You’ll find Dresden and its glorious medieval, baroque, and neo-renaissance architecture on the serene banks of the River Elbe. Arrayed across the Elbe Valley, Dresden’s history can be traced back to the 12th century, while its famous Christmas market is not much younger, having been held almost continuously since 1434.
As you stroll through the Neumarkt and along Bruhl’s Terrace (nicknamed the “Balcony of Europe”), you’ll soon understand why the dukes, electors, and kings of Saxony made Dresden their royal capital. Along the banks of the River Elbe are grand palaces and palatial gardens, while the riches, treasures, and artwork of the Saxon nobility can be found in the Green Vault and the Old and New Masters’ Galleries.
With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Dresden for you. Stick to these fun and unique Dresden bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous European city!
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11 Fun and Unique Things to do in Dresden, Germany
1. See Saxon Royalty at Dresden Castle
Dresden Castle is one of the most impressive Dresden attractions. Rising above the banks of the River Elbe, for centuries, this was the home of Saxony’s noble and royal families.
Today, the sprawling royal complex is a mélange of baroque and Renaissance architecture largely dating from the 18th and 19th centuries when Saxony was an independent German kingdom. The history of Dresden Castle can be traced back much further than this, to when it was founded as a fortress in the 12th century AD.
Like much of Dresden, the castle and its royal palace were destroyed during World War II. It was slowly rebuilt (renovations are still ongoing today), and as you tour through stately rooms and grand dining halls, you’ll see the lavish lifestyles lived by the Saxon royal family.
2. Examine Treasures Inside the Green Vault
A visit to the Green Vault is easily one of the best things to do in Dresden. Located within the Dresden Castle complex, the Green Vault is one of the oldest museums anywhere in the world.
The Green Vault (named for the green-colored pillars found within) was originally used in the 17th century as a secure vault for the Saxon nobility’s treasures. In the 1720s, Saxon ruler Augustus the Strong decided to open the vault, and its many treasures, to the public, inadvertently opening an early type of museum in the process.
Augustus the Strong displayed treasures from across the world, including ivory and bronze from Africa and his royal family’s crown jewels. The Green Vault was damaged during World War II, but it was reopened in 2004.
3. Join a Walking Tour of Dresden’s Old Town
Nothing beats a walking tour, and if you’re looking to see the best sights in Dresden, it’s the best introduction to the city.
Free, tips-based walking tours depart several times per day from the Martin Luther Statue (near the Frauenkirche) in the Neumarkt. From here, you’ll delve into the Saxon history of Dresden before learning how the city’s medieval and baroque architecture was almost obliterated during the Second World War.
But Dresden is like a phoenix, and from local guides, you’ll also hear how the city was rebuilt, over many decades, from the rubble. There are niche tours you can book in Dresden, too, including food, beer, and most intriguing of all, the Night Watchman’s Tour by lantern light!
4. Walk Along Bruhl’s Terrace
Taking a walk along Bruhl’s Terrace is one of the top things to do in Dresden. This beautiful terrace sits high above the River Elbe, offering sweeping views of Dresden’s cityscape from its lofty perch.
Bruhl’s Terrace was originally part of the city’s defensive walls, but in 1814, after the Saxons won the Battle of Leipzig, the walls were opened to the public and transformed into a glorious viewing terrace worthy of victory.
Bruhl’s Terrace is now nicknamed the “Balcony of Europe,” and as you stroll above the river banks, walking past the Frauenkirche and Dresden Castle, you’ll soon understand why!
5. Admire the Reconstructed Frauenkirche
One of the most iconic Dresden attractions, the Frauenkirche, with its beautiful baroque architecture, is both a symbol of Dresden’s past and its more recent history.
Built as a Lutheran church in the 18th century, the Frauenkirche was the seat of religion in Saxony’s capital. The church’s splendid dome and lavish interior were a tribute to Dresden’s prestige, but during World War II, the Frauenkirche was razed to the ground.
The Allied firebombing of Dresden caused unprecedented loss of life and cultural destruction on a level unknown before. Much of the city was destroyed, and as a monument to those who lost their lives, the East German government decided that the Frauenkirche would remain a pile of symbolic rubble in the city center.
However, the citizens had other plans, and once Germany reunited in the 1990s, the Frauenkirche was pieced back together, brick by brick. Today, it stands proud once more, after a massive rebuilding effort brought this Dresden landmark back from the dead.
6. Visit the New Masters’ Gallery at the Albertinum
Art lovers have made a great choice to visit Dresden, given the capital of Saxony is home to one of Europe’s most impressive art collections.
Head to the Albertinum (built in the late 19th century and named after King Albert of Saxony), and you can see the work of Europe’s New Masters on display. The gallery is home to several hundred classic paintings by a range of artists, including Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, who were active in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Albertinum is located on Bruhl’s Terrace, where it forms a particularly aesthetic addition to Dresden’s skyline.
7. And the Old Masters Gallery at The Zwinger
Dresden’s baroque architecture found its apogee with the construction of The Zwinger, a vast palace and gardens built during the reign of Augustus the Strong in the early 1700s.
Located in the Old Town, the palatial grounds are home to lavish sculptures and pleasure gardens, just as the 18th-century Saxon nobles envisaged it. Much has been reconstructed, however, given The Zwinger was heavily bombed during the Second World War.
The Zwinger is also home to one of the best art museums in Dresden, the Semper Galerie, which opened in 1855. The Semper Galerie is where you’ll find the Old Masters’ Gallery, an impressive collection of artwork created by the likes of Raphael, Rubens, and Rembrandt between the 15th and 18th centuries.
8. Cruise on the River Elbe
The River Elbe is the lifeblood of Dresden, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s glorious skyline than with a cruise along the river.
The river is well-known for its historic paddle steamers, pleasure boats that have plied the waters for decades. One of the most fun Dresden activities, this is the oldest paddle steamer fleet in the world, and you can sit back in historic surroundings as you take in famous sights like the Frauenkirche and Bruhl’s Terrace.
You can take a short cruise through Dresden, book a romantic dinner cruise at sunset, or join a longer day tour along the River Elbe to romantic Saxon towns like Meissen.
9. Get Festive at the Striezelmarkt
The Striezelmarkt is one of the most famous things to see in Dresden. The city has hosted its iconic Christmas market almost every year without fail (World War II aside) since 1434. And if you’re planning an end-of-year trip, this is easily one of the best things to do in Dresden.
Celebrations begin at the end of November, as the start of Advent is marked as the market is officially opened.
For the Advent period, Dresden’s Old Town is thrown over to wooden market stalls, carol singers, and Gluhwein drinkers in one of the most traditional Christmas markets in Germany.
10. Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park
A day trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of the most incredible Dresden activities. Located just a one-hour drive from the city, you’ll be awed by the dramatic rock formations of this spectacular national park.
The national park protects the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, a unique mountain range on the border with Czechia, where the rocks and peaks have been eroded over time into dramatic shapes.
The most famous sight in Saxon Switzerland is the Bastei Bridge, which offers glorious views as it weaves its way through tall rock formations. The national park is the perfect place for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and many more active pursuits, making it a great place for outdoor lovers to visit during their stay in Dresden.
11. Admire Pillnitz Palace and Park
Saxon king Augustus the Strong left an indelible mark on Dresden’s skyline, especially so when he commissioned the lavish Pillnitz Palace for his mistress.
Located on the serene banks of the River Elbe, in what were then the suburbs of Dresden, Pillnitz Palace quickly became the favored summer escape for Saxony’s nobility.
Surrounded by vineyards and home to English and Chinese gardens as well as greenhouses and exotic flora sourced from all over the world, today, the Pillnitz Palace and Park continues to offer a refreshing escape from the city.
There you have it! The 11 best things to do in Dresden. What’s your favorite thing to do in Dresden?
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