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

Should you visit Dresden or Sarajevo?

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

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

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dresden and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Dresden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dresden is known for its nightlife. Dresden is more touristy than Sarajevo 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). Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Dresden different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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.

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

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Dresden has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Dresden or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Sarajevo offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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.

Is Dresden or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Dresden or Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Dresden or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Dresden is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Dresden or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sarajevo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarajevo is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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.

Is Dresden or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Dresden is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dresden and Sarajevo. In our opinion, Sarajevo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sarajevo than Dresden. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Dresden or Sarajevo?

The city of Dresden offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarajevo, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Sarajevo?

Dresden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dresden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Sarajevo, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Sarajevo has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Sarajevo?

Dresden is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Sarajevo?

Dresden is a great place to explore. 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 something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarajevo. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dresden is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Dresden is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Dresden during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dresden is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Dresden