Things to do in Dresden

Why go to Dresden

• Zwinger Palace

  A jaw-dropping Baroque courtyard complex housing the Old Masters Picture Gallery with Raphael's Sistine Madonna, unmissable.

• Frauenkirche

  The miraculously rebuilt Church of Our Lady is a symbol of reconciliation and one of Europe's most beautiful domes, free to enter the exterior plaza anytime.

• Semperoper Opera House

  One of the world's most celebrated opera houses offers affordable standing tickets and guided tours of its gilded interior.

• Dresden Royal Palace (Residenzschloss)

  Home to the legendary Green Vault treasury, displaying the most dazzling collection of royal jewels and objets d'art in Europe.

• Elbe River Steamboat Cruise

  Historic paddle-wheel steamers chug past vineyards and sandstone cliffs toward Saxon Switzerland, a quintessential and affordable Dresden experience.

Good to know in Dresden

• Dresden's tram and bus network is excellent, a day ticket costs around $7 and covers the entire city; buy at machines to avoid surcharges.
• Tipping is appreciated but modest: rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is the local norm, not 15-20%.
• Tap water in Dresden is clean, safe, and great-tasting, carry a refillable bottle and skip paying for bottled water.
• The Zwinger's Old Masters Gallery offers free entry for visitors under 17, and Dresden museums often have free or reduced entry on specific days, check each museum's website before you go.

Trip essentials