A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Odense vs. Dresden for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Odense 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 Odense 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.

Odense

Other popular activities here include food.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Odense and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Odense or Dresden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden than Odense. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dresden is more touristy than Odense 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). It is also well known for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Odense is famous for

How is Odense different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dresden is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. 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.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Odense or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Odense and Dresden.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Odense area. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

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 Odense or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is notable for its evening party scene. However, Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Odense or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Odense does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Odense does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Dresden?

Dresden is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Dresden to go shopping. 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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Dresden Better for Families?

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

Odense is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

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 Odense or Dresden Better for Couples?

Dresden is a good destination for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a good destination for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Dresden Better for Students?

Odense is a popular place for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Odense is popular with students. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Dresden is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

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

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Odense?

How long in Odense or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Odense and Dresden. In our opinion, Dresden has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dresden than Odense. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Odense, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Odense 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.

One day in Odense or Dresden?

In Odense, you'll find food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Odense or Dresden?

In Odense, you'll find food. 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 Odense has to offer.

Dresden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Odense or Dresden?

Odense 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Odense or Dresden?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Dresden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Odense and Dresden, we can see that Odense 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 Odense Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Odense or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.