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

Should you visit Dresden or Toulouse?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Toulouse? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a friendly, relaxed, and dynamic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Toulouse?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse. Although Dresden and Toulouse are popular destinations, Toulouse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dresden is more touristy than Toulouse 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). Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Dresden different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse 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, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dresden or Toulouse has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Dresden know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Toulouse has something for everybody. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Dresden or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Dresden and Toulouse.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Toulouse?

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse Better for Families?

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

Toulouse is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Toulouse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Dresden or Toulouse Better for Students?

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

Toulouse is popular with students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Dresden is not popular with students.

Is Dresden or Toulouse 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 Toulouse.

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 Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Dresden or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Dresden and Toulouse both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Toulouse is very walkable. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Dresden or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toulouse due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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

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

One day in Dresden or Toulouse?

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

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 Toulouse, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Toulouse has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Toulouse?

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.

Toulouse 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Toulouse?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dresden is cooler than Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in July than Toulouse. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Toulouse. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dresden is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dresden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Toulouse. The winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. In January, Dresden is generally much colder than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 1°C (33°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Toulouse. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Dresden is cooler than Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Dresden