A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Dresden for Old Town, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stockholm or Dresden?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Dresden can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a safe, expensive, and beautiful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Dresden

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

Stockholm and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Dresden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Stockholm is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town). 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).

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Stockholm offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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 Stockholm or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Stockholm and Dresden offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Stockholm. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Dresden is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Stockholm or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Dresden.

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Many people head to Dresden for the nightlife scene. 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 Stockholm or Dresden Better for Music?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Dresden is not a live music destination.

In Stockholm you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Dresden is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Stockholm offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Dresden?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

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 Stockholm or Dresden Better for Families?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Stockholm is a very family-friendly destination. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm or Dresden Better for Couples?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Stockholm makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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 Stockholm or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm and Dresden are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

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

Is Stockholm or Dresden Better for Students?

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

Stockholm is popular with students. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Stockholm is top-notch. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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 Stockholm or Dresden a more walkable city?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Dresden. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

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

One day in Stockholm or Dresden?

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Stockholm or Dresden?

Because Stockholm 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled 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 Stockholm or Dresden?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer. 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 Stockholm or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Dresden?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stockholm is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stockholm in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Dresden. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Stockholm is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Stockholm usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dresden. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Dresden. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. Stockholm can be very cold during winter. Stockholm is much colder than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Dresden. The spring months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the spring, Stockholm is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

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

Typical Weather for Dresden and Stockholm