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

Should you visit Bregenz or Hvar?

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 Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a cultural, historic, and medieval city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bregenz and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bregenz or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Bregenz and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz is known for its historical sights. Hvar is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

How is Bregenz different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hvar 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 Hvar?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Hvar and Bregenz.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bregenz. 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.

Hvar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bregenz and Hvar.

Bregenz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Bregenz or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a must-see party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bregenz or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great island for the beach. However, Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Is Bregenz or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz is a city with good options for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

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

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Bregenz or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is very good for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bregenz or Hvar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bregenz and Hvar both offer plenty of good spots.

Bregenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Hvar is a great destination for shopping. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Bregenz or Hvar Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Bregenz or Hvar.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bregenz. 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.

Hvar is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Bregenz or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Bregenz and Hvar are superb 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.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Bregenz or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bregenz and Hvar both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bregenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Hvar has a few public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Bregenz or Hvar a more walkable city?

Bregenz and Hvar are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Hvar is somewhat walkable. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Bregenz?

How long in Bregenz or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Bregenz or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bregenz, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Bregenz or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bregenz. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

Bregenz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Bregenz or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bregenz. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bregenz or Hvar?

The vibrant city of Bregenz offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bregenz or Hvar?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Bregenz and Hvar, 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.