A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Bled for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dresden or Bled?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Bled? 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.

Where Should I go: Dresden or Bled?

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

Bled

Bled is an incredibly scenic place, on the east side of Lake Bled. The lake is a beautiful, rich, emerald green. There's a small island in the middle of the lake where you'll find a nice white chapel. The lake is surrounded by striking green mountains, among which you'll find the Bled Castle overlooking the scene. Bled also offers access to the nearby Triglav National Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Within the national park you'll find countless waterfalls and the lovely Lake Bohinj. You can find plenty of opportunities for mountain climbing, rafting, and hiking. There's even a cable car if you're looking for an easy way to get some good views of the mountains and landscape.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Bled or Dresden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, while the average daily cost in Bled is €104. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dresden and Bled in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Bled 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Bled 112
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Bled

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Bled? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dresden


Hotels in Bled


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dresden Hotel Prices and Bled Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Bled 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bled

Also for Bled, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Bohinj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $165
  • Private transfer from Tolmin to Ljubljana city: $206

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Bled?

Prices for flights to both Bled and Dresden change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dresden 31
    Bled 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.

  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bled

For Bled, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour Bled - Explore Slovenia Through Its Tastes: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dresden 9.56
    Bled 12

Tours and Activities in Dresden

Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
  • 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
  • Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
  • Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
  • Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
  • Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bled

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bled's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Rafting
    93

Tours and Activities in Bled

For Bled, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $42
  • From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $53
  • Motorcycle Tours in Slovenia: $55
  • Bled Slovenia: 3–Hour Rafting Experience: $59
  • Lake Sava River Rafting Experience with Hotel Pickup: $59
  • 3-Hour Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure: $59
  • Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour: $63
  • From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bled Castle Tour: $65
  • Winter Triglav National Park Adventure - Half day trip from Bled: $71
  • Guided Kayaking Tour in a Transparent Kayak: $74
  • Guided Clear Kayak Tour in Bled: $75
  • Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Lesson and Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Bled 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:

  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bled

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bled are as follows:


  • Bottle of Champagne
    18

Sample the Local Flavors in Bled

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bled:

  • Slovenian wine tasting at Hotel Triglav Bled's wine cellar: $43
  • Wine Tasting Bled: $62
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $63
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $64


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Bled, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Bled much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bled would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bled 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 Bled.

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Bled?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bled. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Bled, 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 Dresden or Bled?

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 Dresden or Bled in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Dresden is cooler than Bled. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bled averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in July than Bled. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Bled 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Bled in the Autumn?

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

In October, Dresden is generally cooler than Bled. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Bled fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Bled. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Bled 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Bled in the Winter?

Both Bled and Dresden during the winter are popular places to visit. 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. Dresden is much colder than Bled in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Bled fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Bled. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Bled 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Bled in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Bled. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the spring, Dresden is cooler than Bled. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Bled averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Bled. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Bled 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Bled and Dresden

Dresden Bled
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)