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

Should you visit Bruges or Dresden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bruges and Dresden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. 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.

Bruges and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Dresden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dresden is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Dresden and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Dresden is famous 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.

How is Bruges different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bruges is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Bruges is an experience not to be missed. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dresden. 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 Bruges or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Dresden for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Bruges or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dresden. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Dresden?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bruges and Dresden both offer plenty of nice spots.

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Dresden is a great destination for shopping. 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 Bruges or Dresden Better for Families?

Bruges 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 Bruges. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

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 Bruges or Dresden Better for Couples?

Bruges is a great destination for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Bruges frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bruges is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Dresden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

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

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

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

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

Is Bruges or Dresden a more walkable city?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Bruges on foot is easy. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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 Bruges Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Dresden?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bruges than Dresden 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 Bruges.

One day in Bruges or Dresden?

In Bruges, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bruges or Dresden?

In Bruges, 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 Bruges has to offer.

Dresden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bruges or Dresden?

Bruges 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bruges or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Dresden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Bruges and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Dresden. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is cooler than Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dresden. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bruges is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Bruges usually receives more rain than Dresden. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Bruges during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dresden can be very cold during winter. Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bruges is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Bruges usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Dresden. Most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city.

Bruges is cooler than Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Dresden. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Bruges