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

Should you visit Hydra or Vienna?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Vienna? 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 accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Vienna?

Both Vienna and Hydra have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Vienna attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town.

How is Hydra different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Vienna have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Hydra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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

Vienna 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, Vienna makes for a great culinary experience. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna Better for Nightlife?

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

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

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 Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for live music. However, Hydra is not a live music destination.

Vienna is a world class music destination. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Hydra makes a nice vacation spot. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The historic old town of Vienna is revered around the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hydra. 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.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Vienna?

Vienna is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Vienna make for a fantastic place to visit.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Vienna has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Is Hydra or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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 Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is a world-class destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Hydra or Vienna a more walkable city?

Hydra and Vienna both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

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

Vienna is a very easy island to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Vienna?

In either Hydra or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Hydra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Hydra 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 Vienna.

One day in Hydra or Vienna?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this classical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Vienna?

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Vienna?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the musical destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 740 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Vienna, 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 Hydra or Vienna?

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 Hydra or Vienna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Vienna. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Vienna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Vienna. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hydra is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives more rain than Vienna. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. Hydra is much warmer than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Vienna. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Vienna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Vienna. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Hydra