A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Innsbruck vs. Rome for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Innsbruck or Rome?

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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Innsbruck and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Innsbruck, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Innsbruck is known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Rome is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Innsbruck different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck
Rome

Innsbruck is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Rome 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.

Rome is not a skiing destination.


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

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Innsbruck has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Innsbruck has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.


Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Music?

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for its live music scene. However, Innsbruck is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Innsbruck is not a live music destination.

Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck
Rome

Innsbruck is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Innsbruck offers plenty to see. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck
Rome

Innsbruck is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Innsbruck. 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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Rome?

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Families?

Innsbruck
Rome

Both Innsbruck and Rome are great 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 Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Couples?

Innsbruck
Rome

Both Innsbruck and Rome 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.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.


Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for backpackers. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Innsbruck or Rome Better for Students?

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for students. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Many students visit 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.

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

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome is very popular for its public transit. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

The public transit in Innsbruck can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.


Is Innsbruck or Rome a more walkable city?

Innsbruck
Rome

Rome 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 Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Rome?

Both Innsbruck and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Innsbruck. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Innsbruck, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Innsbruck or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Innsbruck 2-4 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Innsbruck or Rome?

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.

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. 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 Rome?

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.

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Innsbruck or Rome?

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.

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Innsbruck or Rome?

The outdoorsy 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.

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome is €170. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Innsbruck 76
    Rome 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Innsbruck 152
    Rome 178
Compare Hotels in Innsbruck and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Innsbruck or Rome? 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 Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Innsbruck 15
    Rome 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Alpbach: Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Kitzbühel/SkiWelt - Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Mayrhofen - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Soelden - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to St.Anton am Arlberg - Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Arrival Transfer: $38
  • 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 Kranebitten Airport(INN) to Längenfeld/Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck Airport to City centre: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    15
  • Taxi to Airport
    45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Bus Transfer Between Airport and Rome Termini Station: $6.39
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport: $6.39
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport: $7.46
  • Transfer Fiumicino Airport - Rome center: $7.62
  • Transfer Rome center - Fiumicino airport: $7.62
  • Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano Transfer: $8.71
  • Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $11
  • Civitavecchia Port to/from Vatican City Bus Transfer: $16
  • Transfer between Fiumicino Airport and Rome Termini: $17
  • Rome to Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) to Rome - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Skip the Line: Papal Audience Ticket (optional 1 way transfer): $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Innsbruck or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome 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: $146
  • Innsbruck Food Tour: $149

Typical Food Prices in Rome

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    32
  • Cheese and bread
    10
  • Espresso
    2.00
  • Dinner
    58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $15
  • Eat Pasta in Rome, Testaccio - Self-Guided Walking Food Tour: $16
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $32
  • Cooking Class with Wine - Become a Roman Master Chef: $36
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome: $41
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Leonardo Da Vini, Wine and Pizza Painting Class: $42
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Innsbruck 19
    Rome 36
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: $4.79
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • 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"! The Guided City Tour for you.: $19
  • Combi Entrance Ticket to Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg: $20
  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and Hungerburg Funicular Combo Ticket: $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    33
  • Roma Pass
    30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    20
  • Segway Tour
    75

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $2.61
  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.30
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.32
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.33
  • Vatican Night Tour - Rome: $5.43
  • Rome Walking Tour Including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain: $5.43
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $5.54
  • An insider's look at A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $5.61
  • PANTHEON Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Innsbruck 19
    Rome 18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    6.34
  • Beer
    10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Street Food and Wine Tour with Farmers Market: $37
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $53
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $54
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $60
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $67
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68


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

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


Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck and Rome, 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.