A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Dresden for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

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

The Hague

The Hague is a bustling, diverse, and global city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden is a cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in The Hague or Dresden?

Both Dresden and The Hague have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. The Hague is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dresden is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Dresden is more touristy than The Hague 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). The Hague is well known for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is The Hague different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Dresden?

The Hague
Dresden

Dresden is very good for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

The Hague
Dresden

The Hague 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 The Hague is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Dresden

Both The Hague and Dresden have great vibes after the sun sets.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

The people in Dresden know how to have a good time. 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 The Hague or Dresden Better for Music?

The Hague
Dresden

The Hague is a great destination for its music scene. However, Dresden is not a live music destination.

The Hague has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Dresden is not a live music destination.


Is The Hague or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

The Hague
Dresden

Dresden is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Dresden?

The Hague
Dresden

The Hague 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 The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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 The Hague or Dresden Better for Families?

The Hague
Dresden

The Hague 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 The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Dresden Better for Couples?

The Hague
Dresden

Both The Hague and Dresden are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Dresden makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 The Hague or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Dresden

The Hague and Dresden are both notable destinations for backpackers.

The Hague is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Is The Hague or Dresden Better for Students?

The Hague
Dresden

The Hague is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Many students frequent The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Dresden is not popular with students.


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

The Hague
Dresden

The Hague 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 The Hague. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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 The Hague or Dresden a more walkable city?

The Hague
Dresden

Dresden is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hague and Dresden. In our opinion, The Hague has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in The Hague than Dresden. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hague 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 The Hague.


  • How many days in The Hague or Dresden? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Dresden 1-3

One day in The Hague or Dresden?

Because The Hague is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 The Hague or Dresden?

Because The Hague 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 The Hague has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the architectural 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 The Hague or Dresden?

The Hague 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 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 The Hague or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hague. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting The Hague. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or The Hague?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €178, 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 The Hague and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Dresden 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Dresden 122
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in The Hague 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 The Hague


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: The Hague Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Dresden 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and The Hague 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
    The Hague 55
    Dresden 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

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.
    The Hague 34
    Dresden 9.56

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.56
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Escher in The Palace Museum Ticket: $12

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
  • 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
  • Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
  • Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
  • Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
  • Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Dresden 16

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12

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 The Hague and Dresden, we can see that The Hague 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague 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 The Hague Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Dresden?

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

Both Dresden and The Hague during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, The Hague is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 17°C (62°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The Hague usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hague 17°C (62°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Dresden. The autumn months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

The Hague is around the same temperature as Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, The Hague usually receives more rain than Dresden. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Dresden. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. 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 The Hague in the winter. In the winter, The Hague is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hague in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

The Hague usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to The Hague for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, The Hague is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 8°C (46°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, The Hague usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and The Hague

The Hague Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)