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

Should you visit Granada or Innsbruck?

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

Should I visit Granada or Innsbruck? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

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.

Granada and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Innsbruck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Granada than Innsbruck. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Granada is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Innsbruck attracts visitors for its skiing, food, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Granada and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra.

How is Granada different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Granada or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a skiing destination.

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

Granada is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Innsbruck have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

The people in Innsbruck know how to have a good time. 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 Granada or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both Granada and Innsbruck.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

With a famous historical old-town, Innsbruck offers plenty to see. 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.

Is Granada or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Granada and Innsbruck both have excellent trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Innsbruck?

Granada is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Granada or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada 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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Innsbruck make for a excellent place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Innsbruck are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Granada or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Both Granada and Innsbruck are excellent destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Innsbruck is very popular with students. 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 Granada or Innsbruck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Granada and Innsbruck are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. 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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Granada?

How long in Granada or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Granada or Innsbruck. In our opinion, Innsbruck has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Innsbruck than Granada. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Granada or Innsbruck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Granada. 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.

In Innsbruck, you'll find food and skiing. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Innsbruck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Granada. 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.

In Innsbruck, you'll find skiing and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Innsbruck has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Innsbruck?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Granada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Innsbruck is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Innsbruck?

Granada 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Innsbruck. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Innsbruck. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Innsbruck, we can see that Innsbruck 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 Granada Expensive? and Is Innsbruck Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Innsbruck?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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.