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

Should you visit Graz or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Graz or Hvar? 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.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Graz and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Graz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Graz is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Hvar is more touristy than Graz and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Graz is well known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

How is Graz different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Graz is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Graz and Hvar.

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 Hvar is an experience not to be missed. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for the beache. However, Graz is not a beach destination.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Graz is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Graz is one of the most recognized in 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Hvar?

Graz is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Graz or Hvar.

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.

Hvar is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Graz and Hvar make for a excellent 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.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hvar is extremely popular for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Graz or Hvar Better for Students?

Graz is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Graz is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Graz can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Graz or Hvar a more walkable city?

Graz is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Graz?

How long in Graz or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Graz or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Families should spend more time in Graz than Hvar. 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 Hvar. 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 Hvar than Graz 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 Hvar.

One day in Graz or Hvar?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Graz or Hvar?

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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the energetic destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Hvar?

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.

The energetic island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Graz and Hvar, 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 Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Graz or Hvar?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Graz and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Graz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Graz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Graz is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Graz. In the summer, Graz often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Hvar. Most visitors come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Graz is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Graz usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Hvar. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Graz or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Graz as well as Hvar. The winter months attract visitors to Graz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

The weather in Graz can be very cold. In January, Graz is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Graz is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Graz usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Hvar. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Graz