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

Should you visit Faro or Innsbruck?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Innsbruck, 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a mountainous, scenic, and youthful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Faro and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Faro or Innsbruck?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Innsbruck. Although Faro and Innsbruck are popular destinations, Innsbruck has more sights and attractions for tourists. Innsbruck is very popular for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Faro attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Innsbruck is more touristy than Faro and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also well known for The Golden Roof in the old town. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture.

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

How is Faro different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Faro or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Faro
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is great for skiing. However, Faro 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.

Faro is not a skiing destination.


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

Faro
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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 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.

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 Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Innsbruck

The vibe at night is high quality in both Faro and Innsbruck.

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.

Innsbruck has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Faro or Innsbruck Better for Resorts?

Faro
Innsbruck

Faro is very popular for its resorts. However, Innsbruck is not a resort destination.

Faro is a world class resort vacation destination. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Innsbruck is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Innsbruck Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Innsbruck

Faro is a resort town with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Innsbruck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Faro. 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.

Innsbruck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Innsbruck Better for Beaches?

Faro
Innsbruck

Faro is a resort town with good options for the beache. However, Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Faro. 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.

Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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 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.

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 Faro or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Faro
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is great for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Innsbruck for the hiking trails. 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.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Innsbruck?

Faro
Innsbruck

Faro is a resort town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Faro
Innsbruck

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

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 Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Faro
Innsbruck

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

Innsbruck is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town 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.

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

Is Faro or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Faro
Innsbruck

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

Innsbruck is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Faro is not popular with students.


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

Faro
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around 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 Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Faro
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

Innsbruck is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it 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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Faro?

How long in Faro or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Faro or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Faro due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

Families should spend more time in Innsbruck than Faro. 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 Faro. 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 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 Innsbruck.


  • How many days in Faro or Innsbruck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Innsbruck 2-4

One day in Faro or Innsbruck?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Innsbruck. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Innsbruck?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the busy destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active resort town of Faro. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy destination of Innsbruck. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Innsbruck?

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The mountainous city of Innsbruck offers food and skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.


Which place is cheaper, Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck is €129. 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 Innsbruck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Innsbruck 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Innsbruck 152
Compare Hotels in Faro and Innsbruck

Looking for a hotel in Faro 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Innsbruck Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Innsbruck 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Lisbon Oriente Station: Transfer to/from Faro City Center: $4.23
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $19
  • Faro Airport: Private transfer to Vilamoura & Quarteira: $19
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport to Albufeira: $26
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Faro International Airport (FAO): $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels: $29
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Private Car or Van Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Albufeira Area: $36
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Olhao: $37
  • Private Transfer from Loulé to Faro (FAO) Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vilamoura: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • Private Transfer From Innsbruck To Salzburg: $256
  • Private Transfer From Innsbruck To Munich, English Speaking Driver: $197
  • Private transfer from Innsbruck airport: $196
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Silvretta Arena - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • St Anton am Arlberg to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $104
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN)to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Innsbruck Airport INN to Alpbach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Innsbruck Airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Silvretta Arena Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Soelden - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Kitzbühel/SkiWelt - Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport to Längenfeld - Round-Trip Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Innsbruck?

Prices for flights to both Innsbruck 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
    Innsbruck 40

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

Typical Food Prices in Innsbruck

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


  • Soup for Lunch
    3.75
  • Pasta Lunch
    8.20

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.
    Faro 9.41
    Innsbruck 19

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.45
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $21
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • Tavira Route Boat Tour: $27

Typical Entertainment Prices in Innsbruck

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


  • Schloss Ambras Entrance
    8.00
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Fee
    2.00

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
    Faro 3.13
    Innsbruck 19

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 comparing the travel costs between Faro and Innsbruck, we can see that Faro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Innsbruck?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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.