Start our adventure from the heart of Dresden, where history mixes with the present and architectural beauty can be enjoyed completely free.

1. the Brühl Terraces - the balcony of Europe The first item on our list is the famous Brühl Terraces, known as the 'balcony of Europe'. This is a place that impresses not only with its history, but especially with its panoramic view of the Elbe River and Dresden's old town. Admission to the terraces is completely free, making it an ideal destination for thrifty tourists. Strolling along the 500-meter-long promenade, you can admire the baroque architecture and charming gardens. It's the perfect place for a romantic stroll at sunset or a family picnic overlooking the river. The terraces are accessible all year round, but they look most beautiful in spring and summer, when the greenery is in full bloom.

2. 'Prince's procession' - history at your fingertips Another remarkable attraction that can be enjoyed without spending a cent is the 'Prince's retinue' (Fürstenzug). It's a monumental 102-meter-long mural painting made of more than 24,000 Meissen porcelain tiles. The mural depicts the history of Saxony through images of rulers and important historical figures. It can be found on the exterior wall of the Residence Castle, on Augustusstraße. Interestingly, it is the world's largest porcelain mural painting that survived the bombing of World War II. Viewing the 'Prince's Procession' is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to admire the craftsmanship of Meissen artists.

3. Free Walking Tour - Dresden through the eyes of local guides. If you want to get to know Dresden in-depth and at the same time not spend a fortune on a guide, we recommend using the services of Free Walking Tour Dresden. These free walking tours are led by enthusiasts of Dresden's history and culture. The guides, such as Paul, offer more than 2-hour walks through the old town, during which you will learn fascinating stories, anecdotes and secrets of the city. Tours are conducted in English, but some guides also speak Polish. Remember that although the tour itself is free, you are welcome to leave a tip for the guide - the amount depends on you and your satisfaction with the tour.

These three attractions are an excellent introduction to getting to know Dresden. They allow you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city, while saving money for other pleasures. In the next part of the article, we will take you to the green areas of Dresden, where nature meets the urban landscape.

Dresden is not only Baroque palaces and historical monuments. The city is also famous for its beautiful green spaces, which are an excellent alternative to more expensive tourist attractions. In this section, we will introduce you to three picturesque places where you can enjoy nature without burdening your wallet.

4. zschonergrund - a fairy tale valley at the city gates Zschonergrund is a real treasure for lovers of nature and active recreation. Located on the outskirts of Dresden, this picturesque valley offers beautiful hiking trails, ideal for both hiking and biking. The best part is that admission to the park is completely free! You can spend the whole day here, enjoying the beauty of nature, observing the rich flora and fauna, and relaxing on the banks of the murmuring Zschone stream.

What sets Zschonergrund apart:

• Well-marked trails of varying levels of difficulty
• Picturesque views of forests and meadows
• Opportunities for wildlife watching
• An ideal place for a family picnic

Remember to bring water and snacks with you, as there are no food outlets in the park itself. This is a great opportunity to prepare your own picnic basket and enjoy a meal in nature.

5. Stausee Dresdner Heide - a forest lake for cooling off Another place worth visiting is Stausee Dresdner Heide - a picturesque lake located in the heart of the Dresden Forest. It's the perfect option for hot days when you're looking to cool off and relax. Admission to the lake is free, making it a great alternative to the city's paid pools.

What Stausee Dresdner Heide offers:

• A sandy beach ideal for sunbathing
• Swimming opportunities (the water is brown in color due to natural sediment, but it is clear)
• Walking trails around the lake
• Barbecue areas (remember to bring your own equipment)

It's worth noting that the place is popular with both people and animals - you can meet bathing dogs and even horses here! If you're looking for a quieter place, it's best to come here early in the morning or on weekdays.

6. zschonergrundweg - a path for the active For those who like to combine sightseeing with physical activity, we recommend the Zschonergrundweg. This scenic path runs along the Zschone stream and is ideal for both hiking and biking. The route is well marked and relatively easy, making it suitable for families with children.

Advantages of Zschonergrundweg:

• Diverse landscapes - from dense forests to open meadows
• Opportunities to observe local flora and fauna
• An ideal place for nature photography
• Peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city

Remember to bring comfortable shoes and a camera - the views along the route are truly fabulous!

All of these places offer not only free admission, but also the opportunity to be active in nature. This is a great option for families with children, couples looking for romantic walks or people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the last part of this article, we will introduce you to one more attraction that will give you a look at Dresden from a completely different perspective.

To conclude our budget trip in Dresden, we would like to take you to a place that offers unforgettable views of the city and its surroundings, while not requiring you to spend a fortune.

7. Dresdner Elbtalhänge - Elbe Hills The last item on our list is the Dresdner Elbtalhänge, or Elbe Hills. This is a vast natural area that stretches along the Elbe River, offering breathtaking views of Dresden and the surrounding countryside. Best of all, admission to the hills is completely free!

What sets the Dresdner Elbtalhänge apart:

• Panoramic views of Dresden and the Elbe Valley
• Numerous hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty
• Opportunities to observe unique flora and fauna
• An ideal place for landscape photography

To fully appreciate the beauty of this place, we recommend bringing binoculars and a camera. The best views can be enjoyed at sunset, when the city lights up with a thousand lights.

Summary of budget sightseeing in Dresden

The attractions presented in the article prove that it is possible to visit Dresden on the cheap, or even for free, without giving up exploring its highlights. Here is a brief comparison of the described places:

1. the Brühl Terraces - ideal for a romantic stroll and admiring the city skyline.
2. 'The Prince's Orchard' - a treat for history and art lovers.
3. Free Walking Tour - the best option for those who want to experience the city from the perspective of local guides.
4. Zschonergrund - a paradise for lovers of nature and active recreation.
5. Stausee Dresdner Heide - the perfect place to relax and cool off on hot days.
6. Zschonergrundweg - an ideal route for families with children and lovers of nature photography.
7. Dresdner Elbtalhänge - the best vantage point for viewing all of Dresden.

Each of these places has its own unique character and offers something different. The Brühl Terrace and the 'Prince's Orchard' are located in the center of the city, making them easily accessible to everyone. On the other hand, the Zschonergrund, Stausee Dresdner Heide and Dresdner Elbtalhänge require a bit more effort to reach, but compensate for it with tranquility and proximity to nature.

When planning a budget trip to Dresden, consider purchasing the Dresden City Card, which offers free rides on public transportation and discounts to many attractions. Prices for the card start at around €10 for a one-day option (as of 2023), which can be worthwhile if you're planning an intensive tour.

Also, remember to bring comfortable footwear, water and snacks - especially when going on tours outside the city center. Most of the places described are accessible year-round, but they look best from spring to fall.

Dresden proves that you can enjoy the beauty of the historic city and its surroundings without spending a fortune. Whether you are a lover of art, history or nature, you will find something to enjoy here. We hope our guide will inspire you to explore the budget side of this Saxon gem. Have fun and enjoy your visit!