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

Should you visit Dresden or Reims?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Reims? 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.

Reims

Reims is a cultural, beautiful, and relaxing city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Reims?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden than Reims. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dresden is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reims attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dresden is famous 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. Reims is famous for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Dresden different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dresden or Reims.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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, Reims is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Dresden is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Dresden or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Dresden to see the historical old town. 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Reims?

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Dresden or Reims as a family destination.

Dresden doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Dresden or Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Reims are nice 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.

Reims is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dresden and Reims.

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Dresden or Reims a more walkable city?

Dresden and Reims both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Reims?

In either Dresden or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Dresden because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

One day in Dresden or Reims?

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this park-filled 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.

In Reims, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Reims?

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.

In Reims, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Reims?

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.

Reims 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 Reims has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Dresden or Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the architectural 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 Reims. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Reims?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Dresden is around the same temperature as Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Reims. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Dresden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Dresden is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dresden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Reims. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Reims in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Reims. Most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Reims can be very cold. Dresden can be very cold during winter. In January, Dresden is generally much colder than Reims. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 1°C (33°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Reims. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Reims in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Reims. The spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

Dresden is around the same temperature as Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Dresden