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

Should you visit Sendai or Vienna?

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

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

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sendai travel costs.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Vienna travel costs.

Sendai and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Vienna?

Both Vienna and Sendai have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Sendai is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Vienna is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Sendai and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Sendai is well known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Sendai different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sendai and Vienna.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

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 Sendai or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Sendai or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Sendai 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.

Sendai has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

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 Sendai or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is renowned for its live music scene. However, Sendai 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.

Sendai is not a live music destination.

Is Sendai or Vienna Better for Beaches?

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

Sendai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Sendai or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is renowned for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Vienna?

Vienna is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Sendai or Vienna More Beautiful?

Vienna is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sendai or Vienna Better for Families?

Sendai 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, Sendai is very family-friendly. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

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 Sendai or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Sendai is a good city for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Sendai or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sendai and Vienna are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sendai. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

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.

Is Sendai or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai 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.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

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

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Sendai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Sendai or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Sendai is a very walkable destination. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Vienna?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sendai. 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 Sendai or Vienna?

Sendai 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 Sendai or Vienna?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Sendai. This city 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sendai and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sendai is in Asia and Vienna is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sendai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sendai 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna than you might in Sendai.

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Sendai 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 Sendai 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 Sendai or Vienna in the Summer?

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

Sendai is around the same temperature as Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during summer. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. In July, Sendai usually receives more rain than Vienna. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sendai or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Sendai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sendai is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sendai in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Sendai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Vienna. Many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Sendai. In January, Sendai is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 2°C (35°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Sendai usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during winter. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sendai usually receives more rain than Vienna. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sendai or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Vienna. Many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months.

Sendai is cooler than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. In the spring, Sendai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets more rain in April than Vienna. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Sendai