A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Vienna for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit London or Vienna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Vienna can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

London and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Vienna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Vienna is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. London is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Vienna is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven.

Big Ben

How is London different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London are world-renowned. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Vienna Better for Theater?

London is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Vienna is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Vienna is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in London or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Vienna.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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

London is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in London is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is London or Vienna Better for Music?

London and Vienna are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Vienna is a world class music destination. 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.

Is London or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Vienna?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Vienna both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Is London or Vienna Better for Christmas?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Vienna does not offer Christmas activities.

London offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Vienna does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Vienna Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Vienna does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in London. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Vienna does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Vienna Better for Families?

London is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Vienna Better for Couples?

Both London and Vienna are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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.

Is London or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, London is extremely popular for backpackers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Vienna Better for Students?

For students, both London and Vienna are terrific places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

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

London and Vienna both offer terrific public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Vienna a more walkable city?

London and Vienna are terrific when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or London?

How long in London or Vienna?

In either London or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Vienna because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

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

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

One day in London or Vienna?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

A weekend in London or Vienna?

London is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vienna 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.

Five days in London or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Vienna?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the musical destination of Vienna. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 London and Vienna, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Vienna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Vienna?

London has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vienna. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London or Vienna?

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 London or Vienna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Vienna. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Vienna. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Vienna. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

London is around the same temperature as Vienna in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Vienna. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vienna can be very cold during winter. London can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, London is much warmer than Vienna. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Vienna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives more rain than Vienna. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and London during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty.

In April, London is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Vienna. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and London