The beauty of Dresden, Germany is unmissable. The grand architecture, hillside vineyards, royal residences, curving river and sprawling parks create a fairytale scene that dazzles visitors.
With our ideal 3-Day Dresden Itinerary you can soak in the opulence and charm of the city and explore around Saxony.
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Truth be told, we stayed for 2 weeks – and we couldn’t get enough of it. Despite our chilly wintertime visit, we were in awe of the grandiose palaces and expansive spaces.
We navigated Dresden on Foot, marveling at the Baroque masterpieces in the Old Town and dipping our toes into the artistic culture in New Town. Then, we ventured further afield to see countryside castles and magnificent churches.
Based on our best experiences, we created this Dresden itinerary for 3 days. It showcases exactly what to see and do – and you don’t even need a car!
Why Spend 3 Days in Dresden, Germany
Dresden is one of the most underrated cities in Germany. Not particularly easy to reach directly, it’s a popular stop when traveling between Berlin and Prague.
Tourists often rush through, perhaps staying for just a few hours, their sightseeing limited to the dramatic beauty of Dresden Old Town. Which we wholeheartedly admit is absolutely stunning!
Travelers who slow down, however, can experience so much more of the region. Visitors who stay in Dresden for 3 days (or longer) are able to discover the gorgeous landscapes and neighboring towns of Saxony.
3-Day Dresden Itinerary
In our 3-Day Dresden, Germany Itinerary, we explore the heart of the city center and then venture beyond to nearby castles, vineyards and other sights.
For these trips, we share tips on using public transport to get to the outlined attractions that lie to the north, east and west.
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Day 1 – Dresden City Center
The resilient City of Dresden is not to be missed. This is why we suggest starting your Dresden in 3 Days Itinerary in the historic center. Our Dresden Self-Guided Walking Tour offers a fantastic sightseeing route for Day 1!
MORNING: Old Town Dresden
Step out to explore the extraordinary Altstadt. Marking the very center of Dresden, the Old Town is rife with extravagance.
See the magnificent Dresden Castle, ogle the Opera House and swing by the Zwinger gardens. Find the storied Frauenkirche and climb the tower at Kreuzkirche. These Dresden Old Town sights are all in close proximity, making them easy to see.
For lunch, grab a Thuringer from a food cart. Cooked over coals, the local German sausages are Dresden’s best street food!
AFTERNOON: Dresden Museums
The museums in Dresden are incredible. Spend the early afternoon visiting a museum or cultural institution.
The Museums at the Dresden Castle are a top pick – and a single ticket includes entry to several exhibits. However, the famous Historic Green Vault requires a special entry fee.
Visitors could also partake in tours of the Semperoper Opera House, Dresden University of Fine Arts or Catholic Cathedral.
LATE AFTERNOON: New Town
Later in the afternoon, make your way across the Elbe River via the Augustusbrucke Bridge and into Neustadt. This vibrant Dresden neighborhood features a curious mix of architecture and culture.
See the glittering Goldener Reiter equestrian statue, one of the symbols of Dresden. Walk along Hauptstrasse, a wide pedestrian promenade, and stop to shop at Neustädter Markthalle.
Sample local delicacies at the Dresdner Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund Dairy shop. Then, step inside intriguing churches – like Three Kings and St. Martin.
Finally, wind your day down in Aussere Neustadt – or Outer New Town – where there is a buzzing alternative scene and tons of fun cafes and bars.
Revel in the artistry of Kunsthofpassage and stay in the district through the evening to enjoy drinks and meal.
Day 2 – Day Trip from Dresden to Meissen and Moritzburg
On Day 2 of your 3-day Dresden vacation, discover the region to the west of the city. Visit the marvelous town of Meissen, then continue to a famous castle, ride a steam train and go to a winery.
MORNING: Meissen
Start your day in the historic town of Meissen. The idyllic village boasts colorful gable houses and cobblestone lanes.
The top things to do are visiting the Meissen Fraunkirche, climbing the hill up to the amazing Albrechtsburg Castle and Gothic Cathedral and touring the superb Meissen Porcelain Factory.
Weather permitting, the idyllic town is the perfect setting for an al fresco lunch. Try one of the restaurants on Market Square.
How To Get to Meissen
The quickest way to get from Dresden to Meissen is via the S1 S-Bahn in just 30 minutes. From the station, it’s a short walk north to the Meissen City Center.
That said, the much more atmospheric way to travel to Meissen is via an Elbe River Cruise!
AFTERNOON: Moritzburg Castle
Schloss Moritzburg is one of the most picturesque castles in Saxony. The Baroque castle sits impressively on an island in the middle of a lake.
The royal residence was originally designed in the 1500s and served as a hunting lodge. In the 1720s, Augustus II the Strong had the lodge renovated into a splendid palace.
The interior can be visited (with a ticket). Afterwards, walk the castle grounds and gardens. If time allows, make the short trek to the Little Pheasant Castle and lighthouse.
How To Get to Moritzburg
The fastest way to get from Meissen to Moritzburg via public transit is to take the S-Bahn to Coswig and switch to the 405 bus.
All together it takes about 40 minutes, but the schedule is limited. Although pricey, a quick taxi journey takes about 20 minutes.
LATE AFTERNOON: Steam Train and Wackerbarth Winery
After visiting Moritzburg, hop on a historic steam train – it’s one of the truly fabulous ways to get around Saxony!
We absolutely loved riding the narrow-gauge railway, which has been in operation since 1884. Get the schedule.
The train line terminates in the Dresden suburb of Radebeul. It’s one of the famous wine-growing towns in the Elbe Valley.
From the train station, hop on Tram 4 for a ride to Schloss Wackerbarth Winery, Saxony’s oldest sparkling wine cellar.
The estate dates to the mid-1700s and was a place for royal festivities. Besides vineyards, the grounds include a small castle, restaurant, shop and wine-making facilities.
Take a seat on the patio to enjoy samples of the locally produced wine. (Just note the hours of operation before you go!)
By early evening, make your way to Altkötzschenbroda. The quaint district features a 13th century church, colorful boutique shops and half-timbered houses. Choose one of the traditional pubs or cellar vaults for dinner.
Closer to Dresden, Ballhaus Watzke is another top pick for dinner. The building is one of the oldest ballrooms in the Saxony region, and also a brewery and beer hall.
Day 3 – Explore Attractions Around Dresden
On the last day of your Dresden 3-Day Itinerary, you will visit the Grand Garden, a riverside castle and an affluent neighborhood.
MORNING: Grand Garden and Summer Palace
Start your day in Grosser Garten – or Grand Garden. The lush green space was created in the mid-1600s, but it became a public park in 1814.
In addition to the winding paths, ponds and miniature railway, the park hosts the free Dresden Botanical Garden and the Dresden Zoo (ticket required).
At the center of the Grand Garden is a 17th century palace. Not a residence for the monarchy, it’s where the royal family hosted parties and weddings. Today, the venue hosts exhibitions, events and weddings (so not much has changed!).
Within the park, there is a restaurant and beer garden. However, Grosser Garten is a fantastic spot for a picnic. You can pick up supplies at local grocery store (there’s a Lidl nearby) and find the perfect spot for your midday meal.
AFTERNOON: Pillnitz Castle
After lunch, take a tram, bus, river cruise or taxi to the utterly appealing Pillnitz Castle. Located on the banks of the Elbe River, Pillnitz served as the summer residence of the Kings of Saxony.
The castle complex consists of three distinct buildings – the Riverside Palace, the Upper Palace and the New Palace – and a garden featuring the Palm House.
We suggest touring the castle – but allow plenty of time to wander through the splendid gardens. Highlights include the Organery, the royal gondola and an English and Chinese pavilion.
LATE AFTERNOON: Loschwitz
Before heading back to the Old Town, stop in Loschwitz, one of Dresden’s most affluent neighborhoods.
While there, take a ride on the Schwebebahn; it’s the oldest suspension railway in the world. The ride culminates with an excellent elevated view.
Then, walk across Loschwitz Bridge, which is better known as the Blaues Wunder (or Blue Wonder) due to its unusual pigment. When completed in the late 1800s, it was considered a modern marvel.
We suggest staying in Loschwitz for dinner. Kornergarten Gaststatten offers a menu of local dishes – like sauerbraten, venison burgers and schnitzel. Just across the bridge, Schiller Garten is a solid option, as well.
When you return to the city center of Dresden (via bus, tram or taxi), take an evening stroll to relish in the beauty of the Baroque architecture after dark.
Map of Things To Do in Dresden, Germany
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Dresden Map below.
Tips For Your Trip to Dresden, Germany
Now that you know what to do with three days in Dresden, we have some advice about planning your trip!
How To Get to Dresden
The Dresden Airport – or Flughafen Dresden-Klotzsche – accommodates flights from select cities within Germany and Europe. Find the best routes on Skyscanner – but first, read our tips for Finding Cheap Flights.
There are dual train and bus stations with regional and long distance connections. The Dresden Hauptbahnhof and Bus Station are located south of the Old Town. Dresden Central Station and Bahnhof Neustadt are located in New Town.
Getting Around
We used buses, trams and trains to get around Dresden. Both Google Maps and the DVB Journey Planner are good resources for finding the best routes.
Where To Stay in Dresden
During our stay in Dresden, Germany, we were housesitting with Trusted Housesitters, so we don’t have a specific hotel to recommend.
That said, there are many places to stay in the Dresden city center. Read our tips for Booking Great Hotels and Low Rates – then start your search on Booking.com.
Packing Tips for your Dresden Itinerary
Our final travel tips are all about what to pack for your Dresden itinerary. By using our Packing Hacks and Free Checklist, you’ll be off to Germany prepared and stress-free!
Durable Shoes: Between cobblestone lanes and long days of sightseeing, packing the best travel shoes is essential. I travel with these lightweight trainers and Kris prefers trail shoes by Merrell.
Travel Camera: Use a real camera to capture the stunning beauty of Dresden. A Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens is our DSLR budget camera of choice.
Zippered Day Bag: Bring a good travel day pack for all your essentials, and it will help deter pickpockets.
Trip Insurance: If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Travel Organizer: Stay on top of the details with our Trip Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Germany Destinations
- What To See in Frankfurt (and our FREE Walking Tour)
- Berlin Self-Guided Walk (and Top Berlin Travel Tips)
- Things To Do in Dusseldorf
- The Best of Freiburg
- One Day in Munich (plus our DIY Walk)
- The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
- How To Plan a European Vacation
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