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

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

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Dresden

Dresden is a friendly, architectural, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Dresden?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Manchester than Dresden. While Dresden is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is better known for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dresden is more popular for its historical sights. Dresden is more touristy than Manchester 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). Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Manchester offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester 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 Manchester is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Manchester and Dresden.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Dresden has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Dresden Better for Music?

Manchester is a great destination for its music scene. However, Dresden is not a live music destination.

Manchester has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Dresden is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Dresden?

Manchester 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 Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Manchester or Dresden Better for Families?

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

Manchester is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Dresden Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Dresden are notable places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Is Manchester or Dresden Better for Students?

Manchester is a great destination for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Manchester is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Manchester is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Dresden. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Dresden?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 architectural 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 Manchester or Dresden?

Because Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Dresden?

Manchester 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.

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 Manchester or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Dresden?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Dresden. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, 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.

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dresden. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Manchester is around the same temperature as Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Dresden. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Manchester in the winter. In the winter, Manchester is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Dresden. Many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Manchester is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Manchester