Are you thinking about visiting Dresden, Germany? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Dresden worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Dresden sits on both sides of the Elbe River, with the city's old town on one side and the new town on the other. It is the capital city of the German state of Saxony and it is known for its rich cultures and beautiful baroque architecture. There are many palaces, gardens, and churches thoughout. Dresden is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Frommer's Best Places to Go in 2024.
Dresden
Reasons to Visit Dresden
Nightlife
Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.
Historical Sights
Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.
Museums
It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.
Food
The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.
Shopping
Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.
Is Dresden worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Dresden, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Dresden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| August | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Is Dresden worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Dresden. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).
Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the historic old town, the museums and landmarks, and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Dresden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| December | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Is Dresden worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Dresden can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 1°C (33°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Dresden is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can dance the night away and enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Dresden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| February | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Is Dresden worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Dresden. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Dresden can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Dresden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| June | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Dresden
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Dresden might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Dresden here or see if Dresden is expensive here.
Related
What is Dresden most famous for?
Dresden is most famous for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). The city is very popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Also, it's known for museums, food, and shopping. It is often described as architectural, cultural, park-filled, and friendly.
What is the most famous sight in Dresden?
The most popular sight in Dresden is Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Dresden on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace and other attractions here.
How touristy is Dresden? Is it a popular city to visit?
Dresden is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Historic Dresden Private Walking Tour: $190
- Winterland Tour to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland from Dresden: $174
- Dresden Live-Guided Self-Drive Trabi Safari City XXL Tour 2h15min: $108
- City tour and guided tour in the New Green Vault and in the Semperoper: $49
- Winter Edition Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Tour from Dresden: $163
- 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $43
- 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $299
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
How long should I spend in Dresden?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Dresden is one to three days. Since Dresden has activities such as nightlife and historical sights, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Dresden? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Dresden?.
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