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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Ghent and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Dresden?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dresden than Ghent. Dresden is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dresden is better known for its big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Ghent 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. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent 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 Ghent is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. 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 Ghent or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

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 Ghent or Dresden?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

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 Ghent or Dresden Better for Families?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Dresden Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Dresden are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

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

Is Ghent or Dresden Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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 Ghent or Dresden a more walkable city?

Ghent and Dresden both are superb when exploring on foot.

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Dresden?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Dresden?

In Ghent, 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 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.

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Ghent or Dresden?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Ghent or Dresden?

Ghent 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 is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the park-filled destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Dresden. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Dresden. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Ghent is a little warmer than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent 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. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Ghent usually receives more rain than Dresden. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city.

In April, Ghent is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Ghent