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

Should you visit Murren or Vienna?

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 Vienna 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 serene, authentic, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Murren and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna. Although Murren and Vienna are popular destinations, Vienna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vienna is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Murren attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Murren and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Murren is famous for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Murren different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Vienna Better for Skiing?

Murren is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Vienna is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Murren is among the best in the world. 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.

Vienna is not a skiing destination.

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

Vienna 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 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.

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 Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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, 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.

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 Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Vienna is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

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 Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Murren is not a live music destination.

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.

Murren is not a live music destination.

Is Murren or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

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

Vienna offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Vienna Better for Hiking?

Murren is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Murren draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Vienna?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

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 Vienna Better for Families?

Murren is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Murren is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Murren or Vienna Better for Couples?

Both Murren and Vienna are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Murren is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Murren or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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.

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 Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Murren is not popular with students.

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

Murren is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna a more walkable city?

Murren and Vienna both are first-rate 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Murren?

How long in Murren or Vienna?

In either Murren or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Murren because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Murren, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

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

One day in Murren or Vienna?

Murren might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Murren or Vienna?

Murren 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 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 Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Murren. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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 Murren or Vienna?

Murren is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ritzy 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 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 Murren and Vienna, we can see that Murren 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 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 Vienna.

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

Which is Bigger, Murren or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 3760 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren 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.