A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cambridge vs. Innsbruck for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cambridge or Innsbruck?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cambridge and Innsbruck. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a collegiate, scholarly, and charming university town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a mountainous, scenic, and youthful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Cambridge and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Innsbruck. Although Cambridge and Innsbruck are popular destinations, Innsbruck has more sights and attractions for tourists. Innsbruck is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Innsbruck is more touristy than Cambridge and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also well known for The Golden Roof in the old town. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

The Golden Roof in the old town
The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Cambridge different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cambridge is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Cambridge is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Cambridge is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cambridge or Innsbruck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Both Cambridge and Innsbruck offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Innsbruck has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.


Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Innsbruck can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Cambridge is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cambridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Innsbruck is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Cambridge and Innsbruck both very good destinations for a couple.

Cambridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Couples visit Innsbruck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Innsbruck is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.


Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Cambridge is very popular for students. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Cambridge is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Many students visit Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Is Cambridge or Innsbruck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Innsbruck. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Cambridge
Innsbruck

Cambridge is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Cambridge on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Innsbruck is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Innsbruck than Cambridge 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 Innsbruck.


  • How many days in Cambridge or Innsbruck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cambridge 1-2 
    Innsbruck 2-4

One day in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the university town of Cambridge. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cambridge has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint city of Innsbruck. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scholarly destination of Cambridge. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and skiing around the youthful destination of Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic university town of Cambridge. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the youthful city of Innsbruck. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Cambridge or Innsbruck?

Cambridge is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Innsbruck is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.


Which place is cheaper, Innsbruck or Cambridge?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cambridge is £134, while the average daily cost in Innsbruck is £110. 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 Cambridge and Innsbruck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cambridge £72
    Innsbruck £65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cambridge £144
    Innsbruck £130
Compare Hotels in Cambridge and Innsbruck

Looking for a hotel in Cambridge or Innsbruck? 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 Cambridge


Hotels in Innsbruck


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: Cambridge Hotel Prices and Innsbruck Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cambridge £24
    Innsbruck £13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cambridge

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

  • Private Transfer Heathrow To Cambridge: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • St Anton am Arlberg to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $104
  • Private transfer from Innsbruck airport: $196
  • Private Transfer Innsbruck Airport INN to Saalbach-Hinterglemm: $49
  • Private Transfer From Innsbruck To Salzburg: $256
  • Private Transfer From Innsbruck To Munich, English Speaking Driver: $197
  • Innsbruck to Innsbruck Airport (INN) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer: $36
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck Airport to City centre: $60
  • Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport to Längenfeld - Round-Trip Transfer: $63
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN)to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Innsbruck - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Innsbruck Airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Round-Trip Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Cambridge or Innsbruck?

Prices for flights to both Innsbruck and Cambridge 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
    Cambridge £41
    Innsbruck £34

Typical Food Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of dining costs in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Soup for Lunch
    £3.21
  • Pasta Lunch
    £7.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Innsbruck

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Innsbruck.

  • Half-Day Food Tour of Tyrolean Cuisine: $148
  • Innsbruck Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cambridge £22
    Innsbruck £16

Tours and Activities in Cambridge

For Cambridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Self-Guided Colleges Walking Tour and Sightseeing: $5.99
  • Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge’s Colleges and Classic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge Instagram Self-Guided Tour - Top Photo Spots: $6.35
  • Explore Cambridge's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Live Like a Student with Private Cambridge Self Guided Tours: $13
  • Explore Cambridge Student Life & Top Colleges Walking Tour: $13
  • Cambridge - Shared Punting Tour: $13
  • Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge: $13
  • University Walking Tour: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Schloss Ambras Entrance
    £6.85
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Fee
    £1.71

Tours and Activities in Innsbruck

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Innsbruck are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Innsbruck: $155
  • AREA 47 Water AREA Entrance Ticket: $35
  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and Hungerburg Funicular Combo Ticket: $21
  • Austrian Hidden Gem Tour: The Most Beautiful Villages: $191
  • Bergisel Ski Jump Arena Entrance Ticket in Innsbruck: $11
  • Bergisel SkiJump Area guided Tour incl Tickets: $85
  • Combi Entrance Ticket to Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg: $20
  • Cultural and culinary pleasure tour through Innsbruck's old town: $180
  • Full day small group Tour in Neuschwanstein from Innsbruck: $213
  • Full-Day small group tour of Dolomites, Alpine Lakes, Braies : $217
  • Gin experience Tyrol: $120
  • Hungerburg: Roundtrip Funicular Tickets from Innsbruck: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cambridge £23
    Innsbruck £17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Innsbruck?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge and Innsbruck, 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.