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

Should you visit Vienna or Linz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Linz, 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 here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Vienna and Linz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Vienna or Linz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Linz. Vienna is bigger than Linz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is more touristy than Linz and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Linz is well known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna
Linz

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

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 Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.


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

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vienna. 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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Vienna or Linz Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Vienna or Linz Better for Music?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not a live music destination.


Is Vienna or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Linz?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Is Vienna or Linz Better for Families?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna and Linz 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 Linz. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.


Is Vienna or Linz Better for Couples?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Linz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Is Vienna or Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna and Linz are both notable 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.

Linz is a good city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Vienna or Linz Better for Students?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a world-class destination for students. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not popular with students.


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

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Vienna or Linz a more walkable city?

Vienna
Linz

Vienna is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Linz is a very walkable destination. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Linz or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Linz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Linz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Linz 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 Linz.

Families should spend more time in Vienna than Linz. 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 Linz. 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 Linz 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 Linz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Linz 1-2

One day in Vienna or Linz?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Vienna. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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


A weekend in Vienna or Linz?

Vienna is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Linz 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 Linz?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional destination of Vienna. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

The musical city of Vienna offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Linz. This town 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.


Which place is cheaper, Linz 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 Linz is €114. 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 Linz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Linz 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Linz 116
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Linz

Looking for a hotel in Vienna or Linz? 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 Linz


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 Linz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Linz 41
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: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna: $9.47
  • CAT Transfer: Vienna Airport – Wien Mitte: $16
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Viena Airport(VIE)-Viena City : $35
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Viena City - Viena Airport (VIE): $35
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna City Center: $44
  • Private One-way Transfer Vienna Airport To Vienna: $44
  • Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Vienna Downtown to Vienna Intl Airport (VIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to Hotel in Vienna: $49
  • Transfer in Private Minivan Viena Airport (VIE)-Viena City : $50
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Business Car: $53
  • Skip-the-line Belvedere Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $211
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $179
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $69
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Linz?

Prices for flights to both Linz 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
    Linz 32

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
  • Hard Rock Cafe Vienna with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
  • Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $66
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $73
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
  • Skip the Line: Austrian Dinner Show Ticket in Vienna: $86
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Strauss & Mozart Concert in Kursalon with Dinner: $100

Typical Food Prices in Linz

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


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Linz 13

Tours and Activities in Vienna

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

  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.19
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $4.79
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.37
  • Cultural Heart of the City Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Top of Vienna in One Day: An English Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.77
  • Detective Trail Mystery tour for the whole family: $7.98
  • MAK - Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $7.98
  • Full Day Round Private Tour to Hallstatt from Vienna: $8.00
  • Walking Tour of the MuseumsQuartier with Guide: $8.51
  • Area and architectural tour to secrets of the MuseumsQuartier: $8.74
  • Vienna Cathedral District Audio Tour (EN) (NO Ticket): $8.80

Tours and Activities in Linz

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

  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $542
  • Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide: $235
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $209
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $213
  • Linz - Private Historic Walking Tour: $372
  • Linz Christmas Market Tour: $293
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $737
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176
  • Linz Old Town Highlights Walking Tour with Pöstlingbergbahn: $190
  • Linz Old Town Private Walking Tour and Cruise: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Linz 16

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
  • Ottakringer Brewery tour: $22
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $38
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $73
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $90


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

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


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Linz?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Linz, 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 Linz?

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 Linz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Linz. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences.

Vienna is a little warmer than Linz in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Linz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Linz. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 236 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Linz. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vienna 23°C (73°F) 
    Linz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Linz in the Autumn?

Both Linz and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Linz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vienna is a little warmer than Linz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Linz averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Linz during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Linz. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vienna 12°C (54°F) 
    Linz 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Linz in the Winter?

Both Linz and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vienna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Linz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Linz can be very cold during winter. Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vienna is generally much warmer than Linz. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Linz fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Linz. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 57 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in January than Linz. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vienna 2°C (36°F) 
    Linz -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Linz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Linz. Most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Linz because of the natural beauty.

Vienna is a little warmer than Linz in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Linz during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Linz. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vienna 13°C (55°F) 
    Linz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Linz and Vienna

Vienna Linz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)