A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Vienna for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a welcoming, relaxed, and beautiful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Copenhagen and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Vienna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Copenhagen, Copenhagen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Copenhagen is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Vienna is more popular for its music and historical sights. Vienna is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Vienna.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Copenhagen or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen 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, Copenhagen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Copenhagen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is renowned for its live music scene. However, Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Vienna. 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.

Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

Is Copenhagen or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Vienna?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Copenhagen and Vienna.

Known for shopping, Copenhagen draws large crowds to its stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Vienna Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. 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 Copenhagen or Vienna Better for Couples?

Both Copenhagen and Vienna are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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 Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Copenhagen and Vienna.

Copenhagen has a great public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Public transit in Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Is Copenhagen or Vienna a more walkable city?

Copenhagen and Vienna are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Vienna?

In either Copenhagen or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Copenhagen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Copenhagen than Vienna. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With live music and food around the musical city of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Vienna?

Copenhagen 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Vienna?

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

Vienna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Vienna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Copenhagen. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Vienna?

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 Copenhagen or Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is cooler than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Vienna. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen 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.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Vienna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, 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 Copenhagen in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Vienna. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Vienna. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Copenhagen is much colder than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Copenhagen