A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Hamburg for Music, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Vienna or Hamburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Hamburg, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Vienna and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Hamburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna. Although Vienna and Hamburg are both popular with visitors, Vienna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vienna is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg is known for its nightlife. Vienna is more touristy than Hamburg 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. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Vienna is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Vienna or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Vienna and Hamburg.

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.

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Is Vienna or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Hamburg?

Vienna is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Hamburg 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Vienna or Hamburg Better for Families?

Hamburg 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, Hamburg is very family-friendly. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Vienna is renowned for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Vienna or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Vienna or Hamburg Better for Students?

Vienna is renowned for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Vienna is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Vienna or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Vienna is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Hamburg?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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.

Five days in Vienna or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Hamburg. This port 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, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Vienna. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Vienna or Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Vienna during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vienna is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Hamburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In October, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Hamburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. Vienna is much warmer than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Vienna