Things to Do in Dresden
• Dive into the architectural elegance of the Semperoper with an expert guide, discovering ornate rooms, and unique acoustics.
• See the 4 panthers on the roof, which honors the household god Dionysius, and see the glamorous auditorium boasting 1,300+ seats.
• Choose an English, German, or family-friendly tour, tailored to all ages, and enjoy fascinating stories about the Semperoper in your preferred language.
• Fun Fact: Semperoper's unique acoustics, perfected by modern technology, allow every note from the musicians to reach every corner of the auditorium.
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.
• See 4 of Elbe’s famous bridges up close, including the 131-year-old Loschwitz Bridge aka ‘Blue Wonder’ as the audio commentary regales its past.
• On the return leg, keep your eyes peeled for 3 palaces, especially the Albrechtsburg, a 15th-century Late Gothic Castle.
• As you glide down the Elbe, tantalize your taste buds with a variety of delicious local dishes and drinks available to purchase on board.
• Fun fact: Did you know, Dresden boasts the world's oldest and biggest paddle streamer fleet? Your boat might be from the 19th century!
On my tour I want to share with you the beautiful 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.
On my tour I really focus on the (still ongoing) reconstruction of the city after the war to give you an insight on what was deemed worthy of rebuilding and what not, depending what era of Germany we're looking at. On top of that I will try to add a few family anecdotes to give you a better idea of what the different political systems of Germany meant for it people, socially and culturally.
Looking forward to a tour with you!
• Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Semperoper with its detailed interiors and river views, led by an expert German-speaking guide.
• Experience Dresden's vibrant Old Town, visiting iconic sights like the palatial complex of Zwinger and the baroque-style Dresden Royal Palace.
• Enjoy a holistic experience with the guided tour's inclusion of the Neumarkt neighborhood, renowned for its delightful local cuisine and bustling atmosphere.
• Fun fact: Semperoper's roof is adorned by 4 panthers, a quirky detail often missed by visitors, adding a unique charm to your experience.
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!
Join us to discover Dresden's historic centre on a guided walking tour. We'll visit top landmarks like the Zwinger, Semperoper, and Frauenkirche.
• Revel in the convenience of round-trip tickets, onboard amenities, and insightful audio commentary in English and German.
• Witness the grandeur of Albrechtsberg, Eckberg, and Lingner castles, the villa quarter Loschwitz, and the famous Blue Wonder Bridge.
• Experience the 18th-century Pillnitz Palace, the former summer residence of the Saxon royal court, before continuing your immediate return journey.
• Fun fact: Pillnitz Castle isn't just a castle—it's also where you'll find the world's oldest Camellia tree, planted in 1801 and towering over 9 meters tall today!
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.
• Experience the rainforest’s changing moods from dawn to dusk, enhanced by lights and Eric Babak’s soundscape.
• Fun fact: Yadegar Asisi visited the Amazon 4 times, took thousands of photos, and made countless sketches to bring the rainforest panorama to life.
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!
• Visit sites like the Bastei Bridge and Neurathen ruins, featured in the movie Chronicles of Narnia.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Elbe Canyon, Europe's largest sandstone canyon, followed by a delicious Czech lunch at a local restaurant.
• Hop on a boat for a leisurely trip through the Kamenice River gorges with towering rock formations, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters.
• Fun Fact: The Bastei Bridge was created by water erosion over a million years ago, rising 305 meters above the Elbe River.
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
• Experience entertaining stories and spicy anecdotes from many centuries from your Night Watchman.
• Start your tour with a nightcap, provided by your guide.
• See famous sights like the Zwinger, the Semperoper, the Fürstenzug or the Frauenkirche.
Discover Dresden through different eyes
Dresden is a fascinating city, full of beauty and marked by a rich history. This tour in Spanish invites you to discover not only its monuments but also the stories and secrets they hide.
We begin at Theaterplatz, in front of the majestic Semperoper. We'll walk toward the Zwinger Palace, a Baroque gem built amidst festivities, rivalries, and dreams of power.
We'll continue to the Residenzschloss, the Royal Palace, where you'll meet the legendary Augustus the Strong: a king in love with art or a man obsessed with his legacy?
Next, we'll visit the imposing Hofkirche, a Catholic cathedral in Protestant territory that raises questions: Why was it built here? What secrets and royal tombs does it hold within its walls?
We'll also see the famous Procession of Princes (Fürstenzug), a unique porcelain mural that recounts 800 years of Saxon history, and we'll end in front of the iconic Frauenkirche, a symbol of peace and rebirth.
This two-hour tour is much more than a stroll: it's a living experience, filled with passion, history, and mysteries that only the curious will discover.
