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

Should you visit Vilnius or Dresden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Dresden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a historic, religious, and surprising city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

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

Vilnius and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Dresden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Vilnius and Dresden are both popular with visitors, Dresden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dresden is more popular for its big city activities, while Vilnius is known for its impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Vilnius and is known 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. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Vilnius and Dresden.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. 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 Vilnius or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Dresden can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

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 Vilnius or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Vilnius and Dresden.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Dresden has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Vilnius or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Vilnius and Dresden.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Dresden?

Both Vilnius and Dresden are good shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Dresden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Vilnius or Dresden Better for Families?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius or Dresden Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Dresden both good destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Dresden is a good city 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 Vilnius or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Vilnius is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

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 Vilnius or Dresden Better for Students?

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

Vilnius is popular with students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Both Vilnius and Dresden offer good public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Dresden?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Dresden than Vilnius. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

One day in Vilnius or Dresden?

In Vilnius, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Dresden, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Vilnius or Dresden?

In Vilnius, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer.

In Dresden, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dresden has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Dresden?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Dresden is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Vilnius or Dresden?

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

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden than you might in Vilnius.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vilnius Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Dresden?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Dresden. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Dresden. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Dresden. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Vilnius usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dresden can be very cold during winter. Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. Vilnius is much colder than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Dresden. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Vilnius is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Vilnius