Dresden is a very beautiful, lightspirited city, especially in summer, when you can appreciate the serene setting of the historic center. Although Dresden is larger than Munich when measured by area, the historic center is quite compact and walkable. Be sure to check out these places while in Dresden.
Zwinger
Zwinger Palace, . The baroque palace features a nympheum, many sculptures of Permoser, a bell pavilion and famous art collections. Do not miss the "Alte Meister" - you'll find the famous Madonna Sistina of Rafael there including the well known angels. There is also a very nice museum on the arms of Saxon kings, the "Rüstkammer".Entry is free to the palace but some collections such as the porcelain exhibition have an entry fee.. �
SemperOper, . English tours at 3pm; German tours throughout the day.. One of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The acoustics and the orchestra, the Staatskapelle, are marvelous. Its history saw many operas of Wagner and Strauss having their first nights there. Make sure to book tickets in advance. Some last-minute tickets are available from the box office shortly before the performance starts. Seats which do not have a good view are very cheap, and you can sit on benches behind the seats, right at the top of the auditorium, for free.Tours: €7, €3.50 reduced and a €2 photography pass, but they don't check if you have it. �
Frauenkirche, . The original Church of Our Lady was completely destroyed during WWII; however, it has been reconstructed. The City of Coventry, which was raided by the Luftwaffe in WWII, donated the golden cross for the dome of the church. Check out some ruins in the basement. Do not miss the tower visit and bring good shoes to climb in (otherwise you will not be admitted!). �
Fürstenzug. This biggest porcelain painting of the world shows (almost) all Saxon princesses and kings on their horses and splendid parade uniforms. It leads to the "Stallhof" - the last preserved tournament place contained in a European castle. In Winter, Fürstenzug is the location of a very romantic Christmas market with a big fireplace. �
Albertinum Museum, . The collections of "Neue Meister" feature a wonderful collection ranging from romantic painters (Caspar David Friedrich etc.) up to Rotloff and Van Gogh. �
Gläserne Manufaktur, Lennestr. 1, ☎ 018-05-89-6268 (), . Mon-Sun 8AM-8PM. The transparent factory is the site where Volkswagen builds its luxury sedan Phaeton. There is a tour (English language) offered by Volkswagen. Tour: €4, €2 reduced. �
Schloss und Grünes Gewölbe, . The Green Vault is Europe's most splendid treasure chamber museum. You can see the biggest green diamond and the court of Aurengzeb and its precious crown jewels. �
Kassematten, (under the Brühlsche Terrasse (the terrace at the Elbe river)). The remains of the old fort. Gives you a glimse of what a fort in a medieval European town was like. �
Schwebebahn Dresden. A unique aerial tramway. �
Senckenberg Museum of Mineralogy, . �
Museen Der Stadt Dresden (Dresden City Museum), . �
Neue Synagoge, Hasenberg 2. �
Elbe Valley. This used to be on the UNESCO World Heritage List, until the government decided to build a four-lane highway Waldschlösschen Bridge through the heart of it . So now it is known as "one of only two un-UNESCO'd sites in the world" still a tourist attraction. �
The golden statue of King August the Great in the Neustadt
Dresden Neustadt. Very nice, lively neighborhood. Part alternative, part "pseudo-exclusive" and expensive. Check out the Bunte Republik Neustadt festival in June. But you shouldn't leave your bicycle unattended without a good lock, as there can be a serious risk of damage to your bicycle as well as your car, especially on weekend nights. �
Dresden Baroque Quarter. Real baroque houses. The quarter reaches from the "Heinrichstrasse" up to the "Albert Platz". On the Heinrichstrasse and in the surroundings you will find a lot of antique stores. It is the quarter where you will find different nice and small shops where the owner will serve you. It is the quarter of individuality. �
Elbwiesen (River Banks). Go to the (mostly) green river banks, especially in hot summer evenings/nights for a very nice view of the old parts and lot of people playing sports, having barbecues and parties. There are often big concerts and a huge movie screen offers "outdoor cinema." �
A frontal view of Großer Garden
Großer Garten (Big Garden). Recommended for relaxing and sports (rollerblades are very common). It is Dresden's "green lung" and can be reached easily by tram. You can also go on a ride on a miniature train through the park. �
Kunsthofpassage, . It is a passage in the middle of Neustadt where you may find two different buildings, many little stores and some bars. �
Military History Museum. Has many items and machines regarding military history. 20,000 sq.m. of indoor and outdoor exhibition place and a stock of 1.2 million exhibits.Free. �
The Artists' Court. A nice complex of inner courtyards artistically decorated. The complex offers art galleries as well as coffee shops. �
Carl Maria von Weber Museum, Dresdner Straße 44. Wed-Sun 1pm-6pm. Dedicated to Dresden's most famous composer. �
German Hygene Museum, (Near the Big Garden.). A comprehensive museum dedicated to hygene in various times and cultures. �
Pfunds Molkerei. A milk store which is in the Guinness Book as the most beautiful milk store in the world. Decorated with 247.90 square meters of handmade tiles. �
Dresden Zoo. One of Germany's oldest zoos. �
Japanisches Palais, (on the north bank of the Elbe between Augusbrücke and Marienbrücke), . The palace was bombed out, and in its partially restored state holds several small museums, including the museum of natural history of the region, museum of prehistory and a display of assorted exotic garments (ethnological collection). �
Kuegelgenhaus - Museum of Dresdener Romantic Art, . �
Kunsthaus Dresden, . An exhibition hall for contemporary art. �
Leonhardi Museum, . A private art collection of DDR art including works by the collector himself. �
City Gallery of Dresden, . Art from the 16th Century to the present day. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Dresden
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Dresden - updated May 2024
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Dresden Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
