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

Should you visit Dresden or Nice?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Nice? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Dresden and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Nice?

Both Nice and Dresden have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Dresden is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Dresden and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. 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).

How is Dresden different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dresden is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Dresden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its resorts. However, Dresden is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Dresden is not a resort destination.

Is Dresden or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dresden or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Nice Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Dresden and Nice.

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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Nice?

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Nice 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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Nice 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.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Nice?

In either Dresden or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Dresden because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Dresden or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Dresden is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Dresden or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Dresden. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Dresden or Nice?

The cultural city of Dresden offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Dresden and Nice, 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Nice?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Nice. Many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dresden is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Nice. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Dresden is much colder than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Nice. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Dresden during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Dresden is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Dresden