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

Should you visit Lausanne or Vienna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Vienna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a international, diverse, and vibrant city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lausanne and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lausanne or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Lausanne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more touristy than Lausanne and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Lausanne different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Lausanne or Vienna.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lausanne can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.

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 Lausanne or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lausanne and Vienna both to be superb destinations.

Dining out in Lausanne is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vienna. 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 Lausanne or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lausanne and Vienna.

Lausanne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.

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 Lausanne or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Lausanne is not a live music destination.

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Lausanne is not a live music destination.

Is Lausanne or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Vienna is revered around the world. 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.

Lausanne is a good destination for visiting its old town. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Vienna?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lausanne. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.

Is Lausanne or Vienna Better for Families?

Lausanne and Vienna are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lausanne. There are kid-friendly museums, petting zoos, and other fun activities in town. You can also take a boat ride or let the kids run around one of the parks in town.

Vienna offers lots of family activities. 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 Lausanne or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Lausanne is a nice destination for couples. The medieval old city is fun to explore. The lakefront setting also offers fun activities like boating. There are also a number of museums in town to explore.

Is Lausanne or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Lausanne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular town for backpackers but there are some affordable hotels. It's also more reasonably priced than many Swiss cities.

Is Lausanne or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is a world-class destination for students. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

Students come from all over to stay in Lausanne. There are 11 institutes for higher learning in town, so students make up a significant percentage of the population. The city is also full of culture, making it a very livable city.

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

Vienna is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

While Lausanne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

Is Lausanne or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Lausanne is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Vienna?

In either Lausanne or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Lausanne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lausanne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

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

One day in Lausanne or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lausanne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Vienna offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Lausanne or Vienna?

Lausanne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vienna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vienna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Lausanne or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lausanne. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vienna, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Lausanne or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Lausanne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vienna is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, 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 Lausanne and Vienna, we can see that Lausanne is more expensive. And not only is Vienna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vienna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vienna 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 Lausanne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lausanne than you might in Vienna.

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

Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Vienna?

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