Dresden Travelers Recommend

Music fans, history buffs, and shoppers seeking Germany’s famous Christmas markets are all drawn to the city of Dresden. With three days, not only you can learn about World War II history, drive a classic East German car, and take a walking tour focused on street art, but you’ll also have time to take a day trip into the Czech Republic. Here are a few ways to spend your three days in Dresden.  

Day 1: Explore the Old Town

To get your bearings in Dresden, begin your trip with a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour and check off popular landmarks such as Zwinger Palace, or take a walking tour of the Old Town to learn about the city’s history, including its post–World War II reconstruction. Cold War history buffs might consider touring the city behind the wheel of a classic East German Trabi, with a guide along for commentary, while travelers looking to maximize time can opt for a private tour customized to their schedule and interests. Seasonal tours are also available, such as Christmas Market tours during the holiday season. 

Day 2: Dresden Today

Discover the contemporary culture of Dresden with a day focused on the arts. When you join a guide for a stroll through the trendy Outer New Town (Äussere Neustadt) district that focuses on street art, you’ll get off the beaten path and see colorful murals and tags created by street artists. Afterward, visit one of the city’s top cultural attractions during a tour of the Dresden Opera (Dresdner Semperoper), then see large-scale artistic re-creations of the city at different points in history at Panometer Dresden. Alternatively, see vintage trains, planes, and automobiles at the family-friendly Dresden Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Dresden). To top off the evening, experience Dresden’s spooky side with an Old Town walk led by a costumed guide telling ghost stories. 

Day 3: Beyond Dresden

Spend your third day exploring beyond the city on a day trip. Take a private transfer from Dresden to the Czech capital, and spend the day independently exploring Prague’s Old Town, covering such highlights as Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge (Karlův Most), along with anything else that interests you. Alternatively, adventurous travelers may want to plan a day in the great outdoors. Go hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz) and see medieval castle ruins and panoramic views of the Elbe River canyon, then cross the border into the Czech section of the park. Hotel pickup and round-trip transportation from Dresden are included for tours into the countryside. 

Cultural landmarks and a charming Old Town draw travelers to the vibrant eastern German city of Dresden. With just one day, you can visit the renowned opera house, taste traditional German beers, and discover local street art. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Dresden. 

Morning: Welcome to Dresden

Start the day exploring the city with an introductory tour, perhaps aboard a double-decker hop-on hop-off bus. On a scenic ride through the historic center, you can take in Dresden landmarks and the city’s art nouveau architecture. City tours by private vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off are also available and often include top attractions such as the opera house. For a more intimate take, learn about local history during a walking tour through the Old Town, and hear stories about how Dresden rebuilt after World War II bombings. See city landmarks including Zwinger Palace and the Church of Our Lady during a guided stroll. 

Afternoon: Art, Music, and Markets

Discover the creative side of Dresden with a tour focused on street art. Follow your guide on a walk through the trendy Outer New Town (Äussere Neustadt) district, and see a variety of murals and street art in off-the-beaten-path locations. Continue the cultural afternoon with a visit to the Dresden Opera (Dresdner Semperoper), where you can skip the line with priority admission and join a guided tour. Travelers interested in history may want to check out Panometer Dresden, a museum with giant panoramic paintings that depict how Dresden looked at different points in history, for example in 1756 and 1945. Seasonal guided tours in Dresden include a private tour of the city’s Christmas markets. 

Night: Custom Tours and Ghost Stories

Join a local guide for a customized tour of Dresden by night. Design the itinerary according to your interests, exploring anything from under-the-radar neighborhoods to traditional restaurants and bars. Alternatively, enjoy a themed evening tour, such as a history-focused tour led by a costumed guide. Join a night watchman for an after-dark walk through the Old Town to hear ghost stories and spooky tales. Some tours also include a traditional meal and samples of German beers. 

Grand architecture, cultural landmarks, and a reconstructed Old Town all draw travelers to the vibrant German city of Dresden. If you have two days in this eastern German metropolis, you can join a local guide for a customized tour, visit a museum showcasing vintage cars, and learn about how the city rebuilt after World War II. Here are our tips for how to spend 48 hours in Dresden. 

Day 1: Explore the Old Town

**Morning:**Get your bearings in Dresden with an introductory tour. Go for a ride on the double-decker hop-on hop-off bus to move quickly and see top landmarks such as Zwinger Palace, or join a walking tour of the compact Old Town and learn how it was reconstructed after terrible bombings in World War II. 

**Afternoon:**This afternoon, climb behind the wheel of a classic East German car and cruise between city landmarks while hearing stories about local history from your guide. Alternatively, let someone else do the driving on a city tour in a private vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off.

**Night:**Get to know Dresden by night on an after-dark tour. Accompany a night watchman on his evening rounds in the Old Town as he regales you with ghost stories and local history. For added convenience, choose a tour that also includes a traditional dinner and the chance to taste a variety of German beers. 

Day 2: Contemporary Dresden

**Morning:**Get up early to explore the happening Outer New Town (Äussere Neustadt) district, where you can see the city’s creative side during a street-art tour. Go off the beaten path with a local guide, and learn about the contemporary art scene. Alternatively, visit the Panometer Dresden to see giant-scale panoramic paintings that re-create Dresden at different points throughout history. 

**Afternoon:**Spend this afternoon delving deeper into a personal interest. See an architectural landmark with a ticket to the Dresden Opera (Dresdner Semperoper), or learn about vintage cars and historic locomotives at the Dresden Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Dresden). Travelers who are visiting during the holiday season may want to check out seasonal options, such as a guided tour of the city’s Christmas markets. 

**Night:**Spend your last evening on a customized private tour, following an itinerary based on your individual interests. With your local guide leading the way, you can get off the beaten path, perhaps exploring the city’s best restaurants and bars.