Dresden 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Dresden Airport (DRS) or take the train to Dresden Hauptbahnhof
  • Check-in at Hotel Suitess zu Dresden or similar
  • Start your day at Neustadt, a charming neighborhood with beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere

Afternoon

  • Visit Frauenkirche, a stunning Lutheran church rebuilt after WWII
  • Explore the surrounding Altmarkt square, featuring the iconic Golden Rider statue
  • Walk along the Elbe River promenade for scenic views of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Saxon cuisine at Gasthaus am Neumarkt
  • Visit the Dresden State Opera House (Semperoper) for a performance or guided tour

Tips

  • Buy a Dresden Card, which grants access to public transportation and discounts on attractions
  • Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks

Day 2: Royal Palaces and Gardens

Morning

  • Visit Zwinger Palace, a stunning Baroque complex with beautiful gardens and fountains
  • Explore the adjacent Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery)

Afternoon

  • Walk to Schlossplatz, featuring the Dresden Castle and the Hofkirche church
  • Stroll through the picturesque Grosser Garten, a large park with gardens, lakes, and walking paths

Evening

  • Dine at Restaurant Vau, offering modern German cuisine
  • Enjoy a scenic evening stroll along the Elbe River promenade

Things to Know

  • Zwinger Palace is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike; arrive early to avoid crowds
  • The Grosser Garten park has several playgrounds and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families

Day 3: Art and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Albertinum, a museum showcasing contemporary art and sculpture gardens
  • Explore the adjacent Lingner Palace, featuring a unique blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum (German Hygiene Museum), a quirky museum showcasing the history of hygiene and health
  • Visit the Kunsthalle im Lipsiusbau, an art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Feldschlößchen, serving modern German cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Attend a concert or performance at the Kulturpalast Dresden (Culture Palace)

Tips

  • The Albertinum museum has a lovely café with outdoor seating and art installations
  • The Deutsches Hygiene-Museum may seem unusual, but it’s a fascinating and unique experience

Day 4: Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland

Morning

  • Take the train (S-Bahn) or drive to Pirna, a charming town in Saxon Switzerland ( approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • Hike through the stunning Bastei rock formations and scenic views of the Elbe River
  • Visit the picturesque Wehlen village, with its historic church and half-timbered houses

Afternoon

  • Explore the Königstein Fortress, a medieval castle with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
  • Return to Dresden in the evening, enjoying dinner at Restaurant Wenzel Prager, serving traditional Saxon cuisine

Things to Know

  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for hiking in Saxon Switzerland
  • The Bastei rock formations are a popular spot; consider visiting early or later in the day to avoid crowds

Day 5: Last Day in Dresden

Morning

  • Visit the Dresden City Museum, showcasing the city’s history and culture
  • Explore the charming Innere Neustadt neighborhood, with its colorful buildings and quaint shops

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Münzgasse, a lively shopping street with unique boutiques and cafes
  • Visit the Augustusbrücke, a historic bridge offering scenic views of the Elbe River

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant Apostel, serving modern German cuisine
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the city, reflecting on your wonderful time in Dresden

Transportation

  • Dresden has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains
  • Consider purchasing a Dresden Card for unlimited access to public transportation and discounts on attractions

Other Things of Interest

  • The Dresden Christmas Market is a popular event during the winter season
  • Take a guided tour or rent a bike to explore the city’s scenic bike paths and parks