Things to do in Dresden

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Dresden

Things to Do in Dresden


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Dresden.


Top Attractions in Dresden

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Speciality Museums
Since 2006 the Panometer Dresden, a former gas tank in Dresden Reick, displays the monumental 360° panoramas “BAROQUE DRESDEN” and “DRESDEN 1945” created by Berlin artist Yadegar Asisi in a regular change. The presentation of the pictures on a scale of 1:1 and a 105 m wide and 27 m high surface is supported by the use of light and sound. Standing on the 15 m high platform in the middle of the monumental picture the visitor can thus experience the perfect illusion of immerging into the history of Saxony’s capital Dresden. Between January and May/June the panorama “DRESDEN 1945” broaches the issues of tragedy and hope of the European city. The accompanying exhibition provides an introduction into the immediate aftermath of the bombing raids on February 13th in 1945. Inside of the panorama picture, which is supported by light and sound effects, the incidents of this day get then even more realistic for the visitors and they get the feeling of being directly involved in the happening. The following documentary, showing interviews with contemporary witnesses, depicts Dresden’s reconstruction in the centuries after the bombing. Between June and December “BAROQUE DRESDEN” invites its visitors to a travel in time into the epoch of Baroque, Dresden’s most famous era. Inspired by the numerous vedutas of Bernardo Bellotto, also known as Canaletto, Yadegar Asisi depicts a unique overall view of Saxony’s capital city. Detailed sceneries of the city life and the courtly routine during the Augustan Epoch, dated back to 1695 - 1760, allow the visitors to plunge into the baroque heyday. The accompanying exhibition, held in vibrant colours such as magenta, deep blue and gold, concentrates on the baroque city’s daily life. Numerous exhibits illustrate different aspects of absolutism, court and religion of this time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.






What travellers are saying

  • mayaaC
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you visit this church, it is highly recommended to also visit the dome. You'll be rewarded with a great view over the city and the Elbe.
    Written October 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Luann P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Zwinger was amazing! It is a large, beautiful building with 5 or more separate areas that could each be a museum in itself. There is not just Dresden china, about which you may have heard before, but china from different parts of the world. There are also displays of clocks and other things. It took us four hours or more to see everything.
    Written March 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vatravelingbug
    Arlington, VA403 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Green Vault is unique--so many unusual treasures in a treasure of a place--all ornate and over the top in a town where the architecture is also already over the top iThe audio guide is terrific and tells a story of a life most of us cannot even begin to imagine. My question--which no one could answer-was who polishes all that silver?!
    You need to book ahead to visit the vault but it is well worth the advance planning.
    Written October 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ramon
    416 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On 2 floors you get to see a big collection of various artists and their work, mostly paintings with a few statues as well.
    The size is actually manageable in 1 visit though it is surely a lot to take in.
    Written October 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Josie Iino
    Cambridge, UK132 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a nice, quick stop; it is only across from the bridge and terrace, where my friends and I could relax overlooking the Elbe. The actual attraction (the yellow painting) is quite striking in itself. It is a nice thing to enjoy while walking in the Center to various nearby locations.
    Written September 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hert4d
    London, UK41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the Dresdner Semperoper as Christmas treat for the family and we enjoyed the Opera Hänsel und Gretel.
    This is a very special place with amazing architecture and stunning art.
    The opera was a beautiful piece that also children enjoyed!
    Simply stunning experience.
    Written December 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ramon
    416 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very impressive place and museum. There really is a lot to see and it is too much for simply 1 day to properly take it in. If possible, use the 2 day museum ticket to stretch it a bit. Even there I didn't pay a lot of attention towards the end of some exhibitions anymore.
    But I highly recommend it for sure!
    Written October 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mayaaC
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice to place to relax, wander around and just absorb in the city's atmosphere. Definitely worth the visit. Offering nice views over the river too.
    Written October 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John N
    Vancouver, Canada13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thoroughly enjoyed this. Puts the old town in perspective. Can't imagine what kind of camera could take pictures that could be projected onto a 50 foot high screen.
    Written October 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JohannaHave
    Helsinki, Finland103 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place to walk around and pass time. Very unique place to visit with cute little shops and cafes here and there. Interesting and nice art all around in the buildings and backyards. Great athmosphere
    Written April 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter C
    Wallsend, UK6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Did not visit the palace but palace grounds were excellent. It was a very hot day and sadly there were no water points in the park. Excellent gift shop outside the grounds and a lovely cafe just a bit further down.
    Written August 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • leslie c
    Berlin, Germany166 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do you want see how a striving young Dresdener became one of the world's top earning artists? Gerhard Richter's works are a highlight of the Albertinum contemporary art museum on the banks of the river Elbe. This may be one of the most under-visited sights of Dresden but for art lovers it's a real find.
    Many of Germany's most renowned 19th and 20th century painters came from Saxony. Caspar David Friedrich and his famed moonlight scenes,for example, or Pechstein and the revolutionary Blaue Reiter movement.
    The top floor has many of their works and a sprinkling of other leading German and French impressionists.

    Written November 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.