Founded on a bend of the Elbe River, Dresden is a beautiful city. It’s also a monument to persistence and rebirth. Bombs flattened Dresden's Old Town in World War II. But the city has bounced back and regained its rightful reputation as “Florence on the Elbe.” Dresden’s signature sights? Start with the magnificent dome of the Frauenkirche, a baroque church built in 1743 then reconstructed after the war. The Kreuzkirche is another must-see, among the city's lovely church. You’ll also find excellent museums of art and history, including masterpieces from artists like Raphael.
Dresden’s architecture is lovely. But there’s also vibrant cultural life, with fine dining, street fairs, and concerts calling to mind the city's rich classical and opera heritage. The city’s Christmas markets are some of the most famous in Germany too. With several markets throughout the city you'll have no shortage of mulled wine and festive snacks. In summer a great option is the Grosser Garden, a manicured oasis of green in the center of the city. Sitting between Prague and Berlin, Dresden puts visitors in an ideal position for exploring more of the region. It’s perfect for a short stay on a tour of Central Europe.
Things to do in Dresden
Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Dresden
Spend some time in Dresden on a tour that takes in other cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Dresden and other destinations throughout Germany and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.
Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.
Where to stay in Dresden
What we love about Dresden
Trip Planner
The thing that impresses me the most about Dresden is the way it managed to rise, becoming such a remarkable place after being severely damaged during WWII. Having said that, I would highly recommend not only seeing the - indisputably beautiful -Dresden Old Town, with all its attractions (the Zwinger Palace being my favourite) but also to venture out to the hip and busy New Town, with its street art, lively nightlife, and some of Saxony's best cocktail bars.
Operations Training Specialist
Funny enough, I remember Dresden as the ultimate shopping destination. Of course, I really enjoyed my introduction tour to the city, as the history is quite rich in this German city as well, but the highlight of my visit was the huge shopping district.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
If you want to experience Europe to the fullest, JayWay Travel is the way to go. They are extremely professional and highly efficient. They will guarantee you are totally satisfied. We are over the top happy we chose them. 5 Star all the way!!
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov, Prague, Karlovy Vary, Dresden, Berlin, Nuremberg, Munich, Frankfurt, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki
Rating :
I am glad I chose JayWay Travel. Their knowledge of each city made each experience worth having. If we had just shown up as a group in each city, we would not have had as rich an experience.
Visited : Germany, Czech Republic, Poland
Itinerary : Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Krakow
Rating :
It allows you to see Europe without being on a group tour, but with the sense of security of having someone taking care of everything for you.
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Dresden, Berlin
Rating :
Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Dresden
How can I get around Dresden?
Dresden is a medium-sized city with compact Old Town, so most of the sites are an easy walk from the centrally-located accommodations we provide. Should you need to go a bit further, you can buy tickets from most central bus and trolley stops, service points, bus drivers, or machines aboard trolleys. You can also use the free VVO app for tickets. The S-Bahn (light rail) can also take you to the Saxon Switzerland upstream, or Meissen downstream. A single ticket is 2.40 EUR, a day pass is 6.
How long should I spend in Dresden?
While possible as a long day trip from Berlin or Prague, Dresden makes for an ideal overnight destination. We recommend a guided tour in the morning, visiting a museum or gallery in the afternoon, then enjoying a romantic walk along the Elbe River in the evening. Dresden's memorable history, and the impressive architecture of the Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace, and the art collections of the Albertinum and Dresden Castle across the street (home to Europe's largest treasure trove) can certainly fill a day.
Is Dresden safe?
As with other German cities, Dresden is very safe.
When is the best time to visit Dresden?
Weather-wise, spring and fall are best, but the city is a must-see for those fond of Christmas markets. Dresden is home to Germany's oldest such market, and is the original source of many traditional Christmas decorations and gifts, which draw visitors from across Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Can I pay by card?
While Germany isn't the cash-only economy it used to be, it's still a very good idea to have cash on hand, especially if you're eating out. Avoid using the blue-and-yellow Euronet ATMs, and if an ATM asks if you want to be charged in Euros or your own currency, select Euros to avoid paying a useless fee. We recommend asking accommodations staff for recommended places to exchange money.