Dresden walking tour & city guide

The Frauenkirche and the old town

The Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church with a huge stone dome, collapsed after the bombing and remained a pile of rubble for nearly 50 years. It was rebuilt between 1994 and 2005, using many of the original stones, which can be seen as darker patches on the walls. It has become a symbol of reconciliation.

Around it, the Neumarkt square has been rebuilt with baroque townhouses. The Procession of Princes, a 100-meter-long mural made of porcelain tiles, shows the rulers of Saxony along the wall of the royal stables.

Palaces and the river

The Zwinger is a spectacular baroque palace complex with pavilions, fountains and galleries. It houses the Old Masters Picture Gallery, home of Raphael's Sistine Madonna. Next to it stands the Semperoper, one of the world's most famous opera houses.

Brühl's Terrace, known as the 'Balcony of Europe', is a raised promenade along the Elbe with wonderful views. Across the river, the Neustadt is the lively alternative district, with bars, street art and the colorful Kunsthofpassage courtyards.

Visiting tips

Dresden's Striezelmarkt, held since 1434, is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. Paddle steamers cruise the Elbe to the Saxon Switzerland national park, with its dramatic sandstone rocks and the Bastei Bridge.