A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Stuttgart vs. Dresden for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Stuttgart or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart or Dresden? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a dynamic, modern, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden is a cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Dresden?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dresden than Stuttgart. While Stuttgart is larger than Dresden, Dresden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dresden is very popular for its historical sights, while Stuttgart attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Dresden is more touristy than Stuttgart 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 well known for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Stuttgart is famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

How is Stuttgart different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Dresden and Stuttgart.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Stuttgart. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

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 Stuttgart or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart is an experience not to be missed. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Stuttgart and Dresden.

Stuttgart has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Dresden is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Stuttgart or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Dresden?

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

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 Stuttgart or Dresden Better for Families?

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

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 Stuttgart or Dresden Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Stuttgart and Dresden make for a nice place to visit.

Stuttgart is a good city for couples to visit. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Stuttgart or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart and Dresden are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

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

Is Stuttgart or Dresden Better for Students?

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

Stuttgart is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

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 Stuttgart or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Dresden?

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

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

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

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

One day in Stuttgart or Dresden?

Because Stuttgart 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.

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 Stuttgart or Dresden?

Because Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Dresden?

Stuttgart 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly 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 Stuttgart or Dresden?

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

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 Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Germany, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Dresden?

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

Both Dresden and Stuttgart during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Stuttgart usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dresden. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Dresden. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stuttgart in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Dresden. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Stuttgart. In January, Stuttgart is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 3°C (38°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stuttgart in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

Stuttgart is a little warmer than Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Dresden. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Stuttgart