A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Bressanone for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Vienna or Bressanone?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Bressanone, 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 ritzy, classical, and traditional city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a quaint, picturesque, and idyllic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Vienna and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Vienna or Bressanone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna. Although Vienna and Bressanone are both popular with visitors, Vienna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vienna is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bressanone is known for its hiking and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Bressanone and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Bressanone is popular for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bressanone 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 Bressanone?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


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

Vienna
Bressanone

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Bressanone 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 Bressanone is an experience not to be missed. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for Music?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Bressanone is not a live music destination.

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Bressanone is not a live music destination.


Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Vienna is revered around 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Vienna
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Bressanone?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.


Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for Families?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Vienna is a great city 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.

Bressanone is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna and Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.


Is Vienna or Bressanone Better for Students?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a world-class destination for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

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

Bressanone is not popular with students.

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

Vienna
Bressanone

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

While Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Vienna or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Vienna
Bressanone

Vienna is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

Families should spend more time in Vienna than Bressanone. 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 Bressanone. 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 Bressanone 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.


  • How many days in Vienna or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Vienna or Bressanone?

With live music and food around the classical city of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Bressanone?

With food and shopping around the destination of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone 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 Bressanone?

Vienna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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


A week in Vienna or Bressanone?

Vienna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bressanone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Vienna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vienna is €151, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vienna and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Vienna or Bressanone? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Vienna


Hotels in Bressanone


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vienna Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Bressanone 23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 2-in-1 Jewish Museums in Vienna Private Tour with Transfers: $361
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Business Car: $78
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Car: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Van: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Business Car: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Car: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Van: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Minibus: $219
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Business Car: $54
  • Belvedere Palace: Tour with Skip-the-Line/Transfer Options: $54
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna: $9.52
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna Airport: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Vienna change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vienna 33
    Bressanone 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
  • Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $65
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $70
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Bressanone 20

Tours and Activities in Vienna

For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Cultural Heart of the City Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Top of Vienna in One Day: An English Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.87
  • Detective Trail Mystery tour for the whole family: $8.02
  • MAK - Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $8.02
  • Walking Tour of the MuseumsQuartier with Guide: $8.56
  • Vienna Cathedral District Audio Tour (EN) (NO Ticket): $8.80
  • Walking Around Hofburg Palace In-App Audio Tour (EN): $8.80
  • Capuchins Crypt Entrance Ticket: $9.09

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Bressanone 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


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


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Bressanone?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Bressanone, 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.