Dresden is a surprising city break destination in eastern Germany, close to the Polish and Czech borders. The city combines impressive Baroque architecture with creative neighbourhoods, trendy cafés and a raw edge that is sometimes reminiscent of Berlin. Dresden was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, but the city has since been beautifully rebuilt. It is precisely this mix of historic splendour, alternative hotspots and the beautiful surroundings that makes Dresden so special. In this blog, we’ll share the best sights, hidden gems and practical tips for your city break to Dresden.
Why Dresden is definitely worth a visit
Dresden might not be the first city that springs to mind for a city break, but that’s precisely what makes it such a lovely destination. The city feels less touristy than many other European cities and has a surprising amount to offer. Still not sure? Here are our reasons why a city break to Dresden is a great idea!
- Historic architecture: Dresden’s historic city centre is fantastic. Many of the buildings were rebuilt brick by brick after the war, restoring the city’s classical appearance.
- A mix of classical and alternative: As well as the elegant Altstadt, Dresden also has creative and alternative neighbourhoods such as Neustadt. Here you’ll find street art, vintage shops, vegan cafés and cosy beer gardens.
- Perfect for culture and relaxation: Museums, palaces, churches and concert halls are interspersed with green parks, outdoor cafés and wine-growing regions along the Elbe.
- Lots of great day trips: From Dresden, you can easily take day trips to nature reserves, castles, vineyards and historic towns.
- Relatively affordable: Compared with many other popular European cities, hotels, restaurants and public transport in Dresden are still quite affordable.
The best sights in Dresden
Do you love impressive architecture, charming neighbourhoods, art, history and street art? Then you’ll probably love Dresden. This diverse city in the east of Germany combines Baroque palaces and historic churches with creative neighbourhoods full of trendy cafés and beer gardens. As Dresden is even less touristy than many other European cities, it really feels like a hidden gem. Below, we share the most beautiful sights and best spots in Dresden.
1. Visit and climb the Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche is undoubtedly Dresden’s most iconic landmark. This enormous Baroque church stands right in the centre of Neumarkt and immediately catches your eye as soon as you enter the historic city centre.
During the air raids of 1945, the church collapsed completely. The ruins remained standing for years as a war memorial. It was not until after German reunification that the massive reconstruction began, during which the original stones were reused. Since 2005, the Frauenkirche has once again been shining in all its glory. The church is equally impressive on the inside. The light-filled interior, the colourful details and the enormous dome make this a place you really won’t want to miss.
Tip: if you’ve got time, be sure to climb the dome. From the top, you’ll have a magnificent view of Dresden, the Elbe and the surrounding neighbourhoods. You can order tickets easily and securely online here via GetYourGuide.
2. Admire the porcelain artwork the Fürstenzug
Right in the heart of the historic city centre lies one of Germany’s most remarkable works of art: the Fürstenzug. This gigantic mural depicts a procession of Saxon rulers, soldiers and historical figures. The artwork is over a hundred metres long and made entirely of porcelain tiles. This makes it one of the largest porcelain artworks in the world.
Even if you don’t usually stop to admire historical works of art, this is impressive to see. Particularly because of the incredible level of detail and the scale on which it was created. The Fürstenzug is situated close to several other highlights and is easy to fit in during a stroll through the Altstadt.
3. The Brühlsche Terrace
The Brühlsche Terras is also known as the ‘Balcony of Europe’. As soon as you walk around here, you’ll immediately understand why. From this promenade, you can look out over the River Elbe, the bridges of Dresden and the city’s skyline. It’s a fantastic spot, especially at sunset.
Along the way, you’ll pass historic buildings, statues, little terraces and steps leading down to the river. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet stroll amongst all the sights. Various boat trips on the Elbe also set off from here.
4. Visit the palace gardens of Zwinger Palace
The Zwinger is perhaps Dresden’s most beautiful palace complex. This enormous Baroque building comprises elegant galleries, fountains, courtyards and magnificent gardens. Even if you’re not a museum lover, the complex is definitely worth a visit!
Inside, you’ll find several museums, including the famous Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. It houses works by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Raphael. But do make sure you take your time to stroll through the palace gardens.
5. Discover the Residenzschloss
The Residenzschloss was once the palace of the Saxon kings and is now one of Dresden’s most impressive buildings. Inside, you’ll find several museums, but the absolute highlight is the The Green Vault.
This is one of Europe’s most famous treasure chambers. Here you can see jewellery, gold objects, works of art and historical treasures that were collected over the centuries by the Saxon monarchs. Even if you don’t usually visit museums, this is a special experience. Some of the rooms almost feel as if you’re walking through a film set.
Tip: Would you like to visit several museums during your city break? If so, the Dresden Welcome Card via GetYourGuide is a handy option. It gives you access to many of the city’s best-known museums and attractions. For a complete list of museums, you can here Quite right.
6. Visit the Neustadt district
Whilst the Altstadt has a classic, historic feel, Neustadt has a creative and alternative vibe. This neighbourhood is full of street art, coffee shops, vintage shops, vegan restaurants and cosy bars. Perfect for a chai latte in the morning, a vegan Buddha bowl at lunchtime and a beer in the evening! To us, Neustadt felt completely different from the traditional city centre. At times, it even reminded us a little of Berlin.
You definitely don’t want to miss this in Neustadt:
- Kunsthofpassage in the Äußere district: A collection of creative courtyards filled with art, colourful façades, small shops and cafés. The famous drainpipe façade is particularly worth seeing.
- Louisenstrasse: A lively street full of bars, restaurants and outdoor cafés.
- Pfunds Dairy: Perhaps the most extraordinary shop in Dresden. This historic dairy shop is known as the most beautiful dairy shop in the world, and as soon as you step inside, you’ll immediately understand why. The shop is entirely adorned with hand-painted tiles, elegant details and stunning decorations. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s well worth popping in for a look.
- Golden Rider: The famous golden equestrian statue near the river.
Getyourguide.co.uk
Would you like to know more about the city? Then check out the various tours on offer at getyourguide.co.uk.
You can also easily pre-order your book tickets for the various museums.
Read more | Top 5 things to do in Saxon Switzerland.
Read more | What you need to know for a city break to Cologne
7. Visit the vineyards at Schloss Wackerbarth
It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but if you’re in Dresden, we recommend a visit to the Schloss Wackerbarth vineyard. Here, you can stroll amongst the vines, enjoy wine tastings or simply relax whilst taking in the views over the Elbe valley. It’s a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, especially during the summer and autumn.
8. Go to the Panometer in Dresden
Finally, we recommend you visit the Panometer. The Panometer is one of Dresden’s most unique museums. Inside an old gasometer, you’ll find gigantic 360-degree panoramas by the artist Yadegar Asisi. The combination of light, sound and enormous projections makes you feel as though you’re standing in the middle of another world.
The exhibitions change regularly. Some panoramas depict Dresden through the ages, whilst others focus on nature or significant historical events. This really is the sort of place that is completely different from a traditional museum.
9. Other places you won’t want to miss
As well as the best-known highlights, there are plenty of other lovely spots in Dresden that are definitely worth a visit during your city break.
- Semperoper: Dresden’s famous opera house is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Even if you’re not an opera fan, it’s impressive to see this enormous building from the outside. Would you like to see more? If so, you can also take a guided tour or attend a performance.
- Court Church: An imposing Catholic church near the River Elbe, with beautiful details and a stunning interior. The large tower, in particular, immediately catches the eye as you stroll through the Altstadt.
- Yenidze: Perhaps the most striking building in Dresden. This former cigarette factory was built in an Oriental style and, as a result, almost resembles a mosque. These days, it houses restaurants and hosts events, amongst other things.
- Großer Garten: Dresden’s largest park and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Here, you can go for a walk, have a picnic or simply relax and enjoy the greenery.
- Loschwitz: A charming neighbourhood with elegant villas, historic cable cars and beautiful views over the city. The famous Blaue Wunder Bridge and the Schwebebahn in particular make this neighbourhood a real delight to visit.
- Visit Dresden at Christmas: Dresden is famous for its Christmas markets. The Striezelmarkt is, in fact, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. In December, the whole city is transformed into a charming Christmas destination, full of fairy lights, mulled wine and traditional treats.
- Take a ride in a Trabant: The Trabant is the quintessential symbol of East Germany. In Dresden, you can get behind the wheel yourself during a Trabant tour of the city. It’s a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s also just really funny and a great experience to have at least once.
- Take a boat trip on the Elbe: One of the best ways to see Dresden is from the water. Boats depart from the city centre various boat tours as you cruise past palaces, vineyards and historic buildings. We found this to be one of the best things to do in Dresden, especially at sunset.
Practical tips for planning your city break
As well as all its sights, Dresden also has plenty of lovely cafés, restaurants and great places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot for breakfast, a traditional German beer hall or a trendy coffee shop in Neustadt: Dresden has something for everyone. Below, we’ve shared our favourite spots and some practical tips for planning your city break.
1. Transport to Dresden
Dresden is easy to reach by car, plane and public transport. The fastest way is by plane. From Schiphol Airport, the flight takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you choose to travel by car, you will get there in 7 hours and by train in around 9 hours.
2. Transport in Dresden
You can easily combine these cool sights as there are several transport options available. For example, opt for the bus, metro or explore the city on one of the scooters.
- Scooters: You may have heard of these or seen them riding. We think this is one of the most fun ways to explore a city. Rent an electric scooter from Lime and cruise the streets from hotspot-to-hotspot.
Tip: Hire Lime scooters for a day. A day pass costs 10,- and booking a ride is easy via the mobile app. Once you’ve downloaded the app and activated your account, you’ll be guided through the instructions step by step. Please note: make sure your battery is fully charged when using the scooters, so that you can check out and log off after use.
- Bus: Another way to explore the city is with a city tour by bus. Red double-decker buses drive through the city, offering tours for tourists. You can ride on these buses according to the hop on, hop off principle. Buy a day ticket and you can hop on and off as you please.
- Tram: In addition, Dresden has an extensive transport network. Trams are modern and offer reliable service. You can buy special visitor tickets anywhere in the city.
3. Nice restaurants and cafés in Dresden
Dresden has a surprising number of great restaurants, cosy cafés and trendy coffee shops. You’ll find plenty of creative hotspots, particularly in the Neustadt, whilst the Altstadt is home to more traditional German restaurants and beer halls. Below, we’ve listed a few of our favourite spots in the city.
- Dresden Living Room: A cosy spot for breakfast and brunch with a homely atmosphere. You can pop in here for hearty breakfasts, good coffee, pancakes and fresh pastries. It’s particularly popular with locals and perfect for a leisurely start to the day.
- Vegan House: A lovely vegan restaurant in Neustadt serving Asian dishes, bowls and street food. Even if you don’t usually eat vegan, this place is highly recommended thanks to its generous portions and delicious dishes.
- Watzke: A traditional German beer hall where you can sample typical Saxon dishes and locally brewed beer. Expect generous portions, a cosy atmosphere and classic German décor. Ideal if you want to discover the local cuisine.
- Café Oswaldz: A trendy little coffee shop serving great speciality coffee, fresh cakes and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for taking a breather whilst exploring Neustadt.
- Brauhaus am Waldschlösschen: A well-known brewery just outside the city centre where you can sample a variety of local beers. It’s lovely to sit in the beer garden here, especially on sunny days. They also serve hearty German dishes that go perfectly with the beer.
- Kaffee Wippler: A classic German konditorei in the Loschwitz neighbourhood. This place is known for its Kaffee und Kuchen, generous slices of cake and a nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a lovely place to visit after a trip on the cable cars or a walk across the Blaue Wunder Bridge.
- Lila Sauce: A modern restaurant where traditional German dishes are given a creative twist. A good choice if you fancy a slightly more upmarket meal during your city break.
- Raskolnikov: A creative and alternative hotspot in Neustadt with a cosy courtyard garden. It’s the place to go for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Particularly popular with students and locals.
4. The best places to stay in Dresden
During our city break, we stayed just outside Dresden in a lovely country house surrounded by greenery. We’d just come from the hustle and bustle of Berlin and were mainly looking for peace and quiet, nature and a place where we could recharge our batteries. With temperatures above 30 degrees, a swimming pool had actually become a must. In the end, we ended up at Landhotel Gut Wildberg and that really turned out to be an excellent choice. This charming hotel is about a twenty-minute drive from Dresden city centre and feels completely different from a standard city hotel. Here, you’re surrounded by greenery and can really unwind.
Are you looking for a hotel in a different neighbourhood, or would you prefer to stay right in the city centre? Fortunately, there are plenty of great options in Dresden. Below, we’ve listed a number of accommodation options by area, so you can easily choose the one that best suits your city break.
Hotels in the Old Town
Would you like to stay right in the heart of Dresden’s most famous sights? Then the Altstadt is the best choice. From here, you can easily walk to the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger, the Semperoper and the charming squares in the historic centre. This is an ideal location, especially for a first city break.
- Star G Hotel Premium: A popular hotel on the Altmarkt with spacious rooms and a prime location right in the heart of Dresden.
- Motel One am Zwinger: A modern and stylish hotel in a perfect location near the Zwinger. Ideal if you want to stay in the city centre without paying through the nose.
- Hotel Suitess: A luxury boutique hotel right next to the Frauenkirche. The rooms are elegantly furnished and some offer views over the historic city centre.
- Intercity Hotel Dresden: Perfect if you’re travelling by train. This hotel is situated directly opposite the main station and has good connections to the rest of the city.
Hotels in Neustadt
Would you prefer to stay amongst the cosy cafés, restaurants and creative hotspots? If so, Neustadt is the best neighbourhood to stay in. This neighbourhood has an alternative vibe and is particularly popular with younger travellers.
- MEININGER Hotel Dresden: Popular with backpackers and city breakers looking for affordable, centrally located accommodation.
- Hofgarten 1824: A charming hotel housed in a historic building. Quietly situated, yet close to the lively streets of Neustadt.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Dresden: A modern and affordable option within walking distance of both Neustadt and the Altstadt.
Luxury or unique hotels
Would you like to make your city break just that little bit more special? If so, Dresden has plenty of luxurious and unique accommodation options.
- Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Hotel: One of Dresden’s most famous luxury hotels. This magnificent hotel is situated close to the Zwinger and exudes pure elegance.
- Hotel Schloss Eckberg: This is perhaps one of the most unique hotels in Dresden. Here, you’ll literally be staying in a 19th-century castle with views over the Elbe.
- Bülow Palace: A stylish five-star hotel in Neustadt with luxurious rooms, a spa and excellent service.
- Townhouse in Dresden: A stylish boutique hotel on Neumarkt, right in the heart of the historic city centre.
Tip: Download our Free city break packing list so you don’t forget anything!
Frequently asked questions about a city break to Dresden
1. How many days do you need for Dresden?
We recommend spending at least two to three days in Dresden. In two days, you can explore the most famous sights, such as the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and Neustadt. Do you have more time? If so, you can also go on some lovely day trips to places such as Saxon Switzerland or the vineyards around Dresden.
Want to spend a longer time in this area? Then check out our blog The Malerweg, one of the top 10 most beautiful hikes in Europe.
2. What are the must-do things in Dresden?
Be sure to visit the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger, the Brühl Terrace and the Neustadt district. In our opinion, a boat trip on the Elbe and a visit to the Residenzschloss are also among Dresden’s highlights.
3. Is Dresden a good place for a city break?
Yes, Dresden is perfect for a city break. The city combines historic buildings with trendy cafés, street art, beer gardens and a relaxed atmosphere. What’s more, Dresden is less touristy than many other popular European cities.
4. What is the nicest neighbourhood in Dresden?
Personally, we found Neustadt to be the nicest neighbourhood in Dresden. Here you’ll find street art, creative shops, cosy cafés and lots of lovely restaurants. Are you looking for history and classic sights instead? Then the Altstadt is a better choice.
5. Where’s the best place to stay in Dresden?
That depends on what you’re looking for on your city break. Do you want to stay close to the most famous sights? If so, choose the Altstadt. Or are you looking for a lively atmosphere with cafés and restaurants? In that case, Neustadt is a good choice.
6. Is Dresden expensive?
No, Dresden is generally cheaper than many other popular city breaks in Europe. Hotels, restaurants and public transport, in particular, are often surprisingly affordable.
7. What can you do in Dresden when it’s raining?
Even in bad weather, there’s plenty to do in Dresden. Why not visit the Residenzschloss, the Panometer, various museums or the famous Semperoper? There are also plenty of cosy cafés where you can pop in to warm up.
8. What day trips can you go on from Dresden?
From Dresden, you can easily take day trips to Saxon Switzerland, the Bastei Bridge, Meissen, Moritzburg Castle or the vineyards along the Elbe. Nature lovers in particular will love the surrounding area.
Dresden is one of those cities that never ceases to surprise you. From impressive Baroque buildings and creative neighbourhoods to cosy beer gardens, unique museums and beautiful spots along the Elbe: there’s so much to discover. It’s precisely this combination of history, culture and a relaxed atmosphere that makes Dresden, in our opinion, the perfect city break. Are you planning to travel through Europe this summer and combine a visit to Dresden with a trip to Berlin? Then read the Fulltimetravels blog about The 4 highlights in Berlin during summer.
We hope these tips will help you plan your trip to Dresden. Do you have any tips of your own, or any questions? Please feel free to send us a message via Instagram!
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