20 Must-Visit Attractions In Dresden

Known as a city of art and architecture, Dresden offers visitors to Germany a wealth of attractions, from sensational Baroque buildings through to Gerhard Richter‘s Abstract creations. We’ve selected from the city’s museums and galleries, as well as festivals, history and culture, to bring you the ultimate must-visit list when in Dresden.

Jazz events

If you’re in Dresden for even a short period, there is a chance you’ll happen upon a festival or two during your stay. The International Dixieland Festival Dresden will hit its 48th edition in May 2018 and continues to be a major success – claimed to be the largest ‘old-time jazz’ festival in Europe, it features bands from across the planet. Fans of more modern jazz will enjoy the several-week November Jazztage festival.

City Festival

Another major annual marker on the calendar is the Dresden Stadtfest city festival, also known as Canaletto, which celebrates the foundation of Dresden. It takes place in the third weekend of August and features thousands of artists, attracting more than half a million visitors. Favourites are the arts and crafts from the Middle Ages, jousting tournaments, musical events and – of course – the obligatory fireworks.

1. Bundeswehr Military History Museum

Museum

The Bundeswehr Military History Museum is fabulous to get a handle on warfare in general, but also on German military history. It recently received a stylish update from star architect Daniel Liebeskind.

2. New Synagogue

Synagogue

In 1938, thousands of Jewish buildings across Germany, including many synagogues, were destroyed by the Nazis. Of the many rebuilt in recent decades, Dresden’s is one of the best in the former East Germany.

3. Dresden Cathedral

Cathedral

The Hofkirche is the city’s wonderful Catholic cathedral and has been an architectural gem of the cityscape since the middle of the 1750s. It’s also home to the remains of many members of the royal family and an 18th-century Gottfried Silbermann organ.

4. Blue Wonder Bridge

Bridge

The Blue Wonder Bridge is – as its name suggests – a wonder of engineering in the aforementioned Loschwitz area of town. Built in two years at the end of the 19th century, this iron and steel bridge stretches 141.5 metres (464 feet) across the River Elbe and leads to huge meadows that give the city a green heart.