3-Day Romantic Christmas Getaway Itinerary in Dresden, Germany

Dresden, Germany

3 days

Christmas market
Dresden historic skyline in the old town in wintet
Christmas market
Christmas market
Christmas market

About Dresden, Germany

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Dresden, Germany, a city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and vibrant arts scene. Explore the historic Old Town, home to the iconic Frauenkirche and Semperoper Opera House. Visit the Zwinger Palace, a masterpiece of baroque design housing world-class museums. Stroll along the Elbe River and enjoy the picturesque views of the city's skyline. Discover Dresden's intellectual side at the German Hygiene Museum and the Green Vault, Europe's richest treasure chamber. Indulge in local cuisine at charming eateries and sip on fine German beer at traditional pubs. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, Dresden offers a unique blend of experiences that captivate and inspire.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Visit to Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace, and Christmas Market

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Dresden Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church that was rebuilt after World War II. Its impressive Baroque architecture and the panoramic view of the city from its dome make it a must-visit.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional German lunch in one of the local eateries in the Altstadt area.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Zwinger Palace, a magnificent Baroque complex that houses several museums. Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the Porcelain Collection.

Dinner

Have dinner in a cozy restaurant in the Neustadt district, known for its vibrant culinary scene.

Evening

End your day at the Dresden Christmas Market, one of the oldest in Germany. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, the beautifully decorated stalls, and the traditional Christmas treats.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Semperoper, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.

Lunch

Have lunch in a restaurant in the Altstadt area, offering a variety of German and international dishes.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Green Vault in the Dresden Castle, home to a vast collection of treasures. Explore its two sections: the Historic Green Vault and the New Green Vault.

Dinner

Enjoy a romantic dinner in a restaurant in the Neustadt district, offering a variety of cuisines.

Evening

Visit the Striezelmarkt, Dresden's main Christmas market. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, the beautifully lit stalls, and the traditional Christmas treats.

Morning

Start your last day with a walk along the Elbe River and visit the Loschwitz Bridge, also known as the Blue Wonder. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the city.

Lunch

Have lunch in a local restaurant in the Loschwitz area, offering a variety of German dishes.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Pillnitz Castle and Park, a beautiful Baroque palace surrounded by a large garden. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.

Dinner

Have your last dinner in Dresden in a restaurant in the Neustadt district, offering a variety of cuisines.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Christmas market in the Altstadt area. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, the beautifully decorated stalls, and the traditional Christmas treats.

Attractions in Itinerary (8)

Dresden Frauenkirche

1
Dresden Frauenkirche

The Dresden Frauenkirche is a Lutheran church in Dresden, the capital of the German state of Saxony. It is considered an outstanding example of Protestant sacred architecture, featuring one of the largest domes in Europe.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Architecture
Zwinger Palace

2
Zwinger Palace

A baroque palace that is now a museum complex, featuring gardens and galleries.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Dresden Christmas Market

3
Dresden Christmas Market

One of Germany's oldest Christmas markets with a very unique and traditional style. It offers a variety of stalls selling crafts, food, and drink.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Food and Drink
Shopping
Semperoper

4
Semperoper

A renowned opera house that hosts performances of opera, ballet, and classical music.

Attractions
Entertainment
Architecture
Green Vault

5
Green Vault

One of the world's oldest museums, it contains the largest collection of treasures in Europe.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Artifact
Striezelmarkt

6
Striezelmarkt

Striezelmarkt in Dresden is a must-visit during the holiday season. It is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, offering a festive atmosphere, traditional crafts, and delicious food.

Cultural Experiences
Shopping
Food and Drink
Loschwitz Bridge

7
Loschwitz Bridge

Also known as the Blue Wonder, the Loschwitz Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge over the Elbe River. It connects the districts of Blasewitz and Loschwitz, two of Dresden's most prestigious residential areas. It is notable for its distinctive blue color and its innovative design, which was considered a technological marvel when it was completed in 1893.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Pillnitz Castle and Park

8
Pillnitz Castle and Park

A beautiful baroque palace surrounded by a large park, located on the banks of the Elbe River.

Attractions
Parks
Architecture
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Eierschecke

Eierschecke

A traditional Dresden cake with three layers: a yeast dough bottom, a creamy quark layer in the middle, and a buttery egg layer on top. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Dresden.

Dresdner Stollen

Dresdner Stollen

A fruit bread containing dried fruit and often covered with powdered sugar or icing sugar. The bread is usually made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts, and spices. Stollen is a traditional German cake, usually eaten during the Christmas season, when it is called Weihnachtsstollen or Christstollen.

Quarkkäulchen

Quarkkäulchen

A popular sweet dish in Dresden, made from quark cheese, potatoes, flour, eggs, and sugar. They are fried and often served with apple sauce.

Sächsischer Sauerbraten

Sächsischer Sauerbraten

A pot roast, usually of beef (but other meats such as venison, lamb, mutton, pork, and horse are sometimes used), marinated before being slow-cooked. It's a specialty of Saxony, the region where Dresden is located.

Radeberger Pilsner

Radeberger Pilsner

A type of beer that originates from the town of Radeberg, a short distance from Dresden. It's a crisp, clear beer with a refreshing taste.

Leipziger Allerlei

Leipziger Allerlei

A vegetable dish that consists of peas, carrots, asparagus, and morels. It's often served with crayfish or crab butter, and is a popular dish in the Saxony region.

Soljanka

Soljanka

A hearty soup originating from Eastern Europe, popular in Dresden. It's made with mixed meat, sausage, pickles, and often served with a dollop of sour cream.

Schwarzbier

Schwarzbier

A dark lager that originated in Germany. It's rich and full-bodied, with a smooth malt flavor. It's a popular choice for beer lovers visiting Dresden.

Fettbemme

Fettbemme

A traditional Saxon snack, it's a slice of bread spread with lard and sprinkled with salt and paprika. It's a simple, yet flavorful snack often enjoyed with beer.

Handkäse mit Musik

Handkäse mit Musik

A sour milk cheese served in a marinade of oil, vinegar, caraway seeds, and chopped onions. The 'music' in the name refers to the flatulence people supposedly experience after eating it. It's a unique and traditional dish in Dresden.

Glühwein

Glühwein

A hot mulled wine, usually made with red wine along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins. It's especially popular in the Christmas season and can be found at Christmas markets around Dresden.

Dresdner Biersuppe

Dresdner Biersuppe

A traditional soup of Dresden made from beer, often enriched with egg yolks, cream, and sugar. It's a unique dish that reflects the beer culture of the region.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Dresden, Germany as a tourist is during the late spring and early fall, specifically May through June and September through October. During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, these periods avoid the peak summer tourist season, offering a more relaxed experience. However, if you're interested in Christmas markets, December would be a great time to visit, despite the colder weather.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday (regional holiday)

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday (regional holiday)

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi (regional holiday)

August 8

Thu

Peace Festival in Augsburg (Bavaria)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary (regional holiday)

September 20

Fri

German World Children's Day (Thuringia)

October 3

Thu

Day of German Unity

October 31

Thu

Reformation Day (regional holiday)

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day (regional holiday)

November 20

Wed

Repentance Day (Saxony)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Dresden has an extensive tram network operated by Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB). Trams are a fast and convenient way to get around the city, with frequent services to most parts of Dresden.

DVB also operates a network of bus routes throughout Dresden. Buses are a good option for reaching areas not served by the tram network.

The S-Bahn is a regional train service that connects Dresden with the surrounding region. It's a good option for day trips to nearby towns and cities.

Dresden is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of bike lanes and bike-sharing services. Cycling is a great way to explore the city at your own pace.

If you prefer to drive, car rental services are available throughout Dresden. However, be aware that parking can be difficult in the city center.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Dresden. This can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Many of Dresden's main attractions are located close together in the city center, making it easy to explore on foot.

Dresden has a number of ferry routes that operate along the River Elbe. These can be a scenic and relaxing way to travel between different parts of the city.

Taxis are readily available throughout Dresden. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from designated taxi ranks.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance and Fire: 112; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Dresden, Germany as a first time visitor

1

Dresden is located in the eastern part of Germany, in the state of Saxony.

2

The official language is German, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

3

The currency used in Dresden is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments.

4

Dresden has a temperate seasonal climate. Summers (June to August) can be warm, with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Winters (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

5

Public transportation in Dresden is excellent. The city has an extensive network of trams, buses, and S-Bahn (suburban trains).

6

Dresden is generally a safe city, but like any major city, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

7

Tipping is customary in Germany. In restaurants, it's common to round up the bill or tip 10-15%.

8

Dresden is known for its Christmas markets, especially the Striezelmarkt, which is one of the oldest in Germany. If you're visiting in December, don't miss it.

9

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues, particularly in the Neustadt district.

10

Dresden is famous for its porcelain. You can find many shops selling beautiful pieces throughout the city.

11

The city is also known for its traditional German cuisine. Be sure to try local specialties like Saxon potato soup and Dresden Stollen, a type of fruitcake.

12

Dresden has a smoking ban in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants. However, some establishments have designated smoking areas.

13

The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with many of its major sights within walking distance of each other.

14

Dresden has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and vacation rentals.

15

Most shops in Dresden are closed on Sundays, with the exception of some bakeries and convenience stores.

16

The city has a number of public parks and green spaces, perfect for relaxing or having a picnic on a sunny day.

17

Dresden is located near the Elbe River, and river cruises are a popular activity for tourists.

18

The city has a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Dresden Music Festival in May and the Dresden Film Festival in April.

19

Dresden has a rich history, and many of its buildings still bear the scars of World War II. A guided tour can provide valuable insight into the city's past.

20

Germany operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

owf vee-der-zayn

Saying goodbye

Please

Bitte

bit-te

Making a request

Thank you

Danke

dahn-ke

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Ja

ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nein

nine

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Es tut mir leid

es toot meer lite

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

shpre-khen zee eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

ikh fair-shtay-uh nikht

Expressing difficulty in understanding

Where is...?

Wo ist...?

voh ist

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Toilette

toi-let-te

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Hilfe

hil-fe

In need of assistance

Food

Essen

es-sen

Looking for food or a restaurant

Water

Wasser

vas-ser

Asking for water

Beer

Bier

beer

Ordering a beer

Wine

Wein

vine

Ordering wine

How much does it cost?

Wie viel kostet das?

vee feel kos-tet das

Asking for the price

Can I pay with a credit card?

Kann ich mit Kreditkarte zahlen?

kahn ikh mit kray-deet-kar-te tsah-len

Asking to pay with a credit card

Call a doctor

Rufen Sie einen Arzt

roo-fen zee i-nen arst

In case of a medical emergency

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3 pairs)

  • Socks (3 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3)

  • Pants or jeans (2 pairs)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Swimwear (if planning to swim)

  • Raincoat or umbrella (depending on the season)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover (if applicable)

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Prescription medications

  • First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport or ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Cash and credit cards

  • Public transport cards or tickets (if applicable)

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera (if not using a smartphone camera)

  • Charger for camera

  • Power bank

  • Travel adapter (Germany uses type F plugs)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

Weather Conditions

When planning your visit to Dresden, Germany, it's important to consider the city's weather patterns to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Dresden experiences a temperate seasonal climate. The summers, from June to August, are warm and often humid, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). This is the best time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, it's also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds at popular attractions. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also pleasant times to visit Dresden. Temperatures during these seasons range from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C). These seasons offer a balance between comfortable weather and fewer tourists. Winter, from December to February, is cold and often snowy, with temperatures typically ranging from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C). If you're a fan of winter sports or enjoy the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets, this could be the perfect time for you to visit. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Dresden is a city best explored on foot. In summer, pack light clothing, but also a light jacket for cooler evenings. In winter, warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat, are essential. Lastly, Dresden's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat, regardless of the season. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

4° / -2°

January is the coldest month in Dresden, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports or the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

February

6° / -1°

February is still quite cold in Dresden, but the days start to get a bit longer. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

March

11° / 1°

March sees the beginning of spring in Dresden. The weather can be unpredictable, but the city starts to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

April

16° / 4°

April is a pleasant month in Dresden, with temperatures rising and more hours of daylight. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens.

May

20° / 8°

May is a lovely month to visit Dresden, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The city's outdoor attractions, like the Elbe River and the Dresden Zoo, are particularly enjoyable.

June

23° / 11°

June is the start of the summer season in Dresden. The weather is usually warm and sunny, making it a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

July

25° / 13°

July is the hottest month in Dresden, with long, sunny days. It's a perfect time to visit if you enjoy warm weather and want to take advantage of the city's many outdoor attractions.

August

25° / 13°

August is another warm month in Dresden, with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to visit the city's beer gardens or take a boat trip on the Elbe River.

September

21° / 9°

September marks the start of autumn in Dresden. The weather is still quite warm, but the crowds of summer have started to thin out.

October

15° / 5°

October in Dresden is characterized by cooler temperatures and the changing colors of the leaves. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy autumn scenery.

November

9° / 1°

November is a chilly month in Dresden, with shorter days and colder temperatures. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

December

5° / -1°

December in Dresden is cold and often snowy, but the city's Christmas markets make it a magical time to visit. Be sure to bundle up and enjoy a mug of hot mulled wine.

Did you know?

Did you know that Dresden, Germany is often referred to as 'Florence on the Elbe' due to its location on the Elbe River and its collection of stunning architecture and art?

1 of 10

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