10 Best Things to Do in Dresden

10 Best Things to Do in Dresden

1. Visit and Hike to Bastei Bridge (Half Day) ☀️ Great Day Trip

The Bastei Bridge and the stunning nature surrounding Saxony Switzerland (don't be fooled by the name, it's still in Germany) make it all worthwhile to visit Eastern Germany. The landscape in Saxony Switzerland doesn't feel like Germany to me; it reminded me more of the spires I saw in Zhangjiajie National Park in China.

This isn't much of a hike, in my opinion; it was more like a nature walk. The walk took us about an hour to complete, but we took our time and spent almost three hours exploring.

There were many lookout points near the Bastei Bridge worth seeing. The one along the side of a cliff provides a view of the peaceful town of Kurort Rathen. Further along the trail, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of Saxony Switzerland's landscape from another lookout point, and at the end, you'll have the opportunity to cross the Bastei Bridge itself.

To get to Bastei Bridge independently, take the S1 from Dresden Neustadt Station to Kurort Rathen Station. From the station, walk about five minutes to the ferry, cross the Elbe to the village, and follow the hiking signs uphill toward Bastei. The Rathen ferry requires a separate ticket; the standard yaw-ferry fare is currently 1.50 EUR one way or 3 EUR return for adults.

For a more convenient journey, you can also go on an organized tour where they will take you to the Bastei Bridge and other landmarks around Saxon Switzerland National Park without you having to deal with the logistics.

It will save you time, and you will get to see more in a day than if you were to do it yourself. You can book the "Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden" tour here.

2. Visit Dresden's Historical Old Town

Dresden's old town is surrounded by amazing Baroque architecture. Right at the gate, you will find the Georgenbau, a Renaissance-style gate/palace that was built in the 1500s. On the right side of the gate is the most important church in the city, Dresden Cathedral.

Katholische Hofkirche is the landmark of Dresden and the first structure you will see when you enter the Old Town area. It's a beautiful, old Roman Catholic Cathedral that was renovated after it was destroyed during WWII.

Not too far from Katholische Hofkirche, you will find Semperoper Dresden, or Dresden Opera House, another unique building with beautiful and intricate designs on its facade. If your trip aligns with a show at the Opera House, take the opportunity to go and see an even more beautiful interior.

Zwinger is a Baroque-style palace with gardens, art exhibitions, and more for you to walk around and learn a bit more about the historical importance of the city. If you want to feel like a noble walking around beautiful gardens surrounded by porcelain objects and scientific instruments, Zwinger is a place you shouldn't miss.

You can also go on a walking tour around Dresden's Old Town and the guide will explain the stories behind all these stunning architectures you are seeing all in one go. It's a great option for those who are interested in history or short on time.

3. Marvel at the Size and Scale of Fürstenzug Mural ♥️ Must Visit

Right around the corner from the gate is the Fürstenzug. This massive procession of Saxon rulers was originally painted between 1871 and 1876 to mark the 800th anniversary of the Wettin dynasty. Between 1904 and 1907, the artwork was transferred onto around 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles to make it more weather-resistant. At roughly 102 meters long, the scale and detail are quite a sight to behold.

4. Check Out Dresden Frauenkirche Church (Church of Our Lady)

Dresden Frauenkirche church is one of Dresden's most famous landmarks. The Baroque Lutheran church was built between 1726 and 1743, destroyed after the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, and reconstructed between 1996 and 2005. Visiting the church during Open Church hours is free; if you want the panoramic view from the dome, the ascent currently costs 12 EUR for adults.

The church is situated at the center of Neumarkt square, where you will find yourself surrounded by other impressive Baroque architecture. Take a stroll around the church and appreciate the fact that you are standing in a square that was completely destroyed during World War 2.

5. Walk Along the Brühl's Terrace Nicknamed "The Balcony of Europe"

Brühl's Terrace or the Balcony of Europe is a terrace that stretches high above the shore of the River Elbe. On one side, you will be able to appreciate the beautiful architectural wonders of the buildings in the Old Town, whereas on the other, you can enjoy your coffee along the River Elbe while watching locals doing the same.

6. Check out the Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister) 🏛️ Best Museum

Since it was raining the first day I arrived, I decided to make that day a museum day and checked out the Old Masters Picture Gallery. The museum includes around 750 paintings from German, French, and Spanish painters during the 15th - 18th centuries.

You can really see how realism art, the making of art that resembles life, developed right before your eyes. I was able to spot a few famous paintings as well, such as the Tower of Babel, and being able to read the history of it was interesting.

8. Go to a Free Concert in Dresden

This is by far one of my favorite things to do in Dresden: check out what is happening at Scheune. When I visited, Jazzfanatics were known for their regular Monday concerts, and I caught one on my first day in Dresden and instantly fell in love with the city. Scheune later underwent a major renovation and reopened in September 2026 with a varied program of concerts, parties, comedy, readings, and other events.

You can find events throughout the week, with a mix of free and ticketed programs. Prices now vary considerably by event, so if you are in Dresden for a few days, check Scheune's current calendar and see what lines up with your visit.

8. Enjoy Dresden's Crazy Nightlife

Berlin may be the most popular nightlife destination in Germany, but if you are looking for a place that is less crowded and yet offers the same fun vibe at a cheaper price, Dresden is a place you will never forget. It was on my birthday, so I had a chance to explore the nightlife there quite a bit with a group of people I met at my hostel.

If you are looking for a night out with your friends to drink some beers, chill out, and talk to each other while playing pool, Hebedas Bar is one of the oldest pubs in the area, and they have a nice atmospheric interior. They also serve nice beers at a very affordable price. If you are looking for a place to go pre-party, this is it.

If you are looking for a place to dance your night away, check out Mondfisch Kneipe & Bar or Madness Bar & Pub. Both of these places have events and live concerts happening quite often, and they often get crowded late at night. If you are looking for a fun night out, be sure to check out these places.

9. Have a Cup of Coffee at The Cafe Oswaldz 🥘 Place to Eat

Cafe Oswaldz is a cozy little cafe that serves a great range of coffees, including Flat White, and a delicious selection of pastries. It has that "Parisian cafe" vibe, AKA a perfect balance of moderate background noise of people chattering and the smell of hand-brewed coffee.

Unfortunately, the free wifi may or may not work depending on the number of people in the cafe. Once you are able to connect, however, the internet flies. There are also power outlets for you to top up your laptop's juice. Definitely the best place to get a good cup of coffee while getting some work done, hands down.

10. Explore the Hidden Passageways of Dresden

Dresden has many secrets and hidden gems, and some of them are hidden right under our noses, and only those who dare to explore will find them. Among the hidden gems in these alleyways is Kunsthofpassage Dresden, a run-down backyard renovated into an art center with five really cool art installations: the Courtyard of Element, the Courtyard of Light, the Courtyard of Metamorphosis, the Courtyard of Animals, and the Courtyard of the Mythical Garden.

One of my favorite courtyards is the Courtyard of Element, where music is created through water running down through an intricate design of water pipes on a beautiful turquoise building. It's something you don't see every day. If you are in Dresden, be sure to walk around these hidden passageways and explore all the beautiful architecture and modern art installations the city has to offer.

Where to Stay in Dresden?

Budget

Lollis Homestay

Dorm | $

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Cityherberge

Single Room with Shared Bathroom | $$

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High-End

Park Inn by Radisson Dresden

Double Room | $$$

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How to Get to Dresden?

Dresden has its own airport, but depending on where you are coming from, it can also be convenient to reach the city overland from larger transport hubs such as Berlin, Leipzig, or Prague. I would recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to compare flight options, then continue to Dresden by train or bus if flying elsewhere gives you a better route.

If you are taking a train operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) or a bus (Flixbus), make sure you get off at the right station. Dresden is served by two big train stations: the Dresden Neustadt, which is nearer to our hostel, and the main railway station, the Dresden Hauptbahnhof.

I took a Flixbus from Leipzig to Dresden for 7 Euros. Originally, I booked the bus ticket to Dresden Hauptbahnhof, not the Neustadt station. However, luckily, the Neustadt train station was one of the stops before the Hauptbahnhof. So, I was able to hop off at the right place before the bus continued.

Note: Long-distance trains commonly serve Dresden Hauptbahnhof and Dresden-Neustadt, but bus stops vary by service. Check the stop shown on your ticket before you travel rather than assuming every bus serves both stations.

How to Get Around Dresden?

Inside Dresden, walking and trams are the easiest ways to get around the main sights. The historic center is compact enough to explore largely on foot, while Dresden's trams and buses are useful for Neustadt and places farther out. As of April 2026, a standard single ticket within the Dresden fare zone costs 3.60 EUR and is valid for up to one hour; a day ticket costs 9.50 EUR.

If you plan to do the Bastei hike, take the S1 from Dresden toward Saxon Switzerland and get off at Kurort Rathen. From the station, walk to the ferry, cross the Elbe, and follow the marked paths through the village toward Bastei. The ferry is not included in VVO or Deutschlandticket fares, so you will need a separate ferry ticket.

Daily Budget

Traveling here will typically cost you more than visiting most other countries. You can expect to spend around $45 - $65 USD per day per person, including food, accommodation, and transportation.

Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Europe? Check out:What to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing List