A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Hamburg vs. Fussen for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Hamburg or Fussen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Fussen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fussen

Fussen is a quintesential, storybook, and quaint town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Hamburg and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle


Is there more to do in Hamburg or Fussen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg. Although Hamburg and Fussen are both popular with visitors, Hamburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hamburg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Fussen is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church. Fussen is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle.

How is Hamburg different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Fussen?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg is great for its historical sights. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fussen. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.


Is the Food Better in Hamburg or Fussen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hamburg
Fussen

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Hamburg and Fussen.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Fussen. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg is great for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Music?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg is an amazing port city to visit for its live music scene. However, Fussen is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Hamburg. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Fussen is not a live music destination.


Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Hamburg
Fussen

Fussen is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Fussen is one of the most recognized in the world. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Hamburg
Fussen

Fussen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fussen. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Fussen?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hamburg is well-known for its shopping. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Families?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hamburg is very family-friendly. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Fussen is a family-friendly place to visit. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.

Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Couples?

Hamburg
Fussen

Fussen is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Fussen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg and Fussen are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Fussen. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.


Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Students?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Fussen is not popular with students.

Is Hamburg or Fussen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hamburg
Fussen

Hamburg is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Hamburg can get you around easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Hamburg or Fussen a more walkable city?

Hamburg
Fussen

Fussen is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Fussen on foot is easy. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Fussen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Fussen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Fussen 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 Hamburg.


  • How many days in Hamburg or Fussen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hamburg 1-3 
    Fussen 2-3

One day in Hamburg or Fussen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Fussen is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hamburg or Fussen?

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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.

Fussen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fussen has to offer.

Five days in Hamburg or Fussen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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.

Fussen is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Hamburg or Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic destination of Hamburg. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Fussen. Since Fussen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen or Hamburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is €117, while the average daily cost in Fussen is €210. 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 Hamburg and Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg 54
    Fussen 109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg 108
    Fussen 218
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg or Fussen? 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 Hamburg


Hotels in Fussen


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: Hamburg Hotel Prices and Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg 29
    Fussen 54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $643
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $583
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $583
  • Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $421
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $261
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $236
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $233
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg to Hannover, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen and Hamburg 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
    Hamburg 35
    Fussen 59
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $116
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $185
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $479
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $586
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $586

Typical Food Prices in Fussen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fussen:


  • Lunch
    10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hamburg 39
    Fussen 60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

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

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $74
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $180
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35
  • 2 Hours Hamburg Night Segway Tour: $84
  • 2 Hours Hamburg Segway Tour: $69

Tours and Activities in Fussen

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

  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $41
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $51
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $60
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $63
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $225
  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $253
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hamburg 17
    Fussen 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $400
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $400
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $511


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hamburg and Fussen, we can see that Fussen is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Fussen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fussen than you might in Hamburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Fussen?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg and Fussen, 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.