What to do in Dresden

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic square with cobblestone pavement, surrounded by classical European architecture and a prominent clock tower.
A historic building with ornate facades and a prominent tower with a green spire.
A street lined with historic buildings, a busy road, and a hill with trees in the background.
A large, ornate building with a prominent dome and clock tower against a clear blue sky.
A historic building with intricate architecture, featuring a prominent tower and arched windows, partially covered in green ivy.

Places to Visit in Dresden

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Dresden, Saxony while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Dresden attractions from NZ$15, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Dresden tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 153 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Dresden. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Dresden: The Original Night Watchman Tour in Lantern Light

Dresden: Unterwegs mit dem geheimnisvollen Nachtwächter

NZ$32
per adult
Dresden: Unterwegs mit dem geheimnisvollen Nachtwächter
Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery

Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery

NZ$28
per adult
Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery
Dresden: Paddle Steamer Cruise & Canaletto View

Dresden: Paddle Steamer Cruise & Canaletto View

NZ$45
per adult
Dresden: Paddle Steamer Cruise & Canaletto View
Dresden: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tickets

Dresden: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tickets

NZ$59
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Dresden: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tickets
Dresden: City Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide

Dresden: City Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide

NZ$47
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Dresden: City Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide
Dresden Small Group Walking Tour

Dresden Small Group Walking Tour

NZ$59
per adult
Dresden Small Group Walking Tour
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

NZ$66
per adult
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German
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Top places to visit

1. Zwinger Palace

Among Dresden’s most recognizable buildings is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The Zwinger Palace dominates the northwestern boundary of Dresden’s Old Town, close to the Royal Palace and the opera house. Visit the Zwinger Palace to stroll through its decadent gardens and courtyards, to see a large collection of art and artifacts and to admire the opulent interior of the palace.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a clock.

2. Church of Our Lady

Despite dating back to the 18th century, Dresden’s iconic church remained a pile of rubble for half a century following the 1945 bombing of Dresden. Today, following a long reconstructive period, the Church of Our Lady has been returned to its original state, and is considered one of the most important examples of Protestant sacred architecture in the region. Climb its arched dome or take in a concert within its cavernous nave.
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An ornate church interior with a central organ, arched ceilings, and intricate woodwork.

3. Semper Opera House

Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.
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A grand building with ornate architecture, a statue of a man on horseback, and a fountain.

4. Dresden Castle

Occupying much of the center of Dresden’s historic heart, the Dresden Castle or Royal Palace is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Along with its impressive collection of architectural marvels, the castle is today one of Dresden’s main galleries. Since its reconstruction following the 1945 bombing of Dresden, the castle has been built as the Palace of Art and Sciences. See historic coins, palace stables and a 335-foot (102-meter) mural as you explore the complex.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, including a series of arches and columns, and a courtyard with a clear blue sky.

5. Old Market Square

Dresden is famous across the world for its Christmas Market, or Striezelmarkt, but the Old Market Square bustles year round. Mentioned for the first time in 1370, it was the heart of the city until its destruction in 1945. Today, after a brief time as a parking lot under the GDR, it has been reborn, hosting markets, sporting events, performances and more throughout the year. Come for a specific event or just wander by and see what’s on, a perfect way to experience the real Dresden.
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A European square with cafes, outdoor seating, and historic buildings.

6. New Market Square

Almost entirely flattened during World War II, this central square lay dormant for much of the 20th century. Reconstruction of New Market Square in its traditional style began following the fall of communism and today the square is full of life. Visit the square to see the stunning Fraeuenkirche, to take in a December Christmas market or to people-watch from one of the many outdoor eateries that line the square.
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A historic building with multiple stories, featuring classic European architecture with arched windows and a curved facade.

Recommended things to do in Dresden

Number of things to do
153
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dresden Self-Guided Audio Tour: Semperoper, Frauenkirche, and many more: NZ$15
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Dresden

Stay near popular Dresden attractions

A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a clock.

Zwinger Palace

9.0/10 (1,760 reviews)
This Baroque masterpiece houses three prestigious museums within its ornate pavilions. Explore the Old Masters Picture Gallery or stroll through the courtyard with its elegant fountain pools and manicured gardens.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Dresden

Find the best Dresden areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dresden
Learn more about Dresden
A fountain with statues in a park with trees and a building in the background.

Neustadt

Museums, shopping and historical sites highlight some notable features of Neustadt. Make a stop by Bundeswehr Military History Museum or Kulturzentrum Strasse E while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Waldschloesschen Station or Nordstrasse Station to get around town.

A river with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings.

Altstadt Dresden

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Green Vault to Dresden Cathedral – discover Altstadt Dresden, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A hillside village with colorful houses and dense green trees.

Blasewitz

Check out the historical sites while you're in Blasewitz. Hop on the metro at Gottleubaer Strasse Station and Altenberger Strasse Station to see top sights like Dresden Racecourse and Dresden Elbe Valley.

A bridge with multiple lanes, a tunnel entrance, and a mountainous landscape with buildings on top.

Plauen

The restaurants and museums are just a few things visitors like about Plauen. Heidenschanze and Saxon State Library are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Nuernberger Platz Station or Zschertnitz Meunzmeisterstrasse Station to get around the larger area.

A church with a tall steeple, two large clocks, and a red-tiled roof.

Striesen

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Striesen. Dresden Elbe Valley is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Pohlandplatz Station or Bergmannstrasse Station to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Dresden

A river with a boat, surrounded by houses and greenery.

Pirna

A large building with two domes and a snow-covered pathway leading to it.

Moritzburg

A church with a red roof and a clock tower under a partly cloudy sky.

Kesselsdorf

A rural landscape with a field, a small building, and a distant church.

Bannewitz

A large, yellow building with a symmetrical facade, arched windows, and a central entrance flanked by steps.

Heidenau

A rural landscape with a road, green fields, and a distant tree line.

Radeburg

A church tower, a castle, and vineyards on a hillside under a cloudy sky.

Kötzschenbroda

A solitary tree in a field with a dramatic sky.

Berbisdorf

Frequently asked questions

Is Dresden worth visiting?
Offering a blend of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Dresden. While you're here, head to Movie Nights at the Elbe, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Dresden?
Oskarshausen and Burgk Castle are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Dresden while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dresden?
Movie Nights at the Elbe is one of the top tourist attractions in Dresden and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dresden?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Movie Nights at the Elbe, Dresden Suspension Railway and Burgk Castle with a three-day escape to Dresden. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Prager Strasse.
Is Dresden a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Dresden, like Movie Nights at the Elbe and Carte Blanche Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Dresden is Altstadt Dresden and Innere Vorstadt is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dresden with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all ages, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Dresden with kids.

What to do in Dresden for adults?
Radeberger Brewery and Alter Schlachthof are just two of the things to do in Dresden. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Dresden?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Dresden. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Georg-Treu-Platz is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.

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