24 must-see tourist spots in Dresden, the Pearl of the Elbe!

Dresden is located in the eastern part of Germany, about 30 km from the border with the Czech Republic. Dresden, a commercial city on the Elbe River, flourished as the capital of the Kingdom of Saxony in the 19th century. It is also famous as the birthplace of Meissen, a luxury porcelain that is popular. Dresden also has a variety of other tourist attractions, including majestic churches and palaces in various styles, an art museum that collects works from medieval Europe, a museum that uses an artist's home, and the Meissen porcelain factory. Dresden is a treasure trove of historical buildings where you can enjoy the atmosphere of cafes and bakeries while viewing the famous sights. Here are 24 tourist spots that you should definitely visit in Dresden.

1. Semperoper

The Semperoper, a tourist attraction in Dresden, is a Saxony state opera house located on the Elbe River. When it was first established, Wagner's "Tannhäuser" and Strauss's "Salome" were premiered here, making it a historic tourist attraction in Dresden.

The Semperoper is still in use as a theater, so you can watch operas and ballets. However, popular tickets sell out quickly, and you may have to wait for cancellations on the day or not be able to enter after all, so it's best to make a reservation before going sightseeing in Dresden.

Also, for those who just want to see inside the theater, there are 30-minute tours available. In addition, concerts are sometimes held on the outdoor stage at Theaterplatz, where the equestrian statue of King Johann of Saxony stands in front of the Semperoper, so you can casually listen to the performances.

2. Dresden Castle

Dresden Castle was built in the 15th century as the residence of the Elector of Saxony. Most of the building was destroyed in the Dresden air raids during World War II, but restoration work was completed in 2006, and it is now in its current form. In particular, the Stahlhof on the east side of Dresden Castle has been reproduced exactly as it was at the time. On the exterior wall of the Stahlhof, there is a mural called "Procession of Princes" that depicts the successive Saxon dukes on Meissen porcelain tiles, which is about 100 meters long and is a must-see tourist spot along with Dresden Castle.

In addition, various treasures are exhibited in the "Green Vault" on the west side of Dresden Castle. The "Historic Green Vault" on the first floor has a limited number of visitors depending on the time of day, and you can see the treasures such as jewels, gold, and amber collected by King Frederick Augustus I of Saxony. The "New Green Vault" on the second floor exhibits ivory and crystal, so don't miss both places when you visit Dresden Castle.

3. Altmarkt Square

Altmarkt Square, located in the center of Dresden's Old Town, is a spacious space surrounded by Dresden's tourist attractions such as Dresden Castle and City Hall. Normally, it is a place of relaxation for the citizens in the center of the tourist destination Dresden, but in December it changes completely and one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany is held there.

Altmarkt Square, which is said to be the first Christmas market in the world, has a wooden gate installed only during that time. Once inside the gate, it is completely decorated with Christmas decorations, and there are many stalls selling Christmas goods, German hot wine (mulled wine), sausages, and traditional sweets such as stollen.

There is also a merry-go-round, a staple of German Christmas markets, and the sight of children playing there is picturesque. There are also many folk crafts and German wines for sale that make great souvenirs, so if you are visiting Dresden in December, be sure to visit Altmarkt Square!

4. Catholic Old Hofkirche

The Catholic Old Hofkirche, popular with tourists and adjacent to Dresden Castle, is one of the largest churches in Dresden. There are statues of saints all over the roof of this Baroque church, a total of 78! When you look up from the front, it looks like a long, vertical form with the cross on the spire hidden, but when you look at it from the side, it is surprisingly wide, and it is a mysterious church that changes its image depending on the angle you look at it from.

When you go inside, the white walls are decorated with Meissen porcelain, creating a solemn atmosphere, in stark contrast to the exterior. There is a pipe organ in front of the chapel that is still in use, and if you are lucky, you may be able to hear a live performance! In the basement of the church, there is a small box containing the heart of Frederick Augustus I, also known as "the Strong," and the resting place of the members of the Wettin family of Saxony, and there are many other tourist attractions besides the chapel. It is a tourist spot that you should visit together with Dresden Castle.

5. Church of the Holy Cross

The Church of the Holy Cross, located near Altmarkt Square in Dresden, is a historic building that combines Baroque and Classical styles. In the 13th century, it was called Nikolaikirche, but it was expanded to house relics captured by the Crusaders, and it is said that it came to be called the Church of the Holy Cross.

Despite its long history, the church has been renovated many times due to wars and fires, and traces of these can still be seen today. When sightseeing, try to find the repaired areas and feel the history of Dresden.

Also, speaking of the Church of the Holy Cross, the Dresden Church of the Holy Cross Choir is famous! The choir members live in a dormitory, and you can hear them singing at weekend mass. If you are sightseeing in Dresden on the weekend, it is best to visit at the time of mass.

You can climb the clock tower with a cross on top, which is easily noticeable from afar, and at the end of the approximately 250 steps, you can get a panoramic view of the cityscape of Dresden. When visiting the Church of the Holy Cross, you should make sure you have a little extra energy and time.

6. Church of Our Lady

Located in the center of Dresden's old town, facing Neumarkt Square, the Church of Our Lady is a Protestant church that is especially popular with tourists visiting Dresden.

The Church of Our Lady, built in the 18th century, was once destroyed by bombing during World War II. After the war, the church was opened to tourists in its destroyed form as it was in order to preserve the memory of the bombing, but in 2005 it was rebuilt in its original form. The beautiful dome-shaped ceiling has also been reproduced as faithfully as possible by using estimated materials from the time, reusing broken parts and building materials, etc.

The only thing that is different is the cross on top of the tower. The cross that was originally on top of the tower was buried in the rubble, but is now on display inside the church. Instead, the new cross that is currently on top of the tower is a gift from England.

The more you know about the history of the Church of Our Lady, the more things to see when you visit. If you are sightseeing in Dresden, be sure to visit it!

7. Zwinger Palace

Zwinger originally referred to the space that was created between the old and new city walls when the city was expanded. The Zwinger Palace began when Augustus the Strong built a stone palace on the Zwinger in Dresden in the first half of the 18th century.

It was originally in Baroque style, but Gottfried Semper, who built the Semper Opera, later added the Alte Meister Picture Gallery and the Weapons Museum (now relocated) in the Italian Renaissance style, and each building in the palace is a tourist spot where you can feel the history.

The courtyard of the Zwinger is very large, the lawn is well-maintained and decorated with beautiful patterns, and there are four fountains in the center. If you take your time to visit all the museums on the premises, there are so many different exhibits that it would take a whole day, so you're sure to find something you like. The courtyard is also spacious and beautiful, so feel free to visit it when you're sightseeing in Dresden.

8. Pillnitz Palace

Pillnitz Palace was built by the same architect Pöppelmann as the Zwinger Palace. Located on the Elbe River on the outskirts of Dresden, this palace was used as a summer residence for the House of Saxony, and visitors traveled there and back by riverboat from Dresden.

The palace is basically in the Renaissance style, but it is a tourist spot that is characterized by its oriental atmosphere, which is rare for Dresden architecture. The greenhouse inside the palace displays a camellia native that is about 250 years old and about 9 meters tall, making it a popular tourist spot for the people of Dresden. There are also many other things to see, such as the art and craft museum that displays medieval furniture.

You can also stay overnight in the annex of Pillnitz Palace. The annex is located behind the main building, and you can enjoy a stroll through the palace gardens at night. It is a tourist spot that you will want to visit after a leisurely trip from Dresden.

9. Moritzburg Castle

Moritzburg Castle stands in a nature reserve on the northern outskirts of Dresden. If the weather is good, you can take pictures of the narrow road across the pond, the slope leading from the statue, and the elegant castle beyond. You can also visit the castle by horse-drawn carriage, so if you want to get into the tourist mood, please try it.

Moritzburg Castle is a Baroque museum. You can see the Baroque furniture and Dresden's proud Meissen ware.

There are many cafes and shops on the tourist route from the station to Moritzburg Castle. It is nice to take a relaxing break in the garden with snacks and drinks. Also, the pond next door is a tourist spot that is said to be the only lighthouse in Saxony, so please enjoy an elegant rest like the people of Dresden.

10. Weapon Museum

The Weapons Museum was located in the Zwinger Palace until 2013, but has since moved to Dresden Castle. Be careful, as old tourist magazines may say it's located in the Zwinger Palace!

The Weapons Museum in Dresden Castle displays armor and other weapons collected by the Electors of Saxony from the 16th to 18th centuries, as well as horse armor.

When you think of exhibits, many people may imagine armor sitting or swords on display, but here, armor is held by swords to recreate actual fighting scenes, or fighting on horseback, making it a tourist spot that even people who are not familiar with history can enjoy.

There is plain armor for battle, but there is also a wide variety of armor, including helmets with decorations on the top, which are common in the image of medieval Europe, and armor with luxurious decorations, making it a worthwhile visit. If you visit Dresden Castle, be sure to visit it as well!

11. Dresden Fortress

Dresden Fortress was built in the 16th century to protect Dresden. It once surrounded the entire old town of Dresden, but today only a part of the northeastern part overlooking the Elbe River remains.

The entrance is difficult to find as it is underground, but there is a signboard that says "Festung Dresden", so please look for it. If you go down the stairs to the basement, you will see an underground passage surrounded by stones.

Inside the fortress, there is a surprisingly spacious space, wide enough for a horse-drawn carriage to pass through, and there are remains of a storage warehouse and a cannon yard, and tourist spots are scattered everywhere. Dresden Fortress also offers guided tours on Saturdays only, so if you don't speak German but would like to experience the atmosphere, please join one.

12. Königstein Fortress

The "Saxon Switzerland" is a scenic spot that appears on the way from Dresden to the Czech Republic, and is a particularly famous tourist spot in the Dresden area! One wing of the fortress, Königstein Fortress, is a fortress built on a steep rocky mountain that is immediately recognizable.

The first castle was built around the 13th century, and continued to be used until World War II with repeated expansions and renovations. The original appearance remains the same today, making it a valuable tourist spot that tells the history of Dresden.

There is a shuttle bus from Königstein Station to the entrance of the fortress, but there are two routes to the castle from there. One is to go through the huge front gate and climb to the upper levels of the fortress using a small light that illuminates your feet. The other is to take the attached elevator to the top in one go.

Needless to say, the view from the fortress is spectacular! You can see the entire landscape of the scenic "Saxon Switzerland". The castle also has many other sights to see, including a church, cannon batteries, the "Tower of Hunger" which was used as a prison, and a well said to be the deepest in Saxony.

13. Japanese Palace

The Japanese Palace, whose name is intriguing, is located in the Neustadt (New Town) district, across the Elbe River from Dresden's Old Town. The exterior is a Dresden-style building with no trace of Japaneseness, so be sure to check the map when you visit.

The Japanese Palace was built in the early 18th century as a Dutch palace facing the Zwinger Palace, and was renovated by Augustus the Strong to store his collection of Oriental ceramics. Although it is called the Japanese Palace, it is a tourist spot where not only Japanese but also Oriental cultures are mixed together. It is interesting to see the exhibits that show what Asia looks like to Westerners.

Currently, it is an ethnological museum, and Japanese origami and Islamic-style rooms are on display. Some people may be disappointed if they expect too much from the name of the Japanese Palace, but it is a rare tourist spot that shows how the people of Dresden at that time viewed the Orient.

14. Markthalle

The Markthalle is located in the Neustadt district of Dresden. This shopping mall, which is often used by Dresden residents, has stores selling food items, as well as inexpensive apparel shops. It is recommended for people who come to Dresden to sightsee but are unable to shop to their heart's content because there are only high-end shops.

There is also a bakery that sells freshly baked bread, so it is a good idea to purchase some German bread and have lunch along the Elbe River. There are also Chinese restaurants, which are useful if you miss familiar flavors during a long stay. You can take takeout to the square or enjoy a German beer with your food inside the store; it is a tourist spot that you can enjoy at an affordable price.

15. Kunsthof Passage

Kunsthof Passage is a tourist attraction in the Neustadt district of Dresden that stands out with its striking colors. The brightly colored walls in light blue and yellow are decorated with rain gutters in the shape of musical instruments and designs of animals eating wallpaper, making it a unique and modern tourist attraction.

The buildings in Kunsthof Passage can still be used as residences, and are loved by the citizens of Dresden as a building that combines art and practicality. In addition to housing, Kunsthof Passage also has accessory and antique stores, restaurants, bookstores, and more, so you can enjoy the unique space while shopping.

The name "Kunsthof Passage" originally means "a narrow path in the courtyard of art." There are various courtyards that can be reached through many shortcuts, such as the "Courtyard of Light," "Courtyard of Animals," and "Courtyard of the Elements," so it is a tourist attraction that you should take your time to explore.

16. Albertinum

The Albertinum is an art museum located next to the Brühl Terrace on the eastern edge of Dresden's Old Town. What sets it apart from the many other art museums in Dresden is that the works on display are by modern painters and sculptors. The building itself was built in the 16th century and used as an armory, but was renovated in the 19th century and opened as the Albertinum Museum, a new tourist attraction.

Once inside, paintings and sculptures by famous modern painters are on display on the pure white walls and in a spacious space. There are many works by artists, such as paintings by Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso, and "The Thinker" by Degas and Rodin!

The artworks are hung in a spacious space, so there is little chance that there will be too many people and you will not be able to take your time to look at the works. If you are going sightseeing in Dresden, be sure to spend some time relaxing at the Albertinum Museum of Modern Art.

17. Wackerbarth Castle

Wackerbalt Castle is located in the village of Radebeul, on the northwestern outskirts of Dresden. It is a winery owned by the state of Saxony, including a Baroque-style building built in 1729. Behind Wackerbalt Castle are terraced fields of wine grapes, making it a tourist attraction a little removed from the hustle and bustle of Dresden.

Wackerbalt Castle, which brews a variety of wines, also offers factory tours and wine tasting tours for tourists, so feel free to inquire when you visit Dresden. Of course, you can also purchase your favorite wines, making them perfect for yourself or as a souvenir.

The dry wines brewed at Wackerbalt Castle go well with a variety of dishes, and there are many types of wine. If you are going to enjoy German wine while sightseeing in Dresden, this is a spot you cannot miss.

18. Saxon Switzerland

"Saxon Switzerland" is located up the Elbe River from Dresden, near the border with the Czech Republic. The huge rocks and strange rocks that have been eroded over the years resemble the Swiss landscape, which is why it is called Saxon Switzerland.

Just looking at the mountain stream along the Elbe River from the train window is beautiful enough, but if you have made the effort to travel from Dresden, why not get off at Kurort-Rathen Station on the way?

Cross the Elbe River by ferry from the station and climb the mountain path for 10 to 15 minutes. You will arrive at the Bastei Bridge, which is said to be the most popular tourist attraction in Saxon Switzerland. The view from the stone spectacles bridge that crosses from rock to rock is simply spectacular! You will be taken aback by the view of the rock walls that stretch out before you.

If you want to experience the thrill of a more rocky area, visit the ruins of Neurathen Mountain Castle at the foot of the bridge . An iron ladder is now hanging between the stone forest that was once connected by a wooden bridge. There's a gap, so if you look down you'll be amazed at how high it is, giving you a real taste of Saxon Switzerland.

19. Brühl's Terrace

Brühl Terrace, located along the Elbe River in Dresden's Old Town, is a popular terrace loved by tourists and Dresden residents alike. There are many tourist attractions in Dresden nearby, such as the Albertinum and the Frauenkirche, so you can often see tourists who have finished sightseeing sitting on benches to relax and take a rest. The benches are set up facing the Elbe River, so it is recommended to fill your stomach with a view of the river from Brühl Terrace. It

is also close to the pier for Elbe River sightseeing boats, so why not take a stroll while you wait? It is a great place to spend your free time, as you can see boats passing by on the Elbe River, the statues on Brühl Terrace, and the Augustus Bridge connecting the Old Town and the New Town.

20. Elbe Valley

The Elbe River basin from Dresden to Pillnitz was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004 as the "Dresden Elbe Valley". However, it is also known that the registration was removed in 2009 because a bridge built to relieve traffic congestion was deemed to have spoiled the scenery.

Even though it was removed from the World Heritage List, the scenery along the Elbe River on the outskirts of Dresden is refreshing and pleasant. If you are visiting Dresden, you should definitely see the night view. Dresden's tourist attractions, such as churches and art museums, are lit up in warm lights, creating a special beauty. When you visit Dresden, enjoy not only the area around the old town, which is packed with tourist attractions, but also the view of the ancient city from across the river.

21. Blue Note

If you're a jazz fan, you've probably heard of the music club "Blue Note" in Dresden. It's a tourist spot for adults in Dresden where you can enjoy not only jazz but also various genres of music such as swing and be-bop.

It's a 15-minute walk from Dresden-Neustadt Station, or just a short walk from the Görlitzer Strasse tram stop. It opens at 8 p.m. and is open until dawn, so you can have a drink while listening to live jazz after dinner. There are a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and other eateries in the surrounding area, making it a great spot to visit at night when sightseeing in Dresden. There are more Dresden residents than tourists, so it's a good place to stop by when you're tired of the crowds in tourist spots.

22. Alte Meister Picture Gallery

The Alte Meister is a tourist spot in Dresden's Zwinger Palace where masterpieces are gathered. Among the many art museums in Germany, it is one of Dresden's top tourist destinations, with famous paintings from various eras collected!

Dresden flourished as the capital of Saxony from the 17th to the 19th century, and paintings collected by the successive Electors and Kings of Saxony are exhibited here. The building itself, designed by Gottfried Semper, who designed the Semper Opera, is also a tourist attraction that is a beautiful work of art.

The Alte Meister exhibits many works by famous artists such as Giorgione's "Sleeping Venus" and Raphael's "Sistine Madonna," which are said to be representative of modern art, as well as Rubens, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. For example, Rubens' works have the same title and composition, but for some reason the underwear color is different, so it is interesting to compare them.

23. Carl Maria von Weber Museum

The Carl Maria von Weber Museum is a tourist attraction where the house of composer Carl Maria von Weber has been turned into a museum. This memorial museum in the outskirts of Dresden is not particularly flashy or large, but it is the only museum in the world dedicated to Weber.

Weber is known for composing famous operas and piano pieces such as "Der Freischütz", "Oberon" and "Invitation to the Dance". Weber's belongings, diary, letters, piano, etc. are exhibited in the museum, making it a hidden tourist spot in Dresden for classical music lovers.

Photography is allowed, but please note that videos are prohibited. It is a valuable museum that requires some tips to visit, as the opening hours are short, about 5 hours from noon to evening, and it is closed during Christmas and the New Year holidays. If you have time, please visit it.

24. Dresden Town Hall

There are many historical buildings in Dresden, but the one that stands out the most among them is the Dresden City Hall, with its black cylindrical tower. The tower of this city hall is said to be the second tallest after the Residenz Palace, but if you include the height of the statue at the top, it is actually the tallest tourist spot in Dresden.

The city hall is still in use, but the tourist spot is not inside the city hall. The top of the tower is an observation deck, and you can go up in one go by elevator instead of stairs.

There are many tourist spots where you can get a panoramic view of Dresden, but they tend to be avoided because you often have to climb steep slopes and stairs. However, here, the observation deck is just a short elevator ride away, so it is a wonderful tourist spot where you can easily get a panoramic view of the city.

◎Summary

Dresden is packed with various tourist attractions such as art, music, history, and religion. Once flourishing as the capital of Saxony, it was a gathering place for the wealth and arts of Germany, and even today it continues to convey history and culture in various styles such as opera and jazz. It is divided into the old town and the new town by the Elbe River, but both are tourist destinations full of attractions. We hope you will find some interesting places and your favorite spots from the tourist attractions in Dresden that we introduced this time!

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24 must-see tourist spots in Dresden, the Pearl of the Elbe!