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

Should you visit Granada or Vienna?

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

Should I visit Granada or Vienna? 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 beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Vienna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Granada. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its food, music, and shopping, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and hiking. Vienna is more touristy than Granada and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Granada different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Granada are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Granada or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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 Vienna. 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.

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 Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Granada is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Granada has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 Granada or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Granada or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Granada and Vienna.

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, Vienna offers plenty to see. 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.

Is Granada or Vienna Better for Hiking?

Granada is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

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.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Vienna?

Vienna is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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.

Is Granada or Vienna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Vienna.

Granada is a family-friendly city. 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.

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 Granada or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Granada or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada 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 Granada. 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.

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 Granada or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Granada is very popular with students. 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.

Is Granada 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, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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 Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Granada?

How long in Granada or Vienna?

In either Granada or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Granada because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

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

One day in Granada or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Granada. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Vienna?

Granada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Granada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. 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 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, 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 Granada and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna than you might in Granada.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Granada is around the same temperature as Vienna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Vienna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Vienna. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Granada is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Vienna. Most visitors come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. Granada is much warmer than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Vienna. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Vienna. The spring months attract visitors to Granada because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Vienna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Granada