A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Dresden for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Dresden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Dresden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a dramatic, scenic, and picturesque island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Dresden

Dresden is a cultural, park-filled, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dresden than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dresden is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is well known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. 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). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Isle of Skye different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

Dresden is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye is an experience not to be missed. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Dresden has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Dresden Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a great destination for the beach. However, Dresden is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is considered a top beach destination. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Dresden Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is an amazing island to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

People visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

Dresden is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Dresden Better for Families?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

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 Isle of Skye or Dresden Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Isle of Skye is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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

Dresden is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Dresden has some public transit options. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Dresden. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.

One day in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

In Isle of Skye, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Dresden, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this architectural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

In Isle of Skye, you'll find food. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isle of Skye has to offer.

Dresden is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isle of Skye has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife 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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Isle of Skye. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Dresden is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Dresden?

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 Isle of Skye or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Isle of Skye during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Dresden. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Dresden. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Dresden. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dresden can be very cold during winter. Isle of Skye can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Isle of Skye is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Dresden. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Isle of Skye