How to spend two days in Dresden Germany: Royal Altstadt & Vibrant Neustadt
Dresden, located in the eastern part of Germany, is a city full of culture, history, and beautiful architecture. With two days to spend in the city, you can explore both the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and the trendy Neustadt (New Town). Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending two days in Dresden Germany.
Dresden is a city with a rich and complex history. It was founded in the 12th century and became the capital of Saxony in the 16th century. During the Baroque period, it became known for its stunning architecture and cultural achievements, including the Zwinger Palace and the Dresden Frauenkirche. However, the city was heavily damaged during World War II, when it was bombed by the Allied forces in February 1945. After the war, Dresden was rebuilt and restored to its former glory, with many of its historic buildings and landmarks reconstructed. Today, the city is a vibrant cultural center and a popular tourist destination, known for its art, music, and history.
What we loved most about this city was the contrast between the vibrant new part of town and the historic center. This surprised us and made our two day visit amazing. We always love checking out street art in a city and Neustadt Dresden was street art heaven. The old center had some very interesting buildings with stunning architecture and all walk-able which makes is very enjoyable.
Dresden Germany: a perfect day trip from Berlin or Prague
Because Dresden is only a little over an hour apart from Berlin and Prague it makes for a perfect day trip when you are visiting one of these two awesome cities. We can really recommend taking out two days of your itinerary to visit Dresden. We promise you won’t regret it.
What would be a perfect itinerary for day 1 in Dresden Germany?
Day One: Dresden Altstadt
9:00am: Start your day at the Zwinger Palace, a stunning baroque palace that houses a collection of museums and galleries. Explore the palace grounds, including the beautiful gardens and fountains.
The Zwinger Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dresden, with a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. The palace was designed by the architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and was built between 1710 and 1728 for Augustus the Strong, the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland.
The Zwinger Palace is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, which feature fountains, sculptures, and decorative pavilions. The palace complex includes several museums and galleries, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery, which houses a vast collection of European art from the 15th to the 18th century. The porcelain collection in the Dresden Porcelain Collection is also a must-see, as it is one of the largest and most valuable porcelain collections in the world.
The palace suffered extensive damage during the bombing of Dresden in 1945, but was later restored to its former glory. Today, the Zwinger Palace is a popular tourist attraction and cultural center, and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.
10:30am: Next, head to the nearby Frauenkirche, a beautiful Protestant church. Climb the church tower for a panoramic view of the city.
The Dresden Frauenkirche, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dresden. The church was originally built between 1726 and 1743, and was designed by the architect George Bähr in the Baroque style. The church’s dome, which measures 96 meters in height, was considered a technological marvel of its time.
The Frauenkirche was severely damaged during the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, and its dome collapsed two days after the attack. The ruins of the church were left standing as a war memorial for over 50 years. In the 1990s, a campaign was launched to rebuild the Frauenkirche, and the church was reconstructed using many of the original stones and materials. The reconstructed Frauenkirche was officially finished in 2005, and today it serves as a symbol of reconciliation and peace.
Visitors to the Frauenkirche can climb to the top of the church’s dome for a panoramic view of Dresden’s skyline. The church’s interior features stunning frescoes and stained-glass windows, and hosts a variety of concerts and cultural events throughout the year. The Frauenkirche is a must-see for anyone visiting Dresden, and a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Dresden to rebuild and preserve their cultural heritage.
12:00pm: Take a break for lunch at one of the restaurants in the Altstadt. You’ll find plenty of options for traditional German food and international cuisine.
“I can highly recommend getting food at Umaii Dresden in Altstadt. It’s a Japanese Ramen Bar that serves very tasty ramen and other dishes. We loved their Matcha Tiramisu for dessert as well.”
2:00pm: After lunch, explore the historic streets of the Altstadt, including the Theaterplatz and the Semperoper, a beautiful opera house. Visit the Dresden Castle, which houses several museums, including the Green Vault, which contains a vast collection of treasures from the Saxon kings.
4:00pm: Take a stroll along the Elbe River and enjoy the views of the city’s skyline from the riverbanks. Stroll along Brühl’s Terrace, such a stunning view of the historic architecture along the river. Make sure to visit the park as well and enjoy the modern statues along the way.
6:00pm: End your day in the Altstadt with a drink at one of the many beer gardens or bars in the area. The Augustus Garten is a great option for sampling local beer and traditional German cuisine.
What would be your itinerary on day 2 in Dresden Germany?
Day Two: Dresden Neustadt
9:00am: Start your day in the Neustadt with breakfast at one of the many cafes in the area. You’ll find plenty of options for coffee, pastries, and brunch. We suggest you find a German Bakery. Most of them have seating inside and will offer great and fresh bread and pastries with a nice cup of coffee or tea.
10:00am: Next, visit the Albertplatz and the Martin Luther Church, a beautiful neo-gothic church with stunning stained-glass windows. Beautiful building both inside and out. It almost feels a bit abandoned from the ousides, which fits its spot in Neustadt perfectly.
11:00am: Visit the Kunsthofpassage, a series of connected courtyards that feature colorful and creative art installations. It’s a great spot for taking photos.
The Kunsthofpassage is a unique and quirky attraction located in the Neustadt district of Dresden. The courtyards were designed by a group of local artists and craftsmen, who sought to revitalize the neighborhood and bring a sense of creativity and whimsy to the area.
The Kunsthofpassage is a must-see for anyone visiting Dresden, and offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s more traditional attractions. It is a testament to the creative spirit of the city, and a reminder of the importance of art and innovation in everyday life.
The most famous courtyard in the Kunsthofpassage is the “Court of the Elements,” which features a series of drainpipes and gutters that have been transformed into musical instruments. When it rains, the pipes produce a symphony of sounds, creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for visitors. When it doesn’t rain the pipes will demonstrate their unique water-play every hour during daytime. Just ask around for the exact times.
12:30pm: Take a break for lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Neustadt. The area is known for its trendy and eclectic food scene, with options ranging from vegan cafes to street food stalls.
We can highly recommend lunch at LiLa Soße, situated in one of the courtyards of the Kunstofpassage. It uses traditional German Cuisine with a modern twist. They call it “Young German Cuisine”. You get small dishes served in little pots. We had a very nice and tasty lunch there. Make sure to check their opening times, some seasons they are only open for lunch in the weekends. Of course you can also choose to have dinner here.
2:00pm: After lunch, explore the vibrant street art scene in the Neustadt. The area is full of murals, graffiti, and public art installations. You will even see garbage containers and street polls being decorated. It is such a fun and hip area to walk through. We absolutely loved admiring all the murals.
4:00pm: Visit the Pfund’s Molkerei, a beautiful dairy shop that holds the Guinness World Record for the most beautiful dairy shop in the world. It’s a great spot for buying souvenirs and gifts. Or just walk around in an be surprised but all the details and decorations.
6:00pm: End your day in the Neustadt with a drink at one of the many bars and pubs in the area. The Neustadt is known for its lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from dive bars to upscale cocktail lounges.
Where to Stay in Dresden?
There are plenty of great Hotel options for Dresden. It all depends on if you prefer staying in Altstadt or Neustadt. Below you will find a map of hotels, so you can see what fits your needs. We also included the hotel we stayed at. Budget friendly and great location for entering Neustadt from the top.
HOTEL TIP DRESDEN: Want to book the hotel that we stayed at? We loved the Mighty Twice Hotel in Dresden. It was modern and very comfortable with budget friendly prices. It is located right at the top of Neustadt. So you can just go and explore by foot.
That wraps up our suggested itinerary for spending two days in Dresden, with one day in the Altstadt and one day in the Neustadt. Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do in the city, so feel free to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Enjoy your time in Dresden!
Check out our video on 2 days in Dresden:
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