A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Frankfurt vs. Dresden for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Frankfurt or Dresden?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Dresden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a connected, energetic, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden is a cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Dresden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt than Dresden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Dresden attracts visitors for its historical sights. Dresden is more touristy than Frankfurt 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). Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also well known for The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Frankfurt
Dresden

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

Frankfurt offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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 Frankfurt or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Frankfurt
Dresden

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is an experience not to be missed. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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 Frankfurt or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Dresden

Both Frankfurt and Dresden have great vibes after the sun sets.

Frankfurt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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.

Is Frankfurt or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Dresden

Dresden is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.


Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Dresden?

Frankfurt
Dresden

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt or Dresden Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Dresden

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

Frankfurt is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt or Dresden Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Dresden

Both Frankfurt and Dresden are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

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 Frankfurt or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Dresden

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

Frankfurt is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt or Dresden Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Dresden

Frankfurt is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt
Dresden

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is top-notch. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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 Frankfurt or Dresden a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Dresden

Frankfurt and Dresden are great when it comes to walkability.

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Dresden?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Frankfurt or Dresden?

Because Frankfurt is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dresden has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Dresden?

Because Frankfurt is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Frankfurt has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the architectural destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Frankfurt or Dresden?

Frankfurt 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the park-filled city of Dresden. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or Dresden?

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

Dresden is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Frankfurt?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Frankfurt is €122, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €135. 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 Frankfurt and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Dresden 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Dresden 122
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt


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: Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Dresden 11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

Also for Frankfurt, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Car: $70
  • BaronFleet Frankfurt- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Luxury Vehicle: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by business car: $54
  • Departure Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Van: $77
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $144
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $28
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Private Transfer to Frankfurt: $142
  • Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt city Private Transfer : $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $160
  • DRESDEN Airport (DRS) Transfer/Shuttle from/to City (GAT): $163
  • DRESDEN Airport (DRS) Transfer/Shuttle from/to City: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 41
    Dresden 31
Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $285
  • Heidelberg and Rhine Valley Day Trip With Wine Tasting and Dinner from Frankfurt: $285

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: $52
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Frankfurt 36
    Dresden 9.56

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.25
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.34
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.89
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $7.06
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.60
  • The Tales of Frankfurt's New Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.69
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.50

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $39
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $39
  • 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
  • Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $433
  • Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $53
  • Best of Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland Easy Day Tour from Dresden: $154
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $173
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $173
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $173
  • Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $20
  • Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Dresden 16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $22
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $35
  • Romantic Road Day Ticket from Frankfurt/Main to Rothenburg incl. Wine tasting: $148
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $256
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $283
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $289
  • from Frankfurt - romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $339
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $407
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $521
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $759

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: $54
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $58
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $407


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


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Dresden?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt or Dresden?

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 Frankfurt or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Frankfurt during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Frankfurt usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dresden. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Dresden. The autumn months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the autumn, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Frankfurt in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Dresden in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. It's quite cold in Frankfurt in the winter. In January, Frankfurt is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 1°C (34°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)