A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Dresden and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dresden than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dresden is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Dresden and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. 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). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Dresden different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Dresden is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dresden is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Dresden for the nightlife scene. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Dresden is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Plitvice Lakes National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dresden is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot is easy. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dresden than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

One day in Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Dresden, you'll find food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Dresden is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Dresden. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The architectural city of Dresden offers nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Dresden and Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Dresden usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dresden is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Dresden is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dresden is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dresden