Things to do in Dresden

Activities, attractions and tours

Dresden featuring a square or plaza
Fuerstenzug
Dresden featuring street scenes
New Market Square showing a church or cathedral
Martin Luther Church which includes a church or cathedral
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Top places to visit

1. Semper Opera House

Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.
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Semper Opera House featuring heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

2. Church of Our Lady

Despite dating back to the 18th century, Dresden’s iconic church remained a pile of rubble for half a century following the 1945 bombing of Dresden. Today, following a long reconstructive period, the Church of Our Lady has been returned to its original state, and is considered one of the most important examples of Protestant sacred architecture in the region. Climb its arched dome or take in a concert within its cavernous nave.
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Church of Our Lady showing interior views, a church or cathedral and religious elements

3. Zwinger Palace

Among Dresden’s most recognizable buildings is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The Zwinger Palace dominates the northwestern boundary of Dresden’s Old Town, close to the Royal Palace and the opera house. Visit the Zwinger Palace to stroll through its decadent gardens and courtyards, to see a large collection of art and artifacts and to admire the opulent interior of the palace.
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Zwinger Palace featuring a castle and a statue or sculpture

4. Old Market Square

Dresden is famous across the world for its Christmas Market, or Striezelmarkt, but the Old Market Square bustles year round. Mentioned for the first time in 1370, it was the heart of the city until its destruction in 1945. Today, after a brief time as a parking lot under the GDR, it has been reborn, hosting markets, sporting events, performances and more throughout the year. Come for a specific event or just wander by and see what’s on, a perfect way to experience the real Dresden.
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Old Market Square showing street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a couple

5. Dresden Castle

Occupying much of the center of Dresden’s historic heart, the Dresden Castle or Royal Palace is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Along with its impressive collection of architectural marvels, the castle is today one of Dresden’s main galleries. Since its reconstruction following the 1945 bombing of Dresden, the castle has been built as the Palace of Art and Sciences. See historic coins, palace stables and a 335-foot (102-meter) mural as you explore the complex.
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Dresden Castle showing street scenes

6. New Market Square

Almost entirely flattened during World War II, this central square lay dormant for much of the 20th century. Reconstruction of New Market Square in its traditional style began following the fall of communism and today the square is full of life. Visit the square to see the stunning Fraeuenkirche, to take in a December Christmas market or to people-watch from one of the many outdoor eateries that line the square.
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New Market Square featuring a square or plaza

7. Blue Wonder Bridge

Spanning across the mighty Elbe River is a symbol of Dresden and one of the most important wartime structures of the region. Officially known as the Loschwitz Bridge, but more commonly renamed for its color, the Blue Wonder Bridge connects the Blasewitz and Loschwitz neighborhoods. In the late 19th century, when the construction was completed, these were two of the most affluent and desirable areas to reside on the continent.
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Blue Wonder Bridge which includes a bridge and street scenes

What to do in Dresden

Popular places to visit

Semper Opera House featuring heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Semper Opera House

Saxony’s state opera house is resplendent with three styles of architecture. Take in a ballet or opera performance in its opulent theater.

Semper Opera House
Church of Our Lady showing interior views, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Church of Our Lady

Listen to a vocal ensemble, climb to the viewing platform at the top of the dome and learn about the church’s long reconstruction at Dresden’s major Lutheran place of worship.

Church of Our Lady
Zwinger Palace which includes château or palace

Zwinger Palace

Wander through sprawling gardens, explore decadent courtyards and see important collections of art at this Baroque masterpiece.

Zwinger Palace
Old Market Square showing street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a couple

Old Market Square

Winter, spring, summer or fall, you’ll always find something going on in this recently revitalized cultural space in the center of the city.

Old Market Square
Dresden Castle which includes street scenes

Dresden Castle

A former Royal Palace located in the historic heart of Dresden is today a major cultural attraction and home to some of Germany’s oldest art collections.

Dresden Castle
New Market Square featuring a square or plaza

New Market Square

Dresden’s historic square is host to a traditional Christmas market, alfresco dining and one of the city’s largest churches.

New Market Square
Dresden showing a river or creek and a city

Dresden Elbe Valley

You can learn about the history of Dresden with a trip to Dresden Elbe Valley. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Dresden Elbe Valley
Blue Wonder Bridge which includes a bridge and street scenes

Blue Wonder Bridge

Cross the Elbe River using this historic bridge to visit picturesque neighborhoods and to discover its tumultuous wartime history.

Blue Wonder Bridge
Radebeul featuring cycling, a small town or village and a river or creek

Pillnitz Castle and Park

You can learn about the history of Dresden with a visit to Pillnitz Castle and Park. Take in the fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Pillnitz Castle and Park

Areas of Dresden

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Altstadt Dresden

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

On the south side of the Elbe River is Dresden’s historic center, which features art galleries, grandiose churches, picturesque gardens and shopping districts.

Altstadt Dresden
Neustadt which includes street scenes

Neustadt

Go on a walking tour around Dresden’s preserved 18th-century quarter, which offers an insight into how the city appeared before its 1940s bombardment.

Neustadt
Saxony featuring farmland

Innere Altstadt

If you're spending time in Innere Altstadt, check out sights like Altmarkt or Old Market Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.

Innere Altstadt
Neustadt Market Hall featuring heritage elements

Innere Neustadt

Shopping, historical sites and river views highlight some notable features of Innere Neustadt. Make a stop by Movie Nights at the Elbe or Dresden Elbe Valley while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Carolaplatz Station or Albertplatz Station to get around town.

Innere Neustadt
Dresden showing a small town or village

Blasewitz

4/5(1 area review)

Learn about innovation in the tech museum, cross the Blue Bridge and admire the impressive façades of the historic villas.

Blasewitz
Neustadt showing a fountain

Albertstadt

Albertstadt is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Bundeswehr Military History Museum and Dresden Elbe Valley are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Dresden Industrial Estate S-Bahn or Heeresbaeckerei Station to get around.

Albertstadt

Frequently asked questions

Is Dresden worth visiting?
Offering a blend of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Dresden. While you're here, head to Movie Nights at the Elbe, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Dresden?
Oskarshausen and Burgk Castle are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Dresden while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dresden?
Movie Nights at the Elbe is one of the top tourist attractions in Dresden and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dresden?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Movie Nights at the Elbe, Dresden Suspension Railway and Burgk Castle with a three-day escape to Dresden. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Prager Strasse.
Is Dresden a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Dresden, like Movie Nights at the Elbe and Carte Blanche Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Dresden is Altstadt Dresden and Innere Vorstadt is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dresden with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all ages, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Dresden with kids.

What to do in Dresden for adults?
Radeberger Brewery and Alter Schlachthof are just two of the things to do in Dresden. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Dresden?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Dresden. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Georg-Treu-Platz is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.