A Travel Price Comparison for Austria Innsbruck vs. Graz for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Innsbruck or Graz?

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 Graz 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 high energy, outdoorsy, and mountainous city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck and Graz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Graz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Innsbruck than Graz. While Graz is larger than Innsbruck, Innsbruck has more sights and attractions for tourists. Innsbruck is better known for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Graz is more popular for its museums and shopping. Innsbruck is more touristy than Graz and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Also, Innsbruck is famous for The Golden Roof in the old town. Graz is well known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Innsbruck different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is great for skiing. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a skiing destination.

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

Graz 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 Graz. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Innsbruck and Graz offer excellent 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.

Graz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Innsbruck and Graz.

Innsbruck has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Graz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Both Innsbruck and Graz have terrific historic old towns worth visiting.

Innsbruck has a world-famous historical area. 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.

The historic old town of Graz is revered around the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is great for hiking. However, Graz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Innsbruck for the hiking trails. 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.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Graz?

Graz is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Graz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for Families?

Both Innsbruck and Graz are excellent to visit with kids.

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly city. 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 family-friendly things to do in Graz. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for Couples?

Both Innsbruck and Graz are excellent 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.

Graz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Innsbruck. 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.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Innsbruck or Graz Better for Students?

Innsbruck and Graz are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Many students visit Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Both Innsbruck and Graz offer excellent public transit options.

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

The public transit in Graz can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Is Innsbruck or Graz a more walkable city?

Graz is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Graz on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting? and Is Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Innsbruck and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Innsbruck than in Graz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Innsbruck, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Innsbruck than Graz 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 Innsbruck or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Innsbruck. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Graz. 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 Innsbruck or Graz?

Innsbruck is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 nightlife around the historical destination of Graz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Innsbruck or Graz?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Innsbruck. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of Graz. 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 Graz?

The youthful city of Innsbruck offers food and skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Graz 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

When comparing the travel costs between Innsbruck and Graz, we can see that Innsbruck 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 Graz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck and Graz, 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.