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

Should you visit Aegina or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Aegina 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dresden

Dresden is a park-filled, friendly, and architectural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aegina and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Aegina or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dresden. Although Aegina and Dresden are popular destinations, Dresden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dresden is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Aegina attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and small town charm. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Dresden is famous 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 well known for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Aegina different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Aegina
Dresden

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

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

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 Aegina or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Dresden

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Aegina area. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Aegina or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Dresden

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Dresden has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. 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 Aegina or Dresden Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Dresden

Aegina is a popular place for the beach. However, Dresden is not a beach destination.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Dresden is not a beach destination.


Is Aegina or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Dresden

Dresden is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

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.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Dresden?

Aegina
Dresden

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dresden and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dresden. 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 Aegina or Dresden Better for Families?

Aegina
Dresden

Aegina 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 Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

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 Aegina or Dresden Better for Couples?

Aegina
Dresden

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Dresden make for a nice place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

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 Aegina or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Dresden

Aegina and Dresden are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

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

Aegina
Dresden

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

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

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 Aegina or Dresden a more walkable city?

Aegina
Dresden

Dresden is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Dresden?

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

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


  • How many days in Aegina or Dresden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Dresden 1-3

One day in Aegina or Dresden?

In Aegina, you'll find nightlife and food. This island 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 Aegina or Dresden?

In Aegina, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Aegina 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 Aegina or Dresden?

Aegina 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.

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 Aegina or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aegina. 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 Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aegina and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Dresden 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Dresden 122
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Dresden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Dresden


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Dresden 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Aegina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 34
    Dresden 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.

  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Dresden 9.56

Tours and Activities in Dresden

Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Dresden 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:

  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Aegina.

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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina 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 Aegina 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 Aegina or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches, 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.

Aegina is a little warmer than Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Dresden. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Dresden in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Aegina is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Aegina usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dresden. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Dresden. Many travelers come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, Aegina is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Aegina usually receives more rain than Dresden. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Dresden in the Spring?

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

Aegina is much warmer than Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Aegina

Aegina Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)