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

Should you visit Kos or Bregenz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Bregenz 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.

Kos

Kos is a vibrant, beautiful, and ancient island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a historic, medieval, and vibrant city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Bregenz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Bregenz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz is more popular for its historical sights. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Bregenz is well known for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

How is Kos different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kos is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kos has many famous sights for visitors. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Kos or Bregenz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bregenz makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Kos or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Kos is a great island for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Kos has something for everybody. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Bregenz Better for Resorts?

Kos is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Kos has a few great resort options. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Bregenz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos is not to be missed. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Bregenz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Bregenz Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Kos is a very popular vacation destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Bregenz is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Bregenz Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Bregenz?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Kos and Bregenz.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Bregenz offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Kos or Bregenz Better for Families?

Bregenz is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bregenz is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Bregenz are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Couples visit Bregenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Kos or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kos. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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

Kos 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 Kos can get you to most places easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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

Is Kos or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Kos is a great island for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Kos is a very walkable destination. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Kos?

How long in Kos or Bregenz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Bregenz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Bregenz. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bregenz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos 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 Kos.

One day in Kos or Bregenz?

In Kos, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the historic 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 Kos or Bregenz?

In Kos, 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 Kos has to offer.

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

Five days in Kos or Bregenz?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer. 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 Kos or Bregenz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Bregenz, we can see that Kos 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Bregenz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Bregenz?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.