- Direct UK flights to Dresden are rare, so most visitors fly to Berlin or Prague and take the train
- The rebuilt Frauenkirche reopened in 2005
- The Green Vault needs timed tickets, so book ahead
- Saxon Switzerland's sandstone cliffs are under an hour away by S-Bahn
- Airports
- Dresden (DRS), Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Prague (PRG)
- Best time to go
- May-September and December
- Type
- City
Dresden, the capital of Saxony, was once called the "Florence on the Elbe" for its baroque palaces and art treasures. Much of the centre was destroyed in the bombing of February 1945, and its careful reconstruction, crowned by the Frauenkirche, is one of the most moving stories in Europe. Today the riverside skyline of domes and spires looks much as it did in old paintings.
It is a city for art, music and history, with the Elbe valley and the sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland close by. Read our Saxony guide and the Germany guide for more.
Things to do
- Frauenkirche – the domed Lutheran church, rebuilt from rubble with British help and reconsecrated in 2005. You can climb to the top of the dome.
- Zwinger – a baroque palace complex with courtyards, fountains and the Old Masters Picture Gallery, home of Raphael's Sistine Madonna.
- Green Vault – the treasure chamber of the Saxon rulers in the Royal Palace, split into the Historic and New Green Vaults.
- Semperoper – one of Europe's great opera houses; guided tours run when there is no performance.
- Brühl's Terrace – the riverside promenade known as the "balcony of Europe".
- Procession of Princes – a 100-metre mural of Saxon rulers made from porcelain tiles.
- Neustadt – across the river, with bars, street art and the courtyards of the Kunsthofpassage.
- Paddle steamer trip – historic steamers run along the Elbe towards Pillnitz Palace and beyond.
Where to stay
- Altstadt – the old town, close to the Frauenkirche, Zwinger and river. Best for first-time visitors.
- Innere Neustadt – elegant baroque streets just over the Augustus Bridge.
- Äussere Neustadt – the alternative quarter, full of cafés, bars and nightlife.
Getting there
Direct flights between the UK and Dresden are limited, so check seasonal routes. Most UK visitors fly to Berlin Brandenburg and take a train of roughly two hours, or fly to Prague and take the train along the Elbe in about two and a half hours. Dresden airport is connected to the centre by S-Bahn in about 20 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for river walks and steamer trips. The Striezelmarkt, held in December, is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets and famous for its Stollen. Winter can be cold and grey, but the museums are excellent.
Combine Dresden with a day in Saxon Switzerland. The S-Bahn runs to Kurort Rathen, near the Bastei rock bridge.
Top attractions in Dresden
LandmarkBrandenburg Gate
Berlin's neoclassical city gate, crowned by the Quadriga, once trapped behind the Wall and now the symbol of a reunited…
LandmarkEast Side Gallery
The longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, painted in 1990 by artists from around the world and now an open-air…
LandmarkNeuschwanstein Castle
King Ludwig II's fairy-tale castle on a crag in the Bavarian Alps, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Dresden on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Dresden?
Two days covers the main sights in the old town and a museum or two. Add a third for Saxon Switzerland or Meissen.
Can I fly direct to Dresden from the UK?
Direct services are rare or seasonal. Flying to Berlin or Prague and taking the train is usually easiest.
Was the Frauenkirche rebuilt?
Yes. It collapsed after the 1945 raids and stood as a ruin for decades. It was rebuilt using many of the original stones and reopened in 2005.
Is Dresden good for a Christmas market trip?
Very. The Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest in Germany, and several smaller markets fill the old town in December.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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