A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Dresden for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Paphos or Dresden?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Dresden, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a coastal, overlooked, and ancient town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Dresden

Dresden is a park-filled, friendly, and architectural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Paphos and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Dresden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Dresden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dresden is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities. Paphos is well known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park. Dresden is well known 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 Paphos different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paphos on the map. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

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.

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

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

For foodies, Paphos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

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 Paphos or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Dresden know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Paphos has a few options to choose from. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

Is Paphos or Dresden Better for Resorts?

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Dresden is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Paphos is a great choice. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Dresden is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Dresden Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paphos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Dresden Better for Beaches?

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Dresden is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paphos. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

Many visitors go to Dresden to see the historical old town. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Dresden?

Paphos is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Paphos. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

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 Paphos or Dresden Better for Families?

Paphos is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Paphos is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

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 Paphos or Dresden Better for Couples?

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Paphos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

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 Paphos or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paphos is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

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

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

Paphos is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Paphos. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

While Dresden offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Paphos or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Dresden?

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

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

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

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

One day in Paphos or Dresden?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Dresden?

In Paphos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Dresden?

Paphos 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 Paphos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Dresden?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Dresden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 Paphos.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Dresden?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paphos or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Dresden. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Paphos is much warmer than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Dresden. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Dresden. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. In the winter, Paphos is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Dresden. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Dresden. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city.

In April, Paphos is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Paphos