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

Should you visit Dresden or Cesky Krumlov?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

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 Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov 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 Cesky Krumlov is €58. 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 Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Cesky Krumlov 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Cesky Krumlov 70
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Cesky Krumlov


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 Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Cesky Krumlov 2.74

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 Cesky Krumlov

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

  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $122
  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov 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
    Cesky Krumlov 20

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dresden 9.56
    Cesky Krumlov 6.12

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

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

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

  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Český Krumlov Free Tour: $20
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
  • 2,5h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $71
  • Český Krumlov Private Walking Tour: $85
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
  • Český Krumlov 20th century tour: $85
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $93
  • Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $95
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Walking private guided tour in Cesky Krumlov with local certified guide: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Cesky Krumlov 3.15

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Cesky Krumlov?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Cesky Krumlov. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dresden is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in July than Cesky Krumlov. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In October, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesky Krumlov. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Dresden during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Cesky Krumlov can be very cold. Dresden can be very cold during winter. Dresden is much warmer than Cesky Krumlov in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Cesky Krumlov. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Cesky Krumlov. The spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dresden is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesky Krumlov. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Dresden

Dresden Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)