Top Places to Visit in Dresden: Your Perfect Weekend Getaway

Welcome to Saxony's capital - Dresden. Whether it’s your first time here or you’ve been in the past, you’re in for a treat. Dresden is the city of grand palaces, cobbled streets, and riverside views. It has something to offer for everyone, just think unbeatable baroque charm, nature, and multiple museums. So yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting!

Before we dive into Leonardo’s list of top places to visit in Dresden, here’s what you should know before you set off on this adventure.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Getting There: You can reach Dresden by train, bus, or car. It's well connected to Berlin and Prague (only 2 to 2.5 hours away), making it a great choice for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
• Getting Around: Dresden is a paradise for pedestrians, especially its Old Town. Most of the landmarks are accessible on foot. And to cover a longer distance, you can easily hop on a bus or tram, which operate with German punctuality.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists. However, Dresden gets especially magical in December with its cobbled streets festively decorated and inviting traditional Christmas markets. Summer offers clear blue skies. 

Now, let’s explore the top 15 attractions in Dresden and a few hidden gems.

1. Zwinger Palace

Zwinger Palace is a place from a fairytale or from “Bridgerton” if talking in pop-TV culture references. This is where your love-affair with Dresden begins. The Zwinger Palace is a Baroque masterpiece designed by Matthaus Poppelmann in 18th century. It’s one of the most significant Baroque buildings in Germany! The palace and gardens surrounding it are richly decorated with fountains, statues, and orangeries. Nowadays, lots of buildings in the architectural assembly are turned into museums. You can spend an entire day exploring its premisses. Don’t miss the Old Masters Picture Gallery, home to works by Raphael and Rembrandt.

2. Frauenkirche

One of the most iconic sights to see in Dresden, the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), a Lutheran church which was destroyed in World War 2, but was completely reconstructed in the beginning of millennia. Step inside for peaceful reflection or climb to the dome for panoramic views.

3. Semper Opera

Even if you’re not an opera fan, the Semper Opera building itself is must-see. Its rich baroque decor makes it stunning from the outside and even more so inside.

Tip: The shows usually get sold out way in advance. However, if you did not get a chance to book your ticket, you can always inquire in the box office for unsold tickets or last-minute cancelations.

4. Procession of Princes (Fürstenzug)

Procession of Princes is a 102-meter-long mural made from Meissen porcelain tiles. This massive artwork shows a parade of Saxony’s rulers. It’s a free, open-air history lesson and one of the Dresden top attractions.

5. Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss)

Dresden Castle is the city's historic powerhouse. Nowadays, the castle houses multiple museums, including the famous Green Vault — a treasure chamber filled with royal diamonds and gold.

6. Brühl’s Terrace

Nicknamed the “Balcony of Europe,” Brühl’s Terrace is an architectural ensemble, which constitutes something of a promenade above the Elbe River. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Dresden and connects several key landmarks.

Tip: Golden hour is the perfect time to visit this place, - as the light compliments the buildings, your photos will be truly stunning!

7. Neustadt District

On your walk, cross the Elbe River and you’ll end up in the Dresden “Neustadt” district. It’s a perfect place to explore a contemporary side of the city with its hipster coffee shops, bars, and nightlife. Kunsthofpassage, a courtyard with Dresden’s most unusual architecture, is located here too.

8. Grosser Garten

This huge park in the middle of the city is perfect for a bike ride, a picnic, or just relaxing. While there, make sure to visit the Palais Grosser Garten. You can even take a miniature train there if you’re traveling with kids.

9. Panometer Dresden

Panometer is a former gas tank that currently houses a 360-degree panoramic art exhibition designed by Yadegar Asisi. The exhibition provides an exceptionally immersive and educational experience and makes for a great place to visit for both adults and kids.  

10. Albertinum Museum

If you’re an art-lover, this museum must be on your Dresden itinerary. Albertinum Museum has a rich collection of the 19th-century to contemporary artworks, featuring such well-known artists as Monet, Richter, and Rodin.

11. Elbe River Walk & Blue Wonder Bridge

One of the top things to see in Dresden is the Elbe River. You can walk or bike along its paths, or cross the Blue Wonder, a unique steel bridge that survived WWII.

12. Pfunds Molkerei

Yes, it’s a milk shop. But Pfunds Molkerei is officially the “most beautiful dairy shop in the world,” decked out in hand-painted tiles. Try the cheese or grab a souvenir bottle of milk liqueur.

13. Striezelmarkt (Christmas Market)

One of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, the Striezelmarkt offers handmade gifts, mulled wine, and local specialities. With a beautiful baroque backdrop, this market is a must visit if you are in Dresden in December.

14. Loschwitz and Dresden Heath

Take the tram or a scenic ferry to Loschwitz, a hillside neighborhood with villas and wine gardens. Then explore Dresden Heath, a massive urban forest perfect for hiking or walking around.

15. Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park

Dresden is great base if you are planning to visit Saxon Switzerland National Park, which is only about 40 minutes drive away. It’s a large area which offers multiple routes for shorter and longer hikes. Hike to Bastei Bridge for mind-blowing views, or explore the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It’s one of the best things to see in Dresden’s surroundings.

Final Travel Tips

• Is Dresden family-friendly? Definitely — there are parks, museums with kids’ sections, and lots of space to run around.
• Is it budget-friendly? Very much so. Many sights are free, and food and public transport are affordable.
• Where should I stay? For sightseeing, stay in or near the Altstadt. For a younger vibe, pick Neustadt.

Whether you're staying in Dresden only for a day or visiting for a longer time, this city will never leave you board. Full of grand palaces and beautiful baroque buildings, it’s truly enchanting.

Book your stay in Dresden with Leonardo Hotels and start planning your adventure today!