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

Should you visit Oxford or Vienna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Vienna, 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.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college 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, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oxford and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Vienna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its food, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Oxford different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Oxford or Vienna.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Vienna is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vienna. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for live music. However, Oxford is not a live music destination.

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Oxford is not a live music destination.

Is Oxford or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Vienna has a world-famous historical 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Vienna?

Vienna is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Vienna Better for Families?

Oxford and Vienna are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Oxford or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Vienna Better for Students?

Both Oxford and Vienna are amazing destinations for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

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

Vienna is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Vienna?

In either Oxford or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Oxford because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Vienna?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Oxford or Vienna?

Oxford 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 Oxford or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. 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 Oxford or Vienna?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the traditional 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 comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Vienna, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Vienna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Vienna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Vienna. Oxford 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 Oxford or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

Oxford usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. Oxford 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 Oxford or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Vienna. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. Oxford is much warmer than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

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

In January, Oxford usually receives more rain than Vienna. Oxford 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 Oxford or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Vienna. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Vienna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Oxford 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 Oxford