Trip to Dresden, Germany

Day 1: Arrival and City Walking Tour

Upon arrival in Dresden, you can check into your hotel and freshen up before embarking on an exciting walking tour of the city. Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and a walking tour is an excellent way to get your bearings and see the city’s landmarks.

Your tour could start at the Zwinger Palace, one of Dresden’s most impressive buildings, where you can see the art collection in the Old Masters Gallery. Next, you could head to the Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church that was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Finally, take a stroll around the Theaterplatz and admire the Semper Opera House and the Zwinger Palace.

Day 2: The Royal Palace and The Green Vault

On your second day in Dresden, you can visit the Royal Palace and The Green Vault, one of the city’s primary attractions. The Royal Palace was built in the 16th century and served as the residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony. The palace houses several museums, including the Historic and New Green Vaults, the Numismatic Cabinet, and the Turkish Chamber.

The Green Vault is one of the most unique museums in the world, containing an impressive collection of treasures including the largest-known green diamond and a life-size figure made entirely of pearls. It consists of two exhibitions: the Historic Green Vault, which displays jewellery and other precious objects, and the New Green Vault, displaying 18th-century courtly treasures.

Day 3: The Elbe River and Brühl’s Terrace

On your third day in Dresden, explore the beautiful Elbe River and visit Brühl’s Terrace, also known as the “Balcony of Europe”. It is the premier place to take in the views of the city’s skyline and the riverbanks. Its terraced gardens, which include fountains and sculptures, make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

After taking in the beautiful views of the riverside, you can explore the old market square in the Neumarkt area, to see the Frauenkirche up close. Finally, take a stroll around the vibrant Outer Neustadt for some shopping and local food experiences.

Day 4: Porcelain Art and the Pillnitz Palace

On the fourth day of your trip, you can visit the Porcelain Collection at the Zwinger Palace, which is a part of the Dresden State Art Collections. It is one of the most extensive and valuable porcelain collections in the world, with items from the 17th to the 20th century. This beautiful porcelain is well-known for its quality and artistic value.

You can then visit the beautiful Pillnitz Palace, which was built in the 18th century and served as a summer residence for the Saxon monarchs. This palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are home to several rare and exotic plants.

Day 5: The Saxon Switzerland National Park

Take a day trip out of the city and visit the picturesque Saxon Switzerland National Park. Located only 20 miles east of Dresden, this park is home to stunning landscapes, cliffs and gorges, natural bridges, and beautiful hiking trails. This is a perfect day trip for nature and hiking enthusiasts.

Day 6: Baroque Palace and Gardens

On the sixth day of your trip, you can explore the Baroque Palace and Gardens of the Dresden area. The Moritzburg Palace is a beautiful Baroque palace built in the 16th century, located only 15 km from Dresden. It is surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat from the city.

Another option is the Baroque Garden Großsedlitz, a beautifully preserved garden that takes you back in time to the 18th century.

Day 7: Final Shopping and Departure

On your final day, you can do some last-minute shopping and explore more of the city. Head to the Altmarkt area, which is where you can find excellent shops that stock everything from designer labels to local handicrafts. In the evening, you can hit the town and experience some of the city’s vibrant nightlife before departure.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary is designed for you to experience the highlights of Dresden in 7 days with a mixture of sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife. With so much to see and do in Dresden, this itinerary provides you with flexibility to choose which attractions you would like to visit and explore, while also allowing time for relaxation and soaking up the cultural atmosphere.