Our day tour of Dresden begins with the heart of the city - the Baroque Zwinger complex. This impressive palace complex, built between 1709 and 1732, is a true gem of Baroque architecture. Entering the Zwinger through the monumental Kronentor gate, you will immediately feel transported back in time. The gate, crowned with a crown supported by four eagles, is a symbol of the power of the Saxon rulers. As you stroll through the courtyard, admire the richly decorated facades and fountains. Be sure to take a look at the Nymphenbad, a charming fountain with sculptures of nymphs, which is a real hidden treasure of the complex.

The Zwinger is not only beautiful architecture, but also home to a world-class art collection. The Old Masters Picture Gallery is a must-see for painting lovers. Here you will find works by such masters as Raphael and Rembrandt. Remember that the entrance ticket (€14 for adults, children under 17 enter for free, as of 2023) also includes admission to the Mathematical Salon and the porcelain exhibition.

After leaving Zwinger, head toward Schlossplatz - the central square of the old city. This is the heart of historic Dresden, surrounded by the most important monuments. From here you have a view of the façade of the Semper Opera House (Semperoper Dresden), one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Although a tour of the interior requires a separate reservation, the sheer size of the building is impressive. The opera house, rebuilt after war damage, impresses with its neoclassical architecture and rich ornamentation.

Walking through the Schlossplatz, it is impossible to miss the 'Prince's Procession' - an impressive wall painting more than 100 meters long, depicting the history of the Vettin dynasty. This unique work of art, made of thousands of porcelain tiles, survived the bombing of World War II and still impresses tourists today with its detail and grandeur.

A morning in the heart of Baroque Dresden is a true feast for the eyes and spirit. Each step brings new discoveries and delight in the craftsmanship of architects and artists of past centuries. It's a perfect introduction to further discover the charms of this remarkable city.

After an intense morning, it's time to discover more symbols of Dresden. We continue our journey, heading towards the city's most recognizable landmark - the Church of the Virgin Mary (Frauenkirche). This monumental temple, destroyed in a bombing in 1945 and only rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century, is a symbol of the city's rebirth. Admission to the church is free, but consider climbing to the dome (€10 per person, as of 2023), which offers a spectacular view of all of Dresden.

The Frauenkirche is stunning not only from the outside, but also inside. The bright interior with distinctive balconies creates an extraordinary atmosphere. Note the altar and pulpit, which are true works of art. The church is not only a place of worship, but also an important cultural center, where classical music concerts are regularly held.

After visiting the Frauenkirche, we head for the Golden Horseman (Goldener Reiter), a gilded equestrian statue of August II the Strong. This impressive statue, standing on Neustädter Markt, is one of Dresden's most distinctive landmarks. It is worth knowing that the statue faces Poland, symbolizing August II's ties with our country.

Not far from the Golden Horseman are the Brühl Terraces (Brühlsche Terrasse), known as the 'Balcony of Europe'. It's a charming promenade stretching along the Elbe River, offering a beautiful view of the river and the new part of the city. The terraces are an ideal place to rest and relax for a while. Here you can sit on one of the numerous benches and simply admire the panorama of the city.

Walking through the Brühl Terraces, it is worth noting the buildings located here, such as the Academy of Fine Arts and the Albertinum - a museum of modern art. These are excellent places for lovers of modern art, although there may not be enough time for a thorough tour on a day trip.

The southern part of our tour is time to explore the symbols of Dresden, from the monumental temple to the gilded monument to the picturesque terraces on the Elbe River. Each of these sites tells a different story of the city, together creating a fascinating mosaic of Dresden's culture and heritage.

The final hours of our day tour of Dresden will be spent delving into the charming backstreets of the Old Town (Altstadt Dresden). This is the heart of historic Dresden, where at every turn you can admire the meticulously restored monuments and feel the atmosphere of centuries past.

Walking through the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, it is worth noting the details of the architecture - from Baroque facades to Art Nouveau ornamentation. It is here that one can best see how successful Dresden's reconstruction was after the destruction of the war. Many buildings have been reconstructed with extraordinary attention to detail, so that today we can admire the city in its former glory.

One of the last points of our tour should be a visit to the Kronentor area - the impressive entrance gate to the Zwinger complex. This is the perfect place to take a souvenir photo against the background of the characteristic dome topped with a crown. Also worth a look is the nearby Nymphenbad - a charming fountain with sculptures of nymphs, which looks particularly beautiful in the afternoon light.

At the end of the day, we suggest a relaxing walk along the Elbe River. The river, which has shaped Dresden's history and landscape for centuries, offers picturesque views of the city. This is the perfect time to take stock of the day's impressions and enjoy Dresden's skyline at sunset.

To sum up our day trip, it is worth noting that Dresden is a city that offers much more than can be seen in a single day. Each of the places we visited deserves a longer visit and a more thorough exploration. However, even such an intensive day allows you to feel the unique atmosphere of this city and marvel at its most important sights.

Comparing the individual attractions, it is difficult to identify a clear favorite. The Zwinger impresses with its grandeur and the richness of its collections, the Frauenkirche is moving with its history and the beauty of its restoration, and the Brühl Terraces offer unforgettable views. Each of these places has its own unique value and character.

It's worth remembering that ticket prices and opening hours can change, so it's always a good idea to check current information before visiting. Most attractions are available year-round, but some may have seasonal restrictions.

Dresden is a city that certainly beckons you to return. A day trip is just a foretaste of what this Saxon gem has to offer. Whether you're a lover of art, history or simply beautiful sights, Dresden is sure to delight you and leave you with an unforgettable impression.