A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Utrecht vs. Graz for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Utrecht or Graz?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Graz? 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.

Utrecht

The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Utrecht and Graz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Graz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Graz than Utrecht. While Utrecht is larger than Graz, Graz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Graz is very popular for its museums and food, while Utrecht attracts visitors for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is famous for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Graz is famous for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also well known for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower.

How is Utrecht different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Utrecht or Graz?

Graz is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Is the Food Better in Utrecht or Graz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Graz is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Graz makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Both Utrecht and Graz are high quality when it comes to partying.

Utrecht offers plenty to do in the evening. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Graz has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Utrecht or Graz Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the first-rate old towns in both Utrecht and Graz.

The historic old town of Utrecht is revered around the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

With a famous historical old-town, Graz offers plenty to see. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Graz?

Both Utrecht and Graz are high quality shopping destinations.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Graz is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Utrecht or Graz Better for Families?

Graz is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Graz is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Utrecht is a family-friendly . There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Utrecht or Graz Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Graz make for a high quality place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Graz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Is Utrecht or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Utrecht or Graz Better for Students?

Utrecht and Graz are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Graz is very popular with students. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Is Utrecht or Graz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Utrecht and Graz offer high quality public transit options.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Public transit in Graz can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Is Utrecht or Graz a more walkable city?

Utrecht and Graz both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Graz. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Utrecht and Graz. In our opinion, Graz has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Graz than Utrecht. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Utrecht, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Graz than Utrecht. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Graz that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht than Graz 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 Utrecht.

One day in Utrecht or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Utrecht. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Graz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Utrecht or Graz?

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Graz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Graz has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Graz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Utrecht. This offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Graz is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Graz?

The quaint of Utrecht offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Graz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Graz, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Graz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Graz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Graz 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht than you might in Graz.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Graz?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht and Graz, 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 Utrecht or Graz?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Utrecht or Graz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Graz. The summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Graz this time of year.

In the summer, Utrecht is cooler than Graz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Utrecht in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Graz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Graz. In the summer, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Graz. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Graz. Utrecht usually gets less rain in July than Graz. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Graz in the Autumn?

Both Graz and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Utrecht is generally cooler than Graz. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 11°C (51°F), and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Graz during autumn. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Graz. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Utrecht or Graz in the Winter?

Both Graz and Utrecht during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Graz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Graz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. Utrecht is much warmer than Graz in the winter. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Graz. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in January than Graz. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Graz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Graz. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Graz for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Utrecht is much colder than Graz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Utrecht in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Graz during spring. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Graz. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Graz and Utrecht