Dresden: 10 impressive sights you must see

Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is called "Florence on the Elbe" for its Baroque architecture and rich art collections. The old town was badly damaged in 1945, but its main sights have been restored, and most are close together, so they are easy to explore on foot. Here are 10 Dresden sights worth seeing.

What to see in Dresden: 10 sights

1. Residence Palace (Residenzschloss)

The former residence of the Saxon electors and kings in the city centre by the Elbe. It houses museums, including the Green Vault treasury with the jewels of Saxon rulers.

2. Semperoper

The Saxon State Opera building designed by Gottfried Semper, one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe. Visit for a performance or a guided tour.

3. Kreuzkirche

One of Dresden's oldest churches, rebuilt many times after fires and wars. It is home to the famous Kreuzchor boys' choir, and its tower offers a panorama of the old town.

4. Zwinger

A Baroque palace complex from the early 18th century, built for the festivities of Augustus the Strong's court. Today it houses museums, including the Old Masters Gallery with Raphael's Sistine Madonna.

5. Blue Wonder bridge (Blaues Wunder)

An 1893 steel bridge over the Elbe between Blasewitz and Loschwitz. The name comes from its blue paint, and historic funiculars nearby offer views of the Elbe valley.

6. Botanical Garden

The garden of TU Dresden by the Großer Garten park, with about 10,000 plant species from around the world, plus tours and educational programmes.

7. Frauenkirche

The Lutheran Church of Our Lady with its huge stone dome, a symbol of Dresden. Destroyed in 1945, it was rebuilt in 2005 using surviving stones. You can climb to the viewing platform in the dome.

8. Brühl's Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse)

A terrace above the Elbe known as the "Balcony of Europe". It was created in the 18th century as Count Brühl's garden and opened to the public in 1814. It offers the best view of the river and the old town.

9. Japanese Palace (Japanisches Palais)

A palace on the right bank of the Elbe, rebuilt in the 1720s-1730s for Augustus the Strong to house his porcelain collection. Its curved roofs recall Eastern architecture. It now holds museums.

10. Marcolini Palace (Palais Marcolini)

An 18th-century Baroque palace with a garden and the Neptune Fountain. Napoleon and Metternich met here in 1813. Today it is part of a city hospital, so it is mostly seen from outside.

Frequently asked questions

What to see in Dresden in one day?

The Frauenkirche, the Zwinger, the Residence Palace with the Green Vault, the Semperoper and a walk along Brühl's Terrace.

How do I get to Dresden?

By train from Berlin in about 2 hours or from Prague in about 2.5 hours.