What to do in Dresden

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic square with cobblestone pavement, surrounded by classical European architecture and a prominent clock tower.
A historic building with ornate facades and a prominent tower with a green spire.
A street lined with historic buildings, a busy road, and a hill with trees in the background.
A large, ornate building with a prominent dome and clock tower against a clear blue sky.
A historic building with intricate architecture, featuring a prominent tower and arched windows, partially covered in green ivy.

Dresden Attractions

Always up for unique ways to get inspired and have an eye-opening excursion, you're prepared to explore an exciting travel spot like the savvy traveller you are. It's not hard to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Canada makes it a breeze to book tons of things to do. Find and book your activities now, and all you'll have left to do is count the days until your escape and prepare to have fun!

  • The activities in Dresden are not only topnotch, but they won't bust your budget. We have 157 things to do here, and you can get them starting at just CA $12 . Get your favourite tours on Expedia Canada for significant savings, and you'll still have money for a fancy hotel or upscale meal while you're in town.
  • Dresden is popular among adventurers similar to yourself. In fact, many travellers have been visiting Dresden to get a taste of local culture and find the top activities, and a good portion of these visitors can't wait to come back. The most loved activities can grab the enthusiasm of even experienced explorers, and that includes savvy visitors like you. Our list includes an impressive array of culturally based outings and opportunities for fun. With unique ways to check out the best this area has to offer like a Small-Group Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Parks Day Trip with Lunch and Small-Group Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland Winter Day Trip with Lunch, there is an abundance of selections at your fingertips when you review the top-quality tours and excursions here at Expedia Canada.

You'll need a game plan to really get the most out of Dresden, particularly when you intend to include trips to museums and outdoor activities. And we can tell you don't plan to sleep all day—you're ready to get out and take it all in. You look forward to scoping out the best activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Our activities are the best way to organize your holiday. Book professional city tours on Expedia Canada, and you may find all that you are looking for and more.

Things to do

Picture 6 for Activity Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise

CA $43
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Dresden: River Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Dresden: Zwinger Museum Entry Ticket

Dresden: Zwinger Museum Entry Ticket

CA $29
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Dresden: Zwinger Museum Entry Ticket
Dresden: The Original Night Watchman Tour in Lantern Light

Dresden: On the Road with the Mysterious Night Watchman

CA $26
per adult
Dresden: On the Road with the Mysterious Night Watchman
Dresden: Night Watchman Tour Through The Old Town

Dresden: Night Watchman Tour Through The Old Town

CA $24
per adult
Dresden: Night Watchman Tour Through The Old Town
Dresden: Guided City Walk with a Cup of Coffee

Dresden: Old Town Walking Tour: The Fascination of Dresden

CA $22
per adult
Dresden: Old Town Walking Tour: The Fascination of Dresden
Picture 5 for Activity Dresden: Special Tour for Children & Families

Dresden: KID.s tour of the Gläserne Manufaktur

CA $15
per adult
Dresden: KID.s tour of the Gläserne Manufaktur
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German

CA $54
per adult
Dresden: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in German
Dresden: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tickets

Dresden: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tickets

CA $48
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Dresden: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tickets
Taste of Dresden Food Walk

Dresden: Delicious Dresden - The Culinary City Walking Tour

CA $31
per adult
Dresden: Delicious Dresden - The Culinary City Walking Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Church of Our Lady

Despite dating back to the 18th century, Dresden’s iconic church remained a pile of rubble for half a century following the 1945 bombing of Dresden. Today, following a long reconstructive period, the Church of Our Lady has been returned to its original state, and is considered one of the most important examples of Protestant sacred architecture in the region. Climb its arched dome or take in a concert within its cavernous nave.
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An ornate church interior with a central organ, arched ceilings, and intricate woodwork.

2. Zwinger Palace

Among Dresden’s most recognizable buildings is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The Zwinger Palace dominates the northwestern boundary of Dresden’s Old Town, close to the Royal Palace and the opera house. Visit the Zwinger Palace to stroll through its decadent gardens and courtyards, to see a large collection of art and artifacts and to admire the opulent interior of the palace.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a clock.

3. Semper Opera House

Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.
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A grand building with ornate architecture, a statue of a man on horseback, and a fountain.

4. Old Market Square

Dresden is famous across the world for its Christmas Market, or Striezelmarkt, but the Old Market Square bustles year round. Mentioned for the first time in 1370, it was the heart of the city until its destruction in 1945. Today, after a brief time as a parking lot under the GDR, it has been reborn, hosting markets, sporting events, performances and more throughout the year. Come for a specific event or just wander by and see what’s on, a perfect way to experience the real Dresden.
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A European square with cafes, outdoor seating, and historic buildings.

5. Dresden Castle

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.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, including a series of arches and columns, and a courtyard with a clear blue sky.

Recommended things to do in Dresden

Number of things to do
157
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dresden Self-Guided Audio Tour: Semperoper, Frauenkirche, and many more: CA $12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Dresden

Stay near popular Dresden attractions

An ornate church interior with a central organ, arched ceilings, and intricate woodwork.

Church of Our Lady

9.4/10 (1,975 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.
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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
A fountain with statues in a park with trees and a building in the background.

Neustadt

Museums, shopping, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Neustadt. Make a stop by Kunsthof-Passage or Saxon State Chamber while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Waldschloesschen Station or Nordstrasse Station to get around town.
A river with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings.

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.
A hillside village with colorful houses and dense green trees.

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 Elbe Valley and Dresden Panometer.
A bridge with multiple lanes, a tunnel entrance, and a mountainous landscape with buildings on top.

Plauen

Plauen is well-liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Heidenschanze and Saxon State Library are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Nuernberger Platz Station or Zschertnitz Meunzmeisterstrasse Station to get around.
A church with a tall steeple, two large clocks, and a red-tiled roof.

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Dresden

A river with a boat, surrounded by houses and greenery.

Pirna

A couple standing by a river with a historic building in the background.

Radebeul

A historic building with a red-tiled roof and white walls, a stone staircase, and a sign indicating 'Schloss Klessinger'.

Radeberg

A grassy park with a wooden bench, a metal bench, and a tree stump.

Kreischa

A calm lake with a rocky shoreline, surrounded by dense trees and a clear sky.

Arnsdorf

A fountain with water jets, a rainbow, and a checkered building in the background.

Prager Strasse

Frequently asked questions

Is Dresden worth visiting?
Offering a blend of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Dresden. While you're here, head to Movie Nights at the Elbe, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Dresden?
Oskarshausen and Burgk Castle are two great places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Dresden while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dresden?
Movie Nights at the Elbe is one of the top tourist attractions in Dresden and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dresden?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Movie Nights at the Elbe, Dresden Suspension Railway and Burgk Castle with a three-day escape to Dresden. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Prager Strasse.
Is Dresden a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Dresden, like Movie Nights at the Elbe and Carte Blanche Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Dresden is Altstadt Dresden and Innere Vorstadt is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dresden with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all ages, take 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 two 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?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Dresden. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Georg-Treu-Platz is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.

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