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

Should you visit Dresden or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Korcula? 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.

Korcula

Korcula is a laid back, historic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Dresden and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Dresden or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Korcula. Although Dresden and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Korcula has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Korcula is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dresden is known for its nightlife and big city activities. 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). Korcula is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also home to St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Dresden different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Korcula 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 Korcula?

Dresden
Korcula

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

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.

Korcula is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.


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

Dresden
Korcula

Korcula is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Korcula is an experience not to be missed. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

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 Dresden or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Dresden
Korcula

Dresden is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Dresden know how to have a good time. 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.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Dresden or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dresden
Korcula

Korcula is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Korcula has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Dresden or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Dresden
Korcula

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

Korcula is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Dresden
Korcula

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Dresden and Korcula.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Dresden or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Dresden
Korcula

Korcula 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 Korcula. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Korcula?

Dresden
Korcula

Shopping is a popular activity in both Korcula and Dresden.

Many visitors go to Dresden to go 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Korcula. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Dresden or Korcula Better for Families?

Dresden
Korcula

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

Korcula is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and 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 Korcula Better for Couples?

Dresden
Korcula

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

Couples visit Korcula frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

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 Dresden or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden
Korcula

Dresden and Korcula are good places to visit 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.

Korcula is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Dresden or Korcula Better for Students?

Dresden
Korcula

Korcula is a popular place for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

Korcula is popular with students. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Dresden
Korcula

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

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 Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.


Is Dresden or Korcula a more walkable city?

Dresden
Korcula

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

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

Korcula is a somewhat walkable city. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

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

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dresden and Korcula. In our opinion, Korcula has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Korcula than Dresden. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

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

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


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

One day in Dresden or Korcula?

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.

In Korcula, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Dresden or Korcula?

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.

In Korcula, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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 Korcula has to offer.


Five days in Dresden or Korcula?

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.

Korcula 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 Korcula?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Korcula. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Korcula. 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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula or Dresden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, while the average daily cost in Korcula is €90. 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 Dresden and Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Korcula 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Korcula 116
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Korcula? 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 Dresden


Hotels in Korcula


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: Dresden Hotel Prices and Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Korcula 1.40

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26
  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula and Dresden 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
    Dresden 31
    Korcula 28

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Korcula

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

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $227
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dresden 9.56
    Korcula 11

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

Tours and Activities in Korcula

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

  • Semi-Submarine Tour: $21
  • Private Korcula Eco Tour with Guide: $27
  • Korčula: 3 Island Hop-on Hop-off Tour Daily Ticket: $32
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Lumbarda Sunset and Evening Kayaking Experience: $65
  • Lumbarda: Half-Day Kayaking and History Tour: $66
  • Lumbarda: Sunset Kayak Tour: $66
  • Korčula for Early Risers and Coffee Lovers Private Walking Tour: $70
  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • Korčula & Pelješac: Wine & Culture Experience from Dubrovnik: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Korcula 9.69

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Korcula

Also in Korcula, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $30
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $91
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $104
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $110
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $130
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $145
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Korcula?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Korcula, 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 Dresden or Korcula?

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 Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Korcula for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dresden is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Korcula. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Dresden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Korcula because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dresden is much colder than Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Korcula. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Korcula in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Korcula. The winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Korcula. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Korcula. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Dresden is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in April than Korcula. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Dresden

Dresden Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)