Weekend Wandering: Dresden, Germany in 2 Days

Discover the charm and elegance of Dresden, where history and beauty collide.

22 April 2023

A trip to Dresden, Germany would be an enchanting experience for any tourist. The city boasts splendid architecture, renowned museums, and scenic landscapes that paint pictures of its ancient culture. Visitors can relish delicacies from the local cuisine, take a stroll along the Elbe river, and witness the magnificence of the Zwinger Palace.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Altstadt

  • It’s day one in Dresden and we’re ready to explore! Start with a hearty breakfast at Café Schinkelwache, then head into the Altstadt to explore the historic sights:
  • Stroll through the beautiful Zwinger Palace and its gardens
  • Admire the stunning Frauenkirche and take a tour
  • Visit the impressive Dresden Castle and its art collections
  • Stop by the famous Fürstenzug mural of porcelain tiles
  • Take a break at the colourful Kunsthofpassage courtyard
  • For dinner, try the traditional German cuisine at Münzgasse or sample some local beer and sausage at Watzke am Goldenen Wagen. Then, rest your head at the luxurious Bülow Residenz hotel in the heart of the Altstadt.
Day 2

Modern Art and Scenic Views

  • After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to experience the modern side of Dresden:
  • View contemporary art at the impressive Albertinium
  • Get a panoramic view of the city from the glass elevator of the Kulturpalast
  • Walk around the vibrant neighbourhood of Neustadt
  • Admire the Baroque palace of Großer Garten
  • Take a stroll along the Elbe River for some stunning views
  • End your day at the quirky Shy Ladybird cocktail bar for a unique drinking experience. For dinner, enjoy some international cuisine at Villa Marie or indulge in some delectable sushi at Okinii. It’s been a great two days in Dresden – now it’s time to plan our next adventure!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Dresden, Germany by plane is to fly into Dresden Airport, which is located about 9 km north of the city center. There are several airlines that fly to Dresden, including Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Ryanair.

Car

If you are driving to Dresden, take the A4 Autobahn, which connects Dresden to other major cities in Germany. It's about a 2-hour drive from Berlin and a 4.5-hour drive from Frankfurt.

Train

If you prefer to travel by train, the best way to get to Dresden is to take the Deutsche Bahn, which runs trains to Dresden from major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. The Dresden Hauptbahnhof is the main train station in the city.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Dresden, but you can take a cruise on the Elbe River from cities like Berlin or Prague and disembark at Dresden's Terrassenufer. From there, you can take a short walk to the city center.

Bus

The best way to get to Dresden by bus is to take the Flixbus, which operates buses from various cities across Europe to Dresden. The bus stops at Dresden Central Station.

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