Unmissable things to do in Dresden on holiday for first-time visitors

Perhaps one of the most iconic sights of Dresden is the Frauenkirche Church, a protestant church and masterpiece of Dresden Baroque. Constructed between 1726 and 1743, its domes form an instantly recognisable part of the city’s skyline. Both the church and the Baroque buildings surrounding the Neumarkt, one of the Old Town's most important squares, were completely destroyed in the air raids on Dresden in February 1945. 

However, from 1994 until 2005, reconstruction work took place to restore not just the sacred building itself but also its historic setting. Visitors to the Frauenkirche Church will fall in love not only with the stunning interiors but also with the views across the city from the church’s viewing platforms. Visitors to the city during the festive season won’t want to miss this spot as it is very close to the famous Altmarkt Square, where the Dresden Christmas market takes place every year.

The Semper Opera House is one of Dresden’s most iconic landmarks—and one that had to be entirely reconstructed. Thankfully, it was, because this world-renowned opera house on Theaterplatz holds a rich legacy as the former royal court opera. It has been the stage for premieres by legendary composers like Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. With its stunning neo-Renaissance architecture, the Semperoper is a must-see—not only for opera lovers. Still, catching a performance inside this historic venue is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Dresden.

The Catholic Court Church, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Sanctissimae Trinitatis), is one of Dresden’s most striking landmarks. Built in the mid-18th century by Italian architect Gaetano Chiaveri, this Baroque masterpiece stands proudly beside the Elbe River, directly across from the Semper Opera House. When looking for things to do in Dresden, this is one to add to your list. Why? Originally constructed for the Catholic members of the Saxon royal family—who ruled a largely Protestant region—the church is a symbol of political and religious significance and one of the unmissable Dresden places to visit. Step inside this magnificent building to admire the intricate stucco work, towering columns and the royal crypt where members of the Wettin dynasty, including Augustus the Strong, are buried. Whether you're drawn by its architecture, history, or quiet atmosphere, the cathedral offers a moment of serenity amid the city's cultural buzz.

Once upon a time, nestled between the Johanneum and the Langer Gang (Long Arcade), the Stallhof - part of Dresden’s Royal Palace complex was the site of knightly tournaments and medieval games. Today, it serves as a venue for cultural events. Yet what really draws in the crowds is one of Dresden’s most iconic artworks: the Procession of the Princes. Stretching 101 meters along the outer wall facing Schlossplatz, the mural depicts a majestic cavalcade of Saxony’s rulers from the House of Wettin. Created by artist Wilhelm Walther as a sgraffito for the family’s 800th anniversary in the late 19th century, the artwork began to fade due to weathering. So, between 1904 and 1907, the work was painstakingly recreated using 24000 Meissen porcelain tiles. When viewing the work you can see 35 noblemen alongside 59 figures representing everyday life—scientists, artisans and farmers making it not only the world’s largest porcelain mural but also a grand tribute to Saxon history and craftsmanship. If you like art and history, this is one of the top things to do in Dresden.

It may seem that Dresden is one impressive building after another, but as you enjoy the things to do in Dresden, you will soon realise that this city is a visual feast. Yet, perhaps one of the must-see buildings in the city is the Dresden Residence Palace. Built in the Renaissance or Neo-Renaissance style, the former residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony is not only architecturally interesting and impressive. One of the top reasons to visit this historic Dresden landmark is its wealth of artistic treasures. It’s home to five museums from the Dresden State Art Collections, including the Green Vault—one of Europe’s largest jewellery collections—the Print Cabinet, and the Armory.

If you are in Dresden, you should definitely plan enough time to visit the Residenzschloss and to get the most out of your visit, plan which works you want to see in advance. 

Both an architectural monument and a museum, The Zwinger Palace is one of Dresden's must-see places. This magnificent Baroque building was originally built as an orangery and later used by Augustus the Strong for his banquets and festivals. Today, the Zwinger is a Mecca for curious minds. It houses the Old Masters Picture Gallery which showcases works from the 15th to 18th centuries, including Raphael's famous Sistine Madonna. Visitors can also find the Porcelain Collection, one of the largest and most valuable in the world. Plus, this building is also home to the Museum of Mathematics and Physics which houses fascinating historical instruments.

Brühl’s Terrace, often called the “Balcony of Europe,” is one of Dresden’s most iconic and picturesque spots. When looking for things to do in Dresden, a stroll along this riverside promenade to admire the striking architecture from Dresden’s Old Town is a must. Expect to see landmarks like the Albertinum and the Ständehaus, with the Church of Our Lady in the background. To really get an idea of this area’s charm, walk along Brühl’s Terrace on both sides of the river. One side offers you an Instagrammable Old Town Skyline, while the other provides panoramic views from the opposite bank.

While it may seem that the city has been plucked from the pages of a history book, there are some more modern sights to admire when exploring things to do in Dresden. One of these is the Kunsthofpassage, an open-air gallery consisting of a series of courtyards where the building facades are decorated with murals and sculptures. This must-see place can be found between Alaunstraße and Görlitzer Straße, in one of Dresden’s most lively neighbourhoods.  

Those who visit the Kunsthofpassage will enjoy the unusual combination of contemporary art and traditional architecture. Spend time exploring each of the courtyards, all with different themes, with the most famous being the “Courtyard of the Elements” where art mimics nature by producing music through the sound of falling water. 

Travelling with little ones and need activities in Dresden for them to burn off steam. The Großer Garten is Dresden's largest park and the ideal place for kids to run and play. It is also home to the city’s zoo and botanical gardens. For those craving greenery and outdoor things to do in Dresden, this is the perfect place for a pleasant walk or bike ride in the fresh air, or even a spontaneous picnic, weather permitting. Dresden’s Great Garden features several highlights, including the Summer Palace, a Baroque gem that adds a historical touch to the park. To round out the experience, visitors can rent small boats on Lake Carolasee, the park’s largest pond and enjoy a relaxing moment on the water.

Want to travel back in time and see one of the Dresden attractions that was saved from the war bombings? Nicknamed the “Blue Wonder” since its 19th-century construction, the Loschwitz Bridge is one of only two Elbe River bridges in Dresden that survived the World War II air raids. Considered one of the best sights in Dresden for its historic and architectural value, this bridge has become a local icon. Its name comes from both its innovative design—considered an engineering marvel at the time—and its original sky-blue colour. Today, the bridge is a gateway to one of Dresden’s favourite day trip spots. From here, why not take one of the two cable cars that ascend to the scenic Loschwitz Elbe slopes and admire the stunning views of the city and the surrounding area?