Dresden Castle Tours and Activities

Dresden Castle featuring street scenes
Dresden Castle featuring heritage architecture
Dresden Castle
Dresden Castle which includes street scenes
Dresden Castle showing heritage elements


A former Royal Palace located in the historic heart of Dresden is today a major cultural attraction and home to some of Germany’s oldest art collections.

Occupying much of the center of Dresden’s historic heart, the Dresden Castle or Royal Palace is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Along with its impressive collection of architectural marvels, the castle is today one of Dresden’s main galleries. Since its reconstruction following the 1945 bombing of Dresden, the castle has been built as the Palace of Art and Sciences. See historic coins, palace stables and a 335-foot (102-meter) mural as you explore the complex.

With more than 400 years of history, the Dresden Castle is one of the oldest structures in the city. The grand royal residence features a range of architectural styles, including the original Romanesque keep and Renaissance and Baroque additions. The reconstruction that took place following World War II was only completed in 2013 and features many modern elements. Enter the visitor’s lobby in the castle courtyard to admire the roof. Tessellated, transparent pillows create a ceiling that protects the courtyard buildings from the elements but still allows the pebblestone exteriors to be naturally lit.

Visit the Coin Cabinet to see historic coins or the Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs, one of the oldest such collections in Germany. Admire the Green Vaults, two exhibition spaces containing two of the most impressive and lavish works of art in the museum, comprising of historic jewels and mirrored walls. Stop by the opulent Turkish Chamber, the art library and the armory before venturing to the castle’s grounds.

Appreciate the skill that went into the creation of the 335-foot (102-meter) Procession of Princes, a monumental mural made from 25,000 painted tiles. The mural is one of the highlights of the castle. Continue along the Langer Gang, a long arched corridor, to reach the large courtyard home to the castle’s former stables.

Dresden Castle is closed Tuesdays and admission fees apply for entrance. The New and Historic Green Vaults are subject to additional tickets. The castle is located in central Dresden and can be reached by tram or bus. Some street parking is available in the area.

Tours & day trips

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Popular places to visit


Top Dresden Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden

Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden

Grosse Meissner Str. 15, Dresden, SN
Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Devreintstraße 10-12 / Ostra-Ufer 2, Dresden, SN
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden
Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

3.5 out of 5
Altmarkt 4, Dresden, SN
Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt
Occidental Dresden Newa

Occidental Dresden Newa

Prager Straße 2c, Dresden, SN
Occidental Dresden Newa
INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

4.5 out of 5
Salzgasse 4, Dresden, SN
INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden
Hotel Elbflorenz Dresden

Hotel Elbflorenz Dresden

Rosenstraße 36, Dresden, SN
Hotel Elbflorenz Dresden
Aparthotel Münzgasse

Aparthotel Münzgasse

Muenzgasse 10, Dresden, SN
Aparthotel Münzgasse
TOWNHOUSE Dresden

TOWNHOUSE Dresden

Neumarkt 1, Dresden
TOWNHOUSE Dresden
Suitess - An der Frauenkirche

Suitess - An der Frauenkirche

5 out of 5
An der Frauenkirche 13, Dresden, SN
Suitess - An der Frauenkirche
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.

Things to do near Dresden Castle

Explore the vibrant atmosphere surrounding Dresden Castle with a variety of activities including theatre performances, shopping, and lively entertainment options. Don't miss the chance to embark on a downtown tour, which offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. Whether you’re indulging in local cuisine or enjoying the artistic scene, Dresden Castle and its surroundings promise an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden, just 322m from the castle, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. For a broader selection, head to Elbepark Dresden, located 4.8km away, where you can enjoy more shopping and family activities.

Recreation

At Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, only 1.6km from Dresden Castle. Enjoy ice skating at the EnergieVerbund Arena, also 1.6km away, perfect for a fun-filled day. Heinz-Steyer-Stadium, 1.3km away, offers a classic sports vibe for enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling Dresden Funicular Railway, located 4.8km from the castle, offering stunning views as you ascend. For a unique perspective, ride the Dresden Suspension Railway, also 4.8km away, gliding above the landscape. Don't miss Elbamare, a vibrant waterpark 4.8km distant, perfect for family fun and relaxation.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Dresden's nightlife by catching a film at Movie Nights at the Elbe, just 644m from the castle. For a closer option, enjoy a show at the Schlosstheater, a mere 161m away, or visit Comödie Dresden, located 1.1km away for a delightful evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dresden Castle

When visiting Dresden Castle, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history by exploring nearby attractions like the historic piazzaSquare and various museums. Don’t miss the chance to visit the magnificent churches around the area. For a deeper experience, consider touring the Dresden Royal Palace and Castle Eckberg, which offer insights for families and culture enthusiasts alike.

  • Zwinger Palace: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Zwinger Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Just 322m from Dresden Castle, this historic site features beautiful gardens, intricate sculptures, and fascinating museums that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.
  • Old Market Square: Located 322m from Dresden Castle, Old Market Square is a vibrant hub filled with lively cafés and shops. Its picturesque surroundings and historical significance make it a perfect spot to soak in the city's culture and enjoy local delicacies.
  • New Market Square: A short 322m walk from Dresden Castle, New Market Square offers a blend of modern life and historical charm. The bustling atmosphere, street performers, and nearby attractions create an enjoyable cultural experience for visitors.

Best time to go to Dresden Castle

The best time to visit Dresden Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.7°F (8.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dresden Castle

To save money on your visit to Dresden Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Monday stay, which is the cheapest day. Use Expedia to compare prices and find last-minute deals. Look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for extra savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the castle and utilise public transport, which can help keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dresden Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Dresden Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dresden Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Dresden Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can easily organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your accommodation at Dresden Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.