Historic places in Dresden

24 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Dresden.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

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Brühlsche Terrasse
Brühl's Terrace
The "Balcony of Europe" stretches for 500 m along the River Elbe, some 10 m over the water table, and being up to 20 m wide. Freely open to the public since 1814, it provides space shielded from the danger of flooding, as well as from motorized traffic (which runs directly below over the Terassenufer) for walking, relaxing and enjoying a meal or a drink to locals and visitors, with views of the picturesque Elbe and an impressive backdrop of historic buildings at its back.
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Cafe Toscana
A pleasant café with a pastry shop (Konditorei) and a restaurant. The cakes are gorgeous and will help you understand why the café is famous. The décor is fairly new, given the very long history of the place (it was named after Louise von Toscana, the run-away princess who divorced the King of Saxony). The terrace is beautiful and overlooks the river and the famous "Blaue Wunder" bridge. Generally it's full of locals on Saturday afternoons who come to chat.
Daily€8-20
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Festung Dresden
Kasematten
The remains of the old fort. Gives you a glimpse of what a fort in a medieval European town was like.
Apr-Oct: daily 10:00-18:00; Nov-Mar: daily 10:00-17:00Tour: €4, €2 concessions
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Frauenkirche
The original Church of Our Lady was completely destroyed during World War II; however, it has been reconstructed. The City of Coventry, which was raided by the Luftwaffe in WWII, donated the golden cross for the dome of the church. Check out some ruins in the basement. For €12 (concessions €7; families €24) you can walk up to the viewing platform on the dome and enjoy a great view of the city. You must have good walking shoes, otherwise you might not be admitted. As well as being a working church (with services once a month in English), there are also regular concerts. Tickets tend to be expensive but sell out quickly, so try to book ahead of time. The seating can be a little hard.
Free
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Fürstenzug
This biggest porcelain painting of the world shows (almost) all Saxon princes, electors and kings on their horses and splendid parade uniforms. (There is only one female person at the painting, find her.) It leads to the "Stallhof" - the last preserved tournament place contained in a European castle. In winter, the Stallhof is the location of a medieval style Christmas market with a big fireplace.
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German Hygiene Museum
A comprehensive museum dedicated to "science, culture and society", a truly vast scope including all aspects of the human body, sickness, health, stages of life and sexuality. Don't be put off by the old-fashioned name. The children's section and special/temporary exhibitions are also well worth checking out. Has signage in English as well as German, but the permanent exhibitions are mostly labelled in German only. The museum also engages in a lot of well-merited self-criticism for its history of eugenicism and racism before World War II and its efforts on behalf of the Nazis' mass murder campaign against disabled people, and that history is interesting, too. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.
Tue-Sun and holidays 10:00-17:00, Mon closed. Last admission 30 min before closingAdults €12, reduced €6, under 16 free
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Grünes Gewölbe
Green Vault
One of the most significant collections of European goldsmith's work and decorative arts. The museum is divided into two sections, each requiring a separate ticket. The Historic Green Vault (Historisches Grünes Gewölbe) preserves the treasury as it was arranged in 1733, featuring items like the crown jewels of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The New Green Vault (Neues Grünes Gewölbe) focuses on individual objects in a modern, neutral setting, including the famous green diamond. Visitors are advised to book time-slot tickets for the Historic Green Vault in advance.
Wed Thu Sat Sun 10:00-17:00, Fri 10:00-19:00 closed Tuesdays€18, including Audioguide, concessions €13.50, children <16: free. Tickets for the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe have a clearly defined time limit
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Historisches Fischhaus
As one of the oldest inns in Dresden, its history can be traced back to 1573 - long enough for the road to be named after it.
Mon-Fri 11:30-24:00, Sat 11:00-24:00, Sun 11:00-23:00
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Japanisches Palais
The palace was bombed out and in its partially restored state houses several small museums, including a museum of natural history of the region and a display of assorted exotic garments (ethnological collection). The palace is part of the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD).
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Kulturpalast
Palace of Culture
A socialist era building finished in 1969, standing right in the middle of the gradually reconstructed Altstadt, in stark contrast to the historic buildings surrounding it and supplanting some of the old buildings that closed the Altmarkt from the north before the second world war. It was originally planned to be a super-tall, ornate structure in the mould of the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, but ended up being a large concert hall with height on par with surrounding buildings, in an austere Bauhaus-inspired style. It is now a protected architectural monument, along with a giant socialist-realism themed mosaic on its western wall, facing Schloßstraße. Between 2012 and 2017 the Kulturpalast was completely renovated and now houses a concert hall, the city's main library and a Kabarett venue.
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Lingnerschloss
Villa Stockhausen
The castle above the Elbe River was built from 1850 tom 1853 by Prince Albert of Prussia. The castle houses a restaurant and an outdoor terrace with beer garden that offers a fantastic view over the Elbe River and Dresden.
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Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon
Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments
A collection of historical scientific instruments from the 18th century. It features a variety of early precision tools, including telescopes, clocks, and celestial models that reflect the scientific interests and technological advancements of that era.
Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, Mon closedIndividual tickets: adults €6, reduced €4.50, under 17 free
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Military History Museum
Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr
Exhibits relating to Germany's military history - and the country's complicated relationship with its armed forces and warfare. 20,000 m² of indoor and outdoor exhibition space and a collection of 1.2 million exhibits.
Mon 10:00-21:00, Tue Thu-Sun 10:00-18:00, last tickets sold at 17:00€5; Mondays free after 18:00
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Münzkabinett
Coin Cabinet
A specialized collection focusing on the history of coinage, medals, and monetary systems. The archive holds an extensive array of specimens from ancient times to the present day, with a particular emphasis on the development of currency in Saxony. The exhibition provides insight into the history of minting techniques and the cultural significance of coins as both economic tools and artistic objects.
Wed-Mon 10:00-78:00, Tue closed
Do
Paddle-Steamer Tour
Best start your tour from the main pier at the castle and go down to Meissen or up to Pillnitz or Saxon Switzerland.
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Residenzschloss
Royal Palace
During the bombing of Dresden in February 1945 the interior of the palace was almost completely destroyed by fire. Only the part that is now the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (and the basements) was unaffected. Due to lack of money and political will during the GDR and despite the efforts of volunteers and local organizations, restoration only took place after reunification in the 1990s. It is now a palace for art and science. The Royal Palace is part of the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD).
Adults €18, concessions €13.50, under 17 free
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Rüstkammer
Dresden Armoury
This collection displays ceremonial weapons, costumes, and equipment used for courtly hunting and representation during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Key highlights include the Türkische Kammer (Turkish Chamber), which showcases Ottoman art, and the Riesensaal (New Giants’ Hall). The exhibition documents aspects of Saxon, European, and global history through the lens of court life and technology.
Wed-Mon 10:00-17:00, Tue closed
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Schloss Albrechtsberg
Albrechtsberg Palace
The neoclassical castle above the Elbe river in Dresden's Loschwitz district was erected in 1854 and can be viewed best from the south side of the Elbe river.
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Schloß Pillnitz
Pillnitz Castle
Pillnitz is the old garden residence of the Saxon kings, built at the end of the 18th century in a Japanese but also English style outside of what was then-Dresden, as the closest out-of-town residence of the kings. Pillnitz was the summer residence of the Saxon kings till 1918, today it hosts concerts and cultural events. The site consists of the English garden, a Chinese garden and Chinese pavilion (with Chinese style buildings) and the Orangerie. During summer you will also see all kinds of tropical plants in pots standing in the gardens, but in winter they are all transferred into the Orangerie. There are however, many other indigenous and foreign plants to be discovered. A big attraction is the camellia. Imported at the end of the 18th century from Japan is it now the oldest in Europe. It flowers beautifully in spring. It stands in the open during summer, but is put in a mobile glass house for winter. The castle became known worldwide for the Declaration of Pillnitz by Emperor Leopold II and Frederick William II of Prussia. Calling on European powers to intervene, this declaration was intended to serve as a warning to the French revolutionaries not to infringe further on the rights of Louis XVI, and to allow his restoration to power. It helped begin the French Revolutionary Wars.
Park from 06:00 till duskThere are no entry fees, although there still is a debate about a small fee
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Schwebebahn Dresden
Dresden Suspension Railway
A historic suspension railway link between the low-lying Loschwitz district and the hill of Oberloschwitz.
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Semperoper
Saxon State Opera and concert hall
This opera house is known for its architecture and the Staatskapelle Dresden orchestra. Its history includes the premieres of several operas by Wagner and Strauss. Tickets should be booked in advance, though some last-minute tickets are available at the box office shortly before the performance starts. Seats with restricted views are available at a lower price. Guided tours in German are offered throughout the day.
Guided tours in English daily 13:00 and 14:00, frequent tours in GermanGuided tours: adults €16, photo fee per person €3. Entry fee varies for each performance
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Zwinger Palace
The baroque palace features a nympheum, many sculptures of Permoser, a bell pavilion and famous art collections. Do not miss the "Alte Meister" - you'll find Rafael's famous Sistine Madonna with its well-known angels there. Three separate exhibitions are housed in the Zwinger. (See below.) The Zwinger is part of the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD).
Closed · opens 6 am tomorrowEntry is free to the palace, but to see exhibitions you need a ticket. Combined ticket for all three exhibitions: adults pre-booking EUR 18, reduced EUR 13.5, under 7 free
Do Not mapped
Audio tour: Jewish life in Dresden 1933-1945
Download the free map and audio tracks (in English) and take yourself on a walk covering the history of Jewish life in Dresden from 1933 to 1945. You will need several hours.
Do Not mapped
Striezelmarkt
One of Germany's oldest Christmas Markets. Located at the Altmarkt, all kinds of stalls selling among other things mulled wine (Glühwein) - delicious! Expect to pay a deposit for the mug/glass. Expect crowded streets and traffic jams. Avoid driving in the inner city around that time if you can to preserve your sanity. There are plenty of other Christmas markets in Dresden, including the medieval market at the Stallhof.
From the end of November until Christmas

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Dresden (CC BY-SA 4.0).