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

Should you visit Lisse or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Lisse 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.

Where Should I go: Lisse or Dresden?

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Lisse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €145, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €135. 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 Lisse and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisse 79
    Dresden 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisse 158
    Dresden 122
Compare Hotels in Lisse and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Lisse or Dresden? 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 Lisse


Hotels in Dresden


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisse 23
    Dresden 11

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 Lisse or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Lisse 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
    Lisse 47
    Dresden 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

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.
    Lisse 30
    Dresden 9.56

Tours and Activities in Lisse

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

  • Walking tour Haarlem (Tip Based): $4.36
  • Keukenhof: Parking Ticket or Park Information Booklet: $7.49
  • Haarlem Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.57
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $16
  • Haarlem: Canal Cruise Spaarne Mill to Mill: $20
  • Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $20
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
  • Keukenhof: Entry Ticket: $21
  • Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $25
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisse 23
    Dresden 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22

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 comparing the travel costs between Lisse and Dresden, we can see that Lisse 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 Lisse Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lisse or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Dresden. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the summer, Lisse is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisse in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Lisse usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisse 17°C (62°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lisse is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 11°C (51°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Lisse usually receives more rain than Dresden. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisse 11°C (51°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Lisse during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lisse. Lisse is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Lisse usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisse 2°C (36°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Dresden. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lisse is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisse in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisse 8°C (46°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Lisse

Lisse Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)