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

Should you visit Taupo or Vienna?

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

Should I visit Taupo or Vienna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Taupo travel costs.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Vienna travel costs.

Taupo and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taupo or Vienna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vienna than Taupo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vienna is better known for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Taupo and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Taupo different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Taupo or Vienna Better for Skiing?

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

The snow ski experience you'll have in Taupo is among the best in the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Vienna is not a skiing destination.

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

Vienna is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Vienna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Both Taupo and Vienna offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Vienna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Taupo or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Taupo or Vienna has a better nightlife scene.

Taupo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

If you're looking for night time activities Vienna has a few options to choose from. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Taupo or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Taupo is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Taupo is not a live music destination.

Is Taupo or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Taupo does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Vienna can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Taupo or Vienna Better for Hiking?

Taupo is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Vienna?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Taupo or Vienna More Beautiful?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Taupo or Vienna Better for Families?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Taupo is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo or Vienna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Taupo and Vienna make for a fantastic place to visit.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Vienna 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 Taupo or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Vienna is a good town 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 Taupo or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Vienna has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Taupo or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or Vienna?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Taupo. 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.

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this artistic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Taupo or Vienna?

Taupo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Taupo or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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.

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Taupo or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Taupo. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, 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 Taupo and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Taupo is in Pacific 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 Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Taupo.

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

Which is Bigger, Taupo or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo 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.