A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Bregenz for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Ios or Bregenz?

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

Should I visit Ios or Bregenz? 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.

Ios

Ios is a touristy, backpacker-friendly, and historical island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bregenz

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

Ios and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Bregenz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Bregenz are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz is known for its historical sights. Ios is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

How is Ios different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ios or Bregenz?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Ios and Bregenz.

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bregenz. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

Is the Food Better in Ios or Bregenz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ios and Bregenz offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Bregenz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Ios is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Ios is a must-see party destination. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Resorts?

Ios is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ios. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Beaches?

Ios is terrific for the beach. However, Bregenz is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Ios is a very popular vacation destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz is a popular place for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bregenz to see the old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Hiking?

Ios is very good for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Bregenz?

Both Ios and Bregenz are good shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Bregenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Families?

Bregenz is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Bregenz is a very kid-friendly city. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Bregenz make for a great place to visit.

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Bregenz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Ios, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Ios or Bregenz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ios is a great island for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Ios can get you to most places easily. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Ios or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Ios and Bregenz both are good when exploring on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable place. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

Bregenz is a somewhat walkable island. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ios Worth Visiting? and Is Bregenz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Ios?

How long in Ios or Bregenz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ios and Bregenz. In our opinion, Ios has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ios than Bregenz. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Bregenz 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 Ios.

One day in Ios or Bregenz?

In Ios, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the medieval destination of Bregenz, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Bregenz?

In Ios, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer.

Many people visit Bregenz for a weekend. With food and shopping around the cultural city of Bregenz, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Bregenz?

Ios is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Bregenz offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

A week in Ios or Bregenz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Ios. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bregenz, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Bregenz?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Bregenz, 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.