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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Dresden?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Dresden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Dresden?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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 Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Pamukkale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Dresden $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Dresden $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
  • Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $82
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98

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 Pamukkale or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $69
    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.
    Pamukkale $54
    Dresden $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

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

  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
  • Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
  • Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
  • From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
  • Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
  • Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $82
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85

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
    Pamukkale $15
    Dresden $17

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Dresden?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Dresden. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Dresden. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Dresden. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Pamukkale during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. In January, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Dresden. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

Pamukkale is much warmer than Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)