Dresden Castle — Attraction in Dresden

We've been to dozens and dozens of museums around Europe, but this one has to be the most interesting, impressive and unique. If you're in Dresden, do not miss Residenzschloss!

Buying a ticket in advance is recommended, but when we visited in early May, we were able to get in on the day-of without problems. If you're visiting during busier times, definitely book ahead.

We bought the combined ticket to see the whole place, including the historic Green Vault. **Be aware that if you buy a combined ticket to see the museum and the historic vault, your timed entry is for the historic vault itself. The vault is in the basement - make sure you get down there right away according to your ticket's entry time, or they may turn you away.

This is a museum that will entertain you even if you don't read any of the markers, know who any of these royals were or know anything about anything at all. It's a very visual experience.

This isn't a museum you should rush through - figure on 4 hours if you want to see it all... and you really should. We spent the whole day here very happily. If you're able to dedicate your whole day here, do it.

The Rüstkammer blew our minds completely. The armor has to be seen to be believed. The weapons are endless and extremely impressive as well. There are also many incredible royal garments here - some of them date back to the 1500s. If you love medieval costume, you will be delighted for sure.

The Coin Cabinet is interesting even if you're not a coin enthusiast, but not so large as to be painful for your disinterested teenager ;)

The Turkish Cabinet was beautiful. Even after seeing so many weapons and suits of armor already, the items in this area are markedly different and will keep your attention. The silk tents are fantastic as well.

The Royal Apartments were interesting and beautiful - our favourite of the rooms was the small ballroom. Take a moment and let the kids play with the marionette theater.

The New Green Vault was unbelievable. These were the most unique and fantastic royal items we've ever seen. Laithe carved ivory, silver sculpture, huge cups made of nautiluses, jewel encrusted golden everything, tableware with coral handles, porcelain and jewelry... this room will impress even the toughest critic.

The Cabinet of Prints, Drawings and Photographs was the least interesting of the lot. We enjoyed it but some may find it dull - if you're running short on time, you could skip this area without having truly missed out.

The historic Green Vault is definitely worth paying extra to see... don't skip it. It was over-the-top opulent and even more impressive than the new vault. The audio tour was fascinating - even if you're not big on audio tours, don't turn it down for the historic vault... it adds a lot to the experience, and it will help you understand what may well overwhelm you otherwise.

If you're in Germany at all, this museum alone is 100% worth making a detour to...

If you’ve never been to a decorative arts museum before then you might find a ticket to the Historic Green Vault worth it. However, if you have, then you probably won’t find this particularly impressive or worth your money. What you definitely don’t want to do is buy the combined ticket for the rest of the museum because it’s a) boring and b) staffed by the RUDEST and most INCOMPETENT museum staff I’ve ever seen.

I went to the third floor where, as you can see, the study room was supposed to be open to the public. A security guard sitting there eating a banana refused to let me in. I went back and took a photo of the sign saying it was open (included with this review) and she dramatically laughed in my face. Nothing seemed to bring her more pleasure than me not having an enjoyable experience.

But that’s not the highlight. I eventually found my way to the New Green Vault, where my experience was marred by stumbling upon the same women engaged in a shouting AND SHOVING match with a visiting family (with children!). The physical altercation did not seem related to safety or security, she appeared to have taken personal offense to something the parents said. I didn’t see the family doing anything wrong and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the same woman now getting into a literal fight was the one who had laughed at me earlier. Please, review the security footage from the New Green Vault from 15:20 to 15:50 on July 31 and you will see exactly how incapable this staff member was of resolving the problem appropriately and in a way that allowed other visitors to have a normal museum experience.

I attempted to get support on site because I was concerned for the safety of other guests but was told management can only be reached by email. I see that in other reviews the management has replied and said - for at least the last three months - that they are working on training their staff to provide better service. However, this is meaningless if there is no management on site to redirect and resolve inappropriate and even dangerous staff behavior in the moment it is happening.

There were also other minor annoyances like signage saying you have to check your bag specifically for the Historic Green Vault (shown) but then being told at the entrance to other exhibits on other floors that bags also aren’t allowed there. Rules about photography seemed inconsistently applied - I saw a foreign man be told he couldn’t take photos in a room (not the HGV) while German people were openly taking flash photos just seconds earlier. I was told by a security guard that I wasn’t allowed to take a photo in the hall by the elevator.

Basically there seems to be a lack of training, management and planning here, and the remedy needs to come from the same people who reply to Google Reviews with vague promises that they’ll do...

Dresden Castle is a magnificent architectural marvel that truly leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has the privilege of visiting it. As someone who has had the opportunity to explore this incredible castle, I can confidently say that it is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city of Dresden.

One of the things that struck me the most about Dresden Castle was its rich history. Dating back to the 16th century, the castle has served as the residence of numerous royal families and has witnessed many significant events over the centuries. Walking through the castle's halls and admiring its stunning Baroque architecture, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible stories that must be woven into the very fabric of the building.

Another aspect of Dresden Castle that impressed me was the sheer scale of the complex. Spread over multiple buildings and courtyards, the castle is an expansive site that offers visitors a wealth of fascinating exhibits and displays. From the art galleries and museums to the beautiful gardens and sweeping views of the city from the castle's towers, there is no shortage of things to explore and discover at Dresden Castle.

Perhaps what I appreciated the most about Dresden Castle, however, was the care and attention that has been put into preserving and showcasing its rich heritage. The castle has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, and the result is a space that feels both modern and timeless. The exhibits are curated with a level of detail and thoughtfulness that truly brings the castle's history to life, and the staff are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the site's stories with visitors.

Overall, I would highly recommend a visit to Dresden Castle to anyone looking to explore the history and culture of this beautiful city. It is a truly remarkable site that offers a glimpse into a bygone era, and one that I am grateful to have had the opportunity...