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

Should you visit Dresden or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Saint-Etienne? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Dresden and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dresden than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dresden is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular 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 home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Dresden different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

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

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Dresden or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dresden is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dresden has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Dresden or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Dresden or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Dresden or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Saint-Etienne?

Dresden is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Dresden or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Dresden is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Dresden makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Dresden or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Dresden or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Dresden or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Dresden is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Dresden Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dresden or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dresden than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Dresden. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Dresden. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dresden. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Saint-Etienne?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

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

Should I visit Dresden or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Saint-Etienne. The autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Dresden is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Saint-Etienne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne 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. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Dresden is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Dresden