A Travel Price Comparison for Austria Kitzbuhel vs. Graz for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kitzbuhel or Graz?

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

Should I visit Kitzbuhel or Graz? 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.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a breathtaking, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled ski resort. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Graz

Graz is a medieval, cultural, and historical city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kitzbuhel and Graz: 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
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel than Graz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kitzbuhel is better known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Graz is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Kitzbuhel is well known for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is famous for The Kitzbüheler Horn. Graz is well known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

How is Kitzbuhel different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Kitzbuhel is renowned for skiing. However, Graz is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Kitzbuhel should be on your list. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Graz is not a skiing destination.


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

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Graz is great for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Dining out at restaurants in both Kitzbuhel and Graz can be an enjoyable experience.

Kitzbuhel has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. 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 Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

The vibe at night is high quality in both Kitzbuhel and Graz.

Many people head to Kitzbuhel for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

Graz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Graz is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its historic old town charm.

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kitzbuhel. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Is Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for Hiking?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Kitzbuhel is renowned for hiking. However, Graz is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kitzbuhel specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Graz is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its shopping areas.

Graz is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Kitzbuhel to go shopping. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.


Is Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for Families?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kitzbuhel or Graz.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kitzbuhel is very family-friendly. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

Graz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for Couples?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

With fun activities for couples, both Kitzbuhel and Graz make for a high quality place to visit.

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

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

Many backpackers visit Kitzbuhel. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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 Kitzbuhel or Graz Better for Students?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Graz is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

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

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Graz is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its public transit.

Graz has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Kitzbuhel has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

Is Kitzbuhel or Graz a more walkable city?

Kitzbuhel
Graz

Graz is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its ease of walking around.

Graz is a very easy city to get around 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.

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


For even more information, also check out Is Kitzbuhel Worth Visiting? and Is Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Kitzbuhel?

How long in Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kitzbuhel and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kitzbuhel than in Graz. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Kitzbuhel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

Families should spend more time in Graz than Kitzbuhel. 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 Kitzbuhel. 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.


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

One day in Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Kitzbuhel is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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 Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Kitzbuhel is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval 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 Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Kitzbuhel might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This ski resort offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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 Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Even though Kitzbuhel is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Budget Tours to Austria, The Best Luxury Tours to Austria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Austria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or Kitzbuhel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kitzbuhel is €179, while the average daily cost in Graz is €112. 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 Kitzbuhel and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kitzbuhel 89
    Graz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kitzbuhel 178
    Graz 134
Compare Hotels in Kitzbuhel and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Kitzbuhel or Graz? 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 Kitzbuhel


Hotels in Graz


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: Kitzbuhel Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kitzbuhel 69
    Graz 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and Kitzbuhel 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
    Kitzbuhel 48
    Graz 32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kitzbuhel 34
    Graz 13

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $372
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $266
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $128
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $214
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $194
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $209
  • Graz Private Walking Tour: $234
  • Graz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $204

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kitzbuhel 11
    Graz 16


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kitzbuhel or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kitzbuhel. When comparing the sizes of Kitzbuhel 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.