Top 10 Things to Do in Dresden, Germany

10 Best Things to Do in Dresden, Germany

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

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 reminds 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.

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To get to Bastei Bridge from Dresden, you'll need to take a train heading toward Schöna or Bad Schandau to the Kurort Lathen station from the Dresden Neustadt station. Once you arrive, head into the town and cross the river by ferry. From there, you should be able to follow the direction to the start of the hike.

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.

Where to Stay in Dresden, Germany?

Budget

Lollis Homestay

Dorm | $

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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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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

Right around the corner from the fate is the Fürstenzug. It is a massive mural of the procession of the rulers of Saxony which was originally painted between 1871 and 1876. The superb attention to detail on the mural is quite a sight to behold.

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

Dresden Frauenkirche church is a famous landmark in Dresden. It is a Lutheran church that provides a great example of Protestant sacred architecture, showcasing one of Europe's largest domes.

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)

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, to check out what is happening at Scheune. On every Monday, Jazzfanatics organizes a free jazz concert that you can attend at Kulturzentrum Scheune. On my first day arriving in Dresden, I attended one of their concerts and instantly fell in love with Dresden then.

You can also find many other kinds of events happening every week, both on weekdays and weekends, some free, some costing 5 EUR for entrance or more. If you are in Dresden for a few days, be sure to check out Scheune and see what events they have to offer.

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

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.

How to Get to Dresden, Germany?

The best way to get here is to fly into one of Germany's hub cities like Frankfurt or Berlin and take a bus from there. I would recommend that you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find all the cheap flights from where you live to Germany and compare them so that you can find the one that best fits your itinerary.

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: Both the bus and the train drop people off at either Dresden Neustadt or at Dresden Hauptbahnhof.

How to Get Around Dresden, Germany?

Inside the city, you can take a tram or walk. Most of the attractions in Dresden are located in the old town, which is only a 15-minute walk away from the hostel.

If you plan to do the Bastei hike (which you should), you must take a train from the Neustadt station heading towards the direction of Schöna or Bad Schandau to the Kurort Rathen station, and simply follow the direction across the river. You should arrive at the start of the hike.

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.

What to Pack for Dresden, Germany?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Dresden, Germany:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
• Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
• Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
• Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

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

That is it for Top 10 Things to Do in Dresden, Germany. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Dresden, Germany! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Busbud when traveling in Dresden, Germany while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars in Dresden, Germany.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip to Dresden, Germany. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for activities to do in Dresden, Germany.

Tickets & Deals: Tiqets is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions in Dresden, Germany.

Are you planning to travel to Dresden, Germany independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Germany

I hope you found this guide helpful in your trip planning. If you want to read more about Germany, I have written a few more travel guides, all listed here:

• Looking for a complete itinerary for Germany? 2-3 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Germany.
• Are you traveling to Germany as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
• Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
• Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
• Berlin, the creative capital of Europe, has so much to offer that you can spend a week there without getting bored. If you are heading that way, be sure to check out my hipster travel guide on the top 12 things to do in Berlin.
• Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and the embodiment of the rich culture we often see of Germany in the media. If you are planning to visit Munich, check out: 10 Unique Things to Do in Munich.
• If you are going to Cologne, watch out for your bag as I had my bag snatched from the train station there. Read about my experience getting my bag stolen in Cologne and how I dealt with it here.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• You can also watch my Germany travel video here: "Alone in Germany" travel video.
• To see all the articles about Germany, visit the Germany Travel Guide page.
• Looking for a place to go after Germany? How about France, Switzerland, or Poland? Visit our France travel guide page, Switzerland travel guide page, and Poland travel guide page for more.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Western Europe Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.