A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Graz vs. Flam for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Graz or Flam?

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

Should I visit Graz or Flam? 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 medieval, cultural, and historical city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Graz and Flam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Graz or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Graz. Although Graz and Flam are popular destinations, Graz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Graz is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Flam attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. 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. Flam is famous for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Graz different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flam 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 Flam?

Graz
Flam

Graz is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Graz. 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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.


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

Graz
Flam

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Graz and Flam.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Flam is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Graz or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Flam

Graz is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Graz has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Graz or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Flam

Graz is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

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

Flam does not have a historic old town.


Is Graz or Flam Better for Hiking?

Graz
Flam

Flam is great for hiking. However, Graz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Flam for the hiking trails. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the FlÄmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Flam?

Graz
Flam

Graz is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Graz or Flam Better for Families?

Graz
Flam

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Graz or Flam.

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.

Flam is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.


Is Graz or Flam Better for Couples?

Graz
Flam

With fun activities for couples, both Graz and Flam make for a superb 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.

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Graz or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Flam

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Flam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Graz or Flam Better for Students?

Graz
Flam

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

Many students visit Graz. 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.

Flam is not popular with students.


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

Graz
Flam

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

Visitors to Graz can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Graz or Flam a more walkable city?

Graz
Flam

Graz is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village 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.

Flam is a very walkable city. There are many great walks in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Graz?

How long in Graz or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Graz or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Graz than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

Families should spend more time in Graz than Flam. 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 Flam. 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 Flam 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 Graz or Flam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Graz 2-3 
    Flam 1-2

One day in Graz or Flam?

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.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Graz or Flam?

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.

Flam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval 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.

Flam is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This village 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 Graz or Flam?

The beautiful 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.

Because Flam is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Flam or Graz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Graz is €112, while the average daily cost in Flam is €104. 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 Graz and Flam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Flam 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Flam 108
Compare Hotels in Graz and Flam

Looking for a hotel in Graz or Flam? 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 Graz


Hotels in Flam


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: Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Flam 16

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 Graz or Flam?

Prices for flights to both Flam and Graz 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
    Graz 32
    Flam 33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Graz 13
    Flam 16

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
    Graz 16
    Flam 3.44


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


Which is Bigger, Graz or Flam?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Graz and Flam, 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 Flam?

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 Graz or Flam in the Summer?

Both Flam and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Graz is generally much warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 23°C (73°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. It's quite rainy in Graz. In July, Graz usually receives less rain than Flam. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Graz 23°C (73°F) 
    Flam 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Graz or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Graz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Graz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

Graz is a little warmer than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Graz usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Flam 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Graz or Flam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Flam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. It's quite cold in Graz in the winter. In the winter, Graz is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Graz in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Graz usually receives less rain than Flam. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Flam 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Graz or Flam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Graz as well as Flam. Many travelers come to Graz for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Graz is generally much warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Graz usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Flam 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Flam and Graz

Graz Flam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)