Dresden-6-day-itinerary
6-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Dresden, Germany
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Town
- Morning: Arrive at Dresden Airport (DRS) or Hauptbahnhof (main train station)
- Accommodation: Check-in to a hotel in the Old Town, such as Hotel Suitess or Hotel Taschenbergpalais
- Lunch: Try some traditional Saxon cuisine at Gasthof zum Schwanen or Restaurant Vau
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Zwinger Palace and its beautiful gardens
- Explore the Neustadt (New Town) district, including the Golden Rider statue
- Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Semper Opera House or take a stroll along the Elbe River
Day 2: Cultural Heritage and Architecture
- Morning:
- Visit the Dresden State Art Collections, including the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery)
- Explore the Frauenkirche, a symbol of Dresden’s reconstruction
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Café Europa or Augustiner an der Frauenkirche
- Afternoon:
- Admire the stunning architecture of the Semper Opera House and the Theater Square
- Visit the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault), a museum showcasing Saxon treasures
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Feldschlösschen or try some local craft beer at Brauhaus am Neumarkt
Day 3: Royal Palaces and Gardens
- Morning:
- Visit the Pillnitz Castle and its beautiful gardens (take tram 2 to Pillnitz)
- Explore the Großer Garten, a large park with several palaces and gardens
- Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab food at one of the many cafes in the park
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Dresden Castle, the former residence of the Saxon electors
- Explore the nearby Stallhof, a historic courtyard with stables and riding halls
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Quarré or try some cocktails at Bar Tausend
Day 4: Day Trip to Meissen and the Elbe Valley
- Morning:
- Take a day trip to Meissen (30 minutes by train), famous for its porcelain production
- Visit the Meissen Castle and its porcelain museum
- Lunch: Try some local specialties at Restaurant Vincenz or Gasthof zum Roten Ochsen
- Afternoon:
- Explore the charming town of Pirna, with its historic center and picturesque riverside promenade
- Return to Dresden in the evening and enjoy dinner at Restaurant Wenzel Prager or try some wine at Weinlädchen
Day 5: Modern Dresden and Nightlife
- Morning:
- Visit the New Masters (Neue Meister) gallery, featuring modern and contemporary art
- Explore the trendy Neustadt district, with its boutique shops and cafes
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Café 100 or Restaurant Kuchenheinrich
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum (German Hygiene Museum), a unique museum showcasing the history of hygiene
- Explore the Kunsthof Dresden, an art quarter with studios and galleries
- Evening: Enjoy Dresden’s nightlife in the Neustadt district, with its many bars and clubs
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
- Departure: Head back to Dresden Airport (DRS) or Hauptbahnhof (main train station) for your departure
Things to Know
- Dresden is a walkable city, but you can also use public transportation (tram, bus, and train) or take a taxi
- Many attractions offer guided tours in English; check the attraction’s website for more information
- Try some local specialties like Saxon potato soup, Eierschecke cake, or Dresden Christstollen fruitcake
Transportation
- From the airport: Take tram 2 to Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and then transfer to tram 4 or 8 to reach the Old Town
- Public transportation: Use the Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB) website or app to plan your routes
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but more expensive than public transportation
Tips
- Buy a Dresden RegioCard for free admission to many attractions and public transportation
- Try to avoid visiting during peak season (June to August) if you prefer smaller crowds
- Be respectful of the city’s history and cultural heritage by not taking pictures inside churches or museums without permission