Dresden old town

Dresden: must visit places in the capital of Saxony

Dresden is a charming city that attracts tourists with its beauty and rich history. Located on the banks of the Elbe, Dresden delights with its majestic palaces, elegant churches and cozy streets.

The heart of the city is the Old Town, here you will find the majestic Zwinger Square with luxurious baroque buildings. This is the Dresden Picture Gallery, considered one of the best art collections in the world, home to Raphael's famous masterpiece — "The Sistine Madonna".

Dresden old town

Walking through the streets of the Old Town, you can admire the elegant facades of houses decorated with stone carvings and carvings. Particularly impressive are the Catholic manor church built in the baroque style and the Dresden Zwinger with its luxurious galleries and fountains.

Crossing the Elbe Bridge, the traveler enters the New Town, where there are modern museums, theaters and restaurants. You can also visit the famous Semper Opera House, one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe.

Dresden is truly a city that delights with its unique beauty, refined architecture and deep history. It captivates everyone who comes here and leaves an unforgettable impression.

Train tickets to & from Dresden

Berlin
Dresden
from 25 EUR
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Dortmund
Dresden
from 52 EUR
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Hamburg
Dresden
from 54 EUR
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Cologne
Dresden
from 54 EUR
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Must see attractions in Dresden

Dresden Zwinger

Dresden Zwinger

The Zwinger is not just an architectural ensemble in the heart of Dresden, but a real palace. Here, in every corner there is the magic of rebirth and greatness. Imagine: at sunset, when the rays of light penetrate the graceful arches and colonnades, the entire palace begins to glow like a precious stone.

The main part of Zwinger was built in the years 1711-1722 at the request of the Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong. The Zwinger originally served as a place for court celebrations and ceremonies. In particular, the so-called "Crystal Palace" or "Phoenix Palace" was built between 1847 and 1854 by the architect Gottfried Semper on the site of the previous palace pavilion.

The garden gallery around the Palace is filled with the aroma of roses and jasmine, the fountains turn into mirrors of heavenly stars; and the sculptures come to life in the moonlight. This place seems to be created for dreamers and poets: here everyone will find inspiration for their own creativity.

The Green Vault Museum

The Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe) in Dresden is a museum that keeps the rarest artifacts, from luxury jewelry to exquisite weapons. This is a historical collection located in Dresden Castle. It was founded in 1723 by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony. The Green Vault is considered one of the greatest collections of precious stones in Europe. The collection includes over three thousand objects made of precious metals, gems and other precious materials.

The collection survived World War II and the subsequent occupation of the GDR, but was significantly damaged. After German reunification in 1990, the Green Vault was restored and reopened to the public.

Fürstenzug

The procession of princes, or Fürstenzug, is a famous arrangement of wall tiles made of Meissen porcelain, which is one of the most characteristic monuments of Dresden. This huge panel is located on August Strasse in Dresden. Miraculously, it was almost not destroyed during the bombing of Dresden at the end of World War II. Only 200 tiles had to be replaced to restore this masterpiece.

Fürstenzug

The Brühl Terrace

The Brühl Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse) is a small section on the Elbe riverfront in the central part of historic Dresden. These 500 meters between the Augustus Bridge (Augustusbrücke) and the Carola Bridge (Carolabrücke) are of the city's most prominent landmarks.

The Brühl Terrace

Dresden Art Gallery

The Dresden Art Gallery of the Old Masters (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister) is one of the most important art museums in Germany, located in Dresden. It is considered one of the best collections of works of art in the world and houses Raphael's famous masterpiece — the Sistine Madonna.

The collection was started by August I, Elector of Saxony, in 1560. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the collections increased significantly thanks to the takeovers made by the Saxon electors. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the collections increased significantly thanks to the takeover by the Saxon electors. Today, the Dresden Art Gallery of the Old Masters has one of the most outstanding collections of European paintings in the world.

Dresden Art Gallery

Frauenkirche

The Frauenkirche is one of the most famous churches in Dresden, Germany. The construction of the Frauenkirche began in 1726 on the orders of the Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong. The construction was completed in 1743 and it became the center of the Lutheran community in Dresden. Today the Frauenkirche is one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque architecture in Germany and an important symbol of the rebirth of Dresden.

Frauenkirche

Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is a picturesque region in eastern Germany, located on the Elbe near Dresden. One of the most famous and mysterious corners of this region are the Elbe Sands of the Fairy Forest.

These gigantic formations in the shape of sand cones, reaching a height of over 100 meters, rise among dense coniferous and deciduous forests. Their unusual forms, created by wind and erosion over thousands of years, give the landscape a fantastic, even fairy-tale appearance.

The Elbe Sands attract many tourists who want to enjoy picturesque views, climb steep slopes and take exciting walks along forest paths. You can find many unique species of plants and animals here, which adds a special charm to this mysterious corner of Saxon Switzerland.

Saxon Switzerland

Dresden Transport Museum

The Dresden Transport Museum was founded in 1956 and is dedicated to the history and development of various types of transport, such as rail, road, river and air transport. The museum contains many historic vehicles, models and exhibits illustrating the evolution of technology in this field. The Dresden Transport Museum is one of the largest museums of this type in Germany and attracts many visitors interested in the history and development of various types of transport.

Dresden Transport Museum

Semperoper and Theaterplatz

The Dresden Opera, known as the Semperoper, is a renowned opera house located in the heart of Dresden, Germany. It is considered one of the most prestigious and influential opera companies in the world, with a rich history and a reputation for artistic excellence.

The current Semperoper building, which stands as a majestic symbol of the city, is the third iteration of the opera house, having been rebuilt after fires in 1869 and 1945. The stunning neoclassical architecture, designed by architect Gottfried Semper, features ornate facades, intricate details, and a grand interior that creates an atmosphere of opulence and elegance.

Semperoper and Theaterplatz

Tastes of Dresden

Tastes of Dresden

Dresden's traditional cuisine has a rich history and dishes typical of this region of Germany.

Some typical Dresden cuisine:

  1. Elk fish meatballs (Elbfischköppe) — round fish cutlets made of carp, most often served with potato salad.

  2. Black Dresden rolls (Dresdner Schrippen) — round rye rolls with a sprinkle of poppy seeds or sesame seeds.

  3. Saxon dumplings (Sächsische Klöße) — large potato dumplings, traditionally served with fried meat and sauerkraut.

  4. Saxon roast beef (Sächsischer Sauerbraten) — marinated and stewed beef bone, most often served with smoked sausages and potato dumplings.

  5. Dresden apple pie (Dresdner Eierschecke) — is a cake with eggs, sour cream and apples.

Dresden gingerbread baked according to old recipes and local beer are also an important part of Dresden cuisine. Generally, Dresden cuisine is characterized by the use of seasonal products from the region.

Top 5 restaurants in Dresden worth visiting:

  • KOBALT Club Royal is a luxurious and high-class restaurant and lounge located in a prestigious area of the city. The restaurant has an elegant dining area and a bright bar, making it ideal for both casual dinners and social gatherings.

  • Restaurant Heiderand is a charming eatery known for its warm hospitality and delicious regional cuisine. The cozy and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place for a relaxed dinner with family or friends.

  • The Genuss-Atelier restaurant is a renowned dining establishment located in Dresden, famous for its innovative and artistically presented cuisine. Known for its exceptional service and creative flavors, the Genuss-Atelier restaurant provides an unforgettable gastronomic journey that delights the senses.

  • Stresa restaurant offers exquisite dishes with an emphasis on modern cuisine. Guests can enjoy fine wines and impeccable service, making it the perfect place for both casual dining and special occasions.

  • Mamma Mia is a bright family restaurant, famous for its authentic Italian dishes. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere, combined with attentive service, makes it a favorite spot for casual dining and gatherings.

Dresden is a city with a rich history, remarkable architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly character that attracts millions of tourists every year. Plan your trip to this wonderful city.