Exploring the Best of Dresden in One Week

  • Day 1: Old Town and Zwinger Palace
    10 minutes (0.7 miles) from Dresden Central Station

    Begin your Dresden adventure in the historic Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the stunning architecture of the Frauenkirche and the Royal Palace before heading to the Zwinger Palace. The palace's stunning architecture and beautiful gardens will take your breath away.

  • Day 2: Grünes Gewölbe and Dresden Castle
    12 minutes (1.2 miles) from Zwinger Palace

    Walk around the stunning galleries and breathtaking jewelry collection of the Grünes Gewölbe, located within the Royal Palace of Dresden. Don't miss the historic Dresden Castle, home to various museums and exhibiting the history of Dresden's Royal era.

  • Day 3: Elbe River, Augustusbrücke and Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Dresden Castle

    Take a stroll along the beautiful Elbe River and enjoy the picturesque views of Dresden's skyline. Walk across the Augustusbrücke that spans the Elbe and take in the magnificent buildings. Finish the day at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, one of the world's greatest collections of old masters’ paintings, featuring pieces by Raphael, Rubens, Vermeer and others.

  • Day 4: Dresden Transport Museum and Yenidze
    18 minutes (1.2 miles) from Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister

    Experience Dresden's transportation history through interactive exhibits at the Transport Museum. Admire the unique architecture of the Yenidze, a former cigarette factory modeled after a mosque. Its roof's green dome makes it one of Dresden's most recognizable landmarks.

  • Day 5: Pillnitz Palace and Park
    25 minutes (7.5 miles) from Dresden Central Station

    Take a trip to the outskirts of Dresden and unwind at the picturesque Pillnitz Palace and Park. The stunning palace and gorgeous park with Japanese-inspired gardens are a sight to behold, and a perfect break from exploring the city.

  • Day 6: Lingner Palace and Grosser Garten
    11 minutes (3.2 miles) from Pillnitz Palace and Park

    See the remarkable Lingner Palace, situated in the Grosser Garten, a popular park with locals and tourists alike. Be amazed by the surrounding flora and fauna, or take a dip in one of the city's most beautiful pools at the popular Schwimmhalle.

  • Day 7: Dresden Botanical Garden and Blue Wonder Bridge
    10 minutes (1 mile) from Lingner Palace and Grosser Garten

    Spend your last day in Dresden immersed in the Dresden Botanical Garden, featuring flora and fauna from around the world. The garden's extraordinary collection of orchids alone is worth the visit. Before leaving Dresden, visit Blue Wonder - the charming historic bridge that connects the two sides of the Elbe river.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Admission to Dresden Castle (3 hours, $10)
  • Admission to Grünes Gewölbe (2 hours, $8)
  • Admission to Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (2 hours, $10)
  • Admission to Transport Museum (2 hours, $5)
  • Admission to Pillnitz Palace and Park (4 hours, $15)
  • Admission to Dresden Botanical Garden (3 hours, $12)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $60

Transportation:

Getting around Dresden is easy with its reliable public transport system. A single ticket costs $3 and remains valid for two hours after purchase. A day pass costs $7, and it allows you to use any public transport. Consider renting a bike to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace too. The cost is about $15 per day.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can visit some of the nearby destinations like Saxon Switzerland, a national park with incredible natural features. If you have less time, consider skipping either the Lingner Palace or the Dresden Botanical Garden. For a completely different perspective of Dresden, try taking a ride on the Weisse Flotte, the white fleet of Elbe river boats that takes passengers on a historical tour of Dresden.

Airports:

Dresden International Airport (DRS) is located about 6 miles from the city center. It offers flights to various European cities, including London, Vienna, Zurich, and Prague.

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