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

Should you visit Vienna or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Portland, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Vienna and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Portland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Portland attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Portland and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Vienna is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Vienna or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Portland.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Vienna or Portland Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Vienna or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is very popular for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Vienna has a world-famous historical 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Vienna or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Portland?

Vienna is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Vienna or Portland Better for Families?

Vienna and Portland are both nice 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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Vienna or Portland Better for Couples?

Vienna is very popular for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Vienna or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Vienna is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Vienna or Portland a more walkable city?

Vienna is very popular for its walkability. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Vienna than Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

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.

Portland 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 Portland?

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 Portland. 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 Portland?

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 live music and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Vienna and Portland, we can see that Portland 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. Even though Vienna is in Europe and Portland is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Portland?

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives more rain than Portland. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Vienna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Portland. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Portland. Many visitors come to Vienna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vienna is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Portland. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Portland. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Vienna