From unique local delicacies, to hipster bars, quirky art and historic architecture, these are the top things to do in Dresden in Germany.
Dresden is one of Germany’s most underrated city breaks, combining fairytale Baroque architecture, fascinating history, quirky neighbourhoods and incredible food. Whether you’re visiting for 24 hours, a weekend, or as part of a wider Saxony road trip, this guide covers the best things to do in Dresden.
The city of Dresden was our starting point for four days in Saxony, Germany. I’ve visited several interesting and diverse spots in Germany on my travels, including Berlin, the Black Forest, Nuremberg, Munich and Hannover. However, this was a whole new area for me, and I was excited to explore two very different places in the region – the historic city of Dresden and the stunning Saxon Switzerland National Park.
It’s impossible to speak about Dresden without mentioning the atrocities that occurred in the 2nd World War. Much of the city was demolished in one day of air raids. Sadly one of Germany’s most cultural, fairy-tale cities was reduced to rubble.
I don’t touch on history often on this blog, but seeing how this city has been rebuilt 70 years on is a moving experience. Stone by stone, brick by brick – this is not a speedy job. It’s ongoing, and while some of the city feels complete, there are whole sections still being reconstructed today.
It’s a very beautiful city, and while much of the architecture is reconstructed in the style of the former city, it still feels historic and steeped in character.
So with 24 hours to explore Dresden, here are some of my top picks.
Everything you need to know for a first visit to Dresden.
24 hours for the highlights, or 2–3 days to explore at a slower pace.
Frauenkirche, Zwinger, Neumarkt, Dresden Neustadt and the River Elbe.
Traditional Saxon food, local wine and a visit to the famous Pfunds Molkerei.
The historic centre is very walkable, with trams useful for longer journeys to Neustadt and beyond.
The Most Amazing Things To Do In Dresden, Germany (First Time Visitor Guide)
Top 5 things to do in Dresden
- Explore Neumarkt & Frauenkirche
- Visit Zwinger Palace
- Discover Kunsthofpassage
- Wander Dresden Neustadt
- Walk along the River Elbe
Pfunds Molkerei
Officially the world’s most beautiful dairy (yep this one made the Guinness Book Of Records!) this cheese shop in Neustadt is absolutely stunning! The walls are decorated with hand painted Villeroy & Boch tiles and there are ornate details everywhere, including the milk fountain where people would fill up their bottles and glasses with milk from Gebrüder Pfund dairy.
While we witnessed plenty of coach tours wandering in, taking photos and then leaving, we enjoyed a wine and cheese tasting experience, which included a glass of Saxony wine and tasty platter of cheeses. If you love the tiles and porcelain on show, definitely take a trip to the Meissen Porcelain Museum too.
Top tip: The shop is currently open Monday–Saturday from 10am–6pm, but it’s closed on Sundays and public holidays, so bear that in mind when planning your 24 hours.
Neustadt
We spent a lovely afternoon meandering through the streets of the trendy, quirky part of Dresden. Yep, another city with an arty district that has now become ‘the place to be’ (hello hipsters!) and comes complete with street art, workspace-come-coffee-shops and craft beer.
The area has a youthful vibe, and while it was quiet in the afternoon, we heard it got seriously busy from early evening onwards. If you’re looking for a nice café, I heard good things about Elbsalon. I absolutely love checking out street art, so the area around Alaunstrasse was a total must-see, with its huge painted murals and indie hangouts including Katy’s Garage.
Kunsthofpassage Dresden
I particularly liked Kunsthofpassage Dresden in Neustadt, an arty, cobbled area with outdoor seating and seriously cool art on the buildings. That was also where Hopfenkult was – a popular spot selling craft beer.
Dresden Frauenkirche
The story of The Church Of Our Lady or Frauenkirche, is incredible. Much of the building was destroyed in the raids on Dresden, but it has been entirely rebuilt. In fact, they managed to salvage some of the stones from the rubble, work out where they would have been in the building’s structure, and incorporate them into the new incarnation.
The interior isn’t like other churches I’ve visited, being almost entirely pastel. One of the highlights of our time in Dresden was climbing the church tower. It’s steep, but 100% worth it once you see the views!
Tip: Don’t just admire the Frauenkirche from the square. If the dome ascent is open during your visit, I’d really recommend climbing up for the views. It was one of my favourite experiences in Dresden. Check the official calendar before you go, as opening times can vary.
Gläserne Manufaktur Dresden
Well, this was different… During our visit, we had lunch inside Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory while watching parts of cars moving along the production line. It was such a surreal travel experience!
Things have changed since our visit, though, so if you’re interested in visiting this year, check the current visitor programme rather than expecting exactly the experience we had. The site is now developing into an experience and innovation space focused on mobility, technology and science.
River Elbe
We went for a wander along the River Elbe just as the sun was starting to set. We felt like we’d hit the jackpot when the sky turned a vivid shade of pink! It’s lovely to wander along the promenade, and there are a few bars and restaurants in spectacular spots overlooking the water if you fancy a drink with a view.
Zwinger
The Zwinger is a spectacular palace built in Baroque style with huge gardens and fountains. Walking along the upper walkway overlooking the grounds was another highlight of my time in the city. It’s just so beautiful!
The Zwinger itself is home to some of the city’s most cultural galleries including the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery) and the Dresdener Porzellansammlung (Dresden Porcelain Collection).
Dresden 1900
This traditional restaurant offers an experience of Dresden from the turn of the century. In the heart of the action in Neumarkt, the restaurant has spectacular views of the church. It’s a good place to sample some of the regional Saxon delicacies including Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup with sausage slices) and Sächsischer Sauerbraten (Dresden braised beef in vinegar with red cabbage and dumplings). To be honest, this wasn’t a dish that I loved personally, but I always like to sample traditional food when I travel the world!
We also headed into the kitchen to make our own desserts! It was fun learning how to make traditional Quarkkeulchen – a type of potato pancake rolled in sugar and served with apple compote.
Dresden in 24 Hours: My Perfect One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start at Neumarkt and Frauenkirche, then wander through the historic centre to see the Fürstenzug, Royal Palace, Hofkirche and Semperoper. Finish your morning at the spectacular Zwinger.
Lunch: Stop at Dresden 1900 to try traditional Saxon dishes including Kartoffelsuppe, Sauerbraten and Quarkkeulchen.
Afternoon: Head across to Neustadt, one of my favourite parts of Dresden. Explore the colourful streets, quirky shops, cafés and street art before discovering the Kunsthofpassage. Grab a craft beer while you’re there!
Then visit Pfunds Molkerei, famous for its incredible hand-painted tiled interior.
Evening: Walk back towards the River Elbe and along Brühl’s Terrace, taking in the views as the sun goes down. Finish with dinner and drinks overlooking the river or head back to Neustadt for a livelier evening.
It’s a busy day, but you’ll see Dresden’s historic, quirky and foodie sides.
Where To Stay In Dresden: Top Hotels In The City
Altstadt – Best for first-time visitors and sightseeing
Neustadt – Best for nightlife, bars, restaurants and a more alternative atmosphere
Vienna House QF Dresden – Incredible location, this hotel is right in Neumarkt, moments from Dresden Frauenkirche and a short walk from the River Elbe and Zwinger. It’s a super smart hotel, with a business feel. Great breakfast buffet too! Check latest prices and book here.
INNSIDE By Melia Dresden – Located in the old part of the city, this modern hotel is smart with all mod-cons. There’s also a highly-rated restaurant and a bar on the 6th floor with spectacular views of the Frauenkirche dome. Check latest prices and book here.
Art’otel Dresden By Park Plaza – Another stylish design hotel, Art’otel is around ten minutes walk from the main attractions in the old town. I love the look of the art within the lobby, and the curved rooms. Oh and there’s a sauna on the top floor with wonderful city views! Check latest prices and book here.
Practical Information For Visiting Dresden
Planning a trip to Dresden? Here’s everything you need to know, from how long to stay and how to get there, to the easiest ways to explore the city once you arrive.
How many days do you need in Dresden?
For a first visit, I’d recommend 2 days in Dresden, although 24 hours is enough to see the highlights. Dresden is a brilliant city break destination, and the ideal length of your stay depends on how much you want to see.
24 hours in Dresden
If you’re visiting for just one day, you can still experience many of the city’s highlights. Focus on the historic Altstadt, where you’ll find Dresden’s most famous sights, including the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, the Royal Palace and Brühl’s Terrace. It’s the perfect amount of time for a first taste of the city.
If you have time, pop into the Royal Palace to see the Green Vault. The Historic Green Vault uses timed admission, so I’d book ahead if this is high on your list.
2 days in Dresden
With a second day, you can slow the pace and explore beyond the main landmarks. Spend time discovering Dresden’s museums, wandering the creative Neustadt neighbourhood, trying local food and visiting some of the city’s hidden gems.
3+ days in Dresden
If you have longer, Dresden makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Saxony region. Take a day trip to the dramatic landscapes of Saxon Switzerland, visit the picturesque town of Meissen or explore nearby castles and vineyards.
How to get to Dresden
Dresden is well connected to other European cities and is easy to add to a Germany itinerary.
Flying to Dresden
Dresden International Airport is located around 9km from the city centre, with easy connections into town by public transport or taxi. If you’re travelling from the UK or further afield, it’s worth checking other airports such as Berlin or Prague, then hop on a train.
Getting to Dresden by train
The train is one of the easiest ways to reach Dresden. Regular services connect the city with major destinations including Berlin, Leipzig and Prague. The journey from Berlin takes around two hours, making Dresden a brilliant option for a weekend getaway.
Driving to Dresden
Dresden is also a great stop on a Germany road trip, with good road connections from across Saxony and neighbouring countries. If you’re hiring a car, check parking options with your accommodation, especially if you’re staying in the historic centre.
How to get around Dresden
Dresden is a very walkable city, particularly around the historic centre, where many of the main attractions are close together. We tended to walk everywhere once we were in the city.
Walking
Exploring on foot is the best way to appreciate Dresden’s beautiful architecture, riverside views and charming streets. The Altstadt is compact, so you can easily see many highlights without needing transport.
Trams and public transport
For longer journeys, Dresden’s tram network is reliable, affordable and easy to use. Trams connect the main areas of the city, including the Altstadt, Neustadt and Dresden Hauptbahnhof.
Cycling
Dresden is also a fantastic city to explore by bike, especially along the River Elbe. There are plenty of cycle paths, and cycling is a great way to see more of the city’s parks, neighbourhoods and riverside scenery.
Big thanks to Germany Tourism and Visit Saxony for inviting us to explore this beautiful region of Germany! As always all opinions are my own. Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…
Hi Chloe!
Thank you for all the cool ideas. I am even more hyped about visiting Dresden now. May I ask how you managed to get pictures at the Pfund Molkerei? I have read that taking pictures is not allowed.
Thank you in advance!
-Sarai
Hi Sarai – I can’t remember it being a problem when we visited! That’s a shame if you’re no longer allowed. It’s such a beautiful place. We did have a rep from the tourist board too, so perhaps there was some extra permission organised as we were filming too.