A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bregenz vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bregenz or Budapest?

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 Bregenz and Budapest can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a vibrant, cultural, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Bregenz and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Bregenz or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest. Although Bregenz and Budapest are both popular with visitors, Budapest has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Budapest is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Bregenz and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

How is Bregenz different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bregenz or Budapest?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.


Is the Food Better in Bregenz or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bregenz
Budapest

Bregenz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bregenz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Bregenz or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Bregenz or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its historic old town charm. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Many visitors go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.


Is the Shopping Better in Bregenz or Budapest?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Bregenz or Budapest Better for Families?

Bregenz
Budapest

Bregenz is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bregenz is very family-friendly. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Bregenz or Budapest Better for Couples?

Bregenz
Budapest

Both Bregenz and Budapest are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Bregenz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.


Is Bregenz or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Bregenz or Budapest Better for Students?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Bregenz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Bregenz is not popular with students.

Is Bregenz or Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.


Is Bregenz or Budapest a more walkable city?

Bregenz
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bregenz Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Bregenz?

How long in Bregenz or Budapest?

In either Bregenz or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Bregenz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bregenz, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Bregenz 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 Budapest.


  • How many days in Bregenz or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bregenz 1-3 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Bregenz or Budapest?

The city of Bregenz offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Bregenz or Budapest?

Bregenz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bregenz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest has to offer.


Five days in Bregenz or Budapest?

Bregenz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Bregenz or Budapest?

Bregenz is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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 Music Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Bregenz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bregenz is €122, while the average daily cost in Budapest is €84. 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 Bregenz and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bregenz 66
    Budapest 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bregenz 132
    Budapest 92
Compare Hotels in Bregenz and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Bregenz or Budapest? 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 Bregenz


Hotels in Budapest


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: Bregenz Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bregenz 17
    Budapest 9.80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    6.47
  • Metro Pass
    3.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

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

  • T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,581
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,059
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $930
  • Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $706
  • From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $642
  • Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $642
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $588
  • Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $471
  • Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
  • Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Bregenz or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Bregenz 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
    Bregenz 41
    Budapest 22
Typical Food Prices in Bregenz

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bregenz:


  • Lunch from Market (for 2)
    6.62
  • Kebabs for Dinner (for 2)
    8.00
  • Chocolate
    1.70

Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    3.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bregenz 14
    Budapest 20

Tours and Activities in Bregenz

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

  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $294
  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $289
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Magical Christmas Walking Tour: $769
  • Surprise tour of Bregenz guided by a Local: $149

Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

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


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    6.35

Tours and Activities in Budapest

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

  • Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
  • Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
  • 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $185
  • 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
  • 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
  • 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
  • 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
  • 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
  • 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
  • 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
  • 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bregenz 18
    Budapest 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

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

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bregenz and Budapest, we can see that Bregenz is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Bregenz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bregenz than you might in Budapest.

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


Which is Bigger, Bregenz or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bregenz. When comparing the sizes of Bregenz and Budapest, 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.