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

Should you visit Dresden or Dijon?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Dijon? 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 architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Dresden or Dijon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dresden than Dijon. Dresden is bigger than Dijon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dresden is better known for its nightlife and historical sights, while Dijon is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Dresden is well known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Dijon is well known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Dresden different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dijon 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 Dijon?

Dresden
Dijon

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

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dresden
Dijon

Dijon 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, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dresden or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Dresden
Dijon

Dresden is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Dresden has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Dresden or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Dresden
Dijon

Dresden is notable for its historic old town. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Dijon?

Dresden
Dijon

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dijon and Dresden.

Many visitors go to Dresden to go shopping. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Dresden or Dijon Better for Families?

Dresden
Dijon

Dijon 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 Dijon. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

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 Dijon Better for Couples?

Dresden
Dijon

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

Couples visit Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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 Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden
Dijon

Dresden and Dijon are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Dresden or Dijon Better for Students?

Dresden
Dijon

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

Dijon is popular with students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Dresden
Dijon

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dresden and Dijon.

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.

While Dijon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.


Is Dresden or Dijon a more walkable city?

Dresden
Dijon

Dresden is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Dresden or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

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


  • How many days in Dresden or Dijon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dresden 1-3 
    Dijon 2-4

One day in Dresden or Dijon?

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Dijon, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Dijon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dijon has to offer.


Five days in Dresden or Dijon?

Dresden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dijon 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.

A week in Dresden or Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the architectural destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dijon. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Dijon 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 Dijon is €153. 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 Dijon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Dijon 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Dijon 160
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Dijon

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Dijon? 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 Dijon


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 Dijon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Dijon 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $427

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Dijon?

Prices for flights to both Dijon 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
    Dijon 48

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
    Dijon 25

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62

Tours and Activities in Dijon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dijon are as follows:

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
  • More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon: $5.99
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.49
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $60
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $71
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97
  • Small-Group Full-Day Tour of Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune Vineyards and Beaune Historical District: $146
  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $176
  • Private city tour - Dijon the essential - 2h: $235
  • E-bike Burgundy day tour, tastings & lunch from Beaune or Dijon: $240
  • Private guided tour - Dijon - 2h: $240

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Dijon 29

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $37
  • Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $48
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $48
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $59
  • Bike Tour with Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting: $66
  • Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74
  • Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $95


When comparing the travel costs between Dresden and Dijon, we can see that Dijon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Dijon?

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

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 Dresden or Dijon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Dijon. The summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

In the summer, Dresden is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Dijon averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Dijon. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Dijon 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Dijon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Dijon. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dresden is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Dijon. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Dijon 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Dijon. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Dijon 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Dijon in the Spring?

Both Dijon and Dresden during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dresden is cooler than Dijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Dijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dijon. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Dijon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Dijon and Dresden

Dresden Dijon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)