Dresden 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Dresden Itinerary: A Baroque Journey Through History

This itinerary offers a balanced experience of Dresden’s historical highlights and its vibrant cultural scene. It’s just a suggestion, so feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Arriving in Dresden & Historic Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Dresden and check into your hotel. For a centrally located stay with great views, consider the Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski or the Dorint Hotel Dresden near the Zwinger Palace.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Altstadt (Old Town) starting with a visit to the majestic Zwinger, marvel at the intricate architecture of the Semperoper, and stroll along the beautiful Brühl’s Terrace.
  • Evening: Dinner at Restaurant “Zur Schmiede” for traditional Saxon cuisine in a charming, historic setting.

Things to know:

  • Dresden is known for its rich history and stunning Baroque architecture.
  • The city has a strong focus on art and culture.
  • Dresden offers a variety of accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels.

Day 2: Exploring the Saxon Renaissance

  • Morning: Visit the Dresden Castle, exploring the opulent rooms and marveling at its architectural evolution through history. Enjoy a coffee and pastry break at Cafe am Schloss, a cozy cafe with a view of the Elbe River.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the Zwinger Gardens, a beautiful example of Baroque garden design.

Day 3: Baroque Beauty & Artful Delights

  • Morning: Explore the Dresden Frauenkirche, a symbol of the city’s resilience and beauty.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the history of Dresden at the Frauenkirche Museum, which showcases the reconstruction process of this historical landmark.

Day 3-7: Beyond the Baroque

(Choose from these options based on your interests)

  • Museums & Art:

    • Spend a day exploring the Semper Gallery, home to masterpieces by Raphael, Dürer, and others.
    • Immerse yourself in the world of porcelain at the Dresden Porcelain Collection.
    • Dive into history at the Dresden Zwinger, a complex housing museums dedicated to art and science.

  • Art & Culture:

    • Enjoy a performance at the Semperoper, a renowned opera house showcasing world-class productions.
    • Discover the treasures of the Green Vault, a museum with a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, including gold, precious stones, and ivory.
    • Experience the vibrant art scene by visiting the Dresden Picture Gallery or the Dresden State Art Collections.

  • Nature & Relaxation:

    • Take a leisurely walk through the Saxon Switzerland National Park, enjoying breathtaking views of the Elbe Valley.
    • Enjoy a boat ride on the Elbe River, taking in the beauty of the riverbanks and bridges.
    • Visit the Dresden Zoo for a day with animals from around the world.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Explore the Zwinger Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the architectural styles of Dresden.

  • Afternoon:

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Großer Garten (Great Garden), a sprawling park in the heart of Dresden that was once a royal hunting ground.

Things to know:

  • Dresden is known for its beautiful parks and gardens.
  • The Dresden Elbe Philharmonic Orchestra is world-renowned and performs at the Semperoper.

Day 4: Gardens & History:

  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Palace Gardens, marveling at the intricate floral displays and sculpted hedges.
  • Visit the Dresden Zwinger, a historical complex showcasing the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: For affordable stays, consider hostels like the Hostel & Hotel “Das Hostel” or Youth Hostel Dresden.
  • Mid-range: The Hotel Elbhof and Hotel Terrassengarten, both centrally located and known for their charm and affordability.
  • Luxury:

The Hotel Dresden offers a luxurious experience in the heart of the city, with elegant rooms and stunning views of the Dresden Castle.

Food:

  • Traditional Saxon Fare:

Enjoy the authentic flavors of the region at “Restaurant Schnitzel, known for its delicious Schnitzels (try the “Wiener Schnitzel”!), “Cafe Frauenkirche for a traditional afternoon coffee and cake break.

  • Modern Cuisine: Experience the city’s modern culinary scene with a visit to The Dresden Restaurant, which offers contemporary dining options and a sophisticated ambiance.

Day 7: Exploring the Saxon Switzerland National Park

  • Visit the Dresden Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister), which houses masterpieces from renowned artists like Raphael, Dürer, and other treasures.

  • Explore the historical Royal Palace, home to the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).

Things to know:

  • The national park is a popular destination for hiking and climbing.

  • Many picturesque trails offer breathtaking views of the Saxon Switzerland region, with varying levels of difficulty.

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the “Bastei Bridge” and the “Kunsthistorisches Museum”

  • Day 4: Enjoy a day out exploring the “Bastei Bridge”, taking in the stunning views of the Elbe Valley.

  • Restaurant Options:

For a culinary adventure, explore the “Kletterpark Bastei” for a challenging and fun climbing experience. *

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a boat trip on the Elbe River for a unique perspective.

  • Day 3 & 4: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Saxon Switzerland.

  • Cafe “Bastei” offers panoramic views from the bridge.

Enjoy a coffee and cake break with a view of the Elbe River, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Saxon Switzerland.

Dinner at the “Bastei” Restaurant:

  • Imagine enjoying traditional German dishes like Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, or Sauerkraut while overlooking the dramatic river views.
  • Krumme Haus: A charming restaurant with a quirky name and unique architecture.