Known as the “Florence of Elba“, Dresden is one of the most fascinating cities in Germany, a true jewel of the Saxon region. Here you will find a perfect blend of baroque architecture and modernity, despite the fact that the historic centre was almost entirely destroyed during World War II. Thanks to meticulous restoration work, its beauties have been reconstructed with great attention to detail, offering a breathtaking spectacle.
Being compact, Dresden is easily accessible on foot, and just so you will be able to discover the true soul of this German city. Here’s a guide to the 10 things to see in town.
1. Zwinger Palace
One of the finest examples of baroque architecture, the Zwinger Palace is an 18th-century building complex located in the north-western part of Innere Altstadt. Originally designed to host royal tournaments and parties, today it houses important museums including the Porcelain Collection and the Alte Meister Gemäldegalerie, which boasts masterpieces by Rubens and Van Dyck.
Don’t miss the courtyard of the Nymphenbad with its picturesque fountain and the Crown Gate, a baroque masterpiece.
Useful information:
Opening hours: Open every day from 10 to 18, closed on Mondays.
Ticket: 14 €.
Address: Theaterplatz 1.
2. Frauenkirche (Our Lady’s Church)
This Lutheran church, one of the best examples of Protestant sacred architecture, is famous for its imposing dome, among the largest in Europe. After being destroyed during the bombing, it was rebuilt with international donations and reopened in 2005.
Visit the exhibitions dedicated to its history and participate in free organ concerts, or climb up to the dome for a breathtaking panoramic view.
Useful information:
Opening hours: Open from Monday to Friday 10-11:30 and 13-17:30. Saturday and Sunday with variable hours.
Ticket for the viewing platform: 10 €.
Address: Neumarkt.
3. Residenzschloss and Green Vault
The Residenzshloss is the royal palace of Dresden Castle. This Renaissance building was for 400 years the residence of the Saxon rulers. Today it houses five museums, including the Green Vault, which preserves precious art objects such as the famous Green Diamond of 41 carats, the largest in the world.
Outside, don’t miss the Princes‘ Procession (Fürstenzug), a 100-metre long porcelain mural made of 25,000 tiles on the outer wall of the Dresdner Royal Palace Stables.
Useful information:
Residenzshloss hours: Open every day from 10 to 18, closed on Mondays.
Combined ticket with the Zwinger.
Address: Taschenberg 2.
4. Brühl Terrace (The Balcony of Europe)
An elegant 500-metre walk along the Elbe river, the Brühl Terrace offers a unique view of the city. Considered “the good living room of Dresden”, it is a great place to sip an aperitif and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
5.Semperoper (Opera House)
This beautiful baroque theatre houses two important institutions: the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, offers guided tours to discover its history and admire the restored rooms.
Useful information:
Ticket: 13 €. Family offer: 30 € (2 adults + 3 children).
Guided tours can be booked in advance.
Address: Theaterplatz 2.
6. Hofkirche
The most important Catholic church in the city, built in baroque style with sandstone, is famous for its 78 statues of saints and the crypt that houses the heart of King Augustus the Strong.
Useful information:
Opening hours: Open from Monday to Thursday 10-11; Friday 13-17; Sunday 12-16.
Free entry.
Address: Schloßstraße.
7.Grosser Garten (Large Garden)
This large city park is perfect for relaxing in the green. Inside you will find the Dresden Zoo, the Summer Palace, a real baroque masterpiece, and the Botanical Garden, where you will see over 1,000 plant species and also a tropical winter garden.
8. Schwebebahn (Ferrovia sospesa)
The Schwebebahn in Dresden is the oldest suspended railway in the world still in operation. With a journey to 80 meters high, it offers a unique panoramic view of the city, connecting the river Elbe to the district of Oberloschwitz.
9. Loschwitz bridge (Blaues Wunder)
Known as the “Blue Miracle” for its characteristic colour, it is one of the symbols of the city. Survived the bombing of the war, it is an ideal point to admire the panorama or reach other attractions such as the TV Tower.
10. Kunsthofpassage
Kunsthofpassage is a beautiful, colourful and cheerful area of Dresden located in the student district of Neustadt. The area consists of 5 courtyards that were created by local artists and architects and here you will have the opportunity to admire beautiful painted buildings, as if it was an open-air museum.
This area is also famous for its small art shops and small cafes ideal for a break.
Useful tips for visiting Dresden
When to dine: In Germany, dinner is served early, often at 6 p.m. Many restaurants close their kitchens at 10 p.m.
How to get there: Dresden is about 2 hours by train from Berlin (tickets from around 17,90 €).
Getting around: The centre of Dresden is easily explored on foot.
Cover image: Photo via Canva PRO
