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

Should you visit Cardiff or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Dresden? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Dresden

Dresden is a park-filled, friendly, and architectural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dresden than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dresden is more popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Cardiff is known for its impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Cardiff and is known 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 home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Cardiff and Dresden.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. 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 Cardiff or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dresden is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Dresden know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Dresden?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dresden and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Dresden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cardiff or Dresden Better for Families?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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 Cardiff or Dresden Better for Couples?

Dresden is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Dresden makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Dresden Better for Students?

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

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Dresden is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Dresden?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Dresden?

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Cardiff or Dresden?

In Cardiff, you'll find nightlife 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Dresden?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus 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 Cardiff and Dresden, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Dresden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dresden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dresden 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Dresden.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Dresden?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Dresden. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. Cardiff is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Dresden. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Dresden. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Cardiff