24 Hours in Dresden Germany, Day Trip Itinerary
It is difficult to determine how best to plan a day trip to Dresden Germany, there are so many fun things to see, do, and eat. Dresden is known for its WWII history. The city also has gorgeous Baroque architecture, Gothic churches, Bruhl’s Terrace, the most beautiful dairy store in the world, the largest porcelain mural in the world, and the largest treasure collection in Europe. This 24-hour itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Bruhl’s Terrace, Dresden Castle, Frauenkirche, Processions of Princes, Zwinger Terrace, and more. Dresden is a great day trip and an easy train ride from Berlin. Here is how to see the best of Dresden in one day. Enjoy your time out of the office!
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Dresden Germany Day Trip Itinerary
7 am Take the 7am train from Berlin and arrive in Dresden a little after 9 am. Check into the hotel if you are spending the night. If you are looking for a hotel in Dresden, I stayed at the Intercity Hotel across from Dresden Hauptbahnhof and was provided a free transportation card.
9:30 am Take the tram to Louisastabe. Check out the street art and Baroque architecture as you walk toward Kunsthofpassage. Photograph the singing drain pipes and browse the local stores. Walk to Pfund’s Dairy to see the most beautiful dairy store in the world. Be aware photography is not allowed in the store.
11:30 am Hop a tram to Albertplatz and photograph the fountain. Stop in Neustadter Markethalle for lunch. Walk down the pedestrian-only Hauptresse or shop along Konigstrasse. Photograph the Golden Rider sculpture. Walk along the River Elbe toward Carolplatz and photograph the Bruhl’s terrace and Altstadt across the river.
2 pm Cross the Carolbrucke and spend the remainder of the day in Altstadt. Walk the Bruhl’s terrace taking photo after photo. Check out the largest green diamond in the world at Dresden Castle. Climb the Frauenkirche for city views and photograph the Processions of Princes. Stop for a break at Café Schinklelwache. Tour the Semperoper and walk the Zwinger Terrace. Ride the Ferris wheel for city views or see Raphael’s Sistine Madonna in the Old Master’s Museum.
Note: The Zwinger will allow you to use their toilet for 1 euro, ignore the sign and ask.
6 pm Stop in a beer garden for dinner before returning to the hotel. Try Augustusgarten across the River Elbe near Ausustusbrucke.
Looking for more options? Continue reading for additional things to do in Dresden to supplement this itinerary.
Additional Things to Do in Dresden Germany
Have more time? Supplement this day trip itinerary with these additional things to do in Dresden.
- Wander the street art in Neustadt Louisastrabe
- Take the night watchmen tour
- Climb to the top of the Church of Our Lady dome for city views
- View the city post-WWII bombing at the Panometer Museum
- Photograph the Nymphenbad (Nymph’s bath fountain)
- Check out the porcelain collection at Zwinger Palace Museum
- Go for a bike ride in the Great Garden
- Photograph the old town from the Carol Platz riverbank
- Watch the sunset from Bruhl’s Terrace
- Enjoy one of the 300 beers at the Craft Beer Store cellar pub
- Check out Pillnitz Castle and Park
- Go for a ride in a paddle steamer on the River Elbe
- Check out the view from the Kreuzkirche Tower
- Browse modern art at the Albertinum Museum
- Photograph the female traffic signals
- Check out the view from the Rathausturm (Town Hall Tower)
- Watch an outdoor movie on the riverbank
- Have coffee and eierschecke (cheesecake) with a view at Café Schinkelwache
- Ride the Dresden Suspension Railway for city views
- Visit the Military History Museum
- Wander Baroque architecture in Neustadt
- Shop the boutiques on Königstraße
- Spend an evening hopping the beer gardens
- Take a picture in a Photokiste for a souvenir
- Eat Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup with sausage) and Sauerbraten (beef with red cabbage and dumplings)
- Relax in a café on pedestrian-only Hauptstraße and photograph the Golden Rider sculpture
- Learn about porcelain at the Meissen factory
- Have a picnic in the Elbe Meadows
- Watch the production line at the Transparent Volkswagen Factory
- Take a day trip to Moritzburg Castle
Check the Dresden Germany Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Plan Your Day Trip to Dresden Germany
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