Self Guided Walk Through Dresden's Historic Old Town

Dresden , Germany

Self Guided Walk Through Dresden's Historic Old Town

Active

(5 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Marvel at iconic architecture in the city once called the Florence of Germany on this self-guided audio tour. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Dresden. Dresden's beauty has been revived, and visitors find themselves, once again, enthralled by the impressive architecture that spans several centuries. On this tour, I’ll show you the most stunning buildings and monuments and tell you about the Old Town’s dramatic history. You’ll walk through Zwinger Park and pass by the Royal Palace where August the Strong lived. On the way, I’ll tell you about his mistress, the unlucky Countess of Cosel, and how she lived happily in exile. As you make your way towards Neumarkt Square, you’ll see one of the best-preserved courts where jousting tournaments were held, the Old Town’s former Jewish centre, and the Frauenkirche, a very imposing baroque church that was destroyed during World War II but re-emerged out of the rubble in 2005.

Available options

Self Guided Walk Through Dresden's Historic Old Town

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Start your tour in this picturesque square, offering a breathtaking view of Dresden's skyline and setting the stage with its historical ambiance.

Stop 2 Pass by

Admire the grand statue of King Johann, prominently situated in Theaterplatz, commemorating one of Saxony's notable rulers.

Stop 3 Pass by

Pass by the world-renowned Semper Opera House, an architectural masterpiece that hosts some of the finest operatic performances globally.

Stop 4 Pass by

Walk through the Zwinger, a stunning baroque palace that houses several museums and features beautifully landscaped gardens.

Marvel at the ornate Kronentor (Crown Gate), the iconic entrance to the Zwinger complex, showcasing impressive baroque artistry.

Stop 6 Pass by

View the majestic Dresden Castle, once home to Saxon rulers and now a treasure trove of art and historical artifacts.

Pass by the Stallhof, a well-preserved courtyard where jousting tournaments were held, reflecting the medieval splendor of the city.

Stop 8 Pass by

Admire the Fürstenzug, a large mural depicting the procession of Saxony’s rulers, made from thousands of Meissen porcelain tiles.

Arrive at Neumarkt Square, the heart of Dresden’s historic center, surrounded by beautifully reconstructed baroque buildings.

Stop 10 Pass by

Be awed by the Frauenkirche, a baroque Lutheran church that stands as a symbol of Dresden’s resilience, having been rebuilt from the ruins of WWII.

Stop 11 Pass by

See the statue of Martin Luther in front of the Frauenkirche, honoring the influential figure of the Protestant Reformation.

Stop 12 Pass by

End your tour at the Art Academy’s lemon press-shaped dome, known as Zitronenpresse, a striking feature of Dresden’s artistic and educational heritage.

What's not included

Smartphones and headphones (please bring your own)

Available languages

Audio guide

DE EN

Written guide

DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour begins in the center of Theaterplatz, the large square that is surrounded on four sides by the River Elbe, the Semper Opera, the Zwinger and Old Town. It can be reached by tram or with a 20-minute walk from Dresden's Main Train Station.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
 ───
You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Dresden

Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Known as the 'Florence of the Elbe' due to its baroque and rococo architecture, the city offers a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy along the Elbe River.

Top Attractions

Frauenkirche

The Frauenkirche is a stunning Baroque church that was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. It is a symbol of reconciliation and peace.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry, donations welcome

Zwinger Palace

The Zwinger Palace is a beautiful Baroque complex that houses several museums, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the Porcelain Collection.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €12-€14 for museum entry

Semperoper

The Semperoper is one of the world's most famous opera houses, known for its stunning architecture and acclaimed performances.

Architecture/Cultural 1-2 hours for a tour, longer for a performance Tours: €9, Performances: €20-€150

Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss)

Dresden Castle is a historic palace that houses several museums, including the Green Vault and the Armory.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €12-€14 for museum entry

Elbe River Cruise

An Elbe River cruise offers a unique perspective of Dresden's skyline and landmarks. Cruises are available in various durations and themes.

Nature/Entertainment 1-3 hours €15-€50 depending on the cruise

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dresdner Eierschecke

A traditional layered cake made with eggs, quark, and cream, topped with a layer of baked cheese.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance

Sächsische Klöße

Potato dumplings, often served with meat and gravy.

Side Dish Can be made gluten-free, but typically contains potatoes and flour

Dresdner Sauerbraten

A pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices, often served with red cabbage and Klöße.

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Dresdner Christstollen

A traditional fruit bread made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often dusted with powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and nuts, not suitable for vegans or those with nut allergies

Popular Activities

Hiking in Saxon Switzerland Rock climbing Boat tours on the Elbe Spas and wellness centers Elbe River cruises Walking tours Museum visits Opera and ballet performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Dresden, with pleasant weather and numerous outdoor festivals and events. The city is bustling with tourists, and all attractions are open.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Russian
English: Moderately spoken, widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dresden is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Dresden Airport • 9 km from city center

By train

Dresden Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Dresden Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with frequent services and clear signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Dresden, mytaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Innere Altstadt Neustadt Blasewitz Loschwitz

Day trips

Saxon Switzerland National Park

30 km from Dresden • Full day

A stunning national park known for its unique rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic views.

Meissen

25 km from Dresden • Half day to full day

A historic town known for its porcelain production and beautiful architecture.

Pillnitz Castle and Park

8 km from Dresden • Half day

A beautiful castle and park located along the Elbe River, offering stunning views and historic architecture.

Festivals

Dresden Music Festival • May to June Dresden Christmas Market • Late November to December 24th Dresden Opera Ball • Late January

Pro tips

Visit the historic centers early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Take a guided tour of the Green Vault to learn about the fascinating history of the collection
Explore the neighborhoods beyond the historic center for a more local experience
Try the local specialties, such as Dresdner Eierschecke and Saxon Sauerbraten
Attend a performance at the Semperoper for a unique cultural experience