A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Graz vs. Baden-Baden for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Graz or Baden-Baden?

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

Should I visit Graz or Baden-Baden? 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.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and peaceful spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Graz and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Baden-Baden?

You'll generally find more things to do in Graz than Baden-Baden. Graz is bigger than Baden-Baden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Graz is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Baden-Baden is more popular for its food and hiking. Graz is more touristy than Baden-Baden and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Also, Graz is famous for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Baden-Baden is well known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals.

How is Graz different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Graz or Baden-Baden?

Graz is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

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

Baden-Baden is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Baden-Baden is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Graz is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

Graz offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden Better for its Old Town?

Graz is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Graz is revered around the world. 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.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden is a popular place for hiking. However, Graz is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden is a good destination for hiking. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Baden-Baden?

Graz is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its shopping areas.

Graz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Graz or Baden-Baden.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Graz is very family-friendly. 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.

Baden-Baden is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Graz and Baden-Baden make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden Better for Students?

Graz is a well-known place for students. However, Baden-Baden 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.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

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

Graz is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Graz can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Graz or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Graz is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Graz 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.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Graz?

How long in Graz or Baden-Baden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Graz and Baden-Baden. In our opinion, Graz has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Graz than Baden-Baden. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Baden-Baden.

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

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

One day in Graz or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Graz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Baden-Baden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Graz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Baden-Baden is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Graz or Baden-Baden?

The cultural city of Graz offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nature-oriented destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Baden-Baden?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Graz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The nature-oriented spa town of Baden-Baden offers nightlife and food. 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Graz and Baden-Baden, we can see that Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baden-Baden 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 Graz Expensive? and Is Baden-Baden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Graz or Baden-Baden?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Graz and Baden-Baden, 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 Graz or Baden-Baden?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Graz or Baden-Baden in the Summer?

Both Baden-Baden and Graz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Graz is a little warmer than Baden-Baden in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Graz. In the summer, Graz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Baden-Baden. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Baden-Baden. Many visitors come to Graz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Graz is a little warmer than Baden-Baden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Graz usually receives more sunshine than Baden-Baden during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Graz or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Graz as well as Baden-Baden. Most visitors come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baden-Baden can be very cold. Graz can be very cold during winter. In January, Graz is generally much colder than Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Baden-Baden. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

Both Baden-Baden and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Graz because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year.

Graz is a little warmer than Baden-Baden in the spring. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Graz