Dresden is a city of exquisite architecture with some of the richest museum collections in the world. The sights in Dresden are very beautiful and there are plenty of them - so we're sure you'll get plenty of impressions from your trip to Dresden.
You should probably get a map of all the sights in Dresden so you can get your bearings in a city you're not familiar with. Here are a few quick things to do and see first.
The Zwinger is a beautiful example of 18th century German Baroque. It is a palace complex, which now operates as a museum, and which houses four interesting exhibitions: the Old Masters Gallery, the Porcelain Museum, the Armory, and the Physics and Mathematics Salon. Construction of the Zwinger began in 1709, it was destroyed several times, and only by 1964 was it possible to completely rebuild this palace.
Opposite the Zwinger is the Opera House, which we advise you not only to see from the outside, but also to visit. Dresden is considered a major European cultural center, and you have a unique opportunity to experience its culture.
The princely castle-residence is a sight that will catch your attention at first glance. This castle was built in the 12th century and received its modern appearance in 1901. The castle-residence of the Saxon princes is both a historical monument and an architectural attraction, representing the Neo-Renaissance style.
Frauenkirche is the largest Protestant cathedral Dresden. The cathedral was built in 1726-1743 in the Baroque style. When you admire its appearance, we recommend that you go up to the observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of Dresden.
The tourist map of the city with landmarks also includes the Hofkirche, the largest church in Saxony and one of the biggest Catholic churches in Europe.
Between the Old Town and the Elbe River embankment lies the Brühl's Terrace, which used to be the site of fortification structures. Even today, you can still see a large number of cannon ports, fortress gates, and extensive casemates here.
While exploring the sights of Dresden, you’ve surely come across the Japanese Palace. This building in the Eastern style was constructed between 1715 and 1717 as a porcelain museum. Today, the Japanese Palace is considered one of the key attractions of the city’s newer part — it houses the Museums of Ancient History and Anthropology.
If you’re interested in museums, be sure to visit two of the most fascinating and unusual ones in Dresden — the German Hygiene Museum and the Transport Museum.
In Dresden, you can hire a tour guide or join a guided tour, but if you prefer to explore on your own, we recommend studying a Dresden sightseeing guide.
