A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Poznan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dresden or Poznan?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Poznan? 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.

Where Should I go: Dresden or Poznan?

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

Poznan

Poznan is a city on the Warta River in western Poland. It's known for universities as well as its old town, with Renaissance-style buildings in Old Market Square. Poznan Town Hall houses the Historical Museum of Poznan, with exhibits on the city. The town hall's clock features mechanical goats that butt heads at noon. The Gothic and baroque Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is built on an island named Ostrow Tumski. The city's Old Town district is buzzing at any time of the day, and positively jumping by night, full of people heading to its many restaurants, pubs, and clubs. The combination of international business travelers attending its numerous trade fairs and the city's huge student population has created a distinctive vibe quite independent of tourism. Poznan is the capital of the Wielkopolska region of Poland, and has always played an important role in Poland's history and today remains one of the oldest, yet most vibrant and beautiful Polish cities.

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 Poland, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Poznan or Dresden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, while the average daily cost in Poznan is €33. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dresden and Poznan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Poznan 16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Poznan 32
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Poznan

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Poznan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dresden


Hotels in Poznan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dresden Hotel Prices and Poznan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Poznan 3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Poznan

Also for Poznan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Poznan Private Transfer from Poznan Airport to City centre: $39
  • Poznan Private Transfer from Poznan city centre to Poznan Airport: $39
  • Poznan airport - Poznan City Private transfer: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from the City: $57
  • Private Airport Transfer Poznan E-Class or Similar: $65
  • Private Airport Transfer Poznań MINIVAN Vito or Similar: $109
  • Private Transfer from Poznan city to Wroclaw (WRO) Airport: $239
  • Private Transfer from Poznan to Termy Maltanskie: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Poznan?

Prices for flights to both Poznan and Dresden change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dresden 31
    Poznan 9.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.

  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Poznan

For Poznan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Poland - dinner in Polish Home + tasting vodka: $55
  • Poznan Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179
  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dresden 9.56
    Poznan 4.48

Tours and Activities in Dresden

Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
  • 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
  • Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
  • Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
  • Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
  • Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22

Tours and Activities in Poznan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Poznan.

  • Poznań: The Birthplace of Poland Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • The Birthplace of Poland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Poznań: $5.00
  • Poznan's Cultural Struggles: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Old Town Poznan Walking Tour: $17
  • 2 Hour Private Roots of Poznan Tour: $36
  • Poznań Experience 2-Hours Guided Walking Tour: $41
  • The Best of Poznan 4 Hour Guided Private Walking Tour: $46
  • Poznań: Highlights Tour with a local guide: $59
  • Poznań Half-day Tour: $79
  • Romantic tour in Poznan: $80
  • Captivating Corners of Poznan - Walking Tour: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Poznan 2.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:

  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401

Sample the Local Flavors in Poznan

Also in Poznan, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Poznan Pub Crawl : $22
  • Poznan Pub Crawl: $25
  • City and Brewery Private Walking Tour with Beer: $157


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Poznan?

Poznan has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Poznan, 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 Poznan?

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 Poznan in the Summer?

Both Poznan and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Dresden usually gets less rain in July than Poznan. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Poznan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Poznan 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Poznan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Poznan. The autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dresden is around the same temperature as Poznan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Poznan fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives more rain than Poznan. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Poznan receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Poznan 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Poznan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Poznan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Poznan. It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. In the winter, Dresden is much warmer than Poznan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Poznan averages at about -2°C (29°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in January than Poznan. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Poznan receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Poznan -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Poznan in the Spring?

Both Poznan and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city.

In April, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Poznan. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Poznan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives more rain than Poznan. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Poznan receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Poznan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Poznan and Dresden

Dresden Poznan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (29°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (32°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)