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

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Dresden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Inverness or Dresden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Inverness and Dresden are both popular with visitors, Dresden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dresden is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Inverness is known for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Dresden 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). It is also home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Inverness different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Dresden

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

Inverness offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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 Inverness or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Dresden

Inverness 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 Inverness is an experience not to be missed. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Dresden

Dresden is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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 Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Dresden

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

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Dresden?

Inverness
Dresden

Inverness 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 Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

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 Inverness or Dresden Better for Families?

Inverness
Dresden

Inverness 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 Inverness. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

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 Inverness or Dresden Better for Couples?

Inverness
Dresden

Both Inverness and Dresden are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Dresden is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Inverness or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Dresden

Dresden is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

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

Inverness
Dresden

Dresden is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Dresden a more walkable city?

Inverness
Dresden

Inverness and Dresden both are great when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Inverness and Dresden. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Inverness 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 Inverness or Dresden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Dresden 1-3

One day in Inverness or Dresden?

In Inverness, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Inverness or Dresden?

In Inverness, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Inverness has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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 Inverness or Dresden?

Inverness 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 architectural 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 Inverness or Dresden?

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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, 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 Inverness and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Dresden £53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Dresden £106
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Dresden £9.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623

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 Inverness or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Dresden £27

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.
    Inverness £44
    Dresden £8.18

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

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
    Inverness £23
    Dresden £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

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 Inverness and Dresden, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Dresden. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Inverness is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Inverness usually receives less rain than Dresden. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Inverness or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Dresden. The autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In October, Inverness is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness 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 Inverness in the winter. Inverness is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Inverness usually receives more rain than Dresden. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Inverness or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Inverness during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Inverness is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Inverness

Inverness Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)