Dresden is a great day trip from Berlin. It has some fascinating history and a stunning old centre, restored after heavy bombing in WW2.
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Remember to check out my blog on the top things to do in Berlin while you’re in Germany, as well as this great guide to Dresden and the whole of Germany (affiliate). If you fancy continuing your journey in Germany, Cologne and Aachen are great options, or Prague is just a short train ride away.
How to get to Dresden from Berlin
The train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (the main train station) takes just over 2 hours to get to Dresden. It’s a fairly long way for a day trip from Berlin – my general rule for day trips is a 2 hour maximum journey each way, otherwise you can spend more time travelling than you do exploring the new place. However, the train from Berlin is a fast, direct train and it’s a comfortable, relaxing ride, so the journey didn’t feel too long at all. Make sure you research train times, as some trains can take a lot longer so make sure you choose a fast, direct one.
Check out the train timetables for the latest train times and prices.
Top sights in Dresden
1. Old Town Centre
One of the top sights on a day trip from Berlin to Dresden is the stunningly restored old centre. Dresden was famously one of the most bombed cities during WW2, and much of the historic centre of the city was destroyed in the bombing raids. Reconstruction of the historic area began in the 1990s and now the old centre retains its historical feel, while also looking slightly too pristine and neat to believe it’s truly a historical town. The centre is still a great place to walk around with lots of nice colourful buildings.
2. Frauenkirche
The original church was completetd in the mid 1700s with one of the largest domes of any church in Europe. However, like much of Dresden, it was completely destroyed in WW2. Reconstruction began in the 1990s and was finished in 2005. The rebuilt church now dominates the Neumarkt square and is one of the most iconic sights in the city.
3. Fürstenzug
This impressive mural, made up of thousands of small tiles, is on the side of the Residenzschloss. Dating back to 1870, it tells the story of rulers of the House of Wettin, from the 12th century to the 19th century when it was first created.
4. Dresdener Residenzschloss
The former royal palace, also sometimes know as Dresden Castle, is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden and was a royal residence for nearly 400 years. There are a variety of museums inside, including the Armoury and the Green Vault, full of the royal treasures. Check out the website for opening times.
5. Semperoper
Dresden’s opera house is a really impressive building and has staged many famous productions. Check out what’s on during your visit, or if you don’t have time, you can still visit inside on a guided tour. Visit the opera house website for the latest performances.
Enjoy your day trip from Berlin to Dresden! Don’t forget to check out my blog on the top 15 things to do in Berlin to extend your trip, as well as this great guide to Dresden and Germany (affiliate). Or if you’re visiting at Christmas check out the top Christmas markets in Berlin. Or if you fancy heading to a different country, Prague and Vienna are both great cities with easy train links across Europe.
