A nice, long weekend in Meissen... We have put together a few ideas for your stay so that you won't miss the top sights and have enough time for individual exploration. 48 hours in a 1000-year-old city, full of eventful history and magical beauty.
Arrival at one of the many hosts in Meissen. A short rest and freshen up and then off to explore Meissen's Old Town.
The first stop is the tourist information centre at the market square, which is located in the lower part of the historical Old Town. We know Meissen very well. In addition to booking a room, you can also get valuable tips for your stay and the daily activities.
Our friendly service includes:
The Meissen City Museum is located not far from the tourist information centre.
The hall church, 16 metres high on the inside, offers space for extraordinary exhibits, such as the largest hand-operated wine press dating from 1788, an 11-metre Elbe fishing boat or large-format boards of the Nibelung legend, adjoined by an idyllic cloister and the neo-Gothic house dedicated to the town's history. The entire ensemble is a hidden gem.
further Information to the city museum
(in German)
Idyllic evening stroll with the Meissen bourgeois lady (Bürgerfrau). A great recommendation for learning the history and stories of the 1000-year-old town first hand.
The so called Meissner Bürgerfrau (bourgeois lady) takes you through the city centre’s romantic laneways, recounting interesting facts and amusing anecdotes from Meissen’s past. As such, you’ll experience first-hand all the laneway gossip, history and, of course, stories. Get ready, because the Bürgerfrau will have a few surprises in store for you. This tour is particularly delightful when taken in the evening, though it can also run at any other time of day.
Available, April to October, every Friday evening at 5 pm.
Get your ticket reservation here
The day comes to a pleasant end with dinner above the city rooftops on the castle hill, or below in the market square, or in a restaurant or wine bistro in one of the romantic alleys.
Don't know where to eat yet? perhaps our dining guide provides the information you're looking for.
Small owner-operated shops and exquisite boutiques entice you to go shopping through the winding alleys of the Old Town.
The day continues in a relaxed manner with a trip on the historic paddle steamer to the Elbe wine villages.
Tickets are available in the Tourist Information or online
After the boat tour, there's still time to visit the Albrechtsburg castle and the cathedral. The panorama lift on Meisastrasse, within walking distance of the Elbkai, takes you at a leisurely pace up to the Domplatz.
Access to panorama lift via Meisastrasse:
Once you reach the top, the late Gothic Albrechtsburg starts to look more like a castle. It is considered Germany's first castle and the cradle of Saxony.
Today, interactive exhibits, augmented reality formats and 3D productions bring to life Saxon history, innovative architecture and strokes of genius.
The neighbouring cathedral of the Bishopric of Meissen is the oldest institution in Saxony and a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture.
In addition to the impressive nave, it houses an interactive museum that is well worth seeing and vividly explains its historical origins.
The best place to reflect on the experience is in one of the many cosy restaurants or wine bars, or in one of the Besenwirtschafts (seasonal wine taverns) in the middle of the Meissen vineyards.
After dinner, there is still time to attend a show at the Meissen Theatre.
You find the current schedule here
(In German)
After breakfast, go up to the tower of the Frauenkirche, which houses the first playable orchestral bells of Meissen porcelain. This elevated view is one of the best places for souvenir photos. You can get the key for the tower in the church.
The highlight of any visit to Meissen is, of course, the House of Meissen. There, you can experience first-hand how the "white gold" is created by master craftspeople.
You'll need two hours to immerse yourself in the world of porcelain. Afterwards, dine in style off Meissen porcelain at Café Meissen.
Before heading back home, a visit to one of the boutique wine shops in Meissen's vineyards is of course a must. Enjoy a wine tasting and a unique view of the vineyards and the Elbe, and then take it home.
Now it's time to say goodbye. We hope that you enjoyed our region. If yes, please tell your friends and become ambassador of our beautiful city.
Till next time in Meissen.
