Dresden Castle Tours

Dresden Castle which includes street scenes
Dresden Castle featuring heritage architecture
Dresden Castle featuring heritage architecture
Dresden Castle which includes street scenes
Dresden Castle showing heritage elements


A former Royal Palace located in the historic heart of Dresden is today a major cultural attraction and home to some of Germany’s oldest art collections.

Occupying much of the center of Dresden’s historic heart, the Dresden Castle or Royal Palace is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Along with its impressive collection of architectural marvels, the castle is today one of Dresden’s main galleries. Since its reconstruction following the 1945 bombing of Dresden, the castle has been built as the Palace of Art and Sciences. See historic coins, palace stables and a 335-foot (102-meter) mural as you explore the complex.

With more than 400 years of history, the Dresden Castle is one of the oldest structures in the city. The grand royal residence features a range of architectural styles, including the original Romanesque keep and Renaissance and Baroque additions. The reconstruction that took place following World War II was only completed in 2013 and features many modern elements. Enter the visitor’s lobby in the castle courtyard to admire the roof. Tessellated, transparent pillows create a ceiling that protects the courtyard buildings from the elements but still allows the pebblestone exteriors to be naturally lit.

Visit the Coin Cabinet to see historic coins or the Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs, one of the oldest such collections in Germany. Admire the Green Vaults, two exhibition spaces containing two of the most impressive and lavish works of art in the museum, comprising of historic jewels and mirrored walls. Stop by the opulent Turkish Chamber, the art library and the armory before venturing to the castle’s grounds.

Appreciate the skill that went into the creation of the 335-foot (102-meter) Procession of Princes, a monumental mural made from 25,000 painted tiles. The mural is one of the highlights of the castle. Continue along the Langer Gang, a long arched corridor, to reach the large courtyard home to the castle’s former stables.

Dresden Castle is closed Tuesdays and admission fees apply for entrance. The New and Historic Green Vaults are subject to additional tickets. The castle is located in central Dresden and can be reached by tram or bus. Some street parking is available in the area.

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Reviews of Dresden Castle

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 62%
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4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 2%
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5/5 - Excellent

Dr.Jon

Be aware the museums often close earlier than you may be used to.

5/5 - Excellent

John

No need to take transportation. Only 5 minute walk from hotel Ibis budget

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Dresden Castle

Occidental Dresden Newa

Occidental Dresden Newa

Prager Straße 2c, Dresden, SN
Occidental Dresden Newa
Hampton By Hilton Dresden City Centre

Hampton By Hilton Dresden City Centre

Ringstrasse 4, 01067, Dresden
Hampton By Hilton Dresden City Centre
Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

3.5 out of 5
Altmarkt 4, Dresden, SN
Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt
HYPERION Hotel Dresden Am Schloss

HYPERION Hotel Dresden Am Schloss

Schlosstrasse 16, Dresden, SN
HYPERION Hotel Dresden Am Schloss
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Devreintstraße 10-12 / Ostra-Ufer 2, Dresden, SN
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden
INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

4.5 out of 5
Salzgasse 4, Dresden, SN
INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden
Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG

Prager Str. 13, Dresden, SN
Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt

NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt

4.5 out of 5
An der Kreuzkirche 2, Dresden, SN
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
Hilton Dresden an der Frauenkirche

Hilton Dresden an der Frauenkirche

An der Frauenkirche 5, Dresden
Hilton Dresden an der Frauenkirche
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dresden Castle

While visiting Dresden Castle, immerse yourself in local culture with city tours and sightseeing spots. Enjoy outdoor activities and discover the vibrant shopping and entertainment scene nearby. Don't miss the opportunity for day trips to explore the surrounding area, and consider catching a movie night for a relaxing evening. Dresden Castle offers a perfect blend of history and modern attractions, making your visit memorable.

Shopping

Located a mere 0.2 miles from Dresden Castle, Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. For a taste of local culture, head to Neustadt Market Hall, just 0.6 miles away, or visit Pragerstrasse Dresden, 0.5 miles away, for a bustling shopping area.

Recreation

At Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. The nearby EnergieVerbund Arena offers exhilarating ice skating experiences, blending adventure and entertainment. For a more traditional sports vibe, visit Heinz-Steyer-Stadium, where the excitement of athletic competitions awaits.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Dresden Funicular Railway, located 3 miles from Dresden Castle, offering family-friendly outdoor adventures. For a unique ride, try the Dresden Suspension Railway, also 3 miles away, providing scenic views. For more excitement, head to Altenberg Bobsleigh, 18 miles away, perfect for sports enthusiasts and families.

Nightlife

In Dresden, enjoy Movie Nights at the Elbe for a cozy cinematic experience just 0.4 miles from the castle. The Comödie Dresden, located 0.7 miles away, offers delightful performances, while the State Playhouse Dresden, a mere 0.2 miles from the castle, showcases captivating theater productions.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dresden Castle

Dresden Castle offers a rich cultural experience for all types of travelers, with highlights including the piazza square, stunning churches, and engaging history museums. Nearby attractions such as Albrechtsberg Castle and Pillnitz Castle enhance your visit, showcasing beautiful grounds and architecture. Whether you're exploring with family or diving into the city's history, there’s plenty to enjoy around this magnificent castle.

  • Semper Opera House: This stunning opera house is renowned for its exquisite architecture and rich history. Experience captivating performances in a romantic setting that reflects the essence of Dresden's cultural heritage. Just a short walk from the castle, it’s a perfect stop for art and music lovers.
  • Church of Our Lady: A stunning symbol of reconciliation, this baroque church features a magnificent dome and breathtaking interiors. The Church of Our Lady invites visitors to appreciate its artistic beauty and cultural significance, all within a stone's throw from the castle.
  • Zwinger Palace: This historic palace showcases exquisite gardens and impressive galleries, making it a cultural gem of Dresden. Explore its beautiful architecture and art collections, including works by renowned masters, just a short distance away from the castle.

Best time to go to Dresden Castle

The best time to visit Dresden Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dresden Castle falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Dresden Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.7°F (8.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dresden Castle

To save money on your visit to Dresden Castle, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Booking about a month in advance can secure better deals, while Mondays tend to be cheaper than Saturdays. Use Expedia to filter your hotel options by price and preferences, including eco-friendly choices. Consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Don’t forget to compare room rates for the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dresden Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Dresden Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dresden Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Dresden Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking a package through Expedia that combines your hotel stay at Dresden Castle with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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