A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Murren vs. Graz for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Murren or Graz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Murren and Graz 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.

Murren

Murren is a breathtaking, stunning, and serene town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Murren and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Murren or Graz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Graz. Although Murren and Graz are popular destinations, Graz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Graz is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Murren attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Murren is famous for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Graz is famous for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also well known for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower.

How is Murren different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Graz Better for Skiing?

Murren
Graz

Murren is renowned for skiing. However, Graz is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Murren should be on your list. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Graz is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Murren or Graz?

Murren
Graz

Graz is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Graz. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

Is the Food Better in Murren or Graz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Murren
Graz

Graz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Graz makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Murren or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Murren
Graz

Graz is well known for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Graz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.


Is Murren or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Murren
Graz

Graz is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Graz offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Graz Better for Hiking?

Murren
Graz

Murren is renowned for hiking. However, Graz is not a hiking destination.

People visit Murren specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Graz?

Murren
Graz

Graz is well known for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Graz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Shopping in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.


Is Murren or Graz Better for Families?

Murren
Graz

Both Murren and Graz are excellent to visit with kids.

Murren is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Graz is very family-friendly. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Is Murren or Graz Better for Couples?

Murren
Graz

Murren is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Murren makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Is Murren or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Murren
Graz

Graz is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Graz is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.


Is Murren or Graz Better for Students?

Murren
Graz

Graz is well known for students. However, Murren is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Murren is not popular with students.

Is Murren or Graz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Murren
Graz

Graz is well known for its public transit. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Graz. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

While Murren offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Murren or Graz a more walkable city?

Murren
Graz

Murren and Graz both are terrific when exploring on foot.

Getting around Murren on foot is easy. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Graz is a very easy town to get around on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Murren Worth Visiting? and Is Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Murren?

How long in Murren or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Murren and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Murren than in Graz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Murren, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Graz than Murren 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 Graz.


  • How many days in Murren or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Murren 2-4 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Murren or Graz?

Murren is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Graz. 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 Murren or Graz?

Murren is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Graz 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 Murren or Graz?

Murren is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. 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.


A week in Murren or Graz?

Because Murren is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Graz. 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or Murren?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Murren is $407, while the average daily cost in Graz is $120. 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 Murren and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Murren $217
    Graz $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Murren $434
    Graz $144
Compare Hotels in Murren and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Murren or Graz? 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 Murren


Hotels in Graz


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: Murren Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Murren $50
    Graz $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Murren or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and Murren 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
    Murren $150
    Graz $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Murren

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

  • Sunset hike with outdoor Cheese Fondue dinner: $167

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Murren $59
    Graz $14

Tours and Activities in Murren

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

  • Private Speedriding Tandem Experience in Switzerland: $279
  • Sledding adventure with Chocolate degustation: $129
  • Swiss countryside tour in free-cars town: $123

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Murren $19
    Graz $17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Murren and Graz, we can see that Murren is more expensive. And not only is Graz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Graz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Graz 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 Murren would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Murren than you might in Graz.

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


Which is Bigger, Murren or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren and Graz, 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.

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