A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Innsbruck vs. Bressanone for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Innsbruck or Bressanone?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Innsbruck and Bressanone 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.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a outdoorsy, mountainous, and scenic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a charming, quaint, and picturesque town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Innsbruck and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Bressanone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Innsbruck. Although Innsbruck and Bressanone are both popular with visitors, Innsbruck has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bressanone is known for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Innsbruck is more touristy than Bressanone and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also home to The Golden Roof in the old town. Bressanone is popular for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

The Golden Roof in the old town
The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Innsbruck different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Innsbruck is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Bressanone is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Bressanone is not a skiing destination.


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

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Bressanone is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Bressanone offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Both Innsbruck and Bressanone offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

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

Bressanone has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Innsbruck is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Innsbruck know how to have a good time. 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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.


Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Both Innsbruck and Bressanone are destinations which offer great hiking.

Innsbruck is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Bressanone?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

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

Bressanone offers some nice shopping areas. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for Families?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Innsbruck is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Innsbruck is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

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

Innsbruck is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bressanone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Innsbruck is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.


Is Innsbruck or Bressanone Better for Students?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Innsbruck is a great destination for students. However, Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is not popular with students.

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

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Innsbruck is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Innsbruck. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

While Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Innsbruck or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Innsbruck
Bressanone

Innsbruck and Bressanone both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Bressanone is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Innsbruck or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Innsbruck than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Innsbruck, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

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

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


  • How many days in Innsbruck or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Innsbruck 2-4 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Innsbruck or Bressanone?

With food and skiing around the scenic city of Innsbruck, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Bressanone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bressanone has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Bressanone?

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Innsbruck, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Bressanone?

Innsbruck, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Innsbruck or Bressanone?

Innsbruck is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bressanone 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Innsbruck?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Innsbruck is €129, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. 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 Innsbruck and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Innsbruck 76
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Innsbruck 152
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Innsbruck and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Innsbruck or Bressanone? 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 Innsbruck


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Innsbruck Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Innsbruck 15
    Bressanone 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Alpbach: Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Kitzbühel/SkiWelt - Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Mayrhofen - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Silvretta Arena - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Silvretta Arena Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Soelden - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport INN to Alpbach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Innsbruck Airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Innsbruck - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN)to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport to Längenfeld - Round-Trip Transfer: $63
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck Airport to City centre: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Innsbruck or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Innsbruck 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
    Innsbruck 40
    Bressanone 47
Typical Food Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of dining costs in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Soup for Lunch
    3.75
  • Pasta Lunch
    8.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Innsbruck

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

  • Half-Day Food Tour of Tyrolean Cuisine: $148
  • Innsbruck Food Tour: $150

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

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


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Innsbruck 19
    Bressanone 20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Schloss Ambras Entrance
    8.00
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Fee
    2.00

Tours and Activities in Innsbruck

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Innsbruck are as follows:

  • City Tower Entrance Ticket: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Bergisel Ski Jump Arena Entrance Ticket in Innsbruck: $11
  • Innsbruck Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Hungerburg Funicular Roundtrip Ticket: $12
  • Hungerburg: Roundtrip Funicular Tickets from Innsbruck: $13
  • Skip the Line: Ambras Castle in Innsbruck Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Tickets for Schloss Ambras: $15
  • Innsbruck - "Welcome Tour" by Per Pedes. Guided City Tour.: $19
  • Combi Entrance Ticket to Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg: $20
  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and Hungerburg Funicular Combo Ticket: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Innsbruck 19
    Bressanone 26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When comparing the travel costs between Innsbruck and Bressanone, we can see that Bressanone is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Bressanone?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck and Bressanone, 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.