I´ll be traveling next month to Berlin with my daughter. We are staying near Schloss Charlottenburg, and I have an open schedule during the day while my daughter works. After planning to see the sights in Berlin and immediate vicinity including Potsdam and Sachsenhausen, I´m pondering making a long day trip to Dresden. Any advice about that and/or other worthwhile places to visit while I am there would be appreciated.
Posted by
2319 posts
As always, with day trips that involve a 2-hour train ride to the destination, get a good start in the morning.
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Lots and lots of must see buildings lists out there - these are some other things I'd highlight -
The Way of the Red Flag Mural on the Palace of Culture
The Meissen porcelain mural The Procession of the Princes
Brühl's Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse)
Yenidze Building ("the tobacco mosque")
You won't have time BUT if you do - cross the Elbe over to Neustadt to get a great panoramic view of the Dresden skyline
Posted by
San Francisco
14507 posts
You can easily do a day trip from Berlin to Dresden, I've done that a few times but choose a departure going directly to Dresden from Berlin Hbf. The other choice is having to transfer in Leipzig, which is all right provided you have lots of time. I've done it both ways. Avoid the transfer by going direct.
If you decide on this day trip, I would suggest concentrating on seeing the main area of the sights, Zwinger, Frauenkirche, etc.
As a day trip Leipzig is worth seeing as a prelude for a more in depth visit, historically and culturally. Half-way to Leipzig is Lutherstadt Wittenberg, also worthwhile historically if you're interested in the start of the Reformation.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
There is a lot to see in Dresden. It's much better as an overnight. Since there is so much to see in Berlin, I fear by taking a day trip to Dresden you will be short-changing both cities.
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
479 posts
A visit to the Reichstag Building is well-worth your time. You need to register in advance at bundestag.de/en. I agree with the others regarding Dresden; if possible, spend at least one night there to get the most from your visit.
Posted by
183 posts
We did this as a day trip as well in 2019. The Historic Green Vault was the highlight of the day. Buy timed tickets online ahead of time.
Posted by
San Francisco
184 posts
Can I put in a strong recommendation for the Berlin tour guide we used? Finn Ballard Tours. He’s an expat from Ireland and a university professor who just brings the history to life!