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

Should you visit Santorini or Vienna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini 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.

Santorini

Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Santorini and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Vienna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Santorini. Vienna is bigger than Santorini, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its museums, food, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Vienna is well known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Santorini different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

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

Vienna is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Santorini and Vienna.

If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Vienna. 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.

Santorini is not a live music destination.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for Resorts?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna is not a resort destination.

Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. 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.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Vienna?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Is Santorini or Vienna Better for Families?

Santorini and Vienna are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Santorini offers lots of family activities. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

Vienna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Santorini or Vienna Better for Couples?

Santorini and Vienna are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

Vienna is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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 Santorini or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Vienna are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

Vienna is a good island 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 Santorini or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Santorini has a few public transit options. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Is Santorini or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

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

Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Vienna?

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

Families should spend more time in Vienna than Santorini. 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 Santorini. 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 Santorini 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 Santorini or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Vienna. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Vienna?

Santorini 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.

You'll find live music and food around the classical destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Vienna?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the ritzy city of Vienna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the romantic destination of Santorini. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Vienna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.