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

Should you visit Dresden or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Budapest? 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.

Dresden

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

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Dresden and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Dresden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dresden is known for its food. Dresden 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). Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Dresden different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Dresden or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dresden is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dresden has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Dresden or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dresden or Budapest has a better nightlife 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.

The nightlife in Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Dresden or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Dresden and Budapest.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Budapest?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Dresden or Budapest Better for Families?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Dresden or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Dresden or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Dresden or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Budapest 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 Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Dresden or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Dresden Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Budapest?

In either Dresden or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Dresden because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Dresden or Budapest?

The city of Dresden offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

A weekend in Dresden or Budapest?

Dresden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dresden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Budapest?

Dresden is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest 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 Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Dresden or Budapest?

Dresden is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Budapest in the Autumn?

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

Dresden is around the same temperature as Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives more rain than Budapest. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Budapest. Many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dresden is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dresden is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Typical Weather for Budapest and Dresden