Things to Do in Dresden
Join me on an unforgettable journey through Dresden’s Old City, where history, art, and legends come to life. As an experienced guide with a background in history, I will take you beyond the famous landmarks, revealing the fascinating stories behind Dresden’s rise, destruction, and rebirth.
From the stunning Baroque architecture to the scars of World War II, you’ll discover how this city transformed from the royal capital of Saxony into a cultural gem of Europe. Walk along the historic streets, marvel at the grandeur of the Zwinger Palace, and uncover the secrets of the majestic Frauenkirche.
This tour is more than just facts—it's storytelling at its finest. You’ll hear about kings and revolutionaries, destruction and resilience, and the hidden details most visitors miss. Whether you're a history lover or a curious traveler, this tour will leave you with a deeper connection to Dresden’s past and present.
Let’s explore history together!
Dresden, beautifully set at the river Elbe, is one of Germany's most beautiful cities. It is hard to imagine that most of it was painstakingly reconstructed following the severe bombings during World War 2.
The city is known for its unique Saxon baroque architecture, which looks so delicate and light that it almost reminisces of porcelain... which is actually another of Dresden's unique features.
This tour will take you around the city centre of Dresden and will cover the history from the Middle Ages, through the golden era of Saxony, when its prince-electors were also Kings of Poland and Grand Dukes of Lithuania towards the dark time of Nazism, the destruction of the city in the infamous carpet bombing, the Cold War to its current, modern time.
Cross the Elbe and explore Neustadt, a district with a rich and dynamic past. From its origins as a fishing village to a Baroque city, through the Industrial Revolution and wartime destruction, to the cultural upheaval of the 1990s, Neustadt captures the true spirit of Dresden!
We will start our tour at the Golden Rider statue and stroll through the Baroque splendour of Königstraße and Albertplatz. We will see other historical sites of the inner Neustadt like the Kügelgenhaus and the Dreikönigskirche. Then we will experience the vibrant, counter-culture atmosphere of the outer Neustadt filled with graffiti, street art, and renowned nightlife. We will stop at the Assi-Eck intersection - the nightlife hub, and popular Martin Luther Square and see the Kunsthofpassage, a complex of courtyards transformed by local artists into art zones. We will then pass by the Old Jewish Cemetery and end at the world's most beautiful milk shop, adorned with neo-Renaissance tiles.
Join us to see the contrasting faces of Neustadt and learn about its fascinating history. This tour will change the way you see Dresden forever!
During the 2-hour tour, you will see:
- Kügelgenhaus
- Dreikönigskirche
- Königstraße
- Albertplatz
- Scheune
- Kunsthofpassage
- Assi-Eck intersection
- Martin-Luther-Platz
- Old Jewish Cemetery
- Pfunds Molkerei
In past centuries Dresden was considered the pearl of the European baroque, with its many churches, palaces and museums. The polemic bombardment of allies at the end of the Second War and the subsequent administration of the communist government have completely changed the character and atmosphere of this German city. During the 2-hour guided tour in Spanish we will go into this fascinating history of ancient splendor, the destruction of the War and the impressive reconstruction in the time of German reunification. Our tour begins next to the statue of King John I of Saxony (König-Johann-Denkmal) in Theaterplatz square in front of the famous Semper opera. It is there where we will find out about the Wettin dynasty, under which the city flourished with culture, art and architecture. Then we will continue to cover the most important points such as: The Zwinger Palace - a real baroque jewel The Dresden Palace - the museum of the famous Grünes Gewölbe ("green vault" and other treasures of the Saxon monarchy The Hofkirche cathedral - Cathedral of the Blessed Trinity largest religious building in Saxony Fürstenzug- longest tile mural in the world Concluding in front of the emblematic Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) - a visible symbol of German effort to rebuild its historical heritage
On my tour I want to share with you the beautiful historical and historically rebuilt city center of Dresden. By walking through the "Altstadt" we will discover the beauties that this city has to offer and I hope to give you an insight on German history and culture within our walk of about two hours.
I am Paul, and academically trained teacher for English and History and I am thrilled to show you the gems of my city. We will hear about the rich history of the region of Saxony as well as Germany and East Germany's socialist past as we stroll past examples of baroque and Renaissance as well as socialist architecture.
Discover the charm of Dresden's Old Town with our Free Tour, where we've been sharing the city's rich history for over six years. Join us on a two-hour tour of the city's most iconic landmarks, starting at Theaterplatz, in front of the Semper Opera House.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Frauenkirche, the grandeur of the Zwinger, and the rich cultural heritage that defines this Baroque gem. Our experienced guides will unravel the fascinating history of King Augustus the Strong, whose legacy transformed Dresden into the "Florence of the North." Discover how his vision shaped the city's architecture and cultural landscape, leaving behind a stunning array of art, history, and architectural wonders.
Beyond the tour, we offer personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your stay in Dresden. From hidden gems to renowned museums, vibrant markets, and cozy cafes, you'll receive valuable tips to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you're staying for a weekend or longer, we've got you covered!
Don't miss this unforgettable journey through Dresden's past and present. Join us at Theaterplatz and discover the magic of this vibrant city with us!
How is life in the city of Dresden today? What was it like in the good old days of the 1920s and what kind of city was it in its heyday under the glorious rule of Augustus II in the 18th century? During the tour of the restored old town, I will try to answer all your questions.
We start at Altmarkt , the old town square, and continue to Postplatz, the magnificent Zwinger , past the Catholic Hofkirche and the royal palace , past Stallhof and Fürstenzug before ending at the newly built square, Neumarkt , with the parish church of Our Beloved. Lady, the Frauenkirche.
The last stop is the Balcony of Europe, the Brühlsche Terrasse , from where we look at the other side of the river, the Neustadt , the part of the city suitable for evening excursions...
When starting the tour in the late afternoon/early evening I normally shorten the tour of the old town, to bei able to cross the river and show a bit of the new town, especially to be able to show and recommend some of the nice bars and restaurants in the neighborhood.