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

Should you visit Dundee or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Dresden? 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dundee or Dresden?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dresden than Dundee. Dresden is bigger than Dundee, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dresden is more touristy than Dundee and is 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. Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dresden and Dundee. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dundee or Dresden?

Dundee
Dresden

Both Dundee and Dresden have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dundee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

Dresden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Dundee or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dundee
Dresden

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Dresden can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

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.

Is Dundee or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Dresden

Dresden is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Dresden offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Dundee or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Dresden

Dresden is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Dresden?

Dundee
Dresden

Dresden is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Dresden is a great destination for 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Dresden Better for Families?

Dundee
Dresden

Dundee 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 Dundee. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

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 Dundee or Dresden Better for Couples?

Dundee
Dresden

Dresden is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Dresden

Dresden is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Dresden Better for Students?

Dundee
Dresden

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

Dundee is popular with students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Dundee
Dresden

Both Dundee and Dresden offer notable public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Dresden has some public transit options. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.


Is Dundee or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dundee
Dresden

Dresden is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dundee and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dresden than in Dundee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Dundee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dundee or Dresden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Dresden 1-3

One day in Dundee or Dresden?

In Dundee, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Dresden?

In Dundee, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Dundee has to offer.

Dresden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Dundee or Dresden?

Dundee 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dundee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dundee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural destination of Dresden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Dundee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Dresden is £115. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dundee and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Dresden £53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Dresden £106
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Dresden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dundee


Hotels in Dresden


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dundee Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Dresden £9.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Dundee change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dundee £47
    Dresden £27
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.

  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Dresden £8.18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83

Tours and Activities in Dresden

Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Dresden £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:

  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401


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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee and Dresden, 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 Dundee or Dresden?

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 Dundee or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Dresden. The summer months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In July, Dundee is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 14°C (58°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Dresden. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dundee is cooler than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dundee usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dundee. In the winter, Dundee is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dundee in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Dundee usually receives more rain than Dresden. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Dundee during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dundee in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Dundee is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 7°C (45°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Dundee

Dundee Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)