A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Munich for Nightlife, Music, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Vienna or Munich?

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

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

Munich

Munich is a economically thriving, bustling, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Vienna and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Munich?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Munich than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Munich, Munich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Munich is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Vienna is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Munich and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Munich is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace.

How is Vienna different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Munich 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 Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Vienna or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Munich is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich Better for Music?

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

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 Munich you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Is Vienna or Munich Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Vienna can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Munich?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Vienna and Munich.

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.

Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Is Vienna or Munich Better for Families?

Munich 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, Munich is very family-friendly. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich Better for Couples?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Munich is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Vienna or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich 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, Munich is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich Better for Students?

Both Vienna and Munich are amazing 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.

Munich is a very popular city for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Vienna and Munich.

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

Munich has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Is Vienna or Munich a more walkable city?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Munich 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.

Munich is very walkable. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Munich or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Munich?

In either Vienna or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Vienna or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

Munich is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Munich?

Vienna 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.

Munich 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 Munich?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Munich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the traditional destination of Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the multicultural big city of Munich. This 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Munich?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Munich. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Munich, 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 Munich?

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 Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Vienna during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In the summer, Vienna is a little warmer than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Munich averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Munich. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Munich. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Munich. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Munich during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Munich. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Munich. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Munich can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. Vienna is much warmer than Munich in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Munich. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Munich. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Munich for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Vienna is around the same temperature as Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Munich during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Munich. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Munich and Vienna