Things to do & places to visit in Saxony, Germany

Like catnip for culture lovers, Saxony beckons visitors to eastern Germany with museums, musical events and artisans. The state capital, Dresden, is home to the restored Frauenkirche church and the eye-popping Zwinger museum, both showcases of 18th-century Baroque architecture. Music reigns in Leipzig, where Bach and Mendelssohn's former residences are now museums. Visit Meissen for its wines and signature porcelain. Castles adorn the central Saxony landscape, inspiring hiking and cycling tours.

Saxony #8 destination in Germany 2023. The average rating score is 4.48 based on 66.7k traveler reviews, of 1.331 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Berlin, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 23:38.

Saxony Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

64°F - 45°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze

Feels like

24%

Chance of rain

85.0 millimeters

Amount

13.2 mph

Wind speed

71%

Humidity

15.5

Daylight length

5:16 AM

Sunrise

8:47 PM

Sunset

43%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (26)

Top destinations in Saxony 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Parc National de la Suisse Saxonne (462 reviews)
- Bastei Bridge and more
National Parks

Bastei bridge is definitely a hidden gem - can be reached both two directions - from Rathen where you need to climb up or from a different side where you park at the top of the bridge (just a few minutes walk away from the car park). Beside the bridge however there are wonderful rock formations to admire connected by small "bridges" you can cross (this area costs 2 EUR at the moment, the rest of the park incl. Bastei are free of charge). It doesn't required above average physical effort. See more..
5.0 Elbe Sandstone Mountains (349 reviews)
- Great day out
Mountains

Very nice hiking opportunities. Interesting sandstone formation and beautiful view from the top. Great for any age groups. You can choose from two different paths. Possibility of rock climbing although its for skilled climbers only. See more..
5.0 Landskron Braumanufaktur (341 reviews)
- Absolutely to visit
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Erleben Sie, wie hinter den denkmalgeschützten Backsteinmauern, am reizvollen Neiße-Ufer, seit 1869 nach traditionell handwerklichem Verfahren und mit offener, handgeführter Gärung gebraut wird. Ist der Wissensdurst über die Tradition der Görlitzer Braukunst erst einmal gestillt, wird der Besuch mit einer zünftigen Verkostung abgerundet. Je nach Tourenart reichen wir Ihnen zusätzlich zur Bierprobe den ein oder anderen deftigen Gaumenschmaus. Unser Besucherzentrum ist täglich für Sie von 10:00 bis 18:00 Uhr geöffnet inkl. Feiertage. (außer 25.&26.12. sowie 1.1.) Wir freuen uns auf Ihren Besuch. Ihr Landskron Team See more..
5.0 August Horch Museum (275 reviews)
- History of the Audi Brand!
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

This is a mecca for all car fans and particularly those fans of German cars. The history of various marques is followed clearly and the individual people are featured to give the human side to the visit. Towards the end of the museum there is a reference to the town of Zwickau and it's more recent car manufacture. Well worth the visit in my humble opinion. There are all facilities you would want, a restaurant and a shop with fine books and models to remind you of your visit. Excellently laid out and no restrictions on photography! See more..
4.5 Frauenkirche Dresden (6.670 reviews)
- You really should climb the tower for the views from the top
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Once one of Dresden's most famous cathedrals, this structure is currently undergoing a massive reconstruction project to repair the damage done by Allied bombings. See more..
4.5 The Dresden Zwinger (4.757 reviews)
- Most important in Dresden
Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Art Museums

Situated in the heart of the Saxon state capital, the Dresden Zwinger ranks among Germany’s most well-known Baroque buildings of Germany and is, apart from the Church of Our Lady, certainly the most famous building monument in Dresden. It accommodates internationally renowned museums and is a place for staging music and theater performances. See more..
4.5 Zoo Leipzig (2.774 reviews)
- Great day in Family
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Erkunden Sie eine faszinierende Wildnis – mitten in Leipzig. Bei uns erleben Sie Artenvielfalt pur und naturnah gestaltete Lebensräume in sechs aufregenden Erlebniswelten. Sie erfahren, warum Natur- und Artenschutz wichtig sind und können 365 Tage im Jahr auf Entdeckungstour gehen. See more..
4.5 Procession of Princes (2.646 reviews)
- Kunst und Tiere
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This 394-foot mural along the wall in the Royal Mews courtyard depicts a parade of Saxony rulers, some walking, others on horseback. Scratched into stucco by the artist in 1876, the mural was later recast onto porcelain tiles and, incredibly, survived the 1945 bombing of Dresden that destroyed most buildings. See more..
4.5 Green Vault (2.556 reviews)
- Captivating Experience
Tuesday: Speciality Museums

The Historic Green Vault was definitely a highlight on our trip. Our kids were SO sick of walking through museums and various "old town" sights of various towns so we were a little hesitant about whether this would capture their attention, but boy did it. The treasures (literal) here feel very accessibly presented and the collection is not overwhelming. I think it took about 90 minutes. In fact, we were all a little sad that we didn't also have tickets to the New Green Vault. Also, the vault rooms are kept relatively cool so this was a great activity for a 35c degree day! See more..
4.5 Völkerschlachtdenkmal (2.146 reviews)
- Colossal and impressive monument, inside and out!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Largest war memorial in Europe See more..
4.5 Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (1.902 reviews)
- Nice gallery with world-famous masterpieces
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Museums

This art museum is jam packed with masterpieces by the likes of Rubens and Titian, but it is most famous for Rafael's Sistine Madonna. See more..
4.5 Semper Opera House (Semperoper) (1.886 reviews)
- Fancy-looking building at a wide square
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Operas • Theaters

Restored to its former magnificence after its destruction in the 1945 bombing of Dresden, this elaborate, High Renaissance style opera house presents opera, ballet and jazz performances, and is worth a visit if only to marvel at its ornate interior. See more..
4.5 Hauptbahnhof Leipzig (1.759 reviews)
- Love the architecture
Architectural Buildings • Shopping Malls

The Leipzig main station is really spacious. The architecture is truly interesting and there are a lot of shops and dining options. I personally also really like the Starbucks there, mostly due to the room it's in, wich is truly stunning! See more..
4.5 St. Thomas Church (1.478 reviews)
- Beautiful church in the historical centre
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

Bach served as the choirmaster at this church, to which his grave was moved in 1949, for the last 27 years of his life. See more..
4.5 Bruehlsche Terrasse (1.395 reviews)
- Wonderful after dark views across towards the river.
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Once the private garden of the Count of Bruehl, this large open plaza offers the city's best view of the River Elbe. Under the terrace are trenches, battlements and other remnants of the city's original fortifications. See more..
4.5 St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) (1.270 reviews)
- Magnificent Structure!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

St. Nicholas Church is one of the most historical churches of Leipzig ranging for the period from 12th century and it was turned into a Gothic Hall Church in the 17th Century. The Church is named after St. Nicholas, patron of travelers and merchants. It also gained importance during the peaceful revolution with people gathering there from 1989 to 1991. It is vast inside with capacity of over 1400 seats. Its magnificent architecture, beautiful interiors and peaceful environment leaves every visitor impressed. See more..
4.5 Bastei (1.066 reviews)
- Nice park and good hiking opportunities
Lookouts

A spectacular lookout point providing breathtaking views of the Elbe River and the surrounding countryside. See more..
4.5 Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) (882 reviews)
- Opulent palace which blends with the streetscape
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums

Strolling around Dresden city centre in general is magic in itself considering the architecture and the vibe of the city, and then one stumbles upon this beautiful building. Each building has its own character and Dresden Castle is no exception. It holds exhibits and should definitely visit inside. See more..
4.5 Market Square (Markt) (813 reviews)
- A wonderful area!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

If you're planning to visit Leipzig, you must pay a visit to the Market Square. Cultural events with no admission fee take place here quite often - I myself was lucky enough to have been able to attend one (,,Bachfest", to be precise) and I had a wonderful time. Furthermore, there are plenty of architectural gems, as well as great stores (such as the 5-storey department store Breuninger). See more..
4.5 Schloss & Park Pillnitz (802 reviews)
- An excellent day's outing
Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

Once a pleasure palace and later summer residence of the Saxon royals, it used to be the venue for many weddings and festivities back in Augustus the Strong’s time. Museums moved into the Palace in the 20th century and the Palace Park is the city’s most beautiful recreational resort for both Dresdeners and tourists from all over the world. Situated only about 15 km from the city center of the Saxon state capital of Dresden, the Pillnitz Palace & Park is regarded one of the most important chinoise palace estates throughout Europe. The ensemble of architecture and landscaping lies before the backdrop of the vineyards, harmoniously embedded in the riverscape of the Elbe River valley. With such diversity, it is thought to be a perfect destination for lovers of culture and gardens and for families. See more..
4.5 Koenigstein Fortress (751 reviews)
- amazing fortress
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Castles • Scenic Walking Areas • History Museums

VIVID HISTORY WITH A PANORAMIC VIEW The gigantic hilltop fortress with more than 50 imposing buildings such as barracks, casemates, the deep well, and well-kept gardens offers culture, nature, and fun for large and small explorers. The 1.7 km long panorama walk along the fortress wall offers stunning views of the Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland National Park, the Elbe Valleythe, and Dresden. Theme tours give insights into the fortress’s history and enable access to imposing rooms such as subterranean casemates and ammunition loading systems as well as the Giant Cask Installation (only for groups). A Large Fortress for Little Explorers Children can explore the fortress with a special audio guide, play several search games, borrow costumes free of charge in the exhibition “IN LAPIDE REGIS”, and much more. Concerts, festivities, and events give variety. Especially popular: Morning picnic with a view above the Elbe Valley | Organ concerts at the Garrison Church | Christmas Market See more..
4.5 Katholische Hofkirche (708 reviews)
- Amazing exteriors
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Also known as the Cathedral of St. Trinitatis, this is the Catholic Court Church. Houses a famous stone pulpit, 250-year-old organ and the tombs of Saxon rulers. See more..
4.5 Panometer (683 reviews)
- Breathtaking experience.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Located on the premises of the Leipziger Stadtwerke, the Panometer Leipzig originally was used to store city gas. In 2003 the Berlin artist Yadegar Asisi started its remodelling with displaying unique and monumental 360° panoramas in the former gasometer. The Panometer’s overall artistic concept is a combination of the accompanying exhibition, introducing to the current topic, and the 32 m high and more than 100 m wide panorama, that is staged through the simulation of night and day by light and sound. Standing on the 15 m high platform in the middle of the monumental picture you can thus experience the perfect illusion of immerging into a distant country or an elapsed period of time. Over the past years, the Panometer Leipzig already took its visitors to the foot of Mount Everest, into the life of ancient Rome, to the beauty of the tropical rain forest, through the confusions of the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig and into the astounding underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Further panoramas are planned for the future and will be presented in the frame work of a world premiere in Leipzig. Besides the visitation of the impressive panorama and the tour through the accompanying exhibition, the visitors can witness the creation of the world’s largest panorama pictures by watching the making-of film at the end of the exhibition. After the visit, the Panometer-Cafe invites the guests to relax with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. CURRENT PANORAMA-EXHIBITION: since January 28th 2017 all-the-year "TITANIC - The Promise of Modernity" See more..
4.5 Panorama Tower (672 reviews)
- Excellent view
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

This is the tallest building in Leipzig and has a great panoramic view of the city. The entrance was only 4€ at a turnstile once you got to the top. The observation deck is outdoors and very windy, with signs showing the locations of various buildings and landmarks. There is also a small kiosk which was closed. I visited in the morning and was the only person on the roof, which was an incredible experience. See more..
4.5 Kunsthofpassage (666 reviews)
- A fun and quirky experience
Historic Walking Areas

What do you with a mundane block of flats that are unlikely to see much tourist traffic except for the lost? Well it looks like Kunsthofpassage was the brainchild of a group of visionary architects and artists, out to design a fun, colourful, unpretentious, modern courtyard with innovative drain pipes. There are actually several courtyards all with their own unique design, but two that really stand out are the "Yard of Animals" and "Court of the Elements". The former has an African themed building facade and balconies that look like wicker baskets. The latter is probably the masterpiece of architecture, with a series of seeming drain pipes that channel rainwater through pipes, with the running water playing out a little tune. A fun and quirky experience. See more..
4.5 Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (602 reviews)
- Great to visit
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Factory Tours

Took the train from Dresden --> Meissen, solely to visit the porcelain factory. The mini tour to view how the porcelain is made was very informative. The museum upstairs was also incredibly impressive, with some huge pieces of porcelain artwork. I was surprised to find the shop *that* expensive, but then again i wasn't aware of Meissen before coming to Germany. See more..
4.5 Museum in der Runden Ecke (591 reviews)
- Stazi!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

Original office of the secret police. The building now presents these police documents and their surveillance equipment to the public. See more..
4.5 Panometer Dresden (565 reviews)
- Alone Worth a Trip to Dresden
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Since 2006 the Panometer Dresden, a former gas tank in Dresden Reick, displays the monumental 360° panoramas “BAROQUE DRESDEN” and “DRESDEN 1945” created by Berlin artist Yadegar Asisi in a regular change. The presentation of the pictures on a scale of 1:1 and a 105 m wide and 27 m high surface is supported by the use of light and sound. Standing on the 15 m high platform in the middle of the monumental picture the visitor can thus experience the perfect illusion of immerging into the history of Saxony’s capital Dresden. Between January and May/June the panorama “DRESDEN 1945” broaches the issues of tragedy and hope of the European city. The accompanying exhibition provides an introduction into the immediate aftermath of the bombing raids on February 13th in 1945. Inside of the panorama picture, which is supported by light and sound effects, the incidents of this day get then even more realistic for the visitors and they get the feeling of being directly involved in the happening. The following documentary, showing interviews with contemporary witnesses, depicts Dresden’s reconstruction in the centuries after the bombing. Between June and December “BAROQUE DRESDEN” invites its visitors to a travel in time into the epoch of Baroque, Dresden’s most famous era. Inspired by the numerous vedutas of Bernardo Bellotto, also known as Canaletto, Yadegar Asisi depicts a unique overall view of Saxony’s capital city. Detailed sceneries of the city life and the courtly routine during the Augustan Epoch, dated back to 1695 - 1760, allow the visitors to plunge into the baroque heyday. The accompanying exhibition, held in vibrant colours such as magenta, deep blue and gold, concentrates on the baroque city’s daily life. Numerous exhibits illustrate different aspects of absolutism, court and religion of this time. See more..
4.5 Bach Museum (559 reviews)
- A must do for Bach fans
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

A museum celebrating the life and works of classical music guru Bach. See more..
4.5 Neumarkt (559 reviews)
- Beautiful Dresden
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Dresden is a beautiful city and strolling across Neumarkt, taking in the main buildings (Zwinger, Frauenkirche, etc.) is a must do. Especially on a nice day (weather-wise) this is a perfect activity. Absolutely recommendable and plenty of lunch/dinner spots around. See more..