The Dresden Zwinger
The Dresden Zwinger
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience The Dresden Zwinger
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Innere Altstadt
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
952 within 3 miles
Attractions
323 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Jessica AliceSecaucus, New Jersey9 contributionsThis is a very recommended placeI was lucky enough to visit the Zwinger Palace in Dresden, Germany. This palace was built in the 18th century. Its architectural style is a perfect combination of Baroque and Rococo styles, which is breathtaking. As soon as I entered the palace, I was deeply attracted by its luxurious atmosphere. The interior of the palace is decorated with gorgeous gold walls, huge crystal chandeliers and gorgeous sculptures, and every part is full of royal atmosphere. In every room of the palace, we can admire exquisite oil paintings, treasured antiques and detailed furniture. Moreover, each room has a dedicated tour guide who provides detailed explanations so that tourists can better understand the history and the stories behind it. In addition to the beauty of the palace, the gardens of the Zwinger Palace are also enchanting. The garden has a rich variety of plants and carefully constructed flower beds, and every corner is like a painting. Strolling through the gardens is a relaxing experience of tranquility and harmony. Overall, going to the Zwinger Palace in Dresden was an unforgettable travel experience. This palace showcases German history and culture, and its exquisite architecture and ornate decoration are amazing. This is definitely a place not to be missed if you go to Dresden.Visited November 2022Traveled soloWritten October 9, 2023
- Travel420124038541 contributionWorth the visit!Dresden has been on my bucket list since I saw the movie Slaughterhouse-Five in early 1973. It didn't disappoint! We saw all the major sites. Neustadt was a pleasant surprise and very different from the old city center. Great food, beer, and people! It was easy to get around via walking and public transportation. Highly recommended!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 28, 2023
- Luann P1 contributionThe Zwinger is amazing!The Zwinger was amazing! It is a large, beautiful building with 5 or more separate areas that could each be a museum in itself. There is not just Dresden china, about which you may have heard before, but china from different parts of the world. There are also displays of clocks and other things. It took us four hours or more to see everything.Thank you very much for the positive feedback!Written March 19, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 3, 2024
- BonVoyager87Harrisburg, Pennsylvania325 contributionsCan’t Go Wrong With Visiting Some ClassicsIf you like museums with old art, this is a great stop for you. They had a beautiful gallery of classic masters and an interesting exhibit of antiquities. I arrived around 11:00 and didn’t think it was too busy but after an hour the museum was fairly crowded. So if you enjoy a more relaxed and less peopled experience, suggest going in the morning after they open.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 15, 2024
- PavlaPavlaChrudim, Czech Republic7,592 contributionsAmazing placeUnfortunately, I visited the Zwinger at a time when the courtyard with the garden was being renovated. Still, it was amazing to walk through this place and enjoy its beauty. The pavilions built in the German Baroque style, the Crown Gate, the fountain with nymphs (Nymphenbad), Semperbau with the world-famous Old Masters Picture Gallery... all of this is definitely worth seeing. It takes quite a bit of time to go through all parts of the Zwinger, and if you include the Gallery, the porcelain collection and the Mathematical-Physical Salon in your tour, you will need several hours for it. I recommend buying a two-day ticket for €27, which allows you to visit all the interior spaces of the Zwinger, as well as the Palace, Albertinum and Lipsiusbau.Thank you very much for your kind and detailed review! We are delighted that you describe the Dresden Zwinger so poetically. Visit uns again soon!Written July 24, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 4, 2024
- Bronny39Bognor Regis, United Kingdom21 contributionsZwinger inner courtyard is currently closed.Definitely worth visiting for the museums inside the building which is unique but be aware that the inner courtyard is under renovation and is essentially a building site. You can still walk around the outside and on the upper walkway, looking down into the courtyard. The exhibition of Meissen porcelain is outstanding.Thank you for your review and for visiting us. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the museums and the Meissen porcelain exhibition. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the renovation work in the inner courtyard. We hope to welcome you back once the renovations are complete for an even better experience.Written August 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 19, 2024
- Janine D62 contributionsLarge collection requiring time to seeVisited using the Dresden Museum card which is currently €35 for 2 days. I think it's a bit misleading in that it suggests savings on individual entries when in fact the 3 places in the Zwinger are all included in the one price (similar with the 'Castle') but still a saving if used in other places too. However, don't underestimate the time required in these locations if you wish to fully appreciate what's on offer. At the moment, the courtyard is still under reconstruction. The parapet is accessible without any ticket and affords some interesting views of the Opera House next door and the chiming clock above the porcelain gallery, as well as the Castle. The Old Masters gallery is extensive and has some beautiful works of art well laid out over 3 floors. No bags are permitted but free lockers are available - you also cannot take in any water. I did but wasn't stopped by anyone until about halfway through when Frau Farbissina told me in no uncertain terms that it was verboten! First real time I was very tempted to retort ' Ja mein Fuhrer'. The Astronomical/Mathematical Instruments were accessed via the courtyard building site and again contained many interesting displays but by this time we were flagging and withdrew for lunch and much needed liquid refreshment. We went to a couple of other places after and it was a bit hit or miss whether we'd return to see the Porcelain collection but in the end we did and I have to say it was also really worth the effort. The entrance to this part was around the side closer to the castle and they had their own lockers there. We also managed to get onto the parapet there just before they shut the doors. The porcelain is well-curated with some original Chinese and Japanese wares as well the Meissen and there is clearly a degree of deserved pride on show.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,824 reviews
Excellent
3,338
Very good
1,304
Average
149
Poor
21
Terrible
12
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
882will
London, UK238 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Stayed in the heart of Dresden, free entry for al the side. Combination old and new sculpture which is interesting.
There have a coffee shop located on first floor which can grab cup a coffee and walk around the building for city view.
There have a coffee shop located on first floor which can grab cup a coffee and walk around the building for city view.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AKT0707
Niskayuna, NY142 contributions
Oct 2019
Once known as the "Florence of the North" Dresden was firebombed at the end of WW II. Photographs show acres of rubble. Apparently this mission was targeting Prague, but due to a navigation error, hit Dresden instead. This was followed by 28 years behind the Iron Curtain. And so the amount of restoration is absolutely astonishing and you get a very good idea why pre-war Dresden was much admired.The carved stone by the way, darkens naturally with weathering rather than smoke or mold.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret B
Queensland, Australia611 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A well preserved and stunning example of Baroque architecture. Lovely place to visit and it is possible to walk along the path at the top of the buildings from one side of the building to the other building. Housing museums, the courtyard areas today are used for presentations or musical recitals.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ Lacuata
Long Beach, CA9,808 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
One of the most incredible baroque buildings in Germany. The Zwinger is a historic buildings that is so seamlessly part of the fabric of the city that is almost impossible to imagine Dresden without it. It is a very popular tourist destination.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PavlaPavla
Chrudim, Czech Republic7,592 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
Unfortunately, I visited the Zwinger at a time when the courtyard with the garden was being renovated. Still, it was amazing to walk through this place and enjoy its beauty. The pavilions built in the German Baroque style, the Crown Gate, the fountain with nymphs (Nymphenbad), Semperbau with the world-famous Old Masters Picture Gallery... all of this is definitely worth seeing.
It takes quite a bit of time to go through all parts of the Zwinger, and if you include the Gallery, the porcelain collection and the Mathematical-Physical Salon in your tour, you will need several hours for it.
I recommend buying a two-day ticket for €27, which allows you to visit all the interior spaces of the Zwinger, as well as the Palace, Albertinum and Lipsiusbau.
It takes quite a bit of time to go through all parts of the Zwinger, and if you include the Gallery, the porcelain collection and the Mathematical-Physical Salon in your tour, you will need several hours for it.
I recommend buying a two-day ticket for €27, which allows you to visit all the interior spaces of the Zwinger, as well as the Palace, Albertinum and Lipsiusbau.
Written July 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind and detailed review! We are delighted that you describe the Dresden Zwinger so poetically. Visit uns again soon!
Written July 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janine D
62 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Visited using the Dresden Museum card which is currently €35 for 2 days. I think it's a bit misleading in that it suggests savings on individual entries when in fact the 3 places in the Zwinger are all included in the one price (similar with the 'Castle') but still a saving if used in other places too. However, don't underestimate the time required in these locations if you wish to fully appreciate what's on offer.
At the moment, the courtyard is still under reconstruction. The parapet is accessible without any ticket and affords some interesting views of the Opera House next door and the chiming clock above the porcelain gallery, as well as the Castle.
The Old Masters gallery is extensive and has some beautiful works of art well laid out over 3 floors. No bags are permitted but free lockers are available - you also cannot take in any water. I did but wasn't stopped by anyone until about halfway through when Frau Farbissina told me in no uncertain terms that it was verboten! First real time I was very tempted to retort ' Ja mein Fuhrer'.
The Astronomical/Mathematical Instruments were accessed via the courtyard building site and again contained many interesting displays but by this time we were flagging and withdrew for lunch and much needed liquid refreshment. We went to a couple of other places after and it was a bit hit or miss whether we'd return to see the Porcelain collection but in the end we did and I have to say it was also really worth the effort. The entrance to this part was around the side closer to the castle and they had their own lockers there. We also managed to get onto the parapet there just before they shut the doors. The porcelain is well-curated with some original Chinese and Japanese wares as well the Meissen and there is clearly a degree of deserved pride on show.
At the moment, the courtyard is still under reconstruction. The parapet is accessible without any ticket and affords some interesting views of the Opera House next door and the chiming clock above the porcelain gallery, as well as the Castle.
The Old Masters gallery is extensive and has some beautiful works of art well laid out over 3 floors. No bags are permitted but free lockers are available - you also cannot take in any water. I did but wasn't stopped by anyone until about halfway through when Frau Farbissina told me in no uncertain terms that it was verboten! First real time I was very tempted to retort ' Ja mein Fuhrer'.
The Astronomical/Mathematical Instruments were accessed via the courtyard building site and again contained many interesting displays but by this time we were flagging and withdrew for lunch and much needed liquid refreshment. We went to a couple of other places after and it was a bit hit or miss whether we'd return to see the Porcelain collection but in the end we did and I have to say it was also really worth the effort. The entrance to this part was around the side closer to the castle and they had their own lockers there. We also managed to get onto the parapet there just before they shut the doors. The porcelain is well-curated with some original Chinese and Japanese wares as well the Meissen and there is clearly a degree of deserved pride on show.
Written September 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BonVoyager87
Harrisburg, PA325 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
If you like museums with old art, this is a great stop for you. They had a beautiful gallery of classic masters and an interesting exhibit of antiquities. I arrived around 11:00 and didn’t think it was too busy but after an hour the museum was fairly crowded. So if you enjoy a more relaxed and less peopled experience, suggest going in the morning after they open.
Written June 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hans-jaguar
Santa Comba Dao, Portugal24,385 contributions
May 2023
The Zwinger was created in the year 1709 as an orangery and garden as well as a representative festival area. The Zwinger was intended as the forecourt of a new palace, which was to take the place up to the Elbe. The plans to build a new castle were abandoned after the death of Augustus the Strong, and with the move away from the Baroque style, so it initially lost its importance. On the moment that we have visited this month of Mai they were occupied with building and excavation works on the inside.
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zycathy
Toronto, Canada63 contributions
Jul 2022
The palace is very beautiful, however, the garden is a construction site right now. As we arrived early in the day, it took us a while to find the stairs to the terrace (some entries are within cafe which opens at 10am). Generally, not lots of signs in the city to guide you to the places.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discover45457239475
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
The castle courtyard was under construction and the entrance was difficult to find. You can buy tickets online, but if you tell the receptionist what you want to see, they will recommend a ticket for you, so you can buy it on the spot. To get to the Alte Meister Gallery, you have to go outside, go around the perimeter, and enter through a different entrance, but you can't get there from inside the building, so if you ask the receptionist, they will explain it to you carefully. It was a wonderful museum.
Written June 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cuánto tiempo demanda visitar los jardines y al menos dos de los museos (pinacoteca y porcelanas).
Written November 14, 2019
Das hängt von davon ab, wie gemütlich und intensiv man sich die Dinge anschaut. Ich würde aber schon einen halben Tag empfehlen, damit man die Gärten, das Nymphenbad und die Museen besuchen kann.
Written December 9, 2019
Belépő jegy vásárolható előre interneten?
Written June 13, 2019
I see on their website they offer 90-min. guided tours for just a few Euros more. Is there a specific time for the guided tours?
Written December 5, 2018
I don't see why you would need a guided tour of the Zwinger! It was never a dwelling--it was for parties, so there are no furnishings, etc.
However, they have at least three museums in the Zwinger--the art museum is quite excellent and very crowded...the porcelain museum is good but not in a class with the porcelain museum at the Meissen museum in Meissen!...we didn't see the mathematics/physics museum.
The Zwinger is just a place to go walk around in the giant courtyard and look at the large amount of sculptures.
By the way, we visited the Green Room in 1991 when it was in the Zwinger. Since renovating the palace they have moved everything into that building and they have the "Old Green Room" and the "New Green Room."
The New Green Room is about 20 times better than the old green room. I don't know why such a big deal is made of the old green room (and you have to make reservations to visit the old green room, vs the new one). If you are short on time, be sure to see the NEW green room and skip the old green room.
ALSO, the Panometer is WILD! It is a little outside of downtown Dresden. You take a tram and transfer to a bus that drops you right in front of the Panometer. Take Binoculars. When you are on the ground level you'll think Travel-Junkie gave you a bum steer...when you get on the third level and pick your teeth up off the floor you will thank good ol' TJ-3PO! Amazing optical illusion that is almost holographic.
Written December 11, 2018
No you don’t need to prebook but it is closed on Mondays ... the grounds are open but you can’t access the exhibits.
Written August 8, 2018
seachelle1212
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Hi i just want to ask if they are open on friday its a german holiday? Thanks
Written March 26, 2018
It’s mostly a church so I think so... but I’m not sure if there are the possibility to do visit tour !!
Written March 27, 2018
Thanks for the info on public parking. Is it free parking?
Written April 8, 2017
There's a big paying parking lot less than 10 min walk from Zwinger, near the Neumarkt. It is paying in coins, so have them with you. Dresden city center is small, easy covered on foot.
Written April 12, 2017
hello' we are going to stay at barcelo praha fivr.
how do we get from there to your restarunt?
we want to make reservation for 13/07 21.00
thanks'
yaniv family
Written September 4, 2015
Всем доброго дня, подскажите где в Дрэздене можно отведать запеченную свиную рульку.( ножку)?
Written March 26, 2015
Если хотите классическую, вкусную, огромную рульку, то вам в ресторанчик "Opa und Oma", на трамвае ехать от центра, не помню, какой номер)) Погуглите. Работает утром, до обеда, потом с 6 вечера. Очень замечательный, домашний ресторанчик, уютный, порции огромные, пиво вкусное!
Written March 26, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing