A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Vienna for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Inverness or Vienna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Vienna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Inverness and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Inverness or Vienna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vienna than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vienna is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is more popular for its small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Inverness and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Inverness different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inverness or Vienna?

Inverness
Vienna

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Inverness and Vienna.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Inverness or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Vienna

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Vienna.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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

Is Inverness or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Vienna

Both Inverness and Vienna are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Inverness or Vienna Better for Music?

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is terrific for its live music scene. However, Inverness is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Vienna 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.

Inverness is not a live music destination.


Is Inverness or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Vienna?

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Is Inverness or Vienna Better for Families?

Inverness
Vienna

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Vienna.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Vienna Better for Couples?

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Inverness or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Vienna Better for Students?

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is terrific for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Inverness is not popular with students.


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

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is terrific for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vienna can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Vienna a more walkable city?

Inverness
Vienna

Vienna is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Vienna?

In either Inverness or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Inverness because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Inverness. 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 Inverness 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.


  • How many days in Inverness or Vienna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Vienna 2-5

One day in Inverness or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Inverness. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Vienna. 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 Inverness or Vienna?

Inverness 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.

You'll find live music and food around the classical destination of Vienna. 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 Inverness or Vienna?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the musical city of Vienna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Inverness or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Inverness. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vienna 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 London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Vienna or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Vienna is £129. 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 Inverness and Vienna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Vienna £80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Vienna £160
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Vienna

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Vienna? 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 Inverness


Hotels in Vienna


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Vienna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Vienna £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    £26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna: $9.52
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna Airport: $12
  • CAT Transfer: Vienna Airport – Wien Mitte: $16
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Viena Airport(VIE)-Viena City : $35
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Viena City - Viena Airport (VIE): $35
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna City Center: $44
  • Private Transfer from Vienna City Center to Vienna Airport (VIE): $44
  • Private One Way Transfer from Vienna Hotels to Vienna Airport: $44
  • Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Vienna Downtown to Vienna Intl Airport (VIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to Hotel in Vienna: $49
  • Transfer in Private Minivan Viena Airport (VIE)-Viena City : $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Vienna?

Prices for flights to both Vienna and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Vienna £28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
  • Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $65
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $70
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Vienna £33

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Vienna

For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Cultural Heart of the City Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Top of Vienna in One Day: An English Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.87
  • Detective Trail Mystery tour for the whole family: $8.02
  • MAK - Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $8.02
  • Walking Tour of the MuseumsQuartier with Guide: $8.56
  • Vienna Cathedral District Audio Tour (EN) (NO Ticket): $8.80
  • Walking Around Hofburg Palace In-App Audio Tour (EN): $8.80
  • Capuchins Crypt Entrance Ticket: $9.09

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Vienna £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Inverness during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Inverness is much colder than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in July than Vienna. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Vienna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Vienna. Many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Inverness is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Inverness usually receives more rain than Vienna. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Vienna 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Vienna. Many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vienna can be very cold during winter. Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Inverness is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Vienna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty.

Inverness is much colder than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Vienna. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Vienna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Vienna and Inverness

Inverness Vienna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)