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

Should you visit Dresden or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Montpellier? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dresden and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden than Montpellier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dresden is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Montpellier and is known 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 well known for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Dresden different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dresden and Montpellier can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Dresden or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Dresden or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great destination for the beach. However, Dresden is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Montpellier?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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 Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Dresden offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Dresden or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Dresden and Montpellier both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Montpellier?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dresden or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the park-filled destination of Dresden. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Montpellier, 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 Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Montpellier?

The friendly city of Dresden offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dresden. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Montpellier?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Dresden is cooler than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Dresden during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the autumn, Dresden is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dresden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Montpellier. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. In January, Dresden is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 1°C (33°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Dresden is cooler than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Dresden