A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Vienna for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Beijing or Vienna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Vienna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a fascinating, historic, and massive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Vienna travel costs.

Beijing and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Vienna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Vienna is known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Beijing is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Vienna is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven.

How is Beijing different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Vienna?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beijing is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Beijing has a large number of nightlife venues. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Vienna?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Beijing or Vienna More Beautiful?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Vienna are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Vienna offers lots of family activities. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Vienna is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Is Beijing or Vienna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Beijing or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Vienna?

In either Beijing or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Vienna because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Vienna 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Vienna?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Vienna?

Beijing is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Vienna has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Vienna?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Adventure Tours to Austria, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Vienna is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna than you might in Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Vienna?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vienna. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Vienna, 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 Beijing or Vienna?

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 Beijing or Vienna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Vienna. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Vienna. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Vienna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Vienna. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Vienna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Vienna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Vienna. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Vienna. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Vienna. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Beijing