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

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a ritzy, opulent, and picturesque Greek island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mykonos than Dresden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mykonos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dresden is known for its big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Dresden and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Dresden is popular 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 Mykonos different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mykonos
Dresden

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Mykonos and Dresden.

Mykonos offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. 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 Mykonos or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Mykonos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Mykonos has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. 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.

Is Mykonos or Dresden Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its resorts. However, Dresden is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Mykonos is a great choice. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Dresden is not a resort destination.


Is Mykonos or Dresden Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Dresden Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is a great destination for the beach. However, Dresden is not a beach destination.

Mykonos is considered a top beach destination. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Mykonos offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

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 Mykonos or Dresden Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Dresden?

Mykonos
Dresden

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Mykonos is a world class destination for shoppers. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Dresden Better for Families?

Mykonos
Dresden

Most people don't think of either Mykonos or Dresden as a family destination.

Mykonos is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Dresden is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Mykonos or Dresden Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Dresden

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

Mykonos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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 Mykonos or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
Dresden

Dresden is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

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

Mykonos
Dresden

Both Mykonos and Dresden offer good public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

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


Is Mykonos or Dresden a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Dresden

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

Getting around Mykonos on foot is easy. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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 Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Dresden?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mykonos 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 Mykonos.


  • How many days in Mykonos or Dresden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Dresden 1-3

One day in Mykonos or Dresden?

In Mykonos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This Greek island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Dresden, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Mykonos or Dresden?

In Mykonos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Dresden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dresden has to offer.


Five days in Mykonos or Dresden?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mykonos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dresden 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.

A week in Mykonos or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mykonos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dresden. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Mykonos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, 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 Mykonos and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Dresden 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Dresden 122
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos 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 Mykonos


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Dresden 11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • 24 Hour Private Transfer Service All Around Mykonos Island: $27
  • 24 Hours Mykonos Private Transfer: $87
  • 24-hour Point-Point Mykonos Airport and Port Transfers Service: $20
  • All Included Mykonos South Beaches, Rhenia and Delos Islands (free transfers): $120
  • Boat Tour / Transfer in Mykonos: $1,069
  • Delos Island: Roundtrip Boat Transfer from Mykonos Island: $31
  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,567
  • Mykonos 6hrs sailing cruise: Delos Rhenia with lunch & transfer : $153
  • Mykonos Airport (JMK) to Mykonos - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $213
  • Mykonos Airport: Private Mykonos, Elia, or Kalafati Transfer: $81
  • Mykonos Alternative Sunset Sail Aperitivo for Adults-only (free transfers): $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 48
    Dresden 31
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $70
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $109
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $164
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $196
  • Private Authentic Greek Brunch Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Local: $254
  • Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $284
  • Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $610

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.
    Mykonos 23
    Dresden 9.56

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • Old Town Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Mykonos Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Paddle Boat Experience: $16
  • Cellar Tour & Beer Tasting at Mykonos Brewing Company : $30
  • Sunset Party Boat Cruise with 1 Drink: $32
  • Highlights Walking Tour with a Local: $37
  • Walking Tour as a Local: $38
  • 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $38
  • Mykonos Walking Tour: $42
  • Mykonos Old Town Walking Tour: $43
  • Half-Day City Walking Tour and Island Bus Tour: $44
  • Super Paradise Beach: Wakeboarding Experience: $48

Tours and Activities in Dresden

Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Dresden 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

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

  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $73
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $80
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $128
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $128
  • Luxurious All-in-One Mykonos Party Tour with Wine Tasting: $163

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 Mykonos and Dresden, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Dresden?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.