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

Should you visit Dresden or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Dublin? 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 park-filled, friendly, and architectural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Dresden and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Dresden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. 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). Dublin is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Dresden different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dresden and Dublin can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dresden area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dresden or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

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

Dublin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dresden or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great destination for its music scene. However, Dresden is not a live music destination.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Dresden is not a live music destination.

Is Dresden or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Dresden and Dublin.

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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Dublin?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dublin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

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

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dresden or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Dublin?

In either Dresden or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

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

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

One day in Dresden or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?

Dresden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Dresden or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Dresden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Dresden and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Dublin. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Dresden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Dresden is around the same temperature as Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Dublin. Most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dresden can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Dublin. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Dublin. The spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In April, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dublin. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Dresden