Located in eastern Germany, the city of Dresden (Dresden) is just a few hundred kilometers from Prague. It’s the ideal place for people in the Czech Republic, Berlin or elsewhere in Germany to discover a new city for a day or two.
In the rest of this article, we present our selection of the 10 must-do activities in Dresden, to help you organize your stay.
How do I get to Dresden?
Do you live in Prague and want to visit Dresden? It couldn’t be easier. By car, train or bus, you can cover the 150 kilometers that separate the two cities. You’ll need between 2 and 3 hours to reach your destination.
From Berlin, the journey takes about as long. You’ll need 2 to 3 hours, a train/bus ticket or a car to quickly cover the 200 kilometers separating the German capital from Dresden.
From Paris, on the other hand, getting to Dresden is much more difficult. We recommend flying to Berlin-Brandenburg’s Willy-Brandt International Airport, before descending to your destination.
What to do in Dresden
Planning a trip to Germany? In the rest of this article, we present our selection of the top 10 things to do in Dresden. This list will give you a clearer idea of what’s on offer, so you can plan your stay according to your desires.
Frauenkirche and Neumarkt square
The Frauenkirche is Dresden’s landmark. It’s a huge Protestant church, built in the mid-18th century. One of the region’s most impressive religious monuments. Nearby, you’ll find Neumarkt square and its typical Baroque gabled houses.
Zwinger Palace
The Zwinger Palace used to be an orangery, but was eventually transformed into a real palace, carefully decorated and with huge gardens. The main feature? The Nymphenbad (nymph bath).
This is a fountain surrounded by sculptures of nymphs who appear to be bathing. Inside, there’s a lovely museum featuring magnificent art collections.
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
In the heart of the Zwinger, you’ll find the wonderful Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. This is one of the world’s most outstanding collections of Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Flemish Renaissance art. Around 750 paintings are on display at any one time, representing just one-third of the total collection.
The Brühl Terrace
Known as the “Brühl Terrace“, the most architectural part of Dresden’s Elbe riverbank was laid out between 1739 and 1748. From this lovely terrace, with its bird’s-eye view of the river and its surroundings, you have access to the Academy of Fine Arts, the Dresden Fortress and the Albertinum. One of the city’s finest vantage points, which is why it’s on our list of Dresden must-sees!
The Albertinum
On the Brühl terrace, you’ll find the Albertinum. This “palace” was built in the late 1880s to house the royal sculpture collection. Today, it serves as a museum gallery. Here you’ll find Romantic (Friedrich, Richter), Impressionist (van Gogh, Monet), Symbolist (Klimt, Munch) and Expressionist (Klee, Kirchner) works.
Golden knight
This is one of Dresden’s must-see monuments. The Golden Knight depicts Friedrich August I, better known as Augustus the Strong, riding towards the northeast. It stands at the foot of the Augustusbrücke bridge. One of Dresden’s must-sees.
Royal Palace / Procession of the Princes
The Royal Palace was built in the 15th century. It served as a center of power for Saxon princes and lords. It was destroyed during the Second World War before being rebuilt.
Today, it serves a very different purpose. It serves as a museum complex for the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. A cultural highlight not to be missed during your visit.
Semperoper
Dresden’s opera house is renowned for its sumptuousness. Built in 1841, the Semperoper is one of the best-known examples of Baroque architecture. The building is located in the heart of the city center.
It is still home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper Ballet. So, if you get the chance, don’t hesitate to attend a classical concert. Your evening will be all the brighter for it. One of our favorite things to do in Dresden.
Kunsthofpassage
Another Dresden must-see is the Kunsthofpassage. It’s a whimsical, artistic passage through the heart of the Neustadt. Here, you can play your own music in the Hof der Elemente (Court of the Elements). When it rains, the water creates its own music. The Courtyard of Lights (Hof des Lichts) features projection screens, mirrors and more for the curious.
Finally, the Hof der Fabelwesen (Court of Mythical Creatures), where Viola Schöpe has adorned the walls with paintings and ceramic mosaics of bizarre creatures, each more horrifying than the last. Do you dare venture in? If not, you can always head for one of the many cafés in the area.
Porcelain collection
At the heart of the Zwinger Palace is a collection of state porcelain. The collection was established in 1715 by August II the Strong. Here you’ll find numerous creations, notably from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The total collection is around 20,000 pieces, but only 10% are available to visitors.
Where to eat in Dresden?
Are you planning a trip to Germany? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Dresden. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy typical German dishes and meals, such as sauerkraut, pork knuckle, sausage and potato salad.
Where to stay in Dresden?
Here’s a selection of the best hotels in Dresden. Quality establishments, strategically located and all at good prices, for a quality stay in the heart of Germany.
Visit and enjoy Dresden, in the heart of Germany
Dresden is a sumptuous city that should be visited and discovered at least once in a lifetime. With this selection of 10 must-do activities, we wanted to offer you a list of things that could potentially interest you and make you want to travel. Already here? Don’t hesitate to read our article on the best bars in Dresden, to enjoy a lively evening.