Top things to do in Dresden

'Must see' in Dresden

From the NH Collection hotel’s doors head north via Postplatz and in less than ten minutes you’ll arrive at the city’s Zwinger. A perfect example of Baroque architecture, this palace was built at the beginning of the 18th century and contains magnificent sculptures and paintings throughout. 

You’ll almost certainly want to take a picture of the Crown Gate, and the Nymphaeum fountain gives another example of the baroque style of the time. There’s a world-renowned ceramics collection as well as a very impressive armory museum to see inside if time permits. Assuming the weather is fair, you can also visit the palace grounds. 

Another mandatory stop within this guide of things to do in Dresden is the Semper Gallery, featuring significant paintings from the Baroque to the Renaissance periods, is nearby, as is the Church of Our Old Lady (Frauenkirche). Both are worth having a look around and the latter was one of those structures that needed to be rebuilt after its destruction. First erected in 1743, the 'new' version was unveiled in 2005 and it’s an impressive sight. 

Another stunningly revived piece of architecture is witnessed at the Semperoper Opera House, just a couple of minutes’ walk up from Zwinger. Gottfried Semper was the man responsible for its original design, and its redesign after a huge fire. The edition we see today, post-War damage, was painstakingly constructed to match the intricacies of Semper’s imagination and many believe it to be the finest in Germany. Admire its exterior from the spacious Theaterplatz or venture inside to be truly awestruck at its grandeur. 

Another of the plans within this list on what to do in Dresden is going to dinner at the Sophienkeller, which is so much more than just a place to eat. With the waiting staff in authentic attire from the 18th century, you dine under the vaulted ceilings and taste a classic Saxon meal, like their succulent duck with red cabbage. 

Next along our old town stroll has to be the Fürstenzug. This extensive mural shows a procession of Saxon rulers and is made up of around 23,000 porcelain tiles, which, fortunately for the restoration experts, survived the 1945 bombing. Not far from this incredible work of art you can find the Coselpalais. Built in 1765, its restored Grand Café Coselpalais is a popular choice for locals who are in need of a cake or gateaux along with a coffee. Grand indeed! 

Another simpler coffee option of Kreutzkamm on the corner of Altmarkt is also available en route – and our short journey neatly allows you a speedy return. Of course, there are many more things to do in Dresden, so we recommend more points of interest for your itinerary below.

Plenty more of Dresden to see

1. Großer Garten

It is literally the Great Garden, ticking all the required boxes when it comes to a green escape, and is only a few minutes from the hotel by foot. You have space to wander, away from the madding traffic and crowd. There are also some delightful contents to capture your interest. Enjoy the splendid Summer Palace, the centerpiece of the city’s favorite park, and there is also a botanical garden and zoo. 

2. German Hygiene Museum

It was founded in 1912 and may not be the experience most would guess from its name. Rather than cleanliness this insightful museum looks at everything related to the human body. The joys and folly of food and drink; the concepts of being alive and dying; as well as all the other aspects that occupy the mind including learning, thinking and sexuality. In addition, it’s close to our NH Dresden Neustadt. 

3. Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr 

It is less than 15 minutes by car, over the River Elbe to the north. To fully appreciate what its four exhibition floors have to offer may take some time but even just an hour will give you an insight into some magnificent items on display. Despite the equipment from before, during and after both world wars for you to admire – tanks, submarines, and even a huge V2 flying bomb included – the museum has a modern feel about it.

Dining options around Dresden

Among the things to do in Dresden, you’ll be delighted to hear that this city has a wide variety of eateries available. Not far from Zwinger is the restored three-story house that goes by the name of BrennNessel. A wide, healthy selection of dishes is available in what can best be described as a cozy and charming restaurant. 

Lila Sosse is a relaxed café with a courtyard outside offering up a variety of German tapas served in an original style. It is found in the trendy Neustadt district and has a certain intellectual air about. It’s an ideal place for an informal lunch, dinner or just a snack. It won’t break your budget and it’s a wise choice if there are any dietary restrictions to be catered for. 

If elegance is called for then Kastenmeiers is a fabulous selection. We recommend the seafood dishes that fill the menu. Lobster risotto is a definite winner but you’ll not go wrong whatever you choose, while appreciating the beautiful surroundings of the Kurländer Palais. If the weather is nice you can also sit outside. 

For those who like to see the city nightlife, the streets around Stauffenbergallee and Albertplatz, just north of the river, will suit you down to the ground. There are several bars and clubs in this area all with their own particular style so pop into the ones that catch your eye, or ear, until it’s time to get back to the comfort of the NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt hotel. 

There are numerous other things to do in Dresden, including a boat ride down the Elbe and the rather unexpected gem, Meissen: the biggest and oldest manufacturer of porcelain in Europe.

Of course, our team would be happy to point you in the right direction if you have a more specific request upon arrival. After all, with so much beauty and culture throughout the city, making the most out of your trip here seems the only right thing to do.

Author: Florian Schoder

Quality Soul at NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt

Gudden Daach! (As we say in Dresden) My name is Florian Schoder, I was born in the beautiful city of Dresden in 1999.
Since 2019 I learned and worked at the NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt. During my training at the front office I discovered my passion for guest service. My manager gave me the chance to prove myself in the role of Quality Soul and to develop my skills. In this position I get the chance to connect more deeply with the guests and support them to discover this gem of a city. It is always my goal to make our guests wishes come true, sometimes before they know them themselves. For our guests I always have an ace up my sleeve.