A Travel Price Comparison for Austria Vienna vs. Innsbruck for Old Town, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Vienna or Innsbruck?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Innsbruck, 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. You'll find world class beauty in Vienna as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Vienna travel costs.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a high energy, outdoorsy, and mountainous city. Innsbruck is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Innsbruck travel costs.

Vienna and Innsbruck: 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
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Vienna or Innsbruck?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Innsbruck. Vienna is bigger than Innsbruck, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its museums and attractions, music, and shopping, while Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Vienna is well known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Innsbruck is well known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vienna or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Vienna is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Innsbruck. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Vienna is not a skiing destination.


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

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vienna
Innsbruck

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Vienna or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

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 Innsbruck Better for Music?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna is very popular for its live music scene. However, Innsbruck is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Innsbruck is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna and Innsbruck both have first-rate historical old towns that attract visitors.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Innsbruck can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Is Vienna or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Innsbruck?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Vienna or Innsbruck More Beautiful?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna and Innsbruck are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

The famous beauty of Innsbruck is one of the main draws. The city itself is very picturesque, and it's also surrounded by plenty of natural beauty that offers stunning hikes and many skiing opportunities.

Is Vienna or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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, Innsbruck is very family-friendly. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Innsbruck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Vienna or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Innsbruck. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

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 Innsbruck Better for Students?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna is very popular for students. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.


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

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna is very popular for its public transit. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

The public transit in Innsbruck can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Is Vienna or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Vienna
Innsbruck

Vienna is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Innsbruck is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Vienna or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Vienna due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Innsbruck. 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 Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck.


  • How many days in Vienna or Innsbruck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Innsbruck 2-4

One day in Vienna or Innsbruck?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Vienna. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Vienna or Innsbruck?

You'll find live music and food around the ritzy destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck?

You'll find food and shopping around the musical city of Vienna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

Vienna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful destination of Innsbruck. This city 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 Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Innsbruck or Vienna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vienna is €176, while the average daily cost in Innsbruck is €158. 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 Innsbruck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Innsbruck 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Innsbruck 152
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Innsbruck

Looking for a hotel in Vienna or Innsbruck? 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 Innsbruck


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 Innsbruck Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Innsbruck 15
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:

  • Bratislava - Vienna Airport: Direct & Reliable Bus Transfer: $11
  • CAT Transfer: Vienna Airport – Wien Mitte: $17
  • Bratislava Bus Transfer to and from Vienna Airport: $21
  • Vienna VIE Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $27
  • Prague: Train Transfer to/from Vienna Center: $36
  • Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Vienna Downtown to Vienna Intl Airport (VIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Transfer from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna City Center: $47
  • Explore Linz conveniently with train transfer from/to Vienna: $47
  • Transfer from Vienna airport to Bratislava: $56
  • Belvedere Palace: Tour with Skip-the-Line/Transfer Options: $58
  • Vienna Airport (VIE) Private Transfer to Vienna City/Hotels: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • Vienna: Private transfer to Innsbruck or Innsbruck to Vienna: $549
  • St. Anton am Arlberg to Innsbruck Airport(INN)-Departure Transfer: $163
  • Private Transfer From Innsbruck To Munich, English Speaking Driver: $211
  • Innsbruck to Innsbruck Airport (INN) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
  • Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer: $41
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck city centre to Innsbruck Airport: $62
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck Airport to City centre: $66
  • Innsbruck AirportINN to Garmisch-Partenkirchen-RoundTrip Transfer: $212
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Saalbach-Hinterglemm - Arrival Transfer: $285
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Arrival Transfer: $106
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to St.Anton am Arlberg - Arrival Transfer: $163
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Silvretta Arena - Arrival Transfer: $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Innsbruck?

Prices for flights to both Innsbruck 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 58
    Innsbruck 69

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: $31
  • 1 Hour Tradtional Kaiserschmarrn Cooking Class & Tasting in Wien: $45
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $46
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $69
  • Taste of The Ultimate Full Meal Austrian Food Tour: $72
  • 3.5-Hour Danube 70s, 80s, 90s Party Cruise w/ Dinner: $79
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Schnitzel-Cooking Class & Tasting: $79
  • Strauss Dinner Show: $83
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $85
  • Johann Strauss Dinner Show at the Prater: $90
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $97

Typical Food Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of dining costs in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Soup for Lunch
    3.75
  • Pasta Lunch
    8.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Innsbruck

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Innsbruck.

  • Walking Traditional Food Tour: $158
  • A Walking Food Tour with Full Meal by Do Eat Better: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Innsbruck 19

Tours and Activities in Vienna

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

  • Self Guided Tours Vienna With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.47
  • Vienna's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Imperial Adventure: $3.47
  • Vienna Self Guided Walking Tour, Royal traditions & Cafe Culture: $5.98
  • Vienna (City Center) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.21
  • Vienna Prater Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.21
  • Krems an der Donau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.21
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Vienna: $6.96
  • Vienna Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.97
  • Vienna Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.12
  • Vienna Spy Mission: Self-Guided Espionage Adventure: $8.12
  • Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $8.55
  • Vienna Food Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Schloss Ambras Entrance
    8.00
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Fee
    2.00

Tours and Activities in Innsbruck

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Innsbruck are as follows:

  • “Welcome Tour” by Per Pedes, guided city tour: $21
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Innsbruck: $201
  • AREA 47 Water AREA Entrance Ticket: $45
  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and Hungerburg Funicular Combo Ticket: $27
  • Austrian Hidden Gem Tour: The Most Beautiful Villages: $204
  • Bergisel Ski Jump Arena Entrance Ticket in Innsbruck: $12
  • Coffee Tasting & Roastery Tour in Innsbruck: $33
  • Combi Entrance Ticket to Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg: $26
  • Cultural and culinary pleasure tour through Innsbruck's old town: $192
  • Experience Tirol Immersive Show Flex Ticket: $33
  • Full day small group Tour in Neuschwanstein from Innsbruck: $231
  • Full-Day small group tour of Dolomites, Alpine Lakes, Braies : $227

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Innsbruck 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $11
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $14
  • Guided tour of the Ottakringer brewery: $23
  • Thursday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Vienna, Austria : $25
  • Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Vienna, Austria: $28
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $28
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $29
  • Wine Tasting Experience in a Private Wine Cellar: $43
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $51
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace with optional Palace Ticket: $52
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $67
  • Austrian Wine Tasting: $67


When comparing the travel costs between Vienna and Innsbruck, 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 Innsbruck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Innsbruck?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Innsbruck, 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.