A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Vienna for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Kyoto or Vienna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Vienna 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kyoto and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Vienna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kyoto than Vienna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kyoto is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Vienna is more popular for its music and shopping. Vienna is more touristy than Kyoto and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji.

How is Kyoto different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Vienna. 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 Kyoto or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Kyoto and Vienna.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Vienna has a better nightlife scene.

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

If you're looking for night time activities Vienna has a few options to choose from. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Kyoto or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is renowned for its live music scene. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Both Kyoto and Vienna have first-rate historic old towns worth visiting.

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Vienna offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Vienna?

Vienna is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Kyoto or Vienna Better for Families?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kyoto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. 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 Kyoto or Vienna Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and Vienna are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Is Kyoto or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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

Is Kyoto or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Vienna is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Vienna is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or Vienna a more walkable city?

Kyoto and Vienna both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Vienna?

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

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kyoto. 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 one day exploring.

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this classical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kyoto or Vienna?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kyoto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the artistic destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Vienna is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna than you might in Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Vienna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Vienna. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is a little warmer than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Vienna. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In the autumn, Kyoto is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Vienna. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Vienna. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Kyoto is a little warmer than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Vienna. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Kyoto