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

Should you visit Mamaia or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Mamaia 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: Mamaia or Dresden?

Mamaia

The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.

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 Tours for Seniors to Romania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Mamaia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $64, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Mamaia and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mamaia $25
    Dresden $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mamaia $50
    Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Mamaia 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 Mamaia


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.
    Mamaia $27
    Dresden $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mamaia

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

  • Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $218
  • Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $251
  • Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $272
  • Private Transfer from Constanta to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $174

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Mamaia or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Mamaia 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
    Mamaia $22
    Dresden $33

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.
    Mamaia $13
    Dresden $10

Tours and Activities in Mamaia

For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21
  • Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $86
  • One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $175

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
    Mamaia $12
    Dresden $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Mamaia

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

  • Unveilling the Essence: Gabai Winery's Captivating Wine Tours: $44

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

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



When is the best time to visit Mamaia 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 Mamaia or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Mamaia during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the summer, Mamaia is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mamaia in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Mamaia usually gets less rain in July than Dresden. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mamaia 22°C (72°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Dresden. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Mamaia is generally a little warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 14°C (56°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Dresden. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mamaia 14°C (56°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Dresden. 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Mamaia. Mamaia is a little warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Mamaia usually gets less rain in January than Dresden. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mamaia 1°C (33°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Mamaia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Mamaia is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mamaia in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Dresden. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mamaia 10°C (51°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Mamaia

Mamaia Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)