With its lofty spires, majestic domes and Gothic towers, Dresden is home to one of Europe’s most iconic skylines. The German city sits on the banks of the Elbe River and is strewn with Versailles-inspired palaces, Baroque churches and stately buildings. Whether you want to relax in its fountain-studded plazas or explore its treasure trove of museums, Dresden is an enchanting introduction to Saxony.

Things to do

Dominating Dresden’s central square, Frauenkirche is the city’s most-beloved symbol. While the original domed church was destroyed during World War II, it’s been meticulously rebuilt. Today you can gaze up at the galleried interior, admire the reconstructed altar and climb the cupola for sweeping city views.

While many of Dresden’s architectural gems were flattened in the 1945 allied firestorm, their contents were safely removed and are now showcased in the city’s museums. The Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister houses an incredible collection of European art dating back to the 16th century, including Rafael's legendary “Sistine Madonna” painting.

From punk rock shows to classical music concerts, Dresden is one of Germany’s most cultured cities. For a refined night out, score tickets to a concert at the Semper Opera House, a world-class venue that has hosted the likes of Wagner and Weber.

Getting around

Dresden is serviced by an efficient network of buses and trams that run throughout the city. With its flat landscape and spacious streets, Dresden is also a great city for cycling and walking. Dresden Airport is around nine kilometres north of the city centre, with trains running from Dresden Hauptbahnhof in around 20 minutes.