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- English
During Advent, our award winning walking tour of Dresden's historic city centre will include a visit to one of Dresden’s famed Christmas markets!
Explore the cobbled streets of Dresden with a walking tour to learn about the city’s turbulent and fascinating history from the medieval through Renaissance, Baroque, WW2 and post WW2 eras. This is a city that blossomed, was then decimated by fire-bombing and finally lovingly rebuilt and restored to once again become 'The Florence on the Elbe'.
We will see many smaller Christmas markets and finally end at one of Germany’s oldest Christmas Markets and look for the Stollen, a special Christmas cake with a centuries-old tradition. You will also encounter Christmas inventions from Saxony, like the Nutcracker or the Moravian Star.
You can stay on after the tour and explore it on your own. Needless to say- we will point you in the direction of the best mulled wine- Glühwein, to raise a toast to beautiful Dresden.
Come join us!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins from Schlossplatz, the square at the foot of the Augustus Bridge. In this square is the statue of King Friedrich August the 1st, seated on his throne. Make sure to look for a statue of a seated king. Not standing! Not on a horse! Google Maps: 'Denkmal Friedrich August dem Gerechten'
Not too far from the starting point are many Christmas Markets. We will either end at the Old Market Square (Altmarkt) or at one of the other markets.
Itinerary
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Procession of Princes (Pass by)
Just around the corner from our meeting point, you’ll encounter the Fürstenzug, the Procession of Princes—an extraordinary mural that stretches across the outside wall of the former royal stables. Made of over 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles, this vast tableau depicts a parade of Saxon rulers on horseback, marching through time. It's not only an artistic marvel, but a living history lesson rendered in ceramic, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and lineage of Saxon leadership. What happened to this wall during the firestorm of 1945? You'll know the answer after the tour!
Admission ticket free -
1The Dresden Zwinger
What is a Zwinger? Find out more about this ornate, baroque space with its graceful lines and interesting origins. If time permits, and if open, your guide may be able to show you a well concealed grotto. The Zwinger tells the story of power, wealth and the enduring legacy of the man who commissioned it.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Dresden Castle (Pass by)
While the Dresden Royal Palace may be more modest in size than you might imagine, it holds an extraordinary array of treasures and world-class museum rooms. Although this visit doesn't include entry into the museums themselves, you'll still get to see the stunning palace courtyard with the walls adorned with intricate frescoes and the rare Renaissance art technique known as Sgraffito. Ask your guide for insights about the museums housed within the palace and the highlights they offer so that you can decide which ticket to buy.
Admission ticket free -
Stallhof (Pass by)
Tucked behind the Residenzschloss, the Stallhof offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse into Dresden’s courtly past. Once used for jousting tournaments and royal festivities, this enclosed Renaissance courtyard still carries echoes of chivalry and pageantry. The arcaded galleries and sandstone columns create a striking space where the Medieval Christmas Market takes place during Advent. Pass by now without stopping, but come back here later to experience its quaint and intimate atmosphere at leisure.
Admission ticket free -
2Theaterplatz
Welcome to Theaterplatz—one of Dresden’s most impressive and architecturally striking squares. Surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks, this plaza offers a breathtaking view into Dresden’s cultural and historical heart. Dominating the scene is the elegant Semper Opera House, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and a symbol of the city’s deep musical heritage. Nearby, you’ll see the magnificent Zwinger Palace with its ornate baroque flair, and the former royal residence, the Residenzschloss, rich with Saxon history. Behind you the Dresden Cathedral rises with quiet grandeur—its spires a solemn counterpoint to the splendor around it. Ask your guide to point out the Old Masters Gallery and the entrance to it when here.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Frauenkirche Dresden (Pass by)
Rising gracefully above the skyline, the Frauenkirche, also the Church of Our Lady, is the unmistakable heart of Dresden. Its elegant dome—rebuilt from the ruins after World War II—stands as both a triumph of architecture and a powerful symbol of reconciliation. Your guide will share the dramatic story of its destruction, decades-long reconstruction, and the global effort that brought this baroque masterpiece back to life. Whether bathed in sunlight or shadow, the church’s presence is both moving and majestic. Go into it later on your own to take a quiet seat and absorb the pastel beauty of its interior. You can also go downstairs into the old crypts and a small exhibition room detailing the reconstruction.
Admission ticket free -
3Dresden Christmas Market
The Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market, in existence since 1434! This is where the famous Dresden Stollen came into being. We will look for a baker that allows you to sample Stollen, the traditional Christmas cake of the region, and tell you about the Glühwein (mulled wine) and other Christmas traditions. You will learn about other local delicacies and discover stories behind the world famous Christmas decorations. We usually end the tour here, so stay on afterwards to keep sampling the wine, food and maybe buy a Nutcracker to take home!
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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