Altstadt Dresden Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Altstadt Dresden
Altstadt Dresden
Altstadt Dresden
Altstadt Dresden
Altstadt Dresden

On the south side of the Elbe River is Dresden’s historic centre, which features art galleries, grandiose churches, picturesque gardens and shopping districts.

Dresden’s Altstadt (Old Town) is the city’s atmospheric heart, a district steeped in history and swathed in architectural beauty. It stretches south from the banks of the Elbe River with a series of elegant streets and stately squares. All but demolished by World War II aerial bombings, the Altstadt has since regained much of its original attractiveness. Discover magnificent examples of Baroque, classical and Renaissance landmarks, visit galleries, relax in pretty gardens and explore lively shopping zones.

Start at Theaterplatz, a handsome square framed by iconic buildings. Watch ballet and opera performances or join a guided tour at the opulent Semper Opera House. Marvel at the detailed façade and ceiling frescoes of Dresden Cathedral. Stroll around the courtyard, gardens and pavilions of the Baroque masterpiece, Zwinger Palace. Its museums store works by Old Masters such as Raphael in addition to exhibits of porcelain and scientific tools.

Study the 331-foot (101-metre) long Procession of Princes mural on the stall courtyard of the Royal Palace. Look down on the palace complex and over the Old Town cityscape from the Hausmann Tower. The Albertinum houses three galleries: the Dresden State Art Collections, New Masters Gallery and Sculpture Collection. Don’t miss two of Dresden’s most impressive churches: the Church of the Holy Cross and Church of Our Lady.

Enjoy some shopping at boutiques, department stores, high-end fashion outlets and shopping malls. Find many of these between New Market Square, Old Market Square, Post Platz and Prager Straße. New Market Square is a fine example of late-Baroque architectural surroundings. Enjoy the open-air cafés lining its perimeter.

Find a moment’s peace amid the scenic confines of Großer Garden. Watch street performers and gaze along the Elbe River at Brühlschen Terrace. Behind the terrace is a series of striking buildings and monuments. Go for a walk along the riverfront promenade.

The Altstadt is a tightly packed district, which makes it perfect to discover on foot. Public buses and trams stop at the major attractions. Purchase the Dresden Welcome Card for free access to public transportation and up to 14 city museums.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Altstadt Dresden Hotel Deals

Occidental Dresden Newa

Occidental Dresden Newa

Prager Straße 2c, Dresden, SN
The price is AU$110 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$110
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Dresden. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"The room was modern and spacious and clean, the bed very comfortable, the staff were very friendly and helpful. I felt very safe here. Close to the train station and shopping, walkable to historic sites, this restaurant was perfect and I'd definitely stay again if i return to Dresden."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Occidental Dresden Newa
Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

3.5 out of 5
Altmarkt 4, Dresden, SN
The price is AU$130 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$130
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Dresden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,154 reviews)
"Hotel in the middle of this city. This is the main reason I have chosen to stay. Clean, city view from my window. BUT I don't have towels in the room. Not, even one. Big question. There's no phone to call front desk. I was so tired that took a shower and put on my pajama on a wet body😂"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt
Dorint Hotel Dresden

Dorint Hotel Dresden

4 out of 5
Grunaer Str. 14, Dresden, SN
The price is AU$169 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$169
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Dresden. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Hotel service was fantastic"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

Dorint Hotel Dresden
Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG

Prager Str. 13, Dresden, SN
Fully refundable
The price is AU$124 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$124
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Dresden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (457 reviews)
Walking distance to Dresden Hbf
"Room is of reasonable size but comfortable for couple over weekend stay. Like the location as hotel is walking distance to Dresden main train station, tourist attraction and eatery/restaurant & shopping around the vicinity. Lobby is spacious and have lots of comfortable waiting area and power outlet ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Devreintstraße 10-12 / Ostra-Ufer 2, Dresden, SN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$158 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$158
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Dresden. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (900 reviews)
"Our second visit and we really enjoyed our stay. Love the breakfast. Very large rooms with everything we needed. Lots of little extras in the bathroom. Lovely stroll to the centre for sightseeing etc. Transport options nearby."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden
Premier Inn Dresden City Prager Straße

Premier Inn Dresden City Prager Straße

Ferdinandstrasse 14, Dresden
The price is AU$112 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
AU$112
19 Nov - 20 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Dresden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Great central hotel
"The hotel was very close to the train station and near lots of resaturants. It had nice decor, the staff were helpful and friendly, the bed was comfy, it was quiet and the breakfast was good. What more could you want?"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Premier Inn Dresden City Prager Straße
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Altstadt Dresden

Saxony showing farmland

Innere Altstadt

If you're spending time in Innere Altstadt, check out sights like Altmarkt or Old Market Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.

Innere Altstadt
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Wilsdruffer Vorstadt/Seevorstadt-West

Noted for its art galleries and historical sites, there's plenty to explore in Wilsdruffer Vorstadt/Seevorstadt-West. Top attractions like International Congress Center Dresden and Dresden Elbe Valley are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Schweriner Strasse Station or Dresden Freiberger Straße S-Bahn to see more of the city.

Wilsdruffer Vorstadt/Seevorstadt-West
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Pirnaische Vorstadt

Noted for its bars and historical sites, there's plenty to explore in Pirnaische Vorstadt. Top attractions like Dresden Elbe Valley and Elbe are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Station or Synagoge Station to see more of the city.

Pirnaische Vorstadt
Neustadt Market Hall featuring heritage elements

Innere Neustadt

Shopping, historical sites and river views highlight some notable features of Innere Neustadt. Make a stop by Saxon State Chamber or Movie Nights at the Elbe while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Carolaplatz Station or Albertplatz Station to get around town.

Innere Neustadt
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Seevorstadt

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Seevorstadt. Spend some time visiting top spots like German Hygiene Museum, and catch the metro at Walpurgisstrasse Station or Hauptbahnhof Nord Station to see more of the area.

Seevorstadt
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Johannstadt

Get to know Johannstadt and its many features like its restaurants and historical sites. You might want to explore sights like Dresden Elbe Valley and Elbe, and you can jump on the metro at Permoserstrasse Station or Trinitatisplatz Station to get around the city.

Johannstadt


Altstadt Dresden Travel Guide

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