A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Linz vs. Hamburg for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Linz or Hamburg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Linz and Hamburg 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.

Linz

Linz is a cultural, historic, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Linz and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Linz or Hamburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hamburg than Linz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hamburg is more popular for its nightlife and music, while Linz is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Linz is popular for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church.

How is Linz different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Linz or Hamburg?

Linz
Hamburg

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Linz and Hamburg.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.


Is the Food Better in Linz or Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Linz
Hamburg

Foodies will find both Linz and Hamburg both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Linz. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Hamburg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Linz or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Linz
Hamburg

Hamburg is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

Hamburg offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Hamburg Better for Music?

Linz
Hamburg

Hamburg is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Linz is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Linz is not a live music destination.


Is Linz or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Linz
Hamburg

Linz is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Linz offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Hamburg?

Linz
Hamburg

Both Linz and Hamburg are superb shopping destinations.

Linz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Linz or Hamburg Better for Families?

Linz
Hamburg

Hamburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Linz is a family-friendly town. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.


Is Linz or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Linz
Hamburg

Linz is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Linz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Linz or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Linz
Hamburg

Both Linz and Hamburg are good destinations for backpackers.

Linz is a good town to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Linz or Hamburg Better for Students?

Linz
Hamburg

Hamburg is a port city with good options for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

Hamburg is a good port city to visit for students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Linz is not popular with students.


Is Linz or Hamburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Linz
Hamburg

Hamburg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Hamburg can get you to some places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Linz or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Linz
Hamburg

Linz and Hamburg both are superb when exploring on foot.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Linz Worth Visiting? and Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Linz?

How long in Linz or Hamburg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Linz 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 Hamburg.


  • How many days in Linz or Hamburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Linz 1-2 
    Hamburg 1-3

One day in Linz or Hamburg?

In Linz, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Linz or Hamburg?

In Linz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Linz has to offer.

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Linz or Hamburg?

Linz is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Hamburg. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Linz or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Linz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Linz. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The energetic port city of Hamburg offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Linz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Linz is €114, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is €117. 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 Linz and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Linz 58
    Hamburg 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Linz 116
    Hamburg 108
Compare Hotels in Linz and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Linz or Hamburg? 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 Linz


Hotels in Hamburg


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: Linz Hotel Prices and Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Linz 41
    Hamburg 29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $179
  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $211

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Hamburg Cruise Port: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City Hotels to Hamburg Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port: $78
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Linz or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Linz 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
    Linz 32
    Hamburg 35
Typical Food Prices in Linz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Linz are as follows:


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Linz 13
    Hamburg 39

Tours and Activities in Linz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Linz are as follows:

  • Linz Harbor Cruise: $15
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • What the bloody hell is there in Linz? 1,5 hour walking tour: $24
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private History Tour with a Linzer Cake Tasting: $149
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176
  • Linz Old Town Highlights Walking Tour with Pöstlingbergbahn: $191
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $204
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour: $210
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $210
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour : $213

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Linz 16
    Hamburg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Linz or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Linz and Hamburg, 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 Linz or Hamburg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Linz or Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Hamburg. Many visitors come to Linz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Linz is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Linz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. In Linz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Linz usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linz usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Linz 20°C (68°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Linz or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Linz as well as Hamburg. Most visitors come to Linz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Linz is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 11°C (52°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Linz often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Linz 11°C (52°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Linz or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Linz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. The weather in Linz can be very cold. Linz is much colder than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Linz averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Linz usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Linz gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Linz usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Linz -0°C (31°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Linz or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Linz during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Linz is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Linz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Linz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets more rain in April than Hamburg. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Linz 11°C (51°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Linz

Linz Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)