A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Dusseldorf vs. Dresden for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Dresden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Dusseldorf and Dresden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Dusseldorf

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

Dresden

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

Dusseldorf and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Dresden?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dresden than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Dresden, Dresden has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dresden is better known for its nightlife, while Dusseldorf is more popular for its food. Dresden is more touristy than Dusseldorf 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. Dusseldorf is well known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Dusseldorf different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dusseldorf is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Dusseldorf is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

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 Dusseldorf or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Dusseldorf or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Dusseldorf and Dresden.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Dresden?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dresden and Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf is a great destination for shopping. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

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.

Is Dusseldorf or Dresden Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf or Dresden Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

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 Dusseldorf or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf and Dresden are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

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

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

Dusseldorf is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Dusseldorf is top-notch. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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 Dusseldorf or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Dresden both are superb when exploring on foot.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dusseldorf and Dresden. In our opinion, Dusseldorf has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dusseldorf than Dresden. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf.

One day in Dusseldorf or Dresden?

In Dusseldorf, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dresden, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Dresden?

In Dusseldorf, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dusseldorf has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dresden, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Dresden?

Dusseldorf 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.

Dresden, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Dusseldorf or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. 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.

Dresden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Dresden?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dusseldorf is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 19°C (66°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Dresden. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Dusseldorf during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Dresden. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dresden can be very cold during winter. Dusseldorf can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dusseldorf is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dusseldorf in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Dresden. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Dresden. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city.

In April, Dusseldorf is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 9°C (48°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dusseldorf usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dresden. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Dusseldorf