A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Vienna for Nightlife, Music, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Dubai or Vienna?

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 Dubai and Vienna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Vienna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Vienna is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Vienna is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Vienna is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Vienna and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dubai or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Vienna both to be excellent destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Vienna makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Dubai or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Dubai 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 Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Vienna Better for Music?

Dubai and Vienna are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Vienna is a world class music destination. 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.

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna is not a resort destination.

Dubai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Vienna is revered around 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Vienna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Vienna both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for Families?

Dubai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dubai is very family-friendly. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Vienna 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Vienna Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Vienna are terrific places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

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

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

Vienna is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Vienna?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Dubai. 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 Vienna than Dubai 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 Vienna.

One day in Dubai or Vienna?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this ritzy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Vienna?

Dubai 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Vienna?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the classical destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Vienna, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Vienna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Vienna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Vienna?

Vienna has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Vienna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Vienna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Vienna. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Vienna. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dubai is much warmer than Vienna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Vienna. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vienna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Vienna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Vienna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Vienna. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Dubai