Things to do in Dresden

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Dresden showing a square or plaza
Procession of Princes
Dresden featuring street scenes
New Market Square which includes a church or cathedral
Martin Luther Church showing a church or cathedral

Dresden Attractions

Wondering how you'll keep yourself occupied in Dresden? You won't be short of things to do in this happening state capital. With so many activities and tourist attractions to enjoy, the only hard part of your escape will be deciding where to begin.

If you're ready to discover the best of Dresden, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly expert show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {133 fun activities in Dresden fun activities in Dresden} are also worth looking into.

Most popular activities in Dresden

Tours & day trips

See all 128 activities
Dresden Trip with Zwinger Palace & Semper Gallery Admission

Dresden Trip with Zwinger Palace & Semper Gallery Admission

Activity duration is 12 hours
6.8 out of 10 with 35 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $119 per adult
Dresden Trip with Zwinger Palace & Semper Gallery AdmissionOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 53 activities
Dresden Interactive City Tour

Dresden Interactive City Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $9 and current price is $6 per adult
Dresden Interactive City TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 17 activities
Dresden: City Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide

Dresden: City Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $22 per adult
Dresden: City Sightseeing Tour with Live GuideOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 7 activities
Dresden: Gala Concert in the Dresden Zwinger

Dresden: Gala Concert in the Dresden Zwinger

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
7.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $56 per adult
Dresden: Gala Concert in the Dresden ZwingerOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 6 activities
Meissen and Dresden Christmas Market Full Day Private Tour from Prague

Meissen and Dresden Christmas Market Full Day Private Tour from Prague

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $502 per adult
Meissen and Dresden Christmas Market Full Day Private Tour from PragueOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Dresden

Number of things to do
133
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dresden Interactive City Tour: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Dresden

Free Things to Do in Dresden

A visit to Dresden need not cost a fortune. You won't even need your wallet if you go to:

Procession of Princes - If you'd love to learn more about the cultural and artistic side of the region, make sure you drop by.

ASP Panama - Calling all animal lovers — here's your opportunity to meet some interesting new friends.

Dresden Funicular Railway - Pencil in time to play and add some excitement to your escape here.

Diu Dresden International University GmbH - This local landmark is a terrific backdrop for a selfie.

Georg-Treu-Platz - If you're planning to explore the area's history through its landmarks, stick this one on your itinerary.

New Market Square - Discover for yourself why locals and travelers alike are in love with the charm and character of this place.

Canaletto Blick - There's something calming about being close to the water, so stay a while here.

French Institute - Look up your guidebook and learn why this place deserves a spot on your must-see list.

Church of Our Lady - No matter what you believe in, this place will inspire a sense of reverence.

Herzogin Garten - Cultivate your green thumb and admire the various plants on show.

Things to Do in Dresden with Kids

Dresden is a terrific destination for a family escape. Bring the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Dresden? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dresden

Semper Opera House showing heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Semper Opera House

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Saxony’s state opera house is resplendent with three styles of architecture. Take in a ballet or opera performance in its opulent theater.

Semper Opera House
Church of Our Lady which includes religious elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

Church of Our Lady

4.5/5(91 reviews)

Listen to a vocal ensemble, climb to the viewing platform at the top of the dome and learn about the church’s long reconstruction at Dresden’s major Lutheran place of worship.

Church of Our Lady
Zwinger Palace showing a castle

Zwinger Palace

4.5/5(87 reviews)

Wander through sprawling gardens, explore decadent courtyards and see important collections of art at this Baroque masterpiece.

Zwinger Palace
Dresden Castle which includes street scenes

Dresden Castle

4.5/5(84 reviews)

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.

Dresden Castle
Old Market Square featuring street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a couple

Old Market Square

4.5/5(53 reviews)

Winter, spring, summer or fall, you’ll always find something going on in this recently revitalized cultural space in the center of the city.

Old Market Square
Blue Wonder Bridge showing street scenes and a bridge

Blue Wonder Bridge

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Cross the Elbe River using this historic bridge to visit picturesque neighborhoods and to discover its tumultuous wartime history.

Blue Wonder Bridge
Radebeul showing a small town or village, a river or creek and cycling

Pillnitz Castle and Park

4/5(7 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Dresden with a visit to Pillnitz Castle and Park. Take in the fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Pillnitz Castle and Park
Dresden University of Technology

Dresden University of Technology

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Dresden University of Technology during your stay in Dresden. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Dresden University of Technology
New Market Square featuring a square or plaza

New Market Square

4.5/5(71 reviews)

Dresden’s historic square is host to a traditional Christmas market, alfresco dining and one of the city’s largest churches.

New Market Square

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Dresden

Heidelberg Castle which includes heritage architecture and landscape views

Altstadt Dresden

5/5(185 area reviews)

On the south side of the Elbe River is Dresden’s historic center, which features art galleries, grandiose churches, picturesque gardens and shopping districts.

Altstadt Dresden
Neustadt showing street scenes

Neustadt

Go on a walking tour around Dresden’s preserved 18th-century quarter, which offers an insight into how the city appeared before its 1940s bombardment.

Neustadt
Saxony which includes farmland

Innere Altstadt

If you're spending time in Innere Altstadt, check out sights like Altmarkt or Old Market Square and hop on the metro to see more the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.

Innere Altstadt
Neustadt Market Hall showing heritage elements

Innere Neustadt

Shopping, historic sites, and river views highlight some notable features of Innere Neustadt. Make a stop by Saxon State Chamber or Movie Nights at the Elbe while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Carolaplatz Station or Albertplatz Station to get around town.

Innere Neustadt
Dresden showing a small town or village

Blasewitz

5/5(2 area reviews)

Learn about innovation in the tech museum, cross the Blue Bridge and admire the impressive façades of the historic villas.

Blasewitz
Neustadt showing a fountain

Albertstadt

3/5(2 area reviews)

Get to know Albertstadt and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Bundeswehr Military History Museum and Dresden Elbe Valley, and you can jump on the metro at Dresden Industrial Estate S-Bahn or Heeresbaeckerei Station to get around the city.

Albertstadt
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Dresden

Pirna which includes a river or creek

Pirna

Photo "Wilsdruff" by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA)

Wilsdruff

Photo by Gabriele Borchert

Moritzburg

Photo "Freital" by Stefan Kühn (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by Stefan Kühn (CC0)

Freital

Radebeul showing a small town or village, a river or creek and cycling

Radebeul

Photo "Radeberg" by Namenlos.net (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Namenlos.net (CC BY-SA)

Radeberg

Photo "Kesselsdorf" by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hedwig Storch (CC BY-SA)

Kesselsdorf

Photo "Klipphausen" by Fuxxtech (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Fuxxtech (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Klipphausen

Frequently asked questions

Is Dresden worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Dresden is explore Movie Nights at the Elbe. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Dresden?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Burgk Castle and Railway Museum Dresden-Altstadt. Then, explore different areas of Dresden for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dresden?
You can't leave without checking out Movie Nights at the Elbe, ranked the top tourist attraction in Dresden.
Is three days enough to stay in Dresden?
Three days in Dresden is enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Movie Nights at the Elbe, Dresden Suspension Railway and Burgk Castle are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Prager Strasse.
Is Dresden a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Dresden, such as Movie Nights at the Elbe and Carte Blanche Theater, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 1 mile from central Dresden is Altstadt Dresden and Innere Vorstadt is 0.3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Dresden with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Dresden with kids.

What to do in Dresden for adults?
Radeberger Brewery and Alter Schlachthof are just a couple of the things to do in Dresden. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Dresden?
In Dresden, ASP Panama is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Dresden.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia