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

Should you visit Graz or Rome?

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

Should I visit Graz or Rome? 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 beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Graz and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Graz or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Graz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Graz is known for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Graz and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Graz is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Graz different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Graz
Rome

Rome is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rome are world-renowned. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Many visitors head to Graz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.


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

Graz
Rome

Rome 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, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Rome

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

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Graz
Rome

Rome is renowned for its live music scene. However, Graz is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Graz is not a live music destination.


Is Graz or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Rome

Graz is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Rome?

Graz
Rome

Rome is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Rome draws large crowds to its stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Graz or Rome Better for Families?

Graz
Rome

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Graz or Rome.

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.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.


Is Graz or Rome Better for Couples?

Graz
Rome

With fun activities for couples, both Graz and Rome 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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Graz or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Rome

Rome 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, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Graz
Rome

Rome is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Graz is very popular with students. 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.


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

Graz
Rome

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

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Graz offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Is Graz or Rome a more walkable city?

Graz
Rome

Graz and Rome are terrific when it comes to 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.

It is easy to get around Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Graz?

How long in Graz or Rome?

Both Graz and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Graz. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.


  • How many days in Graz or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Graz 2-3 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Graz or Rome?

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.

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful 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.

Rome is a popular big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Graz or Rome?

The cultural 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.

Rome is a ancient city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome is €170. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Rome 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Rome 178
Compare Hotels in Graz and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Graz or Rome? 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 Rome


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 and Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Rome 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

Also for Graz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    15
  • Taxi to Airport
    45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,535
  • Fiumucino Rome Airport (FCO): 1-Way Transfer To Trieste Port: $2,535
  • Rome Airport (FCO): Transfer to/from Venice Port: $2,007
  • Luxury Private Transfer Siena to Rome Fiumicino Airport: $973
  • Private luxury transfer Siena to Rome city center: $936
  • Luxury private transfer Siena to Rome Ciampino airport: $936
  • Private Transfer from Amalfi to Rome or viceversa: $839
  • From Sorrento: Private Transfer to Rome or Vice Versa: $813
  • Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $706
  • Sorrento to Rome 1-Way Private Transfer: $663
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Rome or viceversa: $620
  • From Private Transfer to Naples or Vice Versa: $588

Is it cheaper to fly into Graz or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome 47

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    32
  • Cheese and bread
    10
  • Espresso
    2.00
  • Dinner
    58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
  • Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Graz 13
    Rome 36

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    33
  • Roma Pass
    30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    20
  • Segway Tour
    75

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $82
  • Castel Sant Angelo Skip the Line Tickets: $39
  • Colosseum Arena Floor Guided Tour with Ancient Rome Access : $195
  • Colosseum Gladiator Arena Floor Complete Guided Tour : $206
  • Colosseum Tour With Kids: $195
  • Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour with Circus Maximus and Forums: $16
  • Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $161
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $184
  • Complete St Peters Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Crypt: $43
  • Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $96
  • Fast Track Colosseum with Arena and afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: $191
  • Golf Cart Driving Tour: Rome City Highlights in 2.5 hrs: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Graz 16
    Rome 18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    6.34
  • Beer
    10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Graz or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Graz and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Graz as well as Rome. Many visitors come to Graz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In the summer, Graz often gets less sunshine than Rome. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Graz 23°C (73°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Graz or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Graz is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Graz usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Rome. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Graz or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Graz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Graz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

The weather in Graz can be very cold. Graz is much colder than Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets less sunshine than Rome. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Graz or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Rome. The natural beauty are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Graz is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Graz in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Graz usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Graz

Graz Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)