A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Innsbruck for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Heraklion or Innsbruck?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Innsbruck can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a historic, vibrant, and accessible city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a high energy, outdoorsy, and mountainous city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Heraklion and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

You'll generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Innsbruck. Heraklion is bigger than Innsbruck, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Heraklion is better known for its museums, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Heraklion and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos.

How is Heraklion different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Heraklion is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Innsbruck. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Heraklion is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

Heraklion is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Heraklion or Innsbruck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Innsbruck both to be great destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Dining out in Innsbruck is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Innsbruck.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Innsbruck is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is notable for the beache. However, Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Innsbruck is revered around the world. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

Heraklion is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Heraklion offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Innsbruck is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Innsbruck is very family-friendly. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Innsbruck are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Couples visit Innsbruck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Innsbruck are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Innsbruck is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Innsbruck is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Innsbruck is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Innsbruck has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Innsbruck are great when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Innsbruck is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Innsbruck due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Innsbruck than Heraklion 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 Innsbruck.

One day in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Heraklion. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint city of Innsbruck. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and skiing around the high energy destination of Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible city of Heraklion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventurous city of Innsbruck. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Innsbruck?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Innsbruck is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Innsbruck?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Innsbruck, 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.