Dresden is a park-filled city known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Dresden?
A typical traveler spends $185 (€158) per day on a trip to Dresden. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Dresden based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $63 (€54) on meals
- $12 (€11) on local transportation
- $144 (€123) on hotels
A one-week trip to Dresden for two people costs, on average, $2,595 (€2,212). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,298
€1,106
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,595
€2,212
-
One Month
Per person
$5,561
€4,740
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,595
€2,212
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,190
€4,424
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,122
€9,480
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dresden cost?
A one week trip to Dresden usually costs around $1,298 (€1,106) for one person and $2,595 (€2,212) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Dresden on average costs around $2,595 (€2,212) for one person and $5,190 (€4,424) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dresden will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Dresden on average costs around $5,561 (€4,740) for one person and $11,122 (€9,480) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Dresden expensive to visit?
In Dresden, budget travelers spend $78 (€67) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $185 (€158) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $394 (€335) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Dresden.
Dresden is a well-known city that captivates a variety of travelers with diverse travel preferences and spending patterns. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Dresden can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Dresden is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Thiva (Thebes) or Naples.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dresden Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dresden?
The average Dresden trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dresden travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dresden cost?
Dresden on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$31
(€27)
|
$72
(€61)
|
$142
(€121)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$5
(€4.58)
|
$12
(€11)
|
$24
(€21)
|
|
Food2
|
$28
(€24)
|
$63
(€54)
|
$116
(€99)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$5
(€4.19)
|
$11
(€9.56)
|
$21
(€18)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-12
(€3-10)
|
$9-28
(€8-24)
|
$18-53
(€15-45)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Dresden on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $78 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, Dresden has plenty of hostels, including Kangaroo-Stop, Lollis Homestay Dresden, and Hostel Mondpalast Dresden. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most guests in Dresden will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $185 per person, per day.
In Dresden, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Alte Remise is a fantastic option for families, and Vienna House QF Hotel Dresden is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Dresden here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $394 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the city with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Segway tour through the highlights in Dresden - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Dresden
The hotel prices in Dresden might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $73, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $136. Prices vary from $54 to $187, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dresden for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $144 (€123). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $72 (€61) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dresden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dresden include:
- Romantik Hotel Bulow Residenz starting at $97
- Vienna House QF Hotel Dresden starting at $94
- Schloss Hotel Dresden Pillnitz starting at $116
- Hotel Artushof starting at $90
- Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe starting at $116
Thanks to Dresden's great public transportation, you can stay outside the city for cheaper accommodations, but be aware of the potential for increased transportation costs and commute time.
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding summer will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Walking is a popular way to explore Dresden, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
The city's famous old town is a major attraction for travelers. While hotels in this area can be more expensive, they usually offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main sights.
Transportation Budget in Dresden
Public transit in Dresden is reliable and reaches key landmarks. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
For those who enjoy foot exploration, this destination is perfect. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $12 (€11) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dresden. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dresden is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$12
€11
Getting around Dresden is relatively easy, especially in the Old Town where most destinations can be reached by foot. Besides walking, Dresden also supplies its inhabitants with a combined tram, bus, and train system that connects to all points of interest. Nevertheless, be weary of its peak hours as it tends to get a bit crowded. Tickets for the bus and tram are relatively cheap with a Day Ticket costing 6 Euros and a Family Day Ticket costing 8.50 Euros.
Be that as it may, if you are looking for a more private method of travel, rental car services are available throughout the city. Dresden is known for its impressive street networks, with many roads having been refurbished recently. Yet as with most urban areas, traffic can be quite heavy during rush hour. If you are looking to beat the daytime traffic, renting a bicycle is not a bad way to go as Dresden has many many designated cycle paths. Whether you are pedaling or steering, be sure to make the most out of your time in Dresden, Germany!
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing for $173 details
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver for $143 details
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague for $228 details
How much does it cost to go to Dresden? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dresden will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Dresden
The dining options in Dresden are good, but they don't stand out enough to be one of the main tourist attractions. You can find a few exceptional places in the city worth visiting. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Dresden can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dresden is $63 (€54) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$63
€54
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dresden is around $63 (€54) per person, with previous travelers spending from $28 to $116. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dresden are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
A fine dining experience that won the Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor as well as the Falstaff award, Restaurant Daniel has been open and serving up gourmet dishes since 2013. Founded by Daniel Fischer in Innere Neustadt, Restaurant Daniel is hidden in the Nieritzstraße. A cozy, modern-designed eatery, Restaurant Daniel presents fresh, local ingredients found throughout the region. Besides his first-rate food, Fischer also offers cooking classes as well as cooking shows for the education and entertainment of its patrons. Some of Fischer's meals include veal and red wine butter, colorful vegetables, and fried potatoes, roasted sturgeon and char fillet with autumn vegetables and sugar beet, duck paste and pumpkin ragout, beetroot and walnuts, and much more. However, be weary that with a fine dining experience as rare as this one, comes a fine price! Visit Fischer and his friends at Restaurant Daniel!
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you want to experience the culture in Dresden, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Historical tour of the old town including a Saxon dinner for $41 details
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner for $62 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dresden
It's clear why Dresden attracts visitors, considering its nightlife, historical sights, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dresden typically cost an average of $11 (€9.56) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$11
€9.56
Located in the neighborhood Innere Altstadt, one of Dresden's most sought-after landmarks is none other than the Frauenkirche Dresden, or Church of Our Lady. A simply breathtaking cathedral, the Frauenkirche Dresden was built in the 11th century as a missionary church to convert the surrounding Sorbian villages to Christianity. In the 18th century, the famous dome structure was built by George Bahr and remained dominant throughout the city for 200 years. Though the church was destroyed during World War II, the 1990s saw a unique rebuilding project that was supported throughout the globe. Open to all locals and visitors, the Frauenkirche Dresden allows its visitors to partake in services and devotions, with only English-speaking sermons held once a month. The historic dome of the Frauenkirche Dresden can be visited by all, where visitors can enjoy unique views over Dresden and its surroundings. Besides this, about 130 musical concerts also take place in the Frauenkirche Dresden for your entertainment. Whether you wish to worship or simply admire its history, the Frauenkirche Dresden is a must-see in the city!
In the heart of the Old Town, 200 stores, restaurants, and cafes are simply waiting to be explored at the Altmarkt Galerie. Unlike most malls, the Altmarkt Galerie hs a rich history, with the beginning of its trading history spanning over 800 years ago. Within the Intecta building of the gallery, a family tradition of confectionary has ensued for more than 185 years. A confectionary experience like no other, the Intecta has a wide array of cafes and bakeries that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth with its fresh ingredients and top-tier standard. Besides its exquisite eateries, the Altmarkt Galerie has a wide variety of stores that suit any and all tastes. Some of these stores include Apple, Boss, Marc Cain, Guess, Gant, Högl or Thomas Sabo, all shops of which are only available once in the new federal states. From housing the first Armani Jeans in Germany to its fourth largest Saturn, the possibilities are endless at the Altmarkt Galerie.
Historical Sights:
Many travelers are drawn to the historic old town area. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Dresden is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2 hours Segway Elbe Mini Tour for $83 details
- Winterland Tour to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland from Dresden for $214 details
- Dresden Live-Guided Self-Drive Trabi Safari City XXL Tour 2h15min for $118 details
Nightlife Budget in Dresden
In Dresden, the nightlife buzzes with energy, and visitors love to spend their evenings enjoying the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $18 (€16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dresden per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
€16
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Nightlife is fun, but be cautious when drinking. Thieves target distracted people, so stay with your group and trust your instincts to keep yourself safe.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Dresden. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Boat Cruise with Wine Tasting and Snacks for $123 details
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting for $76 details
- BURLESQUE – "The art of sensual seduction" for $58 details
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Dresden
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.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.