A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Dresden for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Dresden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a quaint, idyllic, and peaceful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include food and theater.

Dresden

Dresden is a cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Dresden are both popular with visitors, Dresden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dresden is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Dresden is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon 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). It is also home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

Dresden is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Dresden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Dresden is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Stratford-upon-Avon draw crowds from around the world. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Dresden is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Dresden can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dresden area. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Dresden has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

Dresden is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden Better for Families?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Dresden are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Dresden is a good town 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.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Dresden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dresden is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Dresden than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Dresden, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Dresden for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dresden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

The destination of Dresden offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Dresden, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Dresden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Dresden. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more rain than Dresden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Dresden. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Additionally, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. Stratford-upon-Avon is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Dresden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Stratford-upon-Avon