A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Olympos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dresden or Olympos?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Olympos? 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.

Where Should I go: Dresden or Olympos?

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.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos 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 Olympos is €89. 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 Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Olympos 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Olympos 80
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Olympos? 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 Olympos


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 Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Olympos 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Camyuva Hotels: $98
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Kiris Hotels: $82
  • Antalya Beldibi Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $65
  • Antalya Camyuva Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $82
  • Antalya Kiris Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $82
  • Kemer Full Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Optional Transfer: $10
  • Kemer Horse Riding Experience with Transfer: $39
  • Kemer Horse Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kemer Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $40
  • Kemer Mega Star Boat Trip With Hotel Transfer and Lunch : $20
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $47
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos 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
    Olympos 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 Olympos

For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
  • Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dresden 9.56
    Olympos 28

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
  • 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
  • Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
  • Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
  • Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
  • Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22

Tours and Activities in Olympos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.

  • Spa Experience in Kemer with Pickup: $18
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Kemer: $20
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer Turkey with Two Dives and Lunch: $26
  • Pirate Boat Tour on the Beautiful Bays of Kemer: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: Two Dives with Lunch : $30
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Safari Adventure in the mountains from Kemer: $32
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Olympos 17

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 Dresden and Olympos, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Olympos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympos 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 Olympos.

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



When is the best time to visit Dresden or Olympos?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dresden or Olympos in the Summer?

Both Olympos and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dresden is cooler than Olympos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Olympos averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in July than Olympos. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Olympos in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Olympos. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In October, Dresden is generally much colder than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives more rain than Olympos. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Olympos in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Olympos. Many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. Dresden is much colder than Olympos in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Olympos fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in January than Olympos. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Olympos in the Spring?

Both Olympos and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dresden is much colder than Olympos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Olympos averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives more rain than Olympos. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Dresden

Dresden Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)