In 2006, Dresden celebrated its 800th year as a city. Before being devastated by World War II bombs, it was a hub of art, classical music and glorious architecture. Gradually, the city has regenerated and today it’s home to more than 40 museums, 13,000 cultural monuments, and a host of concerts and events throughout the year.
Dresden’s great buildings continue to rise from the ashes. The lavish Katholische Hofkirche church was reconstructed in the mid 1980s. So too was the early Renaissance and Baroque-style Semperoper opera house. In 2005, rebuilding of the magnificently domed Dresden Frauenkirche was completed. Other photogenic highlights include Zwinger Palace and the city’s Baroque Quarter.
Dresden is one of Europe’s most important museum cities. Delve into the city’s past at the Dresden City Museum. Marvel at the invaluable collection of European treasures in the Green Vault. Learn more about who you are at the German Hygiene Museum, which has exhibitions about the human body. Gaze at the paintings, spanning from the Romantic period to now, which hang in the Albertinum.
Dresden knows how to throw a party. May’s Dixieland Festival is one of the biggest jazz gatherings in Europe. In the summer, the Filmnächte season screens cinema on the banks of the Elbe. Dresden’s Neustadt area comes alive in June with the Bunte Republik Neustadt street festival. Winter brings the Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets.
Dresden nightlife is perennially buzzing, especially in Neustadt. For local crafts, souvenirs and antiques, hit the Altmarkt, Hauptstraße, Heinrichstraße or Königstraße.
For a break away from the city center, head for Dresdner Heide. This municipal nature reserve borders the northeast fringe of the city. It consists of 15,155 acres (6,133 hectares) of forestland plenty of space to hike or cycle.
Peak season in Dresden is between June and August the average high is about 72 F (22 C). Because there’s so much to do indoors, a visit in the off-season still guarantees plenty to do.
Dresden Airport is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the city center. Probably the fastest, and certainly cheapest, way to make the journey is by the S-Bahn from the station. Trains depart regularly, and take about 20 minutes to reach Dresden’s central station.
Dresden
Where to stay in Dresden
Altstadt Dresden
Travelers love Altstadt Dresden for its popular shops, and you can see more of Dresden by jumping on the metro at Theaterplatz Station or Altmarkt Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Green Vault and Dresden Cathedral.
Neustadt
Museums, shopping, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Neustadt. Make a stop by Bundeswehr Military History Museum or Movie Nights at the Elbe while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Waldschloesschen Station or Nordstrasse Station to get around town.
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 the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.
Blasewitz
Check out the historic 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 Grosser Garten.
Innere Vorstadt
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Innere Vorstadt. Spend some time visiting top spots like Movie Nights at the Elbe, and catch the metro at Neustaedter Markt Station or Carolaplatz Station to see more of the area.
Loschwitz
You might enjoy the historic sites while in Loschwitz. Dresden Suspension Railway is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Mordgrundbruecke Station or Plattleite Station to see more of the city.
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Popular places to visit
Semper Opera House
Saxony’s state opera house is resplendent with three styles of architecture. Take in a ballet or opera performance in its opulent theater.
Church of Our Lady
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.
Zwinger Palace
Wander through sprawling gardens, explore decadent courtyards and see important collections of art at this Baroque masterpiece.
Dresden Castle
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.
Blue Wonder Bridge
Cross the Elbe River using this historic bridge to visit picturesque neighborhoods and to discover its tumultuous wartime history.
Pillnitz Castle and Park
Explore the great outdoors at Pillnitz Castle and Park, a lovely green space in Dresden. Take in the fascinating museums in this walkable area.
