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

Should you visit Warsaw or Dresden?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Dresden can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a under-rated, diverse, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

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

Warsaw and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Dresden?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dresden than Warsaw. While Warsaw is larger than Dresden, Dresden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dresden is more touristy than Warsaw 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). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Warsaw is well known for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

How is Warsaw different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Warsaw is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Warsaw offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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 Warsaw or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Warsaw and Dresden can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Warsaw or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Warsaw and Dresden.

The nightlife in Warsaw has something for everybody. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

Dresden offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Warsaw or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Both Warsaw and Dresden have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Dresden?

If you're looking to go shopping, Warsaw and Dresden both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Warsaw. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Dresden offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Warsaw or Dresden Better for Families?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

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 Warsaw or Dresden Better for Couples?

Both Warsaw and Dresden are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

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 Warsaw or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Warsaw and Dresden are notable places to visit.

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Is Warsaw or Dresden Better for Students?

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

Warsaw is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Warsaw 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 Warsaw. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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 Warsaw or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Dresden?

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

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

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

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

One day in Warsaw or Dresden?

In Warsaw, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Warsaw or Dresden?

In Warsaw, 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 Warsaw has to offer.

Dresden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Warsaw or Dresden?

Warsaw 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Warsaw or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Warsaw. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Warsaw. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dresden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, 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 Warsaw and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw 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 Warsaw.

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Dresden?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Dresden. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Warsaw is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 19°C (65°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Warsaw usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Warsaw is cooler than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Dresden. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Warsaw or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Warsaw during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Dresden. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Dresden. The spring months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In April, Warsaw is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (47°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Dresden. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Warsaw