A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Bregenz for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Hydra or Bregenz?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Bregenz? 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.

Hydra

Hydra is a picturesque, charming, and accessible island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a medieval, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Bregenz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Bregenz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz is more popular for its food and nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Bregenz is well known for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

How is Hydra different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hydra or Bregenz?

Hydra is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

Is the Food Better in Hydra or Bregenz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bregenz is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bregenz makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Hydra has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Bregenz has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Hydra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for the beach. However, Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Hydra to enjoy the beach. The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.

Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a great island for its historic old town charm. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Hydra. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a great island for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hydra for the hiking trails. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Bregenz?

Hydra is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Bregenz.

Hydra is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island feels like it's frozen in time. There are no cars allowed here, so kids can run freely without the worry of traffic. They'll be as fascinated as you are by the carts pulled by donkeys. Most things you'll visit are also close together, making accessibility easy. In addition to some interesting museums, there are beaches and kid-friendly food. The whole island really is a playground.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bregenz is very family-friendly. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for couples. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Hydra has plenty to offer. This beautiful island makes a great honeymoon or couple's destination. Most visitors come as a day trip, but spending a night or two on the island is a unique experience. It has a laid back vibe and is filled with romance. The food is amazing, and the traditional atmosphere will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bregenz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hydra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people visit the island as a day trip and it doesn't attract nearly as many backpackers as the larger Greek islands. If you visit during the lower season, you might find some affordable accommodation.

Is Hydra or Bregenz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bregenz is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bregenz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hydra. There are sea taxis and beach boats on the island.

Is Hydra or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Hydra is a very easy island to get around on foot. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hydra Worth Visiting? and Is Bregenz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Bregenz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and Bregenz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bregenz than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bregenz.

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

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

One day in Hydra or Bregenz?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bregenz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hydra or Bregenz?

Hydra 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 Hydra has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bregenz. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Bregenz?

Hydra 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.

Bregenz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bregenz. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Bregenz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bregenz. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Bregenz?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Bregenz, 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.