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

Should you visit Dresden or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Reykjavik? 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 cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Dresden and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dresden than Reykjavik. Dresden is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dresden is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. 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. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Dresden different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dresden is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dresden is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Dresden or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Dresden has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Dresden or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Dresden or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Reykjavik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reykjavik and Dresden.

Many visitors go to Dresden to go shopping. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Reykjavik. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Dresden or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Reykjavik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great destination for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Reykjavik are notable 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.

Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Dresden or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a popular place for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Dresden is not popular with students.

Is Dresden or Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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 Reykjavik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dresden or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Dresden and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Reykjavik 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 Dresden.

One day in Dresden or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dresden has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Dresden. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Dresden or Reykjavik?

Dresden is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Reykjavik?

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

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dresden is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In October, Dresden is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Dresden during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Dresden can be very cold during winter. Dresden is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In the spring, Dresden is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Dresden