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

Should you visit Dresden or Tihany?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Tihany? 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 Tihany?

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.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is €41. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Tihany 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Tihany 36
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Tihany 10

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany 17

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.
    Dresden 9.56
    Tihany 4.52

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 Tihany

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

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Tihany 6.17

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

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

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Tihany?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Tihany in the Summer?

Both Tihany 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 July, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in July than Tihany. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Tihany in the Autumn?

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

Dresden is around the same temperature as Tihany in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives more rain than Tihany. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Tihany in the Winter?

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

Tihany can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. In the winter, Dresden is much warmer than Tihany. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Tihany averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Tihany in the Spring?

Both Tihany 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 April, Dresden is generally cooler than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives more rain than Tihany. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Dresden

Dresden Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)