Is Dresden Worth Visiting?
Travelling to Germany and wondering if you should add Dresden to your itinerary. We have got you covered!
Located in northeastern Germany, Dresden usually falls under the radar for most international visitors.
And while many Germans flock to the city annually, it is still an underrated destination for tourists.
After having been to the city several times over the years, I can honestly say, it’s definitely worth a visit.
While Dresden may not have the wild popularity of Munich or the Cosmo vibes of Berlin, this hidden gem of a city offers plenty of reasons to visit.
Want to learn more? Let’s jump right in!
Pros and Cons of Visiting Dresden – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of visiting Dresden:
Things We Liked
Things We Did Not Like
8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Dresden
If you are thinking of adding Dresden to your Germany itinerary, here are some of the things that we enjoyed most about this city:
1. Dresden is Family-Friendly
Many people consider Dresden to be a hub of art and culture.
However, for some reason, people don’t realize that there are also a lot of fun and interesting things to do for families with children.
With two kids in tow during our visits (ages 10 and 12 the first time), we wanted to make sure that they would not be bored.
From an awesome Zoo to incredible parks and green spaces, unique museums, a suspension railway, and fantastic festivals, there are some pretty great things to do with kids in Dresden.
2. The City is Very Safe
Considering Dresden is a busy city, it is a pretty safe place for visitors.
The biggest worry you will have is with pickpockets in the popular tourist areas. And even then, the risk is still relatively low.
We felt perfectly safe walking through the city, as well as when using public transportation.
Of course, you should always use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings, walk in well-lit and populated areas at night, and don’t flash your valuables around.
3. English is Commonly Spoken
While German is my second language, I still am not completely fluent in my speech. So I really appreciate knowing that so many locals in Germany also speak English.
And Dresden is no different. My kids, who are still learning German, were able to order meals in restaurants, ask vendors questions while we were in the Christmas Markets, and ask for directions to the nearest restrooms using a combination of English and German.
But like everywhere you go, we think it’s always a good idea to at least attempt some words in the local language.
4. Dresden’s Architecture is Amazing
Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is a top destination for anyone interested in architecture.
The city’s history as a former royal residence is easily seen in its impressive Baroque buildings, especially in the Old Town area.
Often referred to as the “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden stands out for its unique architectural mix; skillfully combining historical and modern elements.
While strolling through the city, we enjoyed admiring the city’s Baroque structures, like the Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche, which were painstakingly reconstructed after the devastation of World War II.
These historical landmarks sit alongside contemporary buildings like the Volkswagen Transparent Factory. We thought that the super-modern, all-glass structure added a pretty futuristic touch to the cityscape.
The blend of architectural styles from different eras really gives Dresden a distinctive character that you don’t find in many German cities.
5. Dresden is Very Walkable
And speaking of walking, we found it very easy to get around the city on foot. Many of the attractions that we were interested in were within walking distance of each other.
In fact, we actually decided not to rent a car during our visit. Instead, when we needed to go further, public transportation was incredibly easy to navigate.
Not to mention, there are a ton of walking tours that you can take in Dresden, both guided and self-guided, to see the city.
6. There Are Plenty of Museums and Other Unique Attractions
Dresden is home to a great mix of museums, churches, palaces, gardens, and other unique attractions that cater to all sorts of interests.
One of the places we visited was the Grünes Gewölbe, or Green Vault. This must-see Baroque treasury is filled with interesting royal artifacts, sparkling jewels, and unique trinkets.
We were actually surprised at how much the kids really enjoyed looking at all the interesting treasures. Our youngest especially enjoyed the fancy Checkers board!
Art enthusiasts will love the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, or Old Masters Picture Gallery. This incredible place is home to some famous artworks, including Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna.”
And if you love unique museums like we do, Dresden has got some really interesting ones too. For example, the Traffic Museum or the German Hygiene Museum are definitely museums you won’t find anywhere else!
The Hygiene Museum is all about the human body and health in a way that’s interactive and surprisingly fun, even for the kids.
7. You Will Find Some Great Shopping Opportunities
Shopping in the Kunsthofpassage in Dresden is a unique experience that we would definitely recommend.
The Kunsthofpassage is a quirky and colourful collection of courtyards in the Neustadt area of Dresden.
Each courtyard has a different theme and is adorned with really cool artistic designs, from funky murals to fascinating installations.
As you wander through these courtyards, you’ll find a variety of small, locally-owned shops and boutiques.
They offer everything from handmade crafts, unique jewelry, and designer clothes to vintage items and quirky gifts.
We found it to be the perfect place to find something a little different, whether it’s for yourself or as a souvenir.
Besides shopping, the Kunsthofpassage is also home to cozy cafes and small eateries where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat.
8. The Dresden Christmas Markets are Amazing
Christmas is definitely an amazing time to visit Dresden. During our last visit to the city, we spent much of our time wandering through the Christmas Markets.
The Dresden Christmas Markets were pretty busy, even during a weeknight, so be prepared for crowds. However, we found the variety of stalls to be superb.
From all the international cuisine found in the Augustusmarkt (be sure to check out the African stall!) to the incredible handmade treasures we found in the Striezelmarkt, we had an amazing time.
The Frauenkirche served as a wonderful backdrop to the festivities as well. And while we missed going to a concert in this incredible venue, it would definitely be something we would be interested in.
Reasons to Avoid Visiting Dresden
Of course, Dresden is not perfect. And there are a few things about the city that might be deal-breakers for some people. We will leave it up to you to decide.
Dresden Had Its UNESCO World Heritage Status Revoked
Several years ago, Dresden gained notoriety for being one of only two places to lose its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Back in 2004, Dresden was listed by UNESCO for its stunning river valley and the beautiful Baroque architecture in the city.
But then, they decided to build a four-lane bridge, the Waldschlösschen Bridge, right through the heart of the valley.
UNESCO wasn’t too happy about that. In fact, they warned Dresden that the bridge would change the landscape they had recognized.
Well, Dresden went ahead with the bridge anyway, and in 2009, UNESCO took back Dresden’s World Heritage status because of it.
It was a pretty big deal because it’s not often that a place loses this recognition.
So if you make it a point to visit UNESCO sites, this may deter you from wanting to see Dresden.
Dresden is on the Expensive Side
Dresden, while being a hub of culture and history, does tend to lean towards the pricier side, especially for travellers.
Accommodation in the city can be a bit costly, particularly if you’re looking to stay near the popular areas like the Old Town or the Neustadt.
Eating out in Dresden also mirrors this trend, with prices in restaurants and cafes being higher than in some other German cities.
The same goes for entrance fees to various attractions and museums, which can add up if you’re planning to visit a lot of them.
So, when you’re planning a trip to Dresden, it’s a good idea to budget a little extra, especially if you want to fully experience what the city has to offer.
The Winters in Dresden Can Get Cold
So while I was researching the Dresden Christmas Markets, I kept coming across comments about how cold it gets.
But let’s face it, we are Canadian! We are not exactly strangers to winter weather.
In comparison to some southern parts of Germany, winters in Dresden can definitely get quite cold.
Temperatures often drop below freezing, and the city is known to experience its fair share of snow and chilly winds.
January is generally the coldest month of the year in Dresden.
The average temperature is 0.6 °C (33 °F), with a minimum of -1.9 °C (28.6 °F) and a maximum of 3 °C (37.4 °F). On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature will actually drop to around -12 °C (10.5 °F).
While the chilly wind wasn’t pleasant, the cold weather didn’t dampen the city’s charm for us.
And in our opinion, you really shouldn’t let the cold weather deter you from visiting Dresden (especially for the incredible Christmas Markets).
Just remember to bundle up – thick coats, scarves, and gloves are a must to comfortably enjoy the winter wonderland that Dresden becomes.
FAQs – Is Dresden Worth Visiting?
Yes, Dresden is very family-friendly with parks, the zoo, and interactive museums that kids will love.
Dresden is fairly accessible, with most major attractions and public transport being wheelchair-friendly. However, some of the older buildings may have limited access.
The Saxon Switzerland National Park is breathtaking for nature lovers, and the picturesque town of Meissen is perfect for a short trip.
Dresden is quite accommodating for vegetarians and vegans, with several restaurants and cafes offering plant-based options.
Dresden has a mix of shopping options, from high-end stores in the Altmarkt-Galerie to quirky shops in the Kunsthofpassage. There’s something for every shopper.
The Palais Grosser Gartens is a lesser-known but beautiful spot. Also, the Dresden Panometer offers a unique 360° panoramic experience.
Yes, the Dresden City Card is great. It offers free or discounted entry to many attractions and includes public transport too.
Yes! Dresden’s history, from its royal past to WWII and its recovery, is fascinating. The city’s museums and historic sites are a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.
Yes, many of Dresden’s churches, including the famous Frauenkirche, are free to enter. Plus, just walking around and enjoying the city’s architecture and green spaces won’t cost you a dime.
The Neustadt district is the hotspot for nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and pubs to suit all tastes.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Dresden
So is Dresden worth visiting? We definitely think that it is.
Between the wonderful architecture, all the unique museums and family-friendly attractions, and the safety of the city, we think that Dresden would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s Germany itinerary.
And while there are some drawbacks, like being on the higher end of the budget and the cool winter temperatures, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
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