If I could offer a somewhat odd analogy that might make sense in a bit, it’s this; Český Krumlov is to Prague, what Dresden is to Berlin.
Clear? No? Okay…
Dresden is perfectly restored old world charm, ala Český Krumlov. It was a former royal residence, and as a result, it’s splendid city center is adorned with the exact kind of charm you’d expect from a historic relic.
And much like Prague, Berlin, the common tourist destination, is three hours away. The similarities pretty much end there, but you get where I’m going with this, right?
How to Spend 1 Day in Dresden
Introduction to Dresden
Germany
Official Language(s): German
Currency: Euro
Emergency phone number: 112
When to Go to Dresden
November – December
Much like Berlin, Christmas markets are a sight to see. I visited Dresden twice, and both times were in December. The magic of the holidays only adds to the already-beautiful city. The weather will, of course be brutal, but bring a coat and stay strong.
Where to Stay in Dresden
Hotel Suitess
Hotel Suitess is in such a great location… you’re steps away from Frauenkirche! It’s a cute little hotel that, considering where it’s at, is pretty inexpensive.
How to Get Around in Dresden
On foot
I’ll focus on the city center of Dresden, which is very walkable. So don’t sweat public transportation. You won’t need it.
Where to Eat in Dresden
Café Lino
Café Lino is a good place to start the day. It’s a casual setting that serves hearty breakfast foods. You’re gonna need a full stomach for all the sightseeing we’ll be doing.
- Schandauer Str. 23, 01309 Dresden
- Website
Kunst Cafe Antik
Kunst Cafe Antik is where you can get your traditional German food fix. I love the decor, it almost feels like you’re in an antique shop?
- An der Frauenkirche 5, 01067 Dresden
- Website
Café Schinkelwache
Café Schinkelwache is right by Semper Opera House (more on that in a bit) so you could absolutely grab some post-show grub if you need. I don’t have much of a descriptor for this place, it’s just really good food and I dig it.
- Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden
- Website
mahl2 restaurant
I know some people will be itching for a more modern take on German cuisine, so in that case check out mahl2 restaurant. Apologies, as it’s a bit outside of the city center (roughly a 20 minute walk) but it’s got great food for an excellent price.
- Görlitzer Str. 23, 01099 Dresden
- Website
Day 1 of 1 Day in Dresden
Zwinger
Dresden, for a small city, has so many museums. It’s a little overwhelming. A good place to start is Zwinger. It’s an enclosed garden courtyard, that’s really beautiful on it’s own.
- Sophienstraße, 01067 Dresden
- Open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Website
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Museums are enclosed within the courtyard, and if you’re short on time, I’d do Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. It’s filled with famous paintings with every major name you can think of: Raphael, Correggio and Vermeer.
- Theaterplatz 1, 01067 Dresden
- Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday
- Website
Dresden Porcelain Collection
Zwinger also houses the Dresden Porcelain Collection, with works dating back to the 17th century. Porcelain is kind of Dresden’s thing. They’ve had a factory going for centuries, which is about a 20 minute drive away if you feel so inclined.
- Theaterplatz 1, 01067 Dresden
- Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday
- Website
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was the one spot I truly can’t believe I missed because it’s so me. The Palace on it’s own it stunning enough and beautifully preserved. But finding out that there are multiple art collections housed… I die.
The Green Vaults
The two most highly-recommended are Historic Green Vault and New Green Vault. The former contains beautiful jewelry and architecture to match, the latter has thousands of Renaissance works. How incredible is that?!
- Residenzschloss, Taschenberg 2, 01067 Dresden
- Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday - Monday
- Website
Procession of Princes
On your way to your next major monument, keep an eye out for the Procession of Princes. It’s a long mural put together from porcelain tile (of course) of Saxony’s rulers throughout the centuries.
- Augustusstraße 1, 01067 Dresden
Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche had to be reconstructed due to the heaving bombing it sustained during World War II. They did a beautiful job.
You can also climb the dome, but I was so frozen I chickened out.
- Neumarkt, 01067 Dresden
- Open weekdays 10 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, weekend varies
- Website
Christmas markets
The Christmas markets. My goodness, the Christmas markets.
I’m sorry for my obsession with these markets, but they’re so much fun! Good food, cute gifts and an exciting atmosphere add up to a great experience. So… check it out. Don’t make me obsess alone.
- 01067 Dresden
- Website
Semper Opera House
Not only is the Semper Opera House gorgeous, the shows they house get rave reviews. I think it’s a perfect way to end your time in Dresden. You’ve had quite an art filled day, after all. Best to top it off with some theatre.
- Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden
- Website
Cost Calculator
Know Before You Go
Dresden endured controversial bombing towards the end of World War II, leaving the city center destroyed and 25,000 dead. In many ways, the city is still healing from these terrible wounds. It’s a brilliant restoration, but it’s good to keep in mind why it was necessary in the first place.
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Safe travels!
-Maggie
