Visitor's Guide
Dresden offers a lot to see in many varieties: There is no history of architecture that does not mention the Dresden "Zwinger". "Frauenkirche" ("Church of Our Lady"), "Semperoper" and the "Residenzschloss" lend a characteristic touch to the image of the city, along with other buildings and ensembles of historic importance. The cherubs from Rafael's Sistine Madonna announce Dresden's art collections to the whole world.
Splendid promenades on the river bank, interesting museums and establishments, technical monuments, endearing details: there's a lot you can discover in Dresden.
Museums
Forty museums and many private galleries mainly dedicated to contemporary art have given Dresden the reputation of being a city of culture and the arts. The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters' Art Gallery) with Raphael's famous "Sistine Madonna", and the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vaults) of the royal treasure chambers enjoy international acclaim.
Over 100 exhibits, among them the golden coffee service and Johann Melchior Dinglinger's "Court of the Grand Mogul", are to be seen in the modern rooms for the "Neues Grünes Gewölbe" (New Green Vault), while the "Historisches Grünes Gewölbe" (Historical Green Vault) presents its riches in the magnificently restored original rooms of the historical treasure chamber. The Zwinger's porcelain collection features numerous specimens of Chinese, Japanese and early Meissen porcelain, which are counted among the most significant in the world.
Shopping
Prager Strasse, Altmarkt and Wilsdruffer Strasse are the main shopping centres in Dresden's Old Town. On these broad streets you will find department stores and small shops with a wide variety of offerings. The side streets are also well worth a detour. On the Neustadt bank of the Elbe, the tree-lined Hauptstrasse not only invites you to go shopping, but also to spend some time in one of the many restaurants and cafés. And Dresden's posh Königstrasse offers you high-class dining and elegant shopping facilities in a Baroque ambiance. The fringe area of the New Town exudes an atmosphere of its own, marked by contrasts even in shopping. Elegant boutiques and small shops with quirky offerings, arts and crafts and kitsch, branded products and second-hand goods are waiting to be discovered in the narrow lanes.
Music and theatre
Dresden's fame is inseparably bound up with its great musical tradition: the Dresdner Kreuzchor boys' choir is more than 500 years old. On Saturdays, the choir sings vespers in Kreuzkirche (Church of the Holy Cross, summer 6 p.m., winter 5 p.m.).
The Dresden State Orchestra, one of world's leading orchestras, plays in the magnificent Semper Opera House. Its name is directly linked with more than 300 years of opera history in Saxony. Famous composers, such as Weber, Wagner and Strauss, brought musical theater in Dresden to full bloom. On holidays, the Dresdner Kapellknaben boys' choir and the Cathedral Choir perform near-operatic Catholic sacred music in the Hofkirche (Court Church). At the vespers service on Saturday afternoons you can hear the famous Silbermann organ (May through October).
Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, which gives concerts in the Kulturpalast almost every weekend, also enjoys worldwide fame. Not to forget light entertainment: The Dresden State Operetta features operettas and musicals every day except Mondays.
The sights around Dresden are like pearls on a string. With its vineyards and small wine taverns, Radebeul exudes an almost Mediterranean charm. In Moritzburg, the baroque Moritzburg Castle is well worth a visit, while Meissen has gained worldwide fame as the “porcelain city.”
To the southeast of Dresden, you will find the artistically designed Baroque Garden of Großsedlitz and the somewhat unusual Weesenstein Castle. Passing through Pirna with its “Blossom Castle” Zuschendorf, you reach the bizarre rock formations of Saxon Switzerland. From the Bastei rock, you can enjoy a magnificent view of, among other things, Königstein Fortress – Germany’s largest fortification. The Ore Mountains should definitely be on your itinerary during the Christmas season. As the home of traditional woodcarving, the region shines in its most beautiful festive lights at that time of year.
Those wishing to explore eastern Saxony can follow in the footsteps of the Via Regia. This oldest and longest east–west route in Europe was designated a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” in 2005. Originally, this type of road served purely as a safe trading route under the authority of the king. As trade flourished, many fortifications as well as residential and religious buildings were established along the Via Regia. The city of Görlitz also owes its founding and rise as a trading centre to the Via Regia.
Pillnitz Palace
From exotic pleasure palace to summer residence. The Pillnitz Palace complex is an extraordinary ensemble of architecture and garden design, set within the river landscape against the backdrop of the vineyards of the Elbe Valley. Influenced by the East Asian fashion of the early 18th century, the construction of the Riverside and Hill Palaces laid the foundation for one of Europe’s most important examples of chinoiserie architecture. Even today, the transformation into the summer residence of the Saxon monarchy can still be vividly felt.
Guided tours of the palace park:
During the tour, you will gain insights into the history of the palace and its park, discover rare tree species, and learn about the interests of the Saxon rulers. The walk takes you to the most fascinating parts of the complex. The Catholic Palace Chapel as well as the Chinese and English Gardens can only be visited in the company of a tour guide.
Tours take place on weekends in April and from May until the first weekend of November.
Duration: approx. 75 to 90 minutes
Meeting point / ticket sales: Visitor Information “Alte Wache”
Meißen
Meißen is the historical heart of Saxony. The Margrave’s Tower marks the origins of Wettin Saxony. The Gothic Cathedral, with its towers completed in the 19th century, is a prominent landmark of this city on the Elbe. The Albrechtsburg Castle, with its spiral staircase, is considered the oldest example of a residential Renaissance palace in Germany. Below the castle hill lies the old town, with its beautiful Renaissance town hall on the market square.
The world-famous Meissen Porcelain Manufactory showcases masterpieces of the “white gold” in its exhibition hall – from its founding in 1710 to the present day – all marked with the iconic Blue Swords trademark.
Radeberger Export Beer Brewery
An interesting and informative guided tour offers you a look behind the scenes of the Radeberger Export Beer Brewery. In addition to learning fascinating details about the production and bottling of the traditional Radeberger Pilsner, the programme includes a tasting of Radeberger Pilsner and Zwickelbier (unfiltered Radeberger Pilsner). Each guest also receives a small surprise to take home.
After the tour of the Radeberger Export Beer Brewery, you will visit the Radeberger Brewery Pub, located in the historic Kaiserhof building.
Duration of the tour: approx. 2.5 hours
Please note: The bottling line is not in operation at weekends. From Monday to Friday, production is usually running but cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
Saxon Switzerland
Saxon Switzerland is a picturesque region, renowned for its impressive rock formations, deep gorges and idyllic valleys. The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Numerous hiking trails cross the landscape, allowing you to explore its breathtaking natural beauty. Among the most famous sights is the Bastei Bridge, an imposing stone bridge high above the Elbe Valley. The region also boasts a rich history, charming villages and traditional craftsmanship.
And to help you plan your stay perfectly, you can check the current weather here.
Striezelmarkt Dresden (Christmas Market)
26th November to 24th December 2025
Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The glow of lights, the fragrance of mulled wine and Christmas tunes fill the city centre: the Dresden Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest Christmas Market, is again opening its gates. Over 200 stallholders sell handicrafts from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), Christmas decorations, toys and, of course, the world-famous Dresden Christstollen (fruitcake) from their fancifully decorated chalets. Numerous special highlights and the children's fun area with Christmas bakery will entice you and your family into a fascinating Christmas wonderland.