A Travel Price Comparison for Austria Vienna vs. Bregenz for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Vienna or Bregenz?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a historic, medieval, and vibrant city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Bregenz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna. Although Vienna and Bregenz are both popular with visitors, Vienna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vienna is more touristy than Bregenz and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Bregenz can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Dining out in Bregenz is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Is Vienna or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Bregenz.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Bregenz has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Vienna or Bregenz Better for Music?

Vienna is terrific for its music scene. However, Bregenz is not a live music destination.

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Bregenz is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Bregenz?

Vienna is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Vienna or Bregenz Better for Families?

Bregenz 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, Bregenz is very family-friendly. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

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 Vienna or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Vienna is terrific for couples. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Vienna or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Bregenz are both good destinations 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.

Bregenz is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Vienna or Bregenz Better for Students?

Vienna is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Bregenz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Bregenz is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vienna can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Vienna or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Vienna is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Bregenz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Bregenz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Bregenz. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bregenz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Bregenz 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 Vienna or Bregenz?

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bregenz. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Bregenz?

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Vienna has to offer.

Bregenz 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 Vienna or Bregenz?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bregenz. 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.

A week in Vienna or Bregenz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bregenz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vienna and Bregenz, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Bregenz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bregenz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bregenz 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 Bregenz.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Bregenz?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bregenz. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Bregenz, 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.