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

Should you visit Dresden or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Ljubljana? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital 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 Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Ljubljana?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dresden than Ljubljana. Dresden is bigger than Ljubljana, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dresden is better known for its nightlife, while Ljubljana is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Ljubljana and 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). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Ljubljana is well known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Dresden different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dresden or Ljubljana.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. 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.

Ljubljana is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

Is the Food Better in Dresden or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dresden and Ljubljana can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Dresden or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great city for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Dresden or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

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 Ljubljana Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Dresden or Ljubljana as a family destination.

Dresden doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Ljubljana is not always the best place to visit. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Dresden or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dresden and Ljubljana make for a notable place to visit.

Dresden is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Ljubljana is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Dresden or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ljubljana is a very popular capital city for backpackers and budget travelers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget 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 Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Ljubljana is popular with students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Dresden is not popular with students.

Is Dresden or Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana.

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 Ljubljana offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a city bus system.

Is Dresden or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Dresden and Ljubljana both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Ljubljana is very walkable. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dresden and Ljubljana. In our opinion, Ljubljana has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ljubljana than Dresden. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Dresden or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dresden has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Dresden or Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Ljubljana, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Ljubljana has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Dresden. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Ljubljana?

Dresden is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Ljubljana?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dresden is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dresden usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dresden is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. Dresden can be very cold during winter. Dresden is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In the spring, Dresden is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Dresden