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

Should you visit Hydra or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Dresden? 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.

Hydra

Hydra is a quaint, picturesque, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Hydra and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Dresden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Dresden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Dresden is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is well known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Dresden is well known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady).

How is Hydra different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hydra is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Hydra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Dresden both to be notable destinations.

Hydra offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

Dresden has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Hydra or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hydra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

Is Hydra or Dresden Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its resorts. However, Dresden is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Dresden is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Dresden Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Dresden Better for Beaches?

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

Hydra is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Hydra and Dresden.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Hydra. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

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 Hydra or Dresden Better for Hiking?

Hydra 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 Hydra. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Dresden?

Hydra is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dresden. 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.

Is Hydra or Dresden Better for Families?

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

Hydra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island feels like it's frozen in time. There are no cars allowed here, so kids can run freely without the worry of traffic. They'll be as fascinated as you are by the carts pulled by donkeys. Most things you'll visit are also close together, making accessibility easy. In addition to some interesting museums, there are beaches and kid-friendly food. The whole island really is a playground.

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 Hydra or Dresden Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island makes a great honeymoon or couple's destination. Most visitors come as a day trip, but spending a night or two on the island is a unique experience. It has a laid back vibe and is filled with romance. The food is amazing, and the traditional atmosphere will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

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 Hydra or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options 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.

Hydra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people visit the island as a day trip and it doesn't attract nearly as many backpackers as the larger Greek islands. If you visit during the lower season, you might find some affordable accommodation.

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

Dresden is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options 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 Hydra. There are sea taxis and beach boats on the island.

Is Hydra or Dresden a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Hydra on foot is easy. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore 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 Hydra Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dresden than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

One day in Hydra or Dresden?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this park-filled 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.

A weekend in Hydra or Dresden?

Hydra 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. 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 Hydra has to offer.

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.

Five days in Hydra or Dresden?

Hydra 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.

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.

A week in Hydra or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the architectural 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Dresden, 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 Hydra or Dresden?

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 Hydra or Dresden in the Summer?

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

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Dresden. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Dresden in the Autumn?

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

Hydra is much warmer than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Hydra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dresden. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Dresden in the Winter?

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

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Hydra usually receives more rain than Dresden. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Dresden in the Spring?

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

In April, Hydra is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Hydra