A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Dresden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dresden is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Dresden and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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). It is also home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Dresden different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party 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 scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dresden is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dresden offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel 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, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel are good 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Dresden Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dresden than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Dresden.

One day in Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the architectural city of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums and food. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dresden is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 6090 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dresden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Dresden is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Dresden