A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bristol vs. Dresden for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Bristol or Dresden?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Dresden can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden is a friendly, architectural, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dresden. Although Bristol and Dresden are roughly the same size, Dresden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dresden is very popular for its historical sights, while Bristol attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Dresden is more touristy than Bristol and is popular for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). It is also well known for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

How is Bristol different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dresden and Bristol. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bristol or Dresden?

Bristol is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Bristol offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Dresden is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

Is the Food Better in Bristol or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Dresden can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Dresden offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Bristol or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Bristol and Dresden.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Dresden has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

Is Bristol or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Dresden is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Dresden?

Bristol is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dresden. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Is Bristol or Dresden Better for Families?

Bristol is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bristol. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Bristol or Dresden Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Dresden are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Dresden is a nice destination for couples. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Is Bristol or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Dresden is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Dresden Better for Students?

Bristol is a popular place for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Bristol is popular with students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Dresden is not popular with students.

Is Bristol or Dresden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bristol and Dresden both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Dresden has a few public transit options. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Bristol or Dresden a more walkable city?

Bristol and Dresden are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

Dresden is very walkable. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bristol and Dresden. In our opinion, Bristol has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bristol than Dresden. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bristol than Dresden. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bristol, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bristol than Dresden. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bristol that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Bristol if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dresden.

One day in Bristol or Dresden?

In Bristol, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Dresden, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Dresden?

In Bristol, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bristol has to offer.

In Dresden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dresden has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Dresden?

Bristol is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dresden is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bristol. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dresden. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bristol and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden than you might in Bristol.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bristol Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Bristol. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Dresden, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bristol or Dresden?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bristol or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Dresden. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Dresden. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Bristol is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bristol in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Dresden. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. In January, Bristol is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 6°C (43°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Dresden. The spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Dresden. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Bristol