Things to do in Dresden

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Dresden
Dresden
Dresden
Dresden
Dresden

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 {151 fun activities in Dresden fun activities in Dresden} are also worth looking into.

Things to do

Dresden: The Original Night Watchman Tour in Lantern Light

Dresden: Unterwegs mit dem geheimnisvollen Nachtwächter

$19
per adult
Dresden: Unterwegs mit dem geheimnisvollen Nachtwächter
Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery

Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery

$16
per adult
Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery
Dresden: Night Watchman Tour Through The Old Town

Dresden: Night Watchman Tour Through The Old Town

$19
per adult
Dresden: Night Watchman Tour Through The Old Town
Dresden: Guided City Walk with a Cup of Coffee

Dresden: Faszination Dresden - Der besonder Stadtrundgang

$16
per adult
Dresden: Faszination Dresden - Der besonder Stadtrundgang
Picture 5 for Activity Dresden: Special Tour for Children & Families

Dresden: KID.s Tour durch die Gläserne Manufaktur

$10
per adult
Dresden: KID.s Tour durch die Gläserne Manufaktur
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

$39
per adult
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German
Picture 6 for Activity Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise

$31
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise
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Most popular activities in Dresden

Tours & day trips

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Dresden Trip with Zwinger Palace & Semper Gallery Admission

Dresden Trip with Zwinger Palace & Semper Gallery Admission

Activity duration is 12 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $118 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 40 activities
From Dresden: Saxon Switzerland & Pillnitz Castle

From Dresden: Saxon Switzerland & Pillnitz Castle

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $482 per traveler*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 25 activities
Dresden: Königstein Fortress Paddle Steamer Cruise

Dresden: Königstein Fortress Paddle Steamer Cruise

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 90 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $36 per adult
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Shows & concerts

See all 11 activities
Dresden: Semperoper Tickets and Guided Tour

Dresden: Semperoper Tickets and Guided Tour

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 729 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $18 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 7 activities
Scenic Bastei Bridge with Boat Tour & Lunch from Dresden

Scenic Bastei Bridge with Boat Tour & Lunch from Dresden

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $228 per adult*
Scenic Bastei Bridge with Boat Tour & Lunch from DresdenOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Dresden

Number of things to do
151
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dresden Self-Guided Audio Tour: Semperoper, Frauenkirche, and many more: $9
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

Semper Opera House

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

Church of Our Lady

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

Zwinger Palace

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

Zwinger Palace
blick über dresden elbe panorama fraunekirche filmnächte

Movie Nights at the Elbe

Get tickets for a show at Movie Nights at the Elbe, a theater with a story to tell in Dresden. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Movie Nights at the Elbe
Old Market Square

Old Market Square

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
Dresden Castle

Dresden Castle

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
New Market Square

New Market Square

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

New Market Square
KW2PWP Shopping centre Elbe park, Dresden, Einkaufszentrum Elbepark

Elbepark Dresden

During your visit to Dresden, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Elbepark Dresden. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this family-friendly area.

Elbepark Dresden
Dresden Elbe Valley

Dresden Elbe Valley

You can learn about the history of Dresden when you stop by Dresden Elbe Valley. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

Dresden Elbe Valley

Where to stay in Dresden

Find the best Dresden areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dresden
Learn more about Dresden

Neustadt

Museums, shopping, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Neustadt. Make a stop by Bundeswehr Military History Museum or Kunsthof-Passage while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Waldschloesschen Station or Nordstrasse Station to get around town.

Dresden - Elbufer / Panorama

Altstadt Dresden

Travelers love Altstadt Dresden for its popular shops, and you can see more of Dresden by jumping on the metro at Theaterplatz Station or Altmarkt Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Green Vault and Dresden Cathedral.

Blasewitz

Check out the historic sites while you're in Blasewitz. Hop on the metro at Gottleubaer Strasse Station and Altenberger Strasse Station to see top sights like Dresden Racecourse and Dresden Elbe Valley.

Plauen

Plauen is well-liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Heidenschanze and Russian Orthodox Church are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Nuernberger Platz Station or Zschertnitz Meunzmeisterstrasse Station to get around.

Striesen

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Striesen. Dresden Elbe Valley is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Pohlandplatz Station or Bergmannstrasse Station to see more of the city.

 

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

Pirna

Wilsdruff

Wilsdruff

A large building with two domes and a snow-covered pathway leading to it.

Moritzburg

Blick ins Tal der Weißeritz in Dresden

Freital

Radebeul

Radebeul

Europa, Deutschland, Sachsen, Landkreis Bautzen, Radeberg, Schloss Klippenstein, Heimatmuseum

Radeberg

Kesselsdorf

Kesselsdorf

View over the village Altkötzschenbroda in Saxony, Germany

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.

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