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

Should you visit Dresden or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Kotor? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Dresden and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dresden than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dresden is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Dresden is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Dresden different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dresden is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Dresden or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Dresden is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Dresden is not a resort destination.

Is Dresden or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dresden or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is Dresden or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Kotor?

Dresden is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dresden is a great destination for 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dresden or Kotor Better for Families?

Kotor 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 Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

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 Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kotor is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Dresden is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Dresden or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Dresden or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Dresden, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Dresden or Kotor?

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly 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.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Dresden or Kotor?

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.

Kotor 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 Dresden or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the park-filled 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 Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Kotor?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dresden is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Kotor. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Dresden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dresden is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Kotor. Many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Dresden is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Kotor. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dresden is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Dresden usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Dresden