We spent 2 days in Dresden and were blown away by its mix of Baroque elegance, wartime history, and alternative charm. Although we did a lot of research, saw a lot of photos and videos, the city really exceeded our expectations.

From palaces and panoramic domes to quirky courtyards and riverside sunsets, this guide covers the highlights, hidden gems, and where to eat along the way.

Overview

We recently spent 2 days in Dresden, and it truly surprised us. Nestled along the Elbe River in eastern Germany, this Baroque beauty blends rich history, striking architecture, and a touch of alternative culture.

We were particularly struck by how walkable and scenic the city is, with plenty of fun things to do in Dresden beyond the usual tourist trail.

Historically, Dresden was the capital of the Kingdom of Saxony and known as the “Florence on the Elbe” due to its art collections and grand architecture. The city was tragically bombed during World War II, leading to the near-total destruction of its historic centre.

What we found remarkable is how much has been restored; many buildings, like the Frauenkirche, were painstakingly rebuilt using original stones. This blend of resilience and reverence for history is palpable throughout the city.

Travel to and Around Dresden

Travelling to Dresden

We arrived from Cologne by train, as part of our 2025 Interrail trip around Central-Eastern Europe, and the journey was smooth and straightforward with one change in Frankfurt, taking under 6 hours using high-speed rail.

The main station, Dresden Hauptbahnhof, is well connected, whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Germany or neighbouring countries like the Czech Republic or Poland. Buses are also an affordable alternative, especially with FlixBus.

If you’re flying in, Dresden Airport (DRS) is a convenient gateway to the city. Located just under 10 km from the city centre, it connects to key German cities and some European hubs via airlines like Lufthansa and Eurowings.

The airport is directly linked to Dresden’s main train station by the S-Bahn (S2 line), making the transfer smooth and budget-friendly. It’s a solid option if you’re planning to focus on Saxony or combine Dresden with a trip to nearby cities like Leipzig or Prague.

If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out the article below with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

Travelling Around Dresden

Dresden is very walkable, especially around the historic centre. For places further afield like Moritzburg Castle, the tram and bus network is reliable and easy to use. Tickets can be easily purchased at any vending machine.

For our second day we chose the Dresden + 1 extra zone day ticket as we went all the way to Moritzburg and it meant that the fourth journey was already in the money. Other than that we relied mostly on our own two good feet, using Google Maps for real-time directions. Bike rentals and e-scooters are also available.

If you have limited time in Dresden, you could also consider this Hop-on Hop-off Dresden Tour.

Where to Stay in Dresden?

We stayed at Occidental Dresden Newa, conveniently located near the main train station. It was a solid base to explore the city with spacious rooms and views of the skyline.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, we would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Dresden for your specific dates.

For first-time visitors, the Altstadt (Old Town) offers proximity to many of Dresden’s cultural landmarks. If you prefer something quieter or more alternative, check out Neustadt on the north bank.

Best Time to Visit Dresden

Spring and early autumn are great times to visit, especially if you want to enjoy the city on foot without summer crowds.

We visited in April and had a mix of sunshine and clouds but overall temperatures were in the high 20s C, perfect for sightseeing. The Grand Garden of Dresden was in bloom, and walking through it felt like stepping into a storybook.

Our Top Things to do in Dresden

As we went during off peak times, we booked most of the attractions on the spot. Thankfully, we didn’t need to queue at all.

Card payments are widely accepted, and we found that we didn’t need any cash. We used our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.

From the list below, we covered 1 – 8 on our first day and 9 – 13 on the second day.

1. Step Inside Dresden Castle

Dresden Castle, also known as the Residenzschloss, stands as one of the oldest buildings in the city and has served as the residence of Saxon rulers for centuries. The palace’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Renaissance and Baroque elements, shaped by centuries of additions and restorations.

We spent a good part of the morning exploring its many museums and chambers. The highlight for us was the Green Vault, home to one of the most dazzling treasure collections in Europe, featuring jewellery, ornate figurines, and golden artifacts.

For the Vault, you would need to book a time slot to visit; so be sure to ask first thing when booking your ticket for the castle for convenient times. As an example, when we arrived at 10 am at the palace they had 4 slots for 11am and then the rest at 3pm onward.

We also really enjoyed the Armoury, where you can see an impressive collection of weapons, suits of armour, and ceremonial objects. Another section that stood out was the Turkish Chamber, with its beautifully preserved Ottoman-themed collection and historical textiles.

We also went on top of the Clock tower, from where we saw a really nice panoramic of the Zwinger but also of the surrounding squares and major landmarks. A must if visiting the castle.

The ascend to the tower top is done on a wide staircase to a point and then a more somewhat staircase however, it’s not a steep ascend like at other towers in Europe.

During our visit there was a twist … we had to be evacuated due to a fire at the palace. This was an interesting experience and definitely a memorable one.

2. Climb the Dome at Frauenkirche Dresden

Start at the Frauenkirche Dresden, a stunning church rebuilt after WWII. Inside the church, you can see wonderful paintings and a very vivid religious artwork on the walls. Its baroque dome dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views if you climb to the top.

As we went up the palace tower we decided we could skip the dome. The queue also looks fairly long so best to go early morning or straight after lunch time to avoid long wait times.

We also had lunch in the main square as we really enjoyed the views and the wonderful atmosphere.

3. Stroll Through the Dresden Zwinger

A beautiful palace complex with fountains and museums. It’s not far from the Frauenkirche and offers a relaxing place to admire Baroque architecture and stroll its elegant courtyards.

When we went there the complex was somewhat opened but under restoration. Having said this we had plenty of time to soak in the wonderful architecture.

Historically, the Zwinger was commissioned by Augustus the Strong in the early 18th century as part of a grand plan to rival the grandeur of Versailles. It served as a space for court festivities and exhibitions, reflecting the Saxon court’s wealth and ambition.

Today, its pavilions house museums showcasing fine art and scientific instruments, making it both a cultural and historical landmark. It’s an absolute must when in Dresden!

4. Admire the Dresden Opera

The famous opera house is an architectural gem. Even if you’re not seeing a performance, it’s worth seeing from the outside as it is a thing of beauty in itself.

We noted that there are Dresden Semperoper guided tours, if you wanted to visit the opera. We were happy admiring its beauty from the outside.

5. Admire the Katholische Hofkirche (Kathedrale St. Trinitatis)

Located next to the Semperoper, this cathedral has an ornate façade and was one of the few Catholic buildings in predominantly Protestant Saxony.

Whilst very impressive on the outside, inside we found it to be very simple, perhaps too simple. Considering there is no entrance fee, it’s still worth visiting but don’t have too high expectations.

6. Marvel at the Fürstenzug Mural

A short walk from Brühl’s Terrace, the Fürstenzug is a porcelain mural that portrays Saxon rulers throughout the ages – it’s over 100 metres long and impressively detailed.

You’ll definitely go past it a few times as you explore Dresden as it’s quite central.

7. Explore the Dresden Transport Museum

An unexpectedly engaging museum with exhibits on cars, trains, ships and aviation. A good choice for families or anyone interested in the evolution of transport.

We got amused, as at the top of the museum, they had a miniature train show which was quite befitting considering our Interrail trip we were doing at the time.

The museum is more geared towards children and families but still offers some great insights into the history transportation. Just because it is more meant for kids, that didn’t stop us from playing around also! I guess our inner children got a kick too!

8. Walk Along Brühl’s Terrace

Known as the “Balcony of Europe,” this promenade offers a lovely stroll overlooking the Elbe River. A great spot for people-watching and appreciating the skyline.

We really enjoyed our time with the views from here and sat down on a bench to truly take in the views.

There are plenty of benches along the terrace which offer ample opportunity to take a sit. After the cobble street section, there is even a park.

Before the park, there is a section of the quay which stands out so people can go and take photos with the palace and Catholic Church in the background. That’s what we did also!

9. Take a Half-Day Trip to Moritzburg Castle

Located just a short journey from Dresden, Moritzburg Castle is a fairytale-like Baroque palace set on a symmetrical island.

We took tram line 11 to the end stop at Dresden’s “Bühlau” and from there, connected with a regional bus that dropped us off right near the castle grounds. The total journey took just over an hour and was included in our Dresden + 1 extra zone day ticket.

We explored both the grand interiors and the beautifully landscaped surroundings. The rooms inside are richly decorated, showcasing the royal hunting traditions and lifestyle of the Saxon court.

One of the highlights was the feather room, with its incredibly ornate feathered wall hangings – a unique feature unlike anything we’ve seen before.

The water-reflected views of the castle, paired with the quiet park and woodland paths nearby, created a serene atmosphere that offered a peaceful contrast to Dresden’s bustling centre.

We took our time walking around the lake and admiring the symmetrical design of the castle from every angle.

10. Reflect at the Museum of Military History

Located slightly outside the centre, this museum is housed in a former armoury and explores conflict from multiple perspectives.

The museum also hosts a viewing platform however, it’s not a particularly impressive view, but still worth going up by lift since it’s included in the ticket.

The museum, covers important parts of German war history from the Napoleonic Wars to WW2. We even got a chance to dress as a French soldier during their special Napoleonic Wars exposition.

The museum is impressive and has plenty of exhibits to draw you in and learn more about them. We would absolutely recommend coming here if you’re into military history.

11. Get Creative in the Kunsthofpassage Dresden

In the Neustadt area, this artistic courtyard complex mixes creativity with charm. From a singing drainpipe installation to colourful façades and little shops, it’s a delightfully offbeat experience. It’s a very similar vibe to Vienna’s Hundertwasserhaus or Barcelona.

Overall, it gave us a good opportunity for some photos. There are also a few coffee shops there but we chose to leave soon after as we really liked the Old City more.

12. Unwind in the Grand Garden of Dresden

A peaceful green escape in the city. We strolled past ponds, fountains and flower beds, enjoying the quiet atmosphere. We took a walk by the lakes and fountains and sat down to relax following our half day trip to Moritzburg.

13. Enjoy the Sunset at Fairground on the Elbe Place

We ended our visit with a peaceful and scenic moment by the riverside fairground area, just across from the main Old Town skyline. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views, this spot turned out to be a perfect place to reflect on our time in Dresden.

There’s a wide grassy area along the Elbe that locals and tourists alike gather on during golden hour. We found a comfortable place to sit near the riverbank, took out a drink we had bought earlier, and watched as the sun dipped behind the historic silhouette of the city.

Our Top Restaurants in Dresden

We made time for some great local food. Here are our picks:

1. Try a Saxon classic dish at Watzke am Goldenen Reiter

Watzke Brewery Bar at the Goldener Reiter is an excellent restaurant for those looking to have a meal with a great view. From here, you can see the Gold Rider and in the far across the Elbe, you can see the palace and the old city skyline.

We ordered the pork joint and half chicken roast.

Overall, really good and we also had the house beer which felt fresh and light. We particularly enjoyed the customer service as the waitress with her very limited English tried to interact with us in a very pleasant way and made our dining experience ever so pleasant.

She even went as far as recommending her favourite beer for us to try which was very good indeed. 

2. Try Saxon Ice-cream at Sächsische Eismanufaktur

Sächsische Eismanufaktur ice cream spot was a fun treat during our walk. Apparently it’s made with Saxon milk and even features some local flavours including Saxon Symphony and a Dresden mix.

We both opted for two of the local flavours and overall enjoyed them. One had a local chocolate cake mixed in and the other was a caramel based ice-cream. 

All in all – very creamy and tasty ice cream and considering it’s right in front of the palace, you get a premium seat whilst savoring your sweet treat.

3. Have an XXXL Pizza at L’Osteria Dresden HbF

L’Osteria is ideal if you want a break from German food. This is a chain of Italian restaurants which offer big portions and solid Italian classics. The prices also look affordable, but more importantly, we each got a regular pizza and believe us, they were anything but!

I got a Hawaiian pizza and Hristina had the four cheeses pizza. Both felt fresh, tasty and worth coming again for!

4. Have a Bavarian meal at Hofbräu zur Frauenkirche

Popular and centrally located, Hofbräu zur Frauenkirche offers traditional Bavarian food in a very comfy atmosphere between wood planked walls with vintage décor. Hristina had the cheese spaetzles and I had the cordon bleu.

The spaetzles were cheesy and tasty and came with crispy onions on top which added a much needed crunch. The cordon bleu was crisp, dry and was very cheesy with cheese oozing out. What’s not to like? Couple it with some blonde beers – perfection.

5. Eat with a View at Augustiner an der Frauenkirche

Another good option for Bavarian dishes and beer is Augustiner an der Frauenkirche. As the name suggests, the restaurant is in the main square right near Frauenkirche.

The ambiance is amazing, watching people pass by whilst watching the cathedral whilst savouring your lunch.

I had the pork schnitzel with potato salad and Hristina had the pork roast with dumplings. The schnitzel was amazing, tender, crisp and delicious. The roast was equally tasty and the gravy was pretty good and thick.

We would absolutely come here again for the view first and foremost and then the food.

Final Thoughts

Dresden surprised us in the best way. It offers a great mix of history, culture, and some non touristy things to do in Dresden too.

Whether you’re in Germany for a few weeks or planning a dedicated weekend break, 2 days in Dresden gives you just enough time to appreciate the city’s past while enjoying its present.

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