Dresden is a popular destination for its beautiful setting and location.
The city is located along the Elbe Valley, 30 km (18.64 miles) north of the Czech Republic border.
Dresden Germany
How to spend 2 days in Dresden Germany
In this 2-day itinerary in Dresden, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Dresden
Start the day by visiting Neumarkt, the square where the Frauenkirche Dresden is located, a symbol of the city and one of the most remarkable buildings in Germany. One of the highlights of the visit is the climb to the top of the dome.
Pass through Georgentor, the original exit for Elbe Bridge. Head to Dresden Castle, one of the city’s main attractions with a rich array of exhibits from Baroque to Classicism.
The Zwinger is another key attraction in Dresden, a museum complex housed in an early 18th-century palace. Next to the Zwinger is the Semper Opera, located on Theaterplatz, an opera house built in the style of the Italian high renaissance.
Also visit the Hofkirche, a church built in the Baroque style near the Elbe. End the day by visiting the Brühlsche Terrasse, a terrace that extends above the bank of the Elbe.
Things to see
- Neumarkt
- Frauenkirche
- Georgentor
- Dresden Castle
- Zwinger
- Semper Opera
- Hofkirche
- Brühlsche Terrasse
Day 1 Itinerary Map
Day 2 in Dresden
On the second day in Dresden, start by visiting Schloss Pillnitz, which can be reached by boat from the Elbe. Head to the Grosser Garten, on-site is the Sommerpalais.
At 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from Grosser Garten is the Neustädter Markt, where is the location of the Golden Rider.
Head to the Japanisches Palais, a 1737 baroque and neoclassical palace that houses the museum of natural history and ethnology.
Things to see
- Schloss Pillnitz
- Grosser Garten
- Golden Rider
- Japanisches Palais
Day 2 Itinerary Map
Sights in Dresden
1. Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche
Neumarkt
The Frauenkirche is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Europe. It was completed in 1743 with Baroque style.
Neumarkt, 01067
2. Zwinger
The Zwinger is a museum complex housed in an 18th-century palace. Its Baroque architecture is impressive.
Sophienstraße, 01067
3. Semperoper
The Semperoper is an opera house located on Theaterplatz, one of the best public squares in Germany.
Theaterplatz 2, 01067
4. Taschenbergpalais
The Taschenbergpalais is a Baroque palace dating from 1711. Today the palace is home to the 5-star hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski.
Taschenberg 3, 01067
5. Hofkirche
The Hofkirche is a church completed in 1755.
It was built in Baroque style and was completely restored after World War II.
Schloßstraße 24, 01067
6. Georgentor
The Georgentor was the original exit for the Elbe Bridge and one of the first Renaissance buildings of the city.
Schloßstraße 1, 01067
7. Verkehrsmuseum
The Verkehrsmuseum is a transport museum.
It has many historic vehicles, including airplanes, cars, motorcycles.
Augustusstraße 1, 01067
8. Brühlsche Terrasse
The Brühlsche Terrasse is a terrace that extends above the bank of the Elbe located to the north of the square Neumarkt and Frauenkirche.
Georg-Treu-Platz 1, 01067
9. Dresden Castle
The Dresden Castle was for almost 400 years the official home of electors and kings of Saxony.
Today the former palace is part of the Dresden Arts Collection, an excellent museum complex.
Taschenberg 2, 01067
10. Augustus Statue
The Augustus Statue is located at Neustädter Markt.
Augustusbrücke, 01097
11. Japanisches Palais
The Japanisches Palais was built in 1737 with Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Today it houses three museums: the Museum of Ethnology Dresden, the State Museum for Pre-History, and the Senckenberg Naturhistorische Sammlungen Dresden.
Palaisplatz 11, 01097
12. Grosser Garten
The Grosser Garten was opened to the public in 1814.
Highlights of the Grosser Garten include the Botanical Garden, the Dresden Zoo, and the Grosser Garten.
Hauptallee 10, 01219
13. Schloss Pillnitz
The Schloss Pillnitz is located 11 km from Dresden old town.
The complex is home to the Wasserpalais, Bergpalais, and New Palace.
It can be reached by boat along the Elbe.
August-Böckstiegel-Straße 2, 01326
Where to stay in Dresden
1. Hilton Dresden
The Hilton Dresden is located in the old town close to the Frauenkirche.
Rooms are elegant and equipped with a flat-screen TV, coffee maker.
The hotel features a sauna and a swimming pool.
An der Frauenkirche 5, 01067
2. Radisson Blu Park Dresden
The Radisson Blu Park Dresden is located 7 km from the city center.
The hotel has 574 rooms equipped with a TV and minibar.
It has a spa and a swimming pool.
Nizzastraße 55, 01445 Radebeul
3. Holiday Inn City Centre Dresden
The Holiday Inn Dresden City Centre is located in the heart of Dresden.
Rooms are equipped with a TV, coffee maker.
Dr.-Kuelz-Ring 15a, 01067
Malls and Department Stores in Dresden
1. Karstadt Dresden
Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany.
The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.
Prager Str. 12, 01069
2. Altmarkt Galerie Dresden
The Altmarkt Galerie is located in Dresden old town.
Brands: Apple, Armani, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara.
Webergasse 1, 01067
3. Quartier QF Dresden
The Quartier QF is located close to the Frauenkirche.
Brands / Stores: Van Laack, Mode de vie, Coldini.
An der Frauenkirche 1, 01067
Plan your Trip
Dresden has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Leipzig, Berlin, Braunschweig, Potsdam.
Distances
Leipzig – 115 km (71.6 miles)
Berlin – 193 km (120 miles)
Braunschweig – 312 km (194 miles)
Potsdam – 203 km (126 miles)
Hannover – 366 km (228 miles)
Dresden Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
