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 centre, 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 kilometres) from the city centre. 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 Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Dresden
Where to stay in Dresden
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.
Neustadt
Museums, shopping and historical sites highlight some notable features of Neustadt. Make a stop by Kunsthof-Passage or Saxon State Chamber 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 of the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.
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 Elbe Valley and Dresden Panometer.
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.
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.
Occidental Dresden Newa
The room was modern and spacious and clean, the bed very comfortable, the staff were very friendly and helpful. I felt very safe here. Close to the train station and shopping, walkable to historic sites, this restaurant was perfect and I'd definitely stay again if i return to Dresden.
Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025
Dormero Hotel Dresden Airport
Pre check-in was great, since I had to drop my luggage off at noon and then return my car. They stored it in a room off the elevators. When I returned after 1 pm the room was ready. Nice and clean, but the window was above the workers trucks and there was noise until late in the evening. The man ...
Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025
ibis Dresden Zentrum
Great property right near the central station! Close to the walking mall and walkable to sightseeing. We found the room clean and well-maintained. Athe location is excellent. Definitely recommend the hotel. Great value!
Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025
Aparthotel Münzgasse
Absolutely fantastic location, was running late and the hotel made fantastic effort to accommodate- my only complaint would be I only stayed 3 days I would of happily stayed longer
Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025
Aparthotel am Schloss
Very large room where kitchen, bedroom combined at one’s with extra space.
Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025
Limehome Dresden Wallstraße
Big supermarket on ground floor. Tram stop out the front door. Lots of shopping and restaurants between the apartment and the magnificent old town.
Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025
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.
Old Market Square
Winter, spring, summer or fall, you’ll always find something going on in this recently revitalized cultural space in the center of the city.
Blue Wonder Bridge
Cross the Elbe River using this historic bridge to visit picturesque neighborhoods and to discover its tumultuous wartime history.
