Dresden guide | Dresden attractions and things to do

A major port city, and the capital of Germany's Saxony state, Dresden boasts a scenic setting, situated within a valley and alongside the River Elbe. The city has endured a turbulent past, having been bombed on a vast scale during the Second World War.

As a result, Dresden was virtually entirely rebuilt, with many of its finest monuments patched up in the decades following the war. Today, the city once again features a wealth of tourist attractions and is considered one of Europe’s most important manufacturing, transportation and cultural centres.

How to get to Dresden

The closest international airport to Dresden is Dresden Klotsche Airport, which is located 9km north-east of the city centre, and connects to a good selection of major European cities.

From the airport to the city, there is direct and frequent rail transport. Dresden can also be reached by a combination of bus and tram transport, or if convenience is a higher priority, taxis are also available as well as hire cars.

When to visit Dresden

Dresden’s climate is affected by its sheltered position in the Elbe Valley, with warm and often hot summers, followed by pleasant autumn months and mild winters.

The best weather in Dresden falls between April and October, with highs regularly exceeding 28C during July and August. Many visitors choose to visit the city in the summer, when al fresco dining and outdoor events can be enjoyed.

Winter temperatures average 2C in January and snow can also be expected, though the sun will burst through on occasion. Showers can arrive at anytime, and visitors to Dresden during the winter months should pack with both sunshine and rain in mind.

Things to do in Dresden

Activities and Attractions

The amount of tourist attractions in Dresden is little surprise given the city’s remarkable history and heritage. Highlights include the striking baroque church of Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace, as well as the Burg Stolpen fortress which offers a glimpse into the city's unpalatable past, including a gruesome torture chamber.

A more contemporary structure of interest is the Blaues Wunder bridge, which is considered the most beautiful bridge in the city and is certainly the most distinctive, being turquoise in colour.

Museums and Galleries

The city boasts more than thirty museums, many of which document Dresden's history and evolution. The City Museum is one of the most popular museums in Dresden, while music lovers will enjoy the acclaimed Richard Wagner Museum.

The magnificent Dresden Albertinum building is unquestionably the highlight of the Dresden arts scene, being home to four impressive museums, each featuring exhibits relating to separate themes. The Old Masters Gemaldegalerie Art Museum is another stand-out gallery, while for a taste of traditional arts and crafts, a visit to the Museum of Saxon Folk Art will not disappoint.

Eating Out

The best selection of restaurants in Dresden can be found around the historic Altstadt district, where traditional Saxony cuisine is on offer. Many eateries are also to be found around the attractive Theaterplatz, near to the Semper Opera House.

Also nearby, a number of notable restaurants stand alongside the banks of the River Elbe, offering pleasant vistas as you eat.

Dresden's Neustadt district contains several popular eateries, while back in the city centre there is a vast range of dining options including cheap cafes, taverns and top-end restaurants.

For eating cheaply in Dresden, several cafes and other affordable outlets are spread around the city's university campus.

Nightlife

Dresden's nightlife is centered around the Outer Neustadt along Alaunstrasse in the north east of the city centre, where several bars and pubs can be found, most of which stay open till very late.

There is also the option of taking in the opera or a concert at the Frauenkirche church, if that is more your thing.

Day trips and Excursions

Several exceptional attractions lie outside of Dresden's city boundaries, including important cities, charming towns and picturesque villages.

The scenic countryside around the Lusatian hills are within easy reach of Dresden, and offer walking trails with breathtaking views.

The neighbouring city of Meissen is famous for its production of porcelain and is worthy of some time, as is the town of Radebeul which boasts a steam railway, and the stunning Moritzburg Castle in the village of Moritzburg.

What’s on in Dresden

February

Celebrated across the country, the Fasching festival is essentially a Mardi Gras that sees street-based activities and general revelry in pubs, bars and various public venues.

April

The Dresden Film Festival showcases over 200 movies including feature-length films, shorts, documentaries and animations.

May

The Dresden Music Festival runs for two weeks at venues across the city, with performances of famous classical music pieces and world music.

The Dresden Dixieland Festival is a hugely popular jazz event that attracts crowds in excess of half a million who come to hear some of the world's best jazz performers on show.

June

Elbhangfest has been a regular feature on the Dresden events calendar since 1990, with performers of every ilk and genre showcasing their talents to enthusiastic crowds who gather on the city streets.

July

Museum Summer Night is a one-night-only event which sees Dresden's museums and grand buildings open to the public for backstage tours, special visits, music and shows.

December

Striezelmarkt is a traditional German street market which many consider the oldest of its kind in the country, said to date all the way back to 1434. On offer are staples of German Christmas markets, including stalls selling German cheese, sausages, and various sweet delicacies.