What to do in Dresden

Activities, attractions and tours

Dresden showing a square or plaza
Procession of Princes
Dresden which includes street scenes
New Market Square which includes a church or cathedral
Martin Luther Church showing a church or cathedral

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$14, 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 127 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.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Dresden

Tours & day trips

See all 122 activities
Dresden Trip with Zwinger Palace & Semper Gallery Admission

Dresden Trip with Zwinger Palace & Semper Gallery Admission

Activity duration is 12 hours
6.8 out of 10 with 35 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$204 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 48 activities
Berlin: Private Dresden Day Trip by a Train

Berlin: Private Dresden Day Trip by a Train

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$1,486 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 23 activities
Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Dresden

Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Dresden

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$242 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

See all 11 activities
Dresden: Königstein Fortress Paddle Steamer Cruise

Dresden: Königstein Fortress Paddle Steamer Cruise

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$60 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Dresden: Tour of VW's Transparent Factory

Dresden: Tour of VW's Transparent Factory

Activity duration is 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$18 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Dresden

Number of things to do
127
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dresden Self-Guided Audio Tour: Semperoper, Frauenkirche, and many more: NZ$14
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Dresden

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dresden

Semper Opera House showing heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Semper Opera House

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Saxony’s state opera house is resplendent with three styles of architecture. Take in a ballet or opera performance in its opulent theater.

Semper Opera House
Church of Our Lady showing interior views, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Church of Our Lady

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Listen to a vocal ensemble, climb to the viewing platform at the top of the dome and learn about the church’s long reconstruction at Dresden’s major Lutheran place of worship.

Church of Our Lady
Zwinger Palace which includes château or palace

Zwinger Palace

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Wander through sprawling gardens, explore decadent courtyards and see important collections of art at this Baroque masterpiece.

Zwinger Palace
Dresden Castle featuring street scenes

Dresden Castle

4.5/5(10 reviews)

A former Royal Palace located in the historic heart of Dresden is today a major cultural attraction and home to some of Germany’s oldest art collections.

Dresden Castle
Old Market Square featuring a square or plaza and street scenes as well as a couple

Old Market Square

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Winter, spring, summer or fall, you’ll always find something going on in this recently revitalized cultural space in the center of the city.

Old Market Square
Blue Wonder Bridge featuring a bridge and street scenes

Blue Wonder Bridge

4/5(6 reviews)

Cross the Elbe River using this historic bridge to visit picturesque neighborhoods and to discover its tumultuous wartime history.

Blue Wonder Bridge
Radebeul showing a small town or village, cycling and a river or creek

Pillnitz Castle and Park

5/5(2 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Dresden with a visit to Pillnitz Castle and Park. Take in the fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Pillnitz Castle and Park
Dresden University of Technology

Dresden University of Technology

Walk around the campus at Dresden University of Technology as part of your travels around Dresden. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Dresden University of Technology
New Market Square showing a square or plaza

New Market Square

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Dresden’s historic square is host to a traditional Christmas market, alfresco dining and one of the city’s largest churches.

New Market Square

Explore areas of Dresden

Default Image

Altstadt Dresden

5/5(37 area reviews)

On the south side of the Elbe River is Dresden’s historic center, which features art galleries, grandiose churches, picturesque gardens and shopping districts.

Altstadt Dresden
Neustadt featuring street scenes

Neustadt

Go on a walking tour around Dresden’s preserved 18th-century quarter, which offers an insight into how the city appeared before its 1940s bombardment.

Neustadt
Saxony showing farmland

Innere Altstadt

If you're spending time in Innere Altstadt, check out sights like Altmarkt or Old Market Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.

Innere Altstadt
Dresden featuring a small town or village

Blasewitz

Learn about innovation in the tech museum, cross the Blue Bridge and admire the impressive façades of the historic villas.

Blasewitz
Neustadt Market Hall featuring heritage elements

Innere Neustadt

Shopping, historical sites and river views highlight some notable features of Innere Neustadt. Make a stop by Saxon State Chamber or Movie Nights at the Elbe while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Carolaplatz Station or Albertplatz Station to get around town.

Innere Neustadt
Blue Wonder Bridge which includes a bridge

Loschwitz

You might enjoy the historical sites while in Loschwitz. Dresden Funicular Railway is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Mordgrundbruecke Station or Plattleite Station to see more of the city.

Loschwitz

 

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

Pirna which includes a river or creek

Pirna

Photo by Gabriele Borchert

Moritzburg

Photo "Kesselsdorf" by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA)

Kesselsdorf

Photo "Bannewitz" by Geri-oc (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by Geri-oc (CC0)

Bannewitz

Photo "Heidenau" by Kalispera Dell (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Kalispera Dell (CC BY)

Heidenau

Photo "Dohna" by Geri-oc (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by Geri-oc (CC0)

Dohna

Photo by Tino Pa

Radeburg

Photo by Tino Pa

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.