Dresden - Do & See

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Dresden

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

There is a reason why Dresden is one of the most popular German cities to visit. Dresden is a town filled with history and culture, hence the countless museums. Whether you want to pay a visit to a museum dedicated to jewellery, watch a spectacular performance at the opera house or watch the animals in the Dresden Zoo, you can do it in Dresden.

Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche

Reconsecrated 60 years after being destroyed by the Allied bombings, the Baroque sandstone 'Church of our Lady' is a must for any visitor to Dresden. Acting as a reminder of the city’s painful past, its recent transformation and where it is heading in the future. The charred remains of the church were left untouched by East Germany’s communist authorities to serve as a reminder of World War II, but is today yet again the most famous part of Dresden’s skyline.

Dresden Castle

Dresden Castle

Constructed in the 16th century and still magnificent today. It's obvious why Dresdner Schloss still attracts tourists from all over the world, having been the residence of kings for over 400 years, and Baroque in style. Today, the castle houses 5 museums which present special literature, paintings, and armoury.

Semperoper

Semperoper

If you are looking for a night filled with high-quality entertainment, visit the Semperoper, the opera house of Dresden. You will not only be charmed by the performance of the actors, but also by the beautiful Neo-Renaissance style. The opera house even premiered the famous works of Wagner and Strauss.

Fürstenzug

Fürstenzug

Translated to 'The Procession of Princes', this huge mural portrays 93 people, of which 35 are kings, princes and dukes. The mural was created during the late 19th century to celebrate the 800-year anniversary of the Wetting dynasty, and has been a touristic attraction ever since.

Grünes Gewölbe

Grünes Gewölbe

Be amazed by the collection of gold, gems, silver and so on. The Grünes Gewölbe even has the biggest green diamond in the entire world on display. The Historic Green Vault showcases authentically restored rooms filled with treasures and the New Green Vault displays special exhibits.

Bundeswehr Military History Museum

Bundeswehr Military History Museum

The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr lets you explore the world of military history of Germany. There are over 1.2 million items to be found, including 800 land, air, and sea vehicles, more than 1000 guns and even flamethrowers.

Brühl's Terrace

Brühl's Terrace

This beautiful sight has been nicknamed "The Balcony of Europe". It's not hard to see why: Brühlsche Terrasse stretches above the shore of the river, hence the incredible views it offers. There are plenty of cafes, and benches where you can relax and gaze at the view.

Pillnitz Camellia

Pillnitz Camellia

As a gift to foster political bonds, Kew Gardens London sent one of four highly sought-after Japanese Camellia sprouts (brought to London by a Swedish botanist after a Japan excursion) to Pillnitz, Germany. But, the sprout had a hard time adjusting to the cold central European winters. Today, it is housed in a glass house built on railways that can be moved back and forth to shade the sensitive plant as needed.

Kunsthofpassage

Kunsthofpassage

An ensemble of backyards became a heaven for creative expression in Dresden's Neustadt ("new town"). Each courtyard of the district explores a different theme through various form of art, and the quarter is peppered with small boutiques and galleries. Most eye-catching is the odd-looking cascade of pipes and funnels running down the blue house, which plays music as rain water runs through it.

Zwinger

Zwinger

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Zwinger is one of Dresden’s most beautiful, and one of Europe’s most important Baroque buildings. It houses the Old Masters Picture Gallery, an Armoury, Porcelain Collection and a Zoological Museum.

New Synagogue

New Synagogue

Dresden’s new synagogue replaces the one destroyed by the Nazis prior to World War II. It is used by the Jewish community left of the one that used to reside in Dresden before the war.

Albertinum

Albertinum

The Albertinum is a magnificent museum built in the late 19th century. It showcases a wealth of sculptures, jewellery and paintings. The museum also hosts several special exhibitions.

Königstraße

Königstraße

To get a good impression of how Dresden once used to look, head to Königstraße in the Neustadt Quarter and its rows of beautifully restored 18th-century houses. An abundance of restaurants and elegant boutiques are hidden in the inner courtyards.

Großer Garten

Großer Garten

'Dresden's Green Heart', as this public park is known, is located just to the southeast of the city centre and offers both visitors and local Dresdeners a verdant respite from city life. They can be seen rollerblading, strolling or simply lying in the grass and taking in the sun.

Dresden Zoo

Dresden Zoo

Located in the Großer Garten, the Dresden Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals, representing more than 400 species, with special emphasis on Asian animals. Founded in 1861, it is one of Germany's oldest zoos, and remains a great pastime for the whole family.

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