A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Dresden for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a remote, stunning, and spectacular archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Outer Hebrides and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dresden than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dresden is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and 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). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Dresden is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Dresden is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dresden Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

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

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Dresden is not a beach destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Dresden is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dresden Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Outer Hebrides is an amazing archipelago to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Dresden is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Dresden Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Dresden Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Outer Hebrides is a great destination for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Outer Hebrides and Dresden are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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


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

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Dresden is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides 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 generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dresden a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Dresden

Dresden is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Dresden. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dresden than Outer Hebrides 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 Dresden.


  • How many days in Outer Hebrides or Dresden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Dresden 1-3

One day in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This archipelago 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 museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Dresden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


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


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Outer Hebrides?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, while the average daily cost in Dresden is £115. 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 Outer Hebrides and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Dresden £53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Dresden £106
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides


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.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Dresden £9.04

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 Outer Hebrides or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Outer Hebrides 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
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Dresden £27

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.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Dresden £8.18

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
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Dresden £13

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 Outer Hebrides and Dresden, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.



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

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

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

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Dresden. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides 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.

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Outer Hebrides 9°C (49°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Dresden. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides 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. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides 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, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Dresden. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Outer Hebrides 7°C (44°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)