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

Should you visit Uppsala or Dresden?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Uppsala or Dresden, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Uppsala or Dresden?

Uppsala

Uppsala is a college town in Sweden, located about 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Home to two universities, Uppsala is the 4th largest city in Sweden and features a huge diversity in culture. The Fyris River divides the city into the historic and modern sides of the city, each one with their own unique culture and sights to see. The area features fairly cool weather year-round, with temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit from November-April and May-October seeing temperatures in the 40's and 50's Fahrenheit. The best time to visit it from May-July when temperatures are at their highest and there's plenty of sunshine.

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


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Uppsala?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Uppsala is $135, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Uppsala and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Uppsala $89
    Dresden $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Uppsala $178
    Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Uppsala and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Uppsala 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 Uppsala


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: Uppsala Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Uppsala $19
    Dresden $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uppsala

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

  • Uppsala City to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $45

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Uppsala or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Uppsala 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
    Uppsala $32
    Dresden $33

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.
    Uppsala $18
    Dresden $10

Tours and Activities in Uppsala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Uppsala.

  • Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Vasatid at Uppsala Castle 1h - a guided tour in Uppsala: $27
  • Medieval horror, undead and dark folklore walk Uppsala city - open tour: $31
  • Guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $55
  • Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church: $75
  • Private 1h tour of famous Old Uppsala mounds and mediveal church: $83
  • Private guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $99
  • Private tour, A Dark perspective, the dark Uppsala city walk, about a dark past!: $113
  • Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala: $120
  • From Stockholm: Viking History Tour to Sigtuna and Uppsala: $164

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
    Uppsala $17
    Dresden $17

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


Which is Bigger, Uppsala or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Uppsala. When comparing the sizes of Uppsala 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 Uppsala 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 Uppsala or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Uppsala as well as Dresden. Additionally, most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Uppsala is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Uppsala average around 18°C (64°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Uppsala usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Uppsala gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Uppsala 18°C (64°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Uppsala or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Uppsala are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Uppsala is cooler than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Uppsala averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Uppsala usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Uppsala gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Uppsala 8°C (46°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Uppsala or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Uppsala during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. The weather in Uppsala can be very cold. In the winter, Uppsala is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Uppsala in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Uppsala usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dresden. Uppsala gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Uppsala -3°C (27°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Uppsala or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Uppsala and Dresden. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city.

In April, Uppsala is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Uppsala average around 5°C (41°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Uppsala usually receives less rain than Dresden. Uppsala gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Uppsala 5°C (41°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Uppsala

Uppsala Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)