4 Days in Dresden: Baroque Beauty & Culture

Discover the beauty and history of Dresden, Germany - where past meets present.

03 May 2023

Dresden, Germany is a city known for its stunning Baroque architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant arts scene. As a tourist, you can explore historic landmarks like the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche, and the Elbe River. The city also offers a range of activities from visiting museums and galleries to enjoying local cuisine and shopping.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Dresden

  • Check in at the stylish Aparthotel am Schloss Hotel and take advantage of their excellent location for exploring the city.
  • Start with a stroll along Elbe River, taking in the stunning views of the cityscape.
  • Visit the Frauenkirche, one of the most impressive baroque churches in Europe, which has been restored to its former glory after being almost completely destroyed during World War II.
  • Take a tour of the Zwinger Palace, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and home to several art collections.
  • Treat yourself to a traditional German dinner at Kurfürstenschänke, where you can indulge in hearty dishes like sauerbraten and schnitzel.
Day 2

Art and Culture in Dresden

  • Visit the world-renowned Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, which houses works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and other masters of European art.
  • Head to the nearby Albertinum, which houses modern and contemporary art collections including works by German Expressionist painters.
  • Take a stroll around the charming Neustadt quarter, known for its colorful street art and lively bars and cafes.
  • Catch an opera or theater performance at the majestic Semperoper, one of the finest opera houses in the world.
  • Dine at Kastenmeiers, Dresden's most upscale restaurant, renowned for its excellent seafood and wine selection.
Day 3

Day Trips from Dresden

  • Take a short train ride to the picturesque town of Meissen, famous for its elegant porcelain manufacture.
  • Visit the Moritzburg Castle, a stunning example of baroque architecture surrounded by scenic gardens and a tranquil lake.
  • Explore the nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park to see some of Germany's most stunning natural landscapes.
  • Shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the quirky Kunsthofpassage, a collection of eccentric buildings covered in intricate designs.
  • Stop by the legendary Wenzel Prager Bierstuben for lunch, and sample their delicious Czech-inspired dishes paired with locally-crafted beer.
Day 4

Dresden from Above

  • Take a ride on the Dresden Suspension Railway, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Elbe River.
  • Visit the Dresden Panometer, a unique 360-degree panoramic exhibition that depicts the city during its Baroque heyday.
  • Head to the Brühlsche Terrasse, a stunning promenade elevated above the river with views of the city's most important landmarks.
  • Visit the Royal Palace and climb to the top of the Hausmannsturm to get a bird's eye view of the city.
  • Have a final dinner at Sophienkeller, a rustic beer house offering traditional Saxon dishes and live music.

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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