A Baroque city on the Elbe, with the rebuilt Frauenkirche and the Zwinger. In winter it hosts the Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets.
Procession of Princes A 102-metre mural of Saxon rulers made from Meissen porcelain tiles.
Where to stay in Dresden
Altstadt
Walk to the market and every major sight.
What to eat in Dresden
Dresdner Christstollen — Fruit-and-butter Christmas loaf dusted with icing sugar
Eierschecke — Saxon layered bake of quark and egg custard
Quarkkeulchen — Small fried quark pancakes dusted with sugar
Dresden tips and things to watch out for
Best time to visit Dresden
Christmas markets run through Advent (late November to around 24 December); May–September has the mildest weather, and winters are cold with short days. Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Dresden travel tips
Dresden Stollen, the city’s famous fruit loaf, is the classic Christmas treat to try at the market.
Good to know in Germany
Cards are spreading, but small eateries and bakeries can be cash-only. source
Return bottles and cans to supermarket machines to get the deposit (Pfand). source
No gates, but tickets are checked; unvalidated tickets are fined. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Dresden are still being collected, so food and transport use official prices from other cities in Germany (prices within one country do not differ much).
Dresden attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Frauenkirche dome climb: €12.00 · child €7.00
Zwinger house ticket: €18.00 · child €2.00
Residenzschloss house ticket: €18.00 · child €2.00