A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Linkoping vs. Dresden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Linkoping or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Linkoping 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.

Where Should I go: Linkoping or Dresden?

Linkoping

Linkoping is in the northern portion of the Gotaland region and is the capital of Ostergotland county. The city has all of the amenities of a larger city, but manages to maintain the feel and atmosphere of a quaint small town. This is mainly due to the lack of tall buildings within the city limits. Building height is restricted by the nearby military airfield, so Linkoping has a cosy ambiance that leads you to believe that you're somewhere hidden away. The university that is located here also helps create the feel of a college town. The students are well integrated into city life and help bring energy and entertainment to town, both in the form of cultural events during the day as well and an active night life in the evening.

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

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


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Linkoping?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Linkoping is $109, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Linkoping and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Linkoping $54
    Dresden $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Linkoping $108
    Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Linkoping and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Linkoping 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 Linkoping


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.
    Linkoping $18
    Dresden $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Linkoping or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Linkoping 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
    Linkoping $40
    Dresden $33

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.
    Linkoping $24
    Dresden $10

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
    Linkoping $19
    Dresden $17

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 Linkoping and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Linkoping much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Linkoping would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Linkoping 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden than you might in Linkoping.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Linkoping Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Linkoping or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Linkoping. When comparing the sizes of Linkoping 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 Linkoping 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 Linkoping or Dresden in the Summer?

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

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

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Linkoping 17°C (63°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Linkoping or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Linkoping during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Linkoping is cooler than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Linkoping averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Linkoping usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dresden. Linkoping gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Linkoping 8°C (46°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Linkoping or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Linkoping and Dresden. Furthermore, 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 Linkoping. In the winter, Linkoping is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Linkoping in January average around -3°C (28°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Linkoping usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Linkoping gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Linkoping -3°C (28°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Linkoping or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Linkoping as well as Dresden. Additionally, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Linkoping is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Linkoping average around 6°C (42°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Linkoping usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Linkoping gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Linkoping 6°C (42°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Linkoping

Linkoping Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (28°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 6°C (42°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)