Things to do in Dresden

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Procession of Princes

Dresden Attractions

Wondering how you'll keep yourself occupied in Dresden? You won't be short of things to do in this happening state capital. With so many activities and tourist attractions to enjoy, the only hard part of your escape will be deciding where to begin.

If you're ready to discover the best of Dresden, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly expert show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {226 fun activities in Dresden fun activities in Dresden} are also worth looking into.

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Dresden must see attractions

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 showing 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 which includes religious elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

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 showing a castle

4. 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 which includes street scenes

5. 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 showing street scenes and a bridge

6. 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 featuring street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a couple

Recommended things to do in Dresden

Number of things to do
226
Things to do from
$4
Cheapest thing to do
Dresden: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Dresden

Free Things to Do in Dresden

A visit to Dresden need not cost a fortune. You won't even need your wallet if you go to:

Procession of Princes - If you'd love to learn more about the cultural and artistic side of the region, make sure you drop by.

ASP Panama - Calling all animal lovers — here's your opportunity to meet some interesting new friends.

Dresden Funicular Railway - Pencil in time to play and add some excitement to your escape here.

Diu Dresden International University GmbH - This local landmark is a terrific backdrop for a selfie.

Georg-Treu-Platz - If you're planning to explore the area's history through its landmarks, stick this one on your itinerary.

New Market Square - Discover for yourself why locals and travelers alike are in love with the charm and character of this place.

Canaletto Blick - There's something calming about being close to the water, so stay a while here.

French Institute - Look up your guidebook and learn why this place deserves a spot on your must-see list.

Church of Our Lady - No matter what you believe in, this place will inspire a sense of reverence.

Herzogin Garten - Cultivate your green thumb and admire the various plants on show.

Things to Do in Dresden with Kids

Dresden is a terrific destination for a family escape. Bring the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Dresden? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Dresden on a sunny day?
When the weather’s fine, these experiences guarantee a great time:


What should I not miss in Dresden?
You’ll want to put these sights high on your sightseeing list to make the most of your visit:

  • Semper Opera House
  • Church of Our Lady
  • Dresden Castle
  • Zwinger Palace

Are there cheap things to do in Dresden?
Keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your wallet with these cheap and fun activities:


What can you do in Dresden for free?
You could store your cash in the hotel safe for the day, because these excellent attractions can be seen for nothing:

  • Church of Our Lady
  • Blue Wonder Bridge
  • Diu Dresden International University GmbH
  • New Market Square

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dresden

Image for Semper Opera House

Semper Opera House

4.5/5(76 reviews)

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
Image for Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady

4.5/5(91 reviews)

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
Image for Zwinger Palace

Zwinger Palace

4.5/5(87 reviews)

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

Zwinger Palace
Image for Dresden Castle

Dresden Castle

4.5/5(84 reviews)

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
Image for Pillnitz Castle and Park

Pillnitz Castle and Park

4/5(7 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Pillnitz Castle and Park, a lovely green space in Dresden. Take in the fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Pillnitz Castle and Park
Image for Blue Wonder Bridge

Blue Wonder Bridge

4.5/5(9 reviews)

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

Blue Wonder Bridge
Image for Grosser Garten

Grosser Garten

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Grosser Garten, a lovely green space in Dresden. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Grosser Garten
Image for Old Market Square

Old Market Square

4.5/5(53 reviews)

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
Image for Dresden Elbe Valley

Dresden Elbe Valley

3/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Dresden when you stop by Dresden Elbe Valley. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

Dresden Elbe Valley

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Dresden

Heidelberg Castle which includes heritage architecture and landscape views

Altstadt Dresden

5/5(185 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 showing 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 which includes 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 the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.

Innere Altstadt
Dresden showing a small town or village

Blasewitz

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Blasewitz
New Market Square featuring a square or plaza

Innere Vorstadt

4.5/5(23 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Innere Vorstadt. Spend some time visiting top spots like Movie Nights at the Elbe, and catch the metro at Carolaplatz Station or Neustaedter Markt Station to see more of the area.

Innere Vorstadt
Blue Wonder Bridge which includes a bridge

Loschwitz

5/5(4 area reviews)

You might enjoy the historic sites while in Loschwitz. Dresden Suspension Railway is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Mordgrundbruecke Station or Plattleite Station to see more of the city.

Loschwitz
See our Where To Stay guide

Popular day trips from Dresden

Pirna which includes a river or creek

Pirna

Photo "Wilsdruff" by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA)

Wilsdruff

Photo by Gabriele Borchert

Moritzburg

Photo "Freital" by Stefan Kühn (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by Stefan Kühn (CC0)

Freital

Radebeul showing a small town or village, a river or creek and cycling

Radebeul

Photo "Radeberg" by Namenlos.net (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Namenlos.net (CC BY-SA)

Radeberg

Photo "Kesselsdorf" by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA)

Kesselsdorf

Photo "Klipphausen" by Fuxxtech (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Fuxxtech (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Klipphausen