Dresden-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

Morning

  • Arrive at Dresden Airport or Hauptbahnhof (main train station)
  • Check-in at Hotel Suitess zu Dresden or similar
  • Start your day at Neustadt Market, a bustling square with cafes and shops

Afternoon

  • Visit the Semper Opera House, a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture
  • Explore the nearby Altmarkt, a historic square with beautiful buildings and street performers
  • Walk along the Elbe River and enjoy the city’s scenic views

Evening

  • Dine at Gasthaus am Neustädter Markt, serving traditional Saxon cuisine
  • Enjoy a stroll through the quiet streets of the Old Town, admiring the illuminated buildings

Day 2: Royal Palaces and Gardens

Morning

  • Visit Schloss Dresden, a grand royal palace with impressive architecture and gardens
  • Explore the adjacent Grosser Garten, a beautiful park with walking paths and ponds

Afternoon

  • Head to Pillnitz Palace, a stunning Baroque palace with gorgeous gardens (take tram 2 or bus 63 from Hauptbahnhof)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Vau, offering modern German cuisine
  • Relax with a scenic river cruise on the Elbe (optional)

Day 3: Art and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, a world-renowned art museum housing works by famous masters like Raphael and Rembrandt
  • Explore the nearby ** Zwinger Palace**, a beautiful Baroque complex with gardens and fountains

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum, an unusual but fascinating museum dedicated to human hygiene
  • Visit the Kunsthalle im Lipsiusbau, a contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions

Evening

  • Dine at Restaurant Feldschlößchen, serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine
  • Enjoy a performance or concert at the Semper Opera House (optional)

Day 4: Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park, a stunning region with unique rock formations and scenic hiking trails (take train S1 from Hauptbahnhof)
  • Hike to the top of Bastei Rocks for breathtaking views

Afternoon

  • Visit the picturesque town of Pirna, with its charming old town and historic church
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, like Gasthof zum Roten Ochsen

Evening

  • Return to Dresden and enjoy dinner at Restaurant Wenzel Prager Bierhaus, serving Czech-inspired cuisine

Day 5: History and Technology

Morning

  • Visit the Museum of Military History, a comprehensive museum showcasing German military history
  • Explore the nearby Dresden Transport Museum, featuring historic vehicles and exhibits on transportation technology

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Deutsches Verkehrsmuseum, another transport museum with interactive exhibits
  • Visit the Technische Sammlungen Dresden, a unique museum showcasing industrial and technical artifacts

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Coselpalais, serving modern German cuisine in a historic setting
  • Relax with a scenic walk along the Elbe River

Day 6: Royal Collections and Gardens

Morning

  • Visit the Grünes Gewölbe, a stunning museum housing an impressive collection of royal treasures and artifacts
  • Explore the adjacent Neue Meister Gallery, featuring modern and contemporary art

Afternoon

  • Stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden, showcasing a diverse range of plant species
  • Visit the Japanese Palace, a unique example of Japanese architecture in Europe

Evening

  • Dine at Restaurant Quarré, offering creative, farm-to-table cuisine
  • Enjoy a farewell drink at Bar Tante Lotte, a cozy spot with a vintage atmosphere

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Depart from Dresden Airport or Hauptbahnhof

Things to Know

  • Dresden is generally a safe city, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • The city has a rich history, so be respectful of its cultural heritage and traditions.
  • Learn some basic German phrases to appreciate the local culture and communicate with locals.

Transportation

  • Dresden has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains.
  • You can purchase a Dresden Card, which grants free admission to many attractions and unlimited public transport.
  • Taxis are widely available, but more expensive than public transport.

Tips

  • Book your accommodations and popular attractions in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking along the Elbe River and exploring the city’s hilly terrain.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views from the Bastei Rocks or the Neustadt Market at sunset.

Accommodations

  • Hotel Suitess zu Dresden: A luxurious hotel in the heart of the Old Town, offering stylish rooms and excellent service.
  • Aparthotel am Zwinger: A modern aparthotel with comfortable apartments and a great location near the Zwinger Palace.

Dining

  • Gasthaus am Neustädter Markt: Traditional Saxon cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Restaurant Vau: Modern German cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and creative presentation.
  • Restaurant Feldschlößchen: Farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on sustainability and seasonal ingredients.