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

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

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Dresden?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Sigulda?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €135. 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 Sigulda and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Dresden 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Dresden 122
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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 Sigulda


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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    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 Sigulda or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Sigulda 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
    Sigulda 7.81
    Dresden 31
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:


  • Pastry
    1.85

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.
    Sigulda -
    Dresden 9.56

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218

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
    Sigulda -
    Dresden 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144

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 Sigulda and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Sigulda.

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Sigulda usually receives more rain than Dresden. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Sigulda or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Sigulda during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Sigulda is cooler than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Sigulda usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Dresden. 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 Sigulda in the winter. In the winter, Sigulda is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sigulda in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Dresden. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Dresden. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Sigulda is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 5°C (42°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Sigulda

Sigulda Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)