Places to visit in Dresden are unique, and the best part is that the whole city can be explored over a weekend. It is one of the most beautiful German cities located on the banks of River Elbe. The architectural wonder was once destroyed during the bombings of World War 2, but the city was rebuilt from the ruins, and most of the buildings that are present now were restored to their original form after World War 2. The city has museums, a national park, authentic cafes, and some picturesque locations near the riverside. This makes Dresden a must-visit for people interested in German history and wanting to enjoy a great weekend with friends and family.
Places To Visit In Dresden 2024
Many popular places in Dresden are worth exploring. Some of the best and most popular places to visit in Dresden are mentioned below:
1. Royal Palace
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The Royal Palace of Dresden was the centre of the royal family of Germany, but during the Second World War, it was destroyed completely. In 1985, the castle’s reconstruction began, and since then, the royal Palace has been one of the best places to visit in Dresden. The castle has a lot of museums like the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Kupferstich-Kabinett and the famous Green Vault.
Even the exteriors of the Palace have a lot to be explored in the form of the Neorenaissance paintings and graffiti by various artists. This place is the best for history buffs and people who want to explore the marvel of German architecture. The Palace is also home to a Turkish Chamber with many small historical treasures recently opened for the public to see.
How to Reach: You can reach there by taking a local tram to Altmarkt
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Nearest Station: Dresden
Entry Fee: 12 Euros
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2. Sanctissimae Trinitatis Cathedral
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This Sanctissimae Trinitatis Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Germany, covering about 4800 square meters of ground. The church contains 49 sarcophagi of princes and Kings of Wettin and also contains Augustus the Strong’s resting place. The Cathedral has a collection of 78 stone figures created by Lorenzo Mattielli, all unique in their designs. The Cathedral will make you feel like a part of German religious history, and the Baroque-style architecture is best for a photo spree.
How to Reach: You can reach there by taking Bus no.-75 to Postplatz
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Nearest Station: Dresden
Entry Fee: Free
3. Semper Opera House
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This is one of Germany’s oldest and most famous traditions, Dresden’s Semper Opera House. This Opera House has one of the best-known orchestras in the world, Saxton State Orchestra. Semper Opera House has a rich history of peace prize felicitations, the “Der Freischutz”, and the yearly ball, which takes place in January. This makes it a must-visit place in January, as you can get to experience the traditional ball with your loved ones. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a great place to dress up formally and have a classy night amongst the most famous people in the world.
How to Reach: You can reach there by taking Bus no.-75 to Postplatz
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Nearest Station: Dresden
Entry Fee: 10 Euros
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4. Bruhl Terrace
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This German architectural marvel has a lot of hidden treasures amongst its corners. The Bruhl Terrace has the only surviving 400-year-old brick gate in Dresden, and it has a dedicated guard room as well. There are a lot of historical relics related to the defence systems of earlier ages. There are many hidden vaults and models illustrating the defence mechanism of the early 1800’s used by the Dresden’s army.
The exhibitions are a great way to learn about Dresden’s history and have a lot of informative material for children in a modern, interactive format. The Dresden Fortress is also located beneath the Bruhl terrace, and it has a ring of wall structure which is completely surrounded by water, which is a beautiful monument on its own. Bruhl Terrace is also known as the Balcony of Europe as it faces the Elbe River, and the place’s scenic beauty is breathtaking during summer.
How to Reach: You can reach there by taking tram no. 1 to Altmarkt
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Nearest Station: Dresden
Entry Fee: 10 Euros
5. Frauenkirche and Neumarkt Square
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The church of Frauenkirche was rebuilt and reopened in 2005, and since then, it has stood as a symbol of hope for Germany as it is one of the most significant places to be rebuilt after the destruction of World War 2. Since its reconstruction, the place has garnered a lot of international attention and has been a favourite place on the list of places to visit in Dresden. The Cathedral hosts a long list of events throughout the year, like concerts, musicals and some religious gatherings. A view from the top of the church will show you the famous Neumarkt Square, which was also rebuilt in lieu of the restoration of the place. The Neumarkt Square has been brought back to its opulent Baroque design, and since then, it has been a fan favourite for tourists on their trips. This place offers great food, unique souvenirs and an evening walk to remember.
How to Reach: You can reach there by taking tram no. 1 to Altmarkt
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Nearest Station: Dresden
Entry Fee: 8 Euros
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Dresden has been a place of royalty and architectural beauty in Germany since the 1800s; the place has been reconstructed multiple times and still holds one of the top spots in German tourism. The cathedrals and churches of Dresden are its highlights as they not only tell more about the history of Germany’s religions but also give a great insight into its quaint structures. There are multiple hidden gems to be explored in the city as it is situated on the banks of the Elbe River, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is highly suggested that you should visit Dresden for a great weekend getaway with family on your next trip to Europe.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Dresden
What are the best things to do in Dresden?
Dresden has many activities and excursions to offer, depending on the type of outing you would like to have. You can choose between historical walks around the city via the old churches and museums or have a nice romantic evening on the Bruhl Terrace or the Opera House. You can also have a guided walking tour if you would like to know more about the city and do not want to miss anything when you visit.
What is the best way to commute in Dresden?
The best way to commute within Dresden is to take advantage of its vast public transport, such as the Tram or the Buses. They are interconnected throughout the city and make travel much more fun and economical.
What is the best time to visit Dresden?
The city of Dresden has a lot to offer all year round, but there are some reasons that you do not want to miss when planning a trip to Germany. It's best to visit the city of Dresden during autumn, somewhere at the beginning of October, so that you have the most comfortable weather and a great view of the city from all the top-floor views.
What are some of the lesser-known places to visit in Dresden?
Dresden has a long list of hidden gems to explore once you enter the city, such as Pfunds Dairy, Golden Horseman, Zwinger Palace, Grosser Garten, Loschwitz Bridge, Dresden Transport Museum, The Pillnitz Palace, Transparent Factory, and the Konigstein Fortress.
How many days are required to explore the city of Dresden?
It is advisable to have a couple of days at hand if you want to fully explore Dresden, as it is not possible for a person to visit all the places in one go. Usually, people visit Dresden for a weekend getaway or even for a week sometimes if they want to enjoy the beauty of the city and not rush to complete the tour.
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