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

Should you visit Dresden or Howth?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Howth? 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.

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.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Dresden and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Howth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Dresden and Howth 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 Howth is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. 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. Howth is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Dresden different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dresden or Howth.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. 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.

Howth is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in Dresden or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dresden area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Dresden or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Dresden or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great destination for the beach. However, Dresden is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is well known for its old town. However, Howth 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Dresden or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Howth?

Dresden is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dresden or Howth Better for Families?

Howth 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 Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier 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 Dresden or Howth Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dresden and Howth make for a good place to visit.

Dresden is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Howth is a nice destination for couples. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Dresden or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Dresden or Howth a more walkable city?

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

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

Howth is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dresden or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dresden than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Howth 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 Dresden or Howth?

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this architectural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Howth, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This fishing village 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 Dresden or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Howth, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Howth?

Dresden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Dresden or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Dresden or Howth?

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 Dresden or Howth in the Summer?

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

In July, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

Should I visit Dresden or Howth in the Autumn?

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

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

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Howth. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Howth in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Howth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Howth averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Howth. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Howth in the Spring?

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

In April, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Dresden