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

Should you visit Faro or Graz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Graz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Graz

Graz is a medieval, cultural, and historical city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Faro or Graz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Graz. Although Faro and Graz are popular destinations, Graz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Graz is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Faro attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture. Graz is famous for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also well known for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower.

How is Faro different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Faro or Graz?

Faro
Graz

Graz is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Graz can be an interesting and educational experience. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Faro or Graz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Faro
Graz

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Graz. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Graz

The vibe at night is very good in both Faro and Graz.

Many people head to Faro for the nightlife scene. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Graz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Faro or Graz Better for Resorts?

Faro
Graz

Faro is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Graz is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Graz is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Graz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Graz

Faro is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Graz Better for Beaches?

Faro
Graz

Faro is a popular place for the beache. However, Graz is not a beach destination.

Faro is a good option for a beach vacation. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Graz

Graz is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

The rich history of Graz can be explored in its historical center. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Graz?

Faro
Graz

Graz is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Faro or Graz Better for Families?

Faro
Graz

Graz is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Graz is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Graz Better for Couples?

Faro
Graz

Graz is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.


Is Faro or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Graz

For backpackers, both Faro and Graz are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Graz is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Faro or Graz Better for Students?

Faro
Graz

Graz is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Graz is a great city to visit as a student. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Faro is not popular with students.

Is Faro or Graz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Faro
Graz

Graz is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Graz is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.


Is Faro or Graz a more walkable city?

Faro
Graz

Graz is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

Graz is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Faro Worth Visiting? and Is Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Faro?

How long in Faro or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Graz. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Graz than Faro 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 Graz.


  • How many days in Faro or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Faro or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Graz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Faro or Graz?

Faro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Graz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


Five days in Faro or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the busy destination of Faro. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Graz. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Faro or Graz?

The popular resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The cultural city of Graz offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Graz is €112. 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 Faro and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Graz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Graz 134
Compare Hotels in Faro and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Graz? 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 Faro


Hotels in Graz


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Graz 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Graz 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Graz 13

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Graz

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

  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $374
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $238
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $214
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $219
  • Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $195
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $210
  • Graz Private Walking Tour: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Graz 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Graz, 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 Faro or Graz?

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 Faro or Graz in the Summer?

Both Graz and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Graz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Graz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Graz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Graz during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Graz. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Faro or Graz in the Autumn?

Both Graz and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Graz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Faro is generally much warmer than Graz. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Graz. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in October than Graz. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Faro or Graz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Graz. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Graz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Graz in the winter. Faro is much warmer than Graz in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Graz during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Graz. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Graz 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Faro or Graz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Graz. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Graz for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Graz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Graz. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Graz. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and Faro

Faro Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)