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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden is a cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Dresden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dresden is more touristy than Copenhagen 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). Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Copenhagen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Copenhagen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. 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 Copenhagen or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Both Copenhagen and Dresden have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

There are many historical things to see 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 Copenhagen or Dresden?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Copenhagen is a world class destination for shoppers. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Dresden Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Copenhagen is a very family-friendly destination. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Dresden Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Copenhagen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Dresden Better for Students?

Copenhagen is a great destination for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

While Dresden offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Copenhagen or Dresden a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen on foot is easy. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Dresden. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Dresden?

In Copenhagen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dresden, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Dresden?

In Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Dresden?

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Copenhagen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dresden, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Dresden?

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

Dresden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, 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 Copenhagen and Dresden, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Dresden?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Dresden. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Dresden. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Dresden. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen is cooler than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the spring, Copenhagen is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Dresden. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Copenhagen