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Dresden Culture & history

Our most recommended Dresden Culture & history

Zwinger Dresden: Entry Ticket

1. Zwinger Dresden: Entry Ticket

Pre-book your entry ticket to the Zwinger in Dresden and gain access to the Zwinger’s Old Masters Picture Gallery, the Sculpture Collection, the Porcelain Collection, and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments. Explore Dresden Zwinger’s various galleries and collections and marvel at an ensemble of gardens and a fountain, considered one of Germany’s most important Baroque architectures. The name Zwinger refers to the original position of the complex, between the inner and outer fortress wall.

Royal Castle Dresden: General Admission Ticket

2. Royal Castle Dresden: General Admission Ticket

Pre-book your admission ticket to Residenzschloss, also known as the Dresden Castle or Royal Palace, and get to know this historic site. Enrich your experience with a complimentary audio guide to help you understand the German history behind the castle. With a single ticket, gain access to Residenzschloss’ Neues Grünes Gewölbe (New Green Vault), the Turkish Chamber, the Renaissance Wing, and the Armory. Entry to the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault) is not included. Further explore publicly accessible places such as the extensive art library, various lecture and study halls, as well as the tower known as the Hausmannsturm (available in the summer months), which affords visitors who climb its 327 steps a spectacular view of Dresden.

Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery

3. Dresden: Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery

After meeting your guide in front of the Church of Our Lady, or the Frauenkirche, you’ll head right into the marvelous structure for a thorough tour. After being all but completely destroyed by bombing during World War II, the ruins of the church were left standing for decades. However, after the reunification of Germany, an ambitious campaign was mounted to reconstruct it. After over a decade of construction based on George Bähr’s original plans from the 1720s, the Church of Our Lady was restored to its former glory in 2005. Ever since, its ornate interior and expansive cupola have beckoned visitors to see its glorious tale of rebirth. During your tour, you’ll gain exclusive access to the church’s gallery, and pick up countless insights into the structure that stands representative of Dresden’s progress as a whole.

Dresden: City & Semperoper Guided Walking Tour

4. Dresden: City & Semperoper Guided Walking Tour

Discover the historic city of Dresden on a guided walking tour and visit the iconic Frauenkirche. Enjoy a guided tour of the elegant Dresden Zwinger gardens and see where royalty once lived on a tour of Dresden Castle. Explore the history of music on a tour of the Semperoper opera house.  Begin your trip at Dresden Castle and head to the most famous landmark of the entire city: Frauenkirche. Marvel at the elaborately restored church from the outside and have a look at its splendid interior. Continue to the Procession of Princes, a crucial part of Saxon history, and to the Stables Courtyard of Dresden Castle. Get an idea of what these impressive buildings look like inside and see the Taschenbergpalais. Undoubtedly, a walking tour through Dresden would not be the same without seeing the Zwinger. Hear interesting and entertaining stories about Augustus II the Strong, before the tour ends at the theater square with its cathedral. Next, explore the famous Semperoper, the Saxon State Opera, and court opera, on a guided tour. Learn the history behind each turn as you tour the magnificent rooms.

World of Panoramas: Dresden's Baroque Era

5. World of Panoramas: Dresden's Baroque Era

Experience a trip through time to Dresden's heyday. Enjoy a fascinating world of panoramas. In 2003 and 2006 respectively, Asisi created the world's largest panoramas in Leipzig and Dresden. Both are in the historically-protected former gasometer. The focus of Yadegar Asisi's 360° Panorama of the Baroque halcyon days of Dresden is the daily life of citizens, shopkeepers, fishermen, servants and craftspeople in the Saxon town. He compresses the time from around 1695 to 1760 into an artistic snapshot of the Baroque era in Dresden. Immerse yourself in the past and see the scenes with historic characters like Peter the Great, Johann Friedrich Böttger, the inventor of porcelain, Johann Sebastian Bach or the court jester Joseph Fröhlich. See the arrival of the Sistine Madonna in 1754. Forgotten everyday moments with woodsmen and washerwomen along the Elbe, as well as sedan bearers, comedians and many more make this a real artistic representation of the era. The night variation also offers a glittering view. On display until 6th of January 2019.

Dresden: Gala Concert in the Dresden Zwinger

6. Dresden: Gala Concert in the Dresden Zwinger

Enjoy a classical concert in the Wallpavillon of the Dresden Zwinger Palace. Decide which performance of which composer's pieces you'd like to hear and enjoy masterpieces at a concert of waltz dreams or listen to Vivaldi's Four Seasons: Thurs., June 8, 2023 Mozarts kleine Nachtmusik Fri., June 9, 2023 Walzerträume Wed., June 14, 2023 Klänge der Romantik Thurs., June 15, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Fri., June 16, 2023 Mozarts kleine Nachtmusik Wed., June 21, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Thurs., June 22, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Fri., June 23, 2023 Italienische Nacht Sat., June 24, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., June 28, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Thurs., June 29, 2023 Walzerträume Fri., June 30, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Sat., July 1, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Mon., July 3, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., July 5, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Thurs., July 6, 2023 Mozarts kleine Nachtmusik Fri., July 7, 2023 Jubiläumskonzert Sat., July 8, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., July 12, 2023 Walzerträume Thurs., July 13, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Fri., July 14, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., July 19, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Thurs., July 20, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Fri., July 21, 2023 Klänge der Romantik Sat., July 22, 2023 Italienische Nacht Wed., July 26, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Thurs., July 27, 2023 Mozarts kleine Nachtmusik Fri., July, 28, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Sat., July, 29, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., August 2, 2023 Klänge der Romantik Thurs., August 3, 2023 Walzerträume Fri., August 4, 2023 Jubiläumskonzert Sat., August 5, 2023 Italienische Nacht Wed., August 9, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Thurs., August 10, 2023 Slawische Klassik Fri., August 11, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Sat., August 12, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., August 16, 2023 Mozarts kleine Nachtmusik Thurs., August 17, 2023 Sommernachtsträume Fri., August 18, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Sat., August 19, 2023 Walzerträume Mon., August 21, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., August 23, 2023 Klänge der Romantik Thurs., August 24, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Fri., August 25, 2023 Mozarts kleine Nachtmusik Sat., August 26, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Thurs., August 31, 2023 Walzerträume Fri., September 1, 2023 Slawische Klassik Sat., September 2, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., September 6, 2023 Klänge der Romantik Fri., September 8, 2023 Jubiläumskonzert Sat., September 9, 2023 Italienische Nacht Mon., September 11, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., September 13, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Fri., September 15, 2023 Mozarts kleine Nachtmusik Sat., September 16, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten" Wed., September 20, 2023 Herbstklassik Fri., September 22, 2023 Walzerträume Sat., September 23, 2023 Herbstklassik Wed., September 27, 2023 Slawische Klassik Fri., September 29, 2023 Vivaldi "Vier Jahreszeiten"

From Prague: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

7. From Prague: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

Choose from a hiking tour, a fantasy highlights tour and a winter tour, and discover Prague in a unique way. Visit National Parks, ancient castles, or snow-covered landscapes. Learn about your surroundings from your local expert guide. Your guide will pick you up from your Prague accommodation early in the morning. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle while learning about Czech culture, history, and the main highlights on your way to the national park. Taste snacks and enjoy beverages throughout the entire day.  Enjoy an abundance of time to admire the filming sites of the 'Chronicles of Narnia' movie in a group of a maximum of 10 persons. Spend an unforgettable day in the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park, one of the unique natural reserves in Europe, by choosing one of the following Tour options:  Hiking Tour Choose this tour if you want to see the main highlights of both National Parks. Visit two countries in one day. The first destination is the magnificent Bastei Bridge. Feast on the breathtaking views of the Elbe river canyon, surrounded by unique sandstone rock formations. Then enjoy the rolling landscape full of tiny German villages and famous table mountains. The following hike brings you near the main symbol of Bohemian Switzerland — the Pravcicka Gate — the largest sandstone arch in Europe. After tasting the rich local cuisine (lunch included), sail on gondola-style boats through the soothing Kamenice river gorge (a 12-hour, 10-kilometer active hike). Fantasy Highlights Tour This tour brings together the two main fantasy filming sites of the region. Visit Saxon Switzerland and walk across the magnificent Bastei bridge and visit Neurathen Castle ruins. Cross to Bohemian Switzerland and adore the amazing views from the Sneznik lookout tower. Enjoy a tasty lunch (included) in a local restaurant and continue to experience Narnia while hiking through the sandstone labyrinth of Tyssa Walls (a 10-hour, 9-kilometer moderate hike).  Winter Tour Go on this tour for an active winter visit to the region. Marvel at the beauty of snow-covered sandstone towers. Stroll across the Bastei Bridge to reach the medieval ruins of Neurathen Castle. Enjoy the Pravcicka Gate during the season pictured in Narnia. Hot beverages and lunch in a local restaurant (included) will help you regain all your energy (10-hour, 7-kilometer moderate hike).

Dresden: Guided City Walk with a Cup of Coffee

8. Dresden: Guided City Walk with a Cup of Coffee

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Dresden. Hear little anecdotes and big stories from your experienced and licensed tour guide who brings the city's past back to life.  Discover the dark times of the Middle Ages. Experience the vigor of the Renaissance and the grandeur of the Baroque. Explore the backgrounds of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 and hear what it must have felt like to the people of former East and West Germany. The walking tour through the historic old town starts at Neumarkt. See Dresden's most famous attractions, including Frauenkirche, Semperoper, and the Baroque Zwinger.  Stroll by top sights like the Residenzschloss and the Fürstenzug. From Dresden Castle, head to Brühl's Terrace, the Procession of Princes, and Stallhof until you arrive at Dresden Cathedral. Next, follow your guide to Taschenbergpalais and Augustus Bridge before ending your walking tour near Frauenkirche.

Dresden: Semperoper and Royal Castle

9. Dresden: Semperoper and Royal Castle

Experience a fascinating tour of the Semperoper and discover the rich interiors and beautiful architecture in Italian High Renaissance style, reconstructed according to the original plans. Learn background information about the incredible acoustics in the artfully arranged auditorium. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this glamorous house. When performances or other events are not taking place, visits to the Semperoper are possible nearly every day. You can enjoy a multi-faceted look at this breathtaking opera house. You will then visit the Royal Palace of Dresden, which houses the Dresden State Art Collections in the historic center of Dresden. The following museums are housed in the so-called “Saxon Louvre”: New Green Vault (Neues Grünes Gewölbe), Turkish Chamber (Türckische Cammer), Giant's Hall, Concept and Encounter: The World around 1600, Hausmannsturm (April-October), Power and Fashion and the Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs (for special exhibitions).

Dresden: Complete Walking Tour with Frauenkirche Visit

10. Dresden: Complete Walking Tour with Frauenkirche Visit

Enjoy an insightful tour of Dresden's main highlights that brings Saxon history to life. Learn compelling stories of the heydays and current events told in an exciting and humorous way by your professional guide. Meet your guide in the city center and get kitted out with headphones to hear them clearly before setting off together on your walking tour. First, experience the city's famous buildings on a tour of the historic old town. See Stallhof and Fürstenzug, the historic Neumarkt, Schlossplatz, and Catholic Hofkirche. Step inside the Frauenkirche (The Church of our Lady) and learn about the alter, the stunning murals and the historic crypt. Marvel at the baroque splendor of the unusual nave and the impressive lower church. Then, head over to Theaterplatz which boasts the Royal Palace and Semper Opera. Enjoy a stroll across the Brühlsche Terrasse with a view of the beautiful Elbe landscape. After this, continue the tour into the Zwinger District and experience the Saxon Baroque. Enjoy up-close views of the impressive sandstone sculptures which reveal many historic stories. Learn about the former function of the statues, the festival culture at the court of Augustus the Strong, and its current use as a museum.

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What people are saying about Dresden

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 7,587 reviews

This was such a beautiful experience and the tour guide couldn't of been any better all thanks to Joseph who was the kindest person ever! Joseph is fantastic and would definitely recommend this tour! He was so helpful, knowledgeable and kind! He helped us walk on the snow and made sure we could take the tour at our own pace! Which was appreciated due to my mother having disabilities which was no issue for Joseph who was prepared to help when needed! Thank you for the perfect day trip - love from Scotland from Jennifer and Mum x

I was lucky since my guide Joseph has a background in geography. He is very knowledgeable and introduced the formation of the park in a way of easy understanding. I was the only customer in this trip but didn’t feel awkward at all as Joseph treated me like a friend while in the same time he took care everything very well. I strongly recommend this tour if you are a nature lover and want to see different scenery.

Beautiful nature, comfortable minibus and amazing guide. Would definitely recommend to my friends. Our family had an amazing time! Thanks a lot to our guide Joseph!

It was a very beautiful evening. We bought the CD ourselves to remember this great concert.

Excellent musicians, very good acoustics, comparatively small frame. Great experience!