Things to do in Saxony

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Saxony

Types of activities

Where to stay

Saxony travel guide

Bautzen featuring a castle and a small town or village

Bad Schandau which includes a small town or village and farmland

Monument of the Battle of the Nations which includes château or palace

Leipzig which includes modern architecture

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Leipzig Zoo

Roam between the varied microclimates of Leipzig Zoo’s enclosures and see regal giraffes, curious tapirs and mighty gorillas. The diverse menagerie exists in the lively university city of Leipzig, yet it feels like entering a wilderness far away from urban life. Step into a microcosm of the world at this popular and informative zoo.

Learn more

Leipzig Zoo featuring a bridge and interior views as well as a small group of people

2. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Immense forests sweep across the scenic rocky terrain of the Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz). With its highest peak reaching around 1,824 feet (556 meters) above sea level, the picturesque reserve contains a breathtaking landscape of mountains and canyons. Trek through undulating meadows to encounter quaint villages, fields, sandstone mountains and the Elbe River.

Learn more

Saxon Switzerland National Park which includes a river or creek and views as well as a large group of people

3. Semper Opera House

Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.

Learn more

Semper Opera House which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

4. Church of Our Lady

Despite dating back to the 18th century, Dresden’s iconic church remained a pile of rubble for half a century following the 1945 bombing of Dresden. Today, following a long reconstructive period, the Church of Our Lady has been returned to its original state, and is considered one of the most important examples of Protestant sacred architecture in the region. Climb its arched dome or take in a concert within its cavernous nave.

Learn more

Church of Our Lady which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements

5. Zwinger Palace

Among Dresden’s most recognizable buildings is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The Zwinger Palace dominates the northwestern boundary of Dresden’s Old Town, close to the Royal Palace and the opera house. Visit the Zwinger Palace to stroll through its decadent gardens and courtyards, to see a large collection of art and artifacts and to admire the opulent interior of the palace.

Learn more

Zwinger Palace showing château or palace and a statue or sculpture

6. Cospudener Lake

Spend a whole day on the banks of Cospudener Lake (Cospudener See). Swim and boat in the water then dry off by sunbathing on the shore. Stick around until evening, when you can watch the sun set over the flat water of the lake.

Learn more

Cospudener Lake featuring sailing and a river or creek

What to do in Saxony

Popular places to visit

Leipzig Zoo

Meet some of the planet’s most fascinating creatures, from monkeys to big cats, in this expansive city-center zoo.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Hike, cycle or rock climb around the craggy sandstone formations, leafy canyons and forested peaks of this expansive national park in Saxony.

Semper Opera House

Saxony’s state opera house is resplendent with three styles of architecture. Take in a ballet or opera performance in its opulent theater.

Church of Our Lady

Listen to a vocal ensemble, climb to the viewing platform at the top of the dome and learn about the church’s long reconstruction at Dresden’s major Lutheran place of worship.

Red Bull Arena

Catch an event at Red Bull Arena during your trip to Leipzig. Experience the area's museums and theatre scene.

Zwinger Palace

Wander through sprawling gardens, explore decadent courtyards and see important collections of art at this Baroque masterpiece.

Cospudener Lake

Roam through woods and find a scenic man-made lake popular with locals seeking respite from the urban bustle of the city center.

Leipzig Trade Fair

After visiting Leipzig Trade Fair, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Leipzig. Experience the area's museums and theatre scene.

Sachsenring

Catch an event at Sachsenring during your trip to Oberlungwitz. Amble around the area's lakeside or visit its spas.

Areas of Saxony

Heidelberg Castle which includes heritage architecture and landscape views

Altstadt Dresden

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

On the south side of the Elbe River is Dresden’s historic center, which features art galleries, grandiose churches, picturesque gardens and shopping districts.

St. Nicholas Church showing a church or cathedral and interior views

Zentrum

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

Travellers choose Zentrum for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Leipzig Markt S-Bahn or Augustusplatz Tram Stop and check out top sights like Leipzig's Old Town Hall.

Neustadt

Go on a walking tour around Dresden’s preserved 18th-century quarter, which offers an insight into how the city appeared before its 1940s bombardment.

Zentrum showing modern architecture and a church or cathedral

Mitte

Museums, historical sites and theatres highlight some notable features of Mitte. Make a stop by Leipzig's Old Town Hall or Leipzig Market Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Leipzig Markt S-Bahn or Augustusplatz Tram Stop to get around town.

Die Dresdener Altstadt wurde seit der fast vollständigen Zerstörung durch die Luftangriffe auf Dresden im Februar 1945 wieder aufgebaut.

Innere Altstadt

If you're spending time in Innere Altstadt, check out sights like Altmarkt or Old Market Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Altmarkt Station or Postplatz Station.

St. Nicholas Church featuring a church or cathedral and interior views

Old Town Leipzig

Museums, historical sites and shopping highlight some notable features of Old Town Leipzig. Make a stop by Leipzig's Old Town Hall or Leipzig Market Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Leipzig Markt S-Bahn or Augustusplatz Tram Stop to get around town.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.