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

Should you visit Vienna or Budapest?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Budapest, 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Vienna and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest. Although Vienna and Budapest are about the same size, Budapest has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Budapest is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Vienna is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Vienna different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Vienna is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Vienna or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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.

Budapest has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Vienna or Budapest Better for Music?

Vienna is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Budapest?

Vienna is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Vienna or Budapest Better for Families?

Vienna and Budapest are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Budapest. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Vienna or Budapest Better for Couples?

Vienna is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Vienna or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Vienna or Budapest Better for Students?

Both Vienna and Budapest are terrific destinations for 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.

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Visitors will find terrific public transit in both Vienna and Budapest.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Vienna or Budapest a more walkable city?

Vienna and Budapest are terrific when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Budapest?

In either Vienna or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Vienna has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Vienna than Budapest. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Vienna or Budapest?

The beautiful city of Vienna offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Vienna or Budapest?

Vienna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vienna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

Vienna is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vienna, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Vienna is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Budapest. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Vienna. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Budapest, 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 Vienna or Budapest?

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 Vienna or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Budapest. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives more rain than Budapest. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Budapest. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the autumn, Vienna is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. In January, Vienna is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Vienna or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Vienna