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

Should you visit Heraklion or Linz?

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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Heraklion and Linz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Linz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Linz. While Linz is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Linz is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. 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. Linz is well known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries.

How is Heraklion different from Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Linz.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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

Heraklion is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Heraklion. 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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Heraklion or Linz Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

Heraklion offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Heraklion or Linz Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a well-known place for the beache. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Linz is a town with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Linz. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Linz?

Linz is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Linz is well-known for its shopping. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Linz Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Linz are notable to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Linz. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Heraklion or Linz Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Linz 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 Linz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Is Heraklion or Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Heraklion and Linz.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Linz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Heraklion or Linz a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Linz 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.

Linz is a very walkable destination. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Linz or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Linz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Linz?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Linz. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Linz has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Linz?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Linz. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Linz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the accessible destination of Heraklion. This city 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Linz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Linz?

The vibrant city of Heraklion offers nightlife and food. 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.

Linz is a popular choice for travelers. 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 in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Linz, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Linz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Linz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Linz 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 Linz.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Linz?

Linz has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Linz, 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 Heraklion or Linz?

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 Heraklion or Linz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Linz. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Linz this time of year.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Linz in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Linz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Linz. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 236 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Linz. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Linz in the Autumn?

Both Linz and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Linz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Linz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Linz averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Linz during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Linz. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Linz in the Winter?

Both Linz and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Linz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Linz can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Linz. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Linz fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Linz. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 57 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Linz. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Linz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Linz. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Linz for the natural beauty during these months.

Heraklion is much warmer than Linz in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Linz during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Linz. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Linz and Heraklion