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

Should you visit Windsor or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Dresden? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Dresden

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

Windsor and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Dresden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Windsor and Dresden are both popular with visitors, Dresden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dresden is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor is known for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Dresden 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). It is also home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Windsor different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Windsor and Dresden both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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 Windsor or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Dresden is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Dresden?

Dresden is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Dresden Better for Families?

Windsor 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 Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Dresden Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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 Windsor or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Dresden.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

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 Windsor or Dresden a more walkable city?

Windsor and Dresden both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Windsor and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dresden than in Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Windsor 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 Dresden.

One day in Windsor or Dresden?

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

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 Windsor or Dresden?

Windsor 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor 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 Windsor or Dresden?

Windsor 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.

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 Windsor or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and Dresden, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the summer, Windsor is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Dresden. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Windsor usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Dresden. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. Windsor is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Windsor usually receives more rain than Dresden. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Dresden. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Windsor is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Windsor gets 45 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 Windsor