The fairytale Old Town of Dresden, Germany is a cluster of opulent Baroque buildings, soaring church spires and inviting squares. Seeing these historic sights on foot is an ideal way to get acquainted with the city.
Our Free Self-Guided Dresden Walking Tour showcases the top attractions in an easy-to-follow format, so you can follow in our footsteps!
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On our trip to Dresden, we spent days navigating the streets, both in Altstadt and Neustadt. We stood in awe of the grandiose architecture in the Old Town and reveled in the bohemian atmosphere of New Town.
About Our Self-Guided Dresden Walking Tour
With this free Dresden, Germany Self-Guided Walking Tour, you will see both districts – Old and New.
In Altstadt, on the south side of the curving Elbe River, the route features the gorgeous castle, ornate opera house and grand churches, like the famous Frauenkirche.
On the north side of the Elbe is Neustadt. The district features a mix of architecture and exudes a contemporary and alternative vibe.
We recommend taking this walk on Day 1 of our 3-Day Dresden Germany Itinerary, allowing 2 hours at a minimum to complete (not accounting for entering museums and churches).
A pin drop is included for each attraction, so that you can easily get directions from your current location on a mobile device.
If traveling from abroad, you can adjust your cellphone data to an international plan, use an eSim (with an unlocked phone) or invest in a Wi-Fi Pocket Device (like one from GlocalMe).
Later in the article, we provide a Dresden map marked with all the stops for you to see an overview of the tour.
Want an ad-free version of this Dresden Self-Guided Tour? Purchase the PDF format here; it costs less than a cup of coffee!
A Quick History Before Your Dresden Walk
Walking tours of Dresden are even better when you have some historical context. Dresden serves as the capital of the Free State of Saxony, one of 16 German states.
Origins of the city date to the 12th century, but it was in the 18th century that it gained prominent stature.
Under the rule of King Augustus II the Strong of Poland and King Augustus III of Poland, grand palaces and churches were constructed.
Throughout the 19th century, Dresden was the capital of the Kingdom of Saxony and considered the center of European art.
In February 1945, during the final months of World War II, the city was targeted by Allied Forces. After 3 days of intense bombing, Dresden was decimated along with significant civilian casualties.
Rebuilding (often to the original specifications) was a long, slow and painful process. Through immense efforts, the heritage of Dresden has been reborn, making it a fascinating place to discover today.
Self-Guided Walking Tour: Dresden, Germany
Lace up your shoes, pack up some snacks and let’s get started walking around Dresden!
#1 Rathausplatz: New Town Hall and Tower
MAP. The New Town Hall – or Neues Rathaus – opened in 1910 and is the perfect place to begin your free walking tour in Dresden.
It was built to house the city administration after the Old Town Hall was deemed too small. The tower – called the Rathausturm – is the most striking feature of the building.
It extends to a height of 328 feet, making it Dresden’s tallest tower. It’s topped with a golden statue of Hercules. The 15 additional statues symbolize good virtues.
The structure, like so many others in the city, had to be completely reconstructed after World War II.
#2 Holy Cross Church (Kreuzkirche)
MAP. The second stop on our walking tour of Dresden is Kreuzkirche. The history of this sensational church dates to the 12th century – when it was known as Nikolaikirche.
In 1234, the church received a relic – a splinter from the Cross of Christ – and was renamed Kreuzkirche or Holy Cross Church. The artifact is housed in the True Cross side chapel.
The bell tower was built in 1792 and going up 259 steps rewards you with super views. Of the several Dresden towers you can climb, in our opinion, the Holy Cross bell tower is the best one.
#3 Zwinger
MAP. The Zwinger was originally built as part of the Dresden Palace and used for festivals and events. Today, the buildings house museums and a multimedia experience.
The three museums are the Old Masters Art Gallery (Gemaldegallerie Alte Meister), the Porcelain Museum (Porzellansammlung) and the Mathematical and Physical Instruments Museum (Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon). All three require a ticket for entry.
That said, the inner courtyard and surrounding gardens are free to visit. Take a moment and look around, as it is one of the most beautiful Baroque designs in the city.
#4 Dresden Opera House (Semperoper Dresden)
MAP. Continue your self-guided tour in Dresden and walk to the Opera House. The striking structure stands in Theaterplatz and is the third opera house to be built on the same site.
The first Dresden Opera House, designed by Gottfried Semper, was built in 1841 – but burnt to the ground in 1869.
Semper also designed the second opera house that was completed in 1878. In 1945, during World War II, that opera house was destroyed by fire.
The current building was constructed in 1985. Architects diligently followed the original plans in order to recreate the Italian Renaissance gem. You can join a guided tour to see the sumptuous interior.
#5 Dresden Catholic Cathedral (Catolische Hofkirche)
MAP. The Catholic Cathedral – also called Kathedrale St. Trinitatis, was commissioned by Augustus III, the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. While most of the city’s population was protestant, Augustus III was catholic.
Built in the middle of the 18th century, it is the largest church in Saxony. Purposely constructed next to the castle – the two buildings are connected by an elevated walkway.
In addition the pulpit and artworks, you don’t miss the crypt. It’s the final resting place for members of the royal Wettin family and holds the heart of Augustus the Strong. The church also offers no-cost tours and hosts some free organ concerts.
#6 Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss)
MAP. A must-see on your tour of Germany, Dresden Castle served as the residence of Saxon kings and electors for nearly 400 years.
The first Dresden Royal Palace was built around the year 1200. However, it was in the 15th and 16th centuries that the castle was expanded and took the form it has today.
After a 1701 fire, the Residenzschloss was rebuilt by Augustus II the Strong in the Baroque style.
During the bombing of Dresden in World War II, most of the castle was destroyed. It was not rebuilt until the 1960s.
Today, the Dresden Palace serves as a museum complex, housing many important collections. A ticket is required for entry.
Dresden Castle Museums
Note that a combination ticket allows access to all collections, except the green vault (which requires a separate entry fee).
- Historic Green Vault (Historisches Grunes Gewolbe)
- New Green Vault (Neues Grunes Gewolbe)
- Coin Cabinet (Munzkabinett)
- Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs (Kupferstich-Kabinett)
- Turkish Chamber (Turckische Cammer)
- Dresden Armory (Rustkammer)
- Art Library
#7 Dresden City Gate (Georgenbau) and Long Corridor
MAP. One of the cool places to see on Dresden walking tours is the ancient City Gate, called Georgenbau – or St. George’s Gate. The richly adorned Renaissance gate provided access to the city from the river.
The façade, which overlooks Schlossplatz, is intricately carved with both religious and royal statues. The gate is flanked by the Catholic Cathedral and the Supreme Court of Saxony.
Be sure to walk through the arched tunnel. On the east side, peek inside the Stalhof und Langer Gang – the Long Corridor of the palace’s stable yard. We believe it’s one of the prettiest lanes in the entire city.
#8 Procession of Princes (Furstenzug)
MAP. An absolute gem on your Dresden sightseeing tour is the famous Procession of Princes. The wall mural consists of 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles and celebrates 800 years of the Wettin Dynasty.
The art depicts 35 electors, dukes and kings who ruled Saxony between 1127 and 1904 – as well as other prominent figures of the time.
The wall was originally painted between 1871 and 1876, but didn’t survive the elements. It was then re-painted on weatherproof tiles and is the world’s largest porcelain artwork, extending 334 feet long and 34 feet high.
#9 Neumarkt Square and Martin Luther Statue
MAP. Next up on our Dresden walking route is Neumarkt Square. The area was first settled in the 10th century, but it wasn’t until the mid-1500s that the village was included as part of the city of Dresden.
At that time, however, a main market square already existed. To differentiate between the two, the space at Kreuzkirche was renamed Altmarkt (Old Market) and the square at Frauenkirche was renamed Neumarkt (New Market).
The Neumarkt Square and surrounding buildings were demolished in the 1945 bombing of Dresden. They remained a pile of rubble for decades. The reconstruction, which has yet to be fully completed, has not been without controversy.
In the center of the square is a bronze statue of Martin Luther. The sculpture dates to 1885 and surprisingly survived the war.
#10 Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)
MAP. This wouldn’t be the best Dresden tour if we didn’t feature the magnificent Frauekirche. A gleaming landmark in the city center, the church serves as a symbol of resilience, peace and reconciliation.
The Baroque Frauenkirche was built in the 18th century, on the same site of a previous church (by the same name).
The dome, known as the Stone Bell, was an architectural feat for its time. It dominated Dresden’s skyline for 200 years until 1945.
For decades the ruins remained as an ugly reminder of war. It was finally decided, rather than to remove the debris, to preserve the site and rebuild.
From 1994 to 2005, the church was reconstructed – incorporating stones from the wreckage that could be salvaged. These can easily be identified by their dark, contrasting color, which gives the entire structure a unique look.
The church is open to visitors for free – and the ornate interior should not be missed! For a fee, you can ascend to the top of the dome for a panoramic view.
#11 Bruhl’s Terrace
MAP. The last place that we will visit in Old Town on this Dresden free tour is the impressive Bruhl’s Terrace.
More commonly known as the Balcony of Europe, the vantage point was originally built as part of the city walls. Later, it was incorporated into the palace.
The elevated space, which provides sweeping views over the Elbe River, was opened to the public in 1814. The terrace had to be completely reconstructed after World War II.
An artistic highlight of the balcony is the west end’s grand staircase and sculptures – known as, ‘The Four Times of Day.’
The Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, which houses studios, workshops and exhibition space, is also located on the terrace.
#12 Augustus Bridge (Augustusbrucke)
MAP. The most famous bridge in Dresden, Augustusbrucke connects Innere Altstadt (Inner Old City) to Innere Neustadt (Inner New City). A bridge has spanned the Elbe River at the same site since the 12th century.
The current bridge, with nine arches allowing for water traffic, was built in the early 1900s. As you walk across, be sure to pause halfway and turn around to take in the gorgeous view.
#13 Dresden Inner New City
MAP. The district to the north of the Elbe River is known as Innere Neustadt. When the city grew to the north side of the river, the community was contained within the fortifications.
However, fire decimated the northern settlement in the year 1685. When they rebuilt the neighborhood, it was named Neustadt, or New City.
The lush green space along the bank of the Elbe is a superb place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic lunch. The views across the river are unsurpassed – and the Rosengarten is delightful when in bloom.
#14 Neustadter Markt and Golden Rider
MAP. The next sight on our Dresden walking itinerary is Neustadter Markt. The expansive, pedestrian space plays host to popular festivals and a wintertime Christmas market.
Greeting you at the southern entrance is one of Dresden’s iconic symbols: the Goldener Reiter. The large, glittering statue (made in the 1730s from gold leaf) depicts King Augustus the Strong riding a Lipizzaner horse.
#15 New Town Main Street (Hauptstrasse)
MAP. A lovely pedestrian promenade, Hauptstrasse connects Neustadter Markt to Albertplatz. Originally constructed during the turn of the 18th century, it required the demolition of several structures.
After World War II, the street was redesigned again to include residential housing, but kept some historical elements.
For example, the Neustädter Markthalle from 1899 has been repurposed into a food, craft and antique flea market. Even if you don’t intend to shop, it’s well worth popping inside for the nostalgia and the architecture.
#16 Three Kings Church (Dreikonigskirche)
MAP. When an old church was demolished to make room for the new Hauptstrasse, it was replaced with Three Kings Church. Aligned to fit the fresh concept, the church was designed with an extravagant façade.
The only Protestant Lutheran church in Neustadt until 1887 (when Martin Luther Church opened), it was built to accommodate 3,000 people
While the exterior was restored to its original design after WWII, a new interior was created to accommodate office and meeting space. The altarpiece, however, stands partially damaged as it did at the end of the war.
Visitors are welcome to go inside the church (for free). A small fee is required to climb the 225 steps to the top of the tower.
#17 Albertplatz
MAP. A spacious and leafy plaza, Albertplatz was designed in 1817 at the center of nine roads. Today, tram tracks cut through the middle, ushering both locals and visitors between the Old Town and New Town.
The square features several statues, fountains and memorials. On the north side, you can find the canopied drinking fountain (Artesischer Brunnen) that dates to the year 1906. The two central fountains, Stormy Waves and Silent Waters, tell a whimsical tale.
Note the tall building on the northwest side of Albertplatz. Known as the DVB tower and housing the city’s transportation office, it was one of the first skyscrapers in Germany.
#18 Outer New Town (Aussere Neustadt)
MAP. From Albertplatz, continue your walk north into Aussere Neustadt. The neighborhood was developed in the late 18th century – outside of the protective Dresden city walls.
The area grew substantially during the Industrialization era. Narrow lanes, quaint courtyards and Wilhelminian architecture are the signature marks of the district.
For the most part, the community was spared during the Dresden bombing in 1945. Therefore, it has retained many of the characteristics from the 19th century.
In the 1990s, Aussere Neustadt became an enclave for artistic expression and counterculture. Today it remains Dresden’s alternative district and is home to many local shops, unique bars and alternative clubs.
#19 Kunsthofpassage
MAP. Kunsthofpassage is one of the best places to get a glimpse of the district’s art culture. The passageway connects five courtyards between Gorlitzer and Alaunstrasse.
Inside these enclosures are boutique shops, cafes and artist studios. The facades are artistically designed creating a fun and funky space. Be sure to find the blue building that incorporates pipes that ‘sing’ when it rains.
#20 Alaunplatz Park and St Martin Church
MAP. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the last stop on our walking tour for Dresden, Germany!
Alaunplatz Park was the site of a massive military complex in the 1800s. The camp could accommodate 10,000 soldiers. Today, the park is perfect for picnics, meet ups and resting under shady trees.
Architecturally magnificent – and unscathed during the war – St. Martin is still somewhat of a hidden gem. The church was built for the Saxon army personnel stationed at the barracks.
Since there were both protestant and catholic soldiers, the site was built as one building with one tower, but two separate churches inside.
Today, the catholic side, renamed St. Franziskus Xaverius Gemeinde Dresden Neustadt, is still a parish church, but the protestant section is now a library. It’s free to visit both.
After your Self-Guided Dresden Walking Tour
From St. Martin, you can continue north to the Military History Museum (MAP). It’s an enormous and enthralling place to learn about the history of armed conflicts and the weapons deployed.
For a lighter vibe, retrace your steps south into Aussere Neustadt and visit one (or more) of the popular bars in the neighborhood. Just note that the best places don’t typically open until 7pm.
Further south, Watzke am Goldenen Reiter (MAP) is a great place for classic German beer and hearty food anytime of day.
If you still have some pep in your step, walk to the stunning Dresdner Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund (MAP). Claiming to be the Most Beautiful Dairy Shop in the World, the store is decorated with hand-painted tiles. Of course, the real highlight is tasting the products!
Otherwise, to get directly back to Old Town, the closest tram stop is Stauffenbergallee (MAP). Both tram 7 or 8 should get you there or check the DVB Journey Planner.
Self-Guided Dresden Walking Tour Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Dresden tour map below.
Preparing for your DIY Dresden Walk
Before setting off on your Self-Guided Walk in Dresden, we have a few tips to share with you!
What You Will Need
Wear comfortable shoes. The best travel shoes are lightweight, versatile and have good, grippy soles.
Use a zippered travel day bag to stow everything you will need. We carry small backpacks that can hold our extra layers, water bottle and travel umbrella.
Dresden is quite photogenic; upgrade to a real camera to capture the beauty of the city. We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens.
Guided Dresden Tours
This Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dresden, Germany outlines a fantastic route through the heart of the city, which you can complete at your own pace.
That said, if you would rather let someone else lead the way, join a Dresden guided walking tour – like this highly rated one!
Organize Your Dresden Trip
Whether you are breezing through the city in a few hours or staying in Dresden for 3 Days, organization is key! Stay on top the details with our Printable Travel Planner.
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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