A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Wernigerode vs. Dresden for Old Town, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

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

Wernigerode

Wernigerode is a charming, quaint, and cute town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Wernigerode and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wernigerode or Dresden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dresden than Wernigerode, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dresden is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Wernigerode is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Wernigerode is well known for its storybook setting and its beautiful hilltop castle. Dresden is well known 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.

How is Wernigerode different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Wernigerode offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. In addition to its beautiful old town, the highlight of a visit to this town is exploring the Wernigerode Castle. Other attractions include the Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik and the Miniaturenpark.

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 Wernigerode or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Wernigerode and Dresden offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Wernigerode offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a touristy town, you'll find a number of restaurants that serve traditional food. There are also sausage stands and plenty of ice cream shops.

Dresden has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Wernigerode or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Wernigerode is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Wernigerode. The small town isn't known for its nightlife scene but there are plenty of places where you can grab a beer and have a relaxing night.

Is Wernigerode or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Wernigerode is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Wernigerode offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. If you're looking for an almost flawless old town with charm and few imperfections, then this is your place.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Wernigerode or Dresden?

Dresden is very good for shopping. However, Wernigerode is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dresden is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Wernigerode is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Wernigerode or Dresden Better for Families?

Wernigerode is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Wernigerode is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town feels like you've landed in a fairytale book, which your kids will love. There's a train and a castle to explore. There's also the fun citizen and miniature parks and the fairytale trail. In addition to all of the sights and attractions, there are playgrounds and animal attractions that kids will love.

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 Wernigerode or Dresden Better for Couples?

Wernigerode is a great destination for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Wernigerode frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This fairytale town is something special with many beautiful buildings, a castle, and great restaurants that make for a romantic weekend.

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 Wernigerode or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Wernigerode and Dresden are notable destinations for backpackers.

Wernigerode is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are enough hostels in town to keep prices reasonable. This is also a very touristy town, so you're likely to meet other travelers.

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

Both Wernigerode and Dresden offer notable public transit options.

Wernigerode has a few public transit options. You can take the bus to town, but once you arrive its best to explore on foot. There's also a charming narrow grade railway that connect the towns of the area.

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

Is Wernigerode or Dresden a more walkable city?

Wernigerode is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Wernigerode on foot is easy. You can easily explore the town and the nearby castle on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Wernigerode?

How long in Wernigerode or Dresden?

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

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

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

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

One day in Wernigerode or Dresden?

Wernigerode is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Wernigerode or Dresden?

Wernigerode might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Wernigerode has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the park-filled destination of Dresden. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Wernigerode or Dresden?

Wernigerode 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.

The architectural city of Dresden offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Wernigerode or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wernigerode. Since Wernigerode is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dresden. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Wernigerode or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wernigerode. When comparing the sizes of Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wernigerode and Dresden. Most visitors come to Wernigerode for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Wernigerode usually receives less rain than Dresden. Wernigerode gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wernigerode or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wernigerode as well as Dresden. The autumn months attract visitors to Wernigerode because of the small town atmosphere. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Wernigerode is around the same temperature as Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wernigerode averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Wernigerode usually gets less rain in October than Dresden. Wernigerode gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wernigerode or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Wernigerode are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Wernigerode 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 Wernigerode in the winter. In the winter, Wernigerode is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wernigerode in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Wernigerode usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Wernigerode gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wernigerode or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Wernigerode during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wernigerode for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Wernigerode is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Wernigerode average around 9°C (48°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Wernigerode usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dresden. Wernigerode gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Wernigerode