War II by firing at Polish targets in September 1939.

5. Brühlsche Terrasse: The Balcony of Europe

Extending along and above the river Elbe, this Renaissance-era terrace offers striking views along the river, and of many of the city's iconic structures such as the nearby Hofkirche. Brühl's Terrace itself consists of a number of historic architectural structures, including the Academy of Fine Arts, various sculptures and monuments, along a wide pedestrian street, with benches overlooking the river view on the other side. A number of restaurants and bars line the streets nearby.

1. Theaterplatz: A Public Square Fit for a King

This large public "theater" square is located near the Elbe River and features an impressive bronze equestrian statue of King John or Johann, who was the ruler of Saxony from 1854 to 1973. Many of the city's landmarks are located along the square, including the Zwinger Palace, or Semperbau, which includes an art gallery and two fountains dating from the 1800s in front of the entrance. The Hofkirche, a Baroque church, is also located along the square, along with the Italienisches Dörfchen, and the neoclassical Altstädter Wache, or Old Town Watchtower.

2. Dresdner Frauenkirche: The Church of Our Lady

Bombed to rubble during the Second World War and then meticulously reconstructed in the 1990s, the Frauenkirche is an impressive example of ornate Baroque architecture. Its large dome, constructed of stone, has become an icon of the city. Visitors can tour the intricately decorated interior of the church, which includes an exhibit on the restoration process. The public may also attend services, which are held twice daily.

3. Grosser Garten: Baroque Splendor in the Heart of Dresden

The Grosser Garten covers just over one square mile in Dresden's center and delights visitors with its pristine landscaped grounds, impressive fountains, and other sights. Originally established in 1676, it was converted to a public garden in 1814. The Sommerpalais, a small but charming palace, is located at the center of the park and boasts impressive sandstone sculptures and other early Baroque features. The park is also the home of the Dresden Zoo, with over 300 species of animals, located in the southwest corner. The exotic Dresden Botanical Garden, featuring 10,000 different types of plants, is situated in the northwest corner of the park. The Parkeisenbahn, or Dresden Park Railway, a miniature railway service, travels throughout the grounds seasonally from April to October. Tours of the garden and palace are available to the public.

4. Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr: A Military History Museum

One of the most important military history museums in Germany, the Bundeswehr Military History Museum is located in what was once a military arsenal. Exhibits examine both German military technology as well as the human cost of war, and include objects such as uniforms, handguns, and other military gear. There is also an extensive collection devoted to art that examines war and its consequences, including over 1,000 paintings along with hundreds of sculptures, drawings, and prints. Historic artifacts include the ship's bell from SMS Schleswig-Holstein, which launched World War II by firing at Polish targets in September 1939.

5. Brühlsche Terrasse: The Balcony of Europe

Extending along and above the river Elbe, this Renaissance-era terrace offers striking views along the river, and of many of the city's iconic structures such as the nearby Hofkirche. Brühl's Terrace itself consists of a number of historic architectural structures, including the Academy of Fine Arts, various sculptures and monuments, along a wide pedestrian street, with benches overlooking the river view on the other side. A number of restaurants and bars line the streets nearby.

1. Theaterplatz: A Public Square Fit for a King

This large public "theater" square is located near the Elbe River and features an impressive bronze equestrian statue of King John or Johann, who was the ruler of Saxony from 1854 to 1973. Many of the city's landmarks are located along the square, including the Zwinger Palace, or Semperbau, which includes an art gallery and two fountains dating from the 1800s in front of the entrance. The Hofkirche, a Baroque church, is also located along the square, along with the Italienisches Dörfchen, and the neoclassical Altstädter Wache, or Old Town Watchtower.

2. Dresdner Frauenkirche: The Church of Our Lady

Bombed to rubble during the Second World War and then meticulously reconstructed in the 1990s, the Frauenkirche is an impressive example of ornate Baroque architecture. Its large dome, constructed of stone, has become an icon of the city. Visitors can tour the intricately decorated interior of the church, which includes an exhibit on the restoration process. The public may also attend services, which are held twice daily.

3. Grosser Garten: Baroque Splendor in the Heart of Dresden

The Grosser Garten covers just over one square mile in Dresden's center and delights visitors with its pristine landscaped grounds, impressive fountains, and other sights. Originally established in 1676, it was converted to a public garden in 1814. The Sommerpalais, a small but charming palace, is located at the center of the park and boasts impressive sandstone sculptures and other early Baroque features. The park is also the home of the Dresden Zoo, with over 300 species of animals, located in the southwest corner. The exotic Dresden Botanical Garden, featuring 10,000 different types of plants, is situated in the northwest corner of the park. The Parkeisenbahn, or Dresden Park Railway, a miniature railway service, travels throughout the grounds seasonally from April to October. Tours of the garden and palace are available to the public.

4. Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr: A Military History Museum

One of the most important military history museums in Germany, the Bundeswehr Military History Museum is located in what was once a military arsenal. Exhibits examine both German military technology as well as the human cost of war, and include objects such as uniforms, handguns, and other military gear. There is also an extensive collection devoted to art that examines war and its consequences, including over 1,000 paintings along with hundreds of sculptures, drawings, and prints. Historic artifacts include the ship's bell from SMS Schleswig-Holstein, which launched World War II by firing at Polish targets in September 1939.

5. Brühlsche Terrasse: The Balcony of Europe

Extending along and above the river Elbe, this Renaissance-era terrace offers striking views along the river, and of many of the city's iconic structures such as the nearby Hofkirche. Brühl's Terrace itself consists of a number of historic architectural structures, including the Academy of Fine Arts, various sculptures and monuments, along a wide pedestrian street, with benches overlooking the river view on the other side. A number of restaurants and bars line the streets nearby.

Where to Eat in Dresden

Local highlights include Lila Sosse (where the German tapas are a great intro to local delicacies), and the gourmet fish eatery Kastenmeiers. Expect to pay around EUR20-30 per head.

When to visit Dresden

Dresden in February
Estimated hotel price
$169
1 night at 3-star hotel
Dresden in February
Estimated hotel price
$169
1 night at 3-star hotel

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Dresden, with beautiful weather, smaller crowds, and the excellent music festival, but Christmas and summer are almost as good.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Dresden

Plane

Many European low-cost airlines fly into Dresden International Airport (DRS). From there, take the 77 or 97 bus, or the S-Bahn (overland rail). Either way, the cost is EUR2.30, while taxis cost around EUR25.

Train

You can reach Dresden Hauptbahnhof from Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt with ease, while other services may stop at Dresden Neustadt. The Hauptbahnhof is more central, so check your arrival point before you travel.

Car

From Berlin, take the A13 or the A14 from Leipzig. If you are coming from Prague, take the E8, then the A17 from the border.

Bus

BerlinLinienbus, FlixBus, and Eurolines run daily services into Dresden Hauptbahnhof from other German cities.

Plane

Many European low-cost airlines fly into Dresden International Airport (DRS). From there, take the 77 or 97 bus, or the S-Bahn (overland rail). Either way, the cost is EUR2.30, while taxis cost around EUR25.

Train

You can reach Dresden Hauptbahnhof from Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt with ease, while other services may stop at Dresden Neustadt. The Hauptbahnhof is more central, so check your arrival point before you travel.

Car

From Berlin, take the A13 or the A14 from Leipzig. If you are coming from Prague, take the E8, then the A17 from the border.

Bus

BerlinLinienbus, FlixBus, and Eurolines run daily services into Dresden Hauptbahnhof from other German cities.

Airports near Dresden

Airlines serving Dresden

Lufthansa
Good (7,132 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,343 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,832 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,698 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,628 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,924 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,665 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,816 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,517 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,141 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (800 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,295 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,297 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (361 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,222 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (866 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,340 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,154 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,881 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,301 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Dresden

Altstadt - rebuilt with incredible dedication following the war, the Altstadt is a baroque masterpiece, with squares, townhouses, and civic architecture to die for.

Popular Neighborhoods in Dresden

Innenstadt - the heart of the modern city, Innenstadt is Dresden's shopping hub (don't miss Prager Strasse if you are hunting for souvenirs).

Loschwitz - prosperous and modern, Loschwitz is full of small galleries and design stores, and also hosts a couple of 18th-century castles.

Innenstadt - the heart of the modern city, Innenstadt is Dresden's shopping hub (don't miss Prager Strasse if you are hunting for souvenirs).
Loschwitz - prosperous and modern, Loschwitz is full of small galleries and design stores, and also hosts a couple of 18th-century castles.
Most popular hotel in Dresden by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Dresden

Most booked hotels in Dresden

Intercityhotel Dresden
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$93+
Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$167+
Dorint Hotel Dresden
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$147+
Andante Hotel Dresden
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$112+
ibis Dresden Zentrum
3 stars
Good (7.4, Good reviews)
$95+
Hilton Dresden
4 stars
Good (7.4, Good reviews)
$161+

How to Get Around Dresden

Public Transportation

Buses and trams will take you where you need to go, and cost EUR2.30 for a single journey. Day tickets cost EUR6.

Taxi

Bike taxis are popular in Dresden and are great for short hops. Conventional taxis will cost about EUR3.50 for the meter drop, then EUR3 per mile.

Car

Car rental outlets include Sixt, Avis, and Hertz; expect to pay around EUR15-20 per day for smaller vehicles.

Public Transportation

Buses and trams will take you where you need to go, and cost EUR2.30 for a single journey. Day tickets cost EUR6.

Taxi

Bike taxis are popular in Dresden and are great for short hops. Conventional taxis will cost about EUR3.50 for the meter drop, then EUR3 per mile.

Car

Car rental outlets include Sixt, Avis, and Hertz; expect to pay around EUR15-20 per day for smaller vehicles.

The Cost of Living in Dresden

Shopping Streets

Innenstadt is the place to go for chain stores, and Prager Strasse is the main shopping street. Check out Äußere Neustadt for vintage stores, record shops, and boutiques.

Groceries and Other

Local supermarkets include REWE and Lidl. Prices shouldn't be steep, at around EUR2.40 for a gallon of milk.

Cheap meal
$10.97
A pair of jeans
$139.90
Single public transport ticket
$4.21
Cappuccino
$4.66