A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dresden or Paris?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Paris? 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.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Dresden and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Paris?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Dresden. Paris is bigger than Dresden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dresden is more popular for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Dresden and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Dresden is well known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady).

The Eiffel Tower

How is Dresden different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is an amazing city 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 Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Dresden or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Dresden is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Dresden is not a theatre destination.

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

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

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Dresden is not a live music destination.

In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Dresden is not a live music destination.

Is Dresden or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Paris?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Dresden does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Dresden does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dresden or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a 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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Dresden and Paris both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Paris?

Both Dresden and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Dresden. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Dresden or Paris?

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Paris?

Dresden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Dresden or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Dresden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dresden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dresden 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Dresden.

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In the summer, Dresden is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Paris. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Paris. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Paris. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. Dresden is much colder than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dresden is cooler than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Dresden