A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Linz for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Marbella or Linz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Linz, 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Marbella and Linz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Marbella or Linz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Linz. While Linz is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Linz is more popular for its museums. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Linz is well known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries.

How is Marbella different from Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marbella
Linz

Linz is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Linz can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marbella
Linz

Both Marbella and Linz offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Linz area. 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.

Is Marbella or Linz Better for Nightlife?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

People head to Marbella just to party. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Linz Better for Music?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Linz is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella is very popular with diverse venues. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Linz is not a live music destination.


Is Marbella or Linz Better for Resorts?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Linz is not a resort destination.

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Linz is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Linz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Linz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Linz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Linz Better for Beaches?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Linz is not a beach destination.

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Linz is not a beach destination.


Is Marbella or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella and Linz both have notable historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Linz?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Linz. 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.

Is Marbella or Linz Better for Families?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very kid-friendly resort town. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Linz is a family-friendly resort 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 Marbella or Linz Better for Couples?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Marbella is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Linz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Marbella or Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella and Linz are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Linz is a good resort 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.

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

Marbella
Linz

Linz is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.


Is Marbella or Linz a more walkable city?

Marbella
Linz

Marbella and Linz are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Linz or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Linz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marbella or Linz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marbella than Linz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-2 days is enough time in Linz.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Marbella or Linz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marbella 2-5 
    Linz 1-2

One day in Marbella or Linz?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Marbella. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful town of Linz offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Linz?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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


Five days in Marbella or Linz?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Linz is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Linz?

The glamorous resort town of Marbella offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Linz or Marbella?

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

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Linz 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Linz 116
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Linz

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Linz? 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 Marbella


Hotels in Linz


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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Linz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Linz 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $21
  • Private Transfer from Fuengirola to Malaga (AGP) airport: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
  • Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Lomas De Cabopino to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
  • Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
  • Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $212
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $180
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Linz?

Prices for flights to both Linz and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Linz 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

Typical Food Prices in Linz

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


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Linz 13

Tours and Activities in Marbella

For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
  • Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
  • group walking Tour: $26
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
  • Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47

Tours and Activities in Linz

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

  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $544
  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $262
  • Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide: $237
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $214
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $210
  • Linz - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Linz Christmas Market Tour: $294
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $401
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $205
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Linz 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272


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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Linz?

Linz has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Linz, 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 Marbella or Linz?

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 Marbella or Linz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Linz. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences.

Marbella is a little warmer than Linz in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Linz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Linz. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 236 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Linz. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Linz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Linz in the Autumn?

Both Linz and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Linz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is much warmer than Linz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Linz averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Linz during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives more rain than Linz. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Linz 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Linz in the Winter?

Both Linz and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Linz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Linz can be very cold during winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Linz. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Linz fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Linz. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 57 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Linz. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Linz -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Linz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Linz. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Linz because of the natural beauty.

Marbella is much warmer than Linz in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Linz during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Linz. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Linz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Linz and Marbella

Marbella Linz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)