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

Should you visit Kos or Innsbruck?

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 Innsbruck 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 ancient, cultural, and party-hard island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a mountainous, scenic, and youthful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Kos and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Innsbruck?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Innsbruck are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Innsbruck attracts visitors for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kos or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kos is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Kos is not a skiing destination.

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. 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!

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kos 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 Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

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 Kos or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Both Kos and Innsbruck have great vibes after the sun sets.

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

The people in Innsbruck know how to have a good time. 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 Kos or Innsbruck Better for Resorts?

Kos is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Innsbruck is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Innsbruck is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Innsbruck Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Innsbruck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kos is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Innsbruck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Innsbruck Better for Beaches?

Kos is very popular for the beache. However, Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

Kos is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Innsbruck has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Kos offers some nice hiking trails. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Innsbruck?

Kos is a island with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kos or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is a very family-friendly destination. 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 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 Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Innsbruck are great 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 Innsbruck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Kos or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos and Innsbruck are both great destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Innsbruck is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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 Kos or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Kos and Innsbruck.

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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

Is Kos or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Kos and Innsbruck are great when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. 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.

Innsbruck is a very walkable island. 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 Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Kos?

How long in Kos or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Kos or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Innsbruck. 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 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 Kos.

One day in Kos or Innsbruck?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Kos. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

With nightlife and food around the outdoorsy destination of Innsbruck, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Innsbruck?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-hard destination of Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Innsbruck for a weekend. With food and skiing around the scenic city of Innsbruck, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Innsbruck?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful island of Kos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

The destination of Innsbruck offers skiing and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Innsbruck?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Innsbruck, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.

When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Innsbruck, 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 Innsbruck Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Innsbruck?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Innsbruck, 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.