Your guide to Dresden / Things to do if you only have 24/48 hours in Dresden

If time is tight, Stadtrundfahrt Dresden offers hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tours. With 22 stops, including the Zwinger, Frauenkirche and Pfund's Dairy, this bus tour will get you to the major Dresden attractions with ease. There are professional guides available as well as audio guides in 20 languages.  All buses are wheelchair and stroller possible and dog-friendly. The bus tours run all day and are a convenient way to see the city if you have just one day in Dresden.

Neumarkt, 01067 Dresden, Germany

The Frauenkirche or "Church of Our Lady" is Dresden's most famous landmark. The baroque-style church was destroyed during Allied raids in World War II but has been meticulously restored since German reunification. Entrance to the church is free, but access to the famous dome requires a ticket. From the dome, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. If you have time, check out one of their twice-daily services.

Görlitzer Str. 21-25, 01099 Dresden, Germany

The Kunsthofpassage is a series of five courtyards that were part of an art experiment called the Ginkgo Project. Don't miss the "Courtyard of the Elements" featuring the famous singing drain pipes. The other courtyards feature animals, oddly shaped mirrors that play with sunlight, mythical creatures and curved pillars. The area also has lots of funky small cafes and fun shops to visit while you are enjoying the art.

Sophienstraße, 01067 Dresden, Germany

Situated on the bank of the Elbe River, the Zwinger is one of Germany's most famous baroque buildings. The elegant grounds of the Zwinger are home to the Wall Pavilion, the Nymphs Bath fountain, the Arched Gallery and many beautiful green spaces. Inside the Zwinger, you can enjoy several world-renowned museums, including the Dresden Porcelain Collection and the Old Masters Gallery (Gemaldegaleri Alte Meister). At the Old Masters Gallery, you can view the art created by masters such as Raphael, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Taschenberg 2, 01067 Dresden, Germany

The Dresden Castle was once home to the Saxon rulers. The Royal Palace has been rebuilt twice and is now home to a world-famous museum complex. One of the most famous parts of the Royal Palace is the Green Vault. The Green Vault houses one of the most impressive collections of treasure in Europe. The Historic Green Vault contains eight rooms, each specific to the types of treasures stored inside. Be sure to check out the many interesting oddities, such as ostrich eggs and rock crystals in the Hall of Precious Objects. Wander into the New Green Vault to see treasure upon treasure, including the world's largest green diamond.

Augustusstraße 1, 01067 Dresden, Germany

The Procession of Princes, or Furstenzug, is located along the outside Stallhof. This 101-meter mural depicts historical members of Saxony's ruling family, the House of Wettin. Over 30 horseback-riding princes, kings and noblemen are portrayed in the mural. Images of German farmers, scientists and craftsman are also included in the mural's over 24,000 Meissen porcelain tiles.

Hauptallee 10, 01219 Dresden, Germany

Dresden's Great Garden or Grosser Garten is the biggest park in all of Dresden. Explore the spectacular gardens, fountains, sculptures and the Sommerpalais found at the garden's center. If you have time, the Great Garden is also home to the Dresden Zoo, featuring over 400 species of animals, and the Dresden Botanical Garden, with over 10,000 species of plants. Hitch a ride through the park on the Dresden Park Railway during the summer months.