A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Puerto Viejo for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Vienna or Puerto Viejo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Puerto Viejo, 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. Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vienna travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a relaxed, mellow, and authentic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Puerto Viejo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Vienna and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Puerto Viejo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna. Although Vienna and Puerto Viejo are both popular with visitors, Vienna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vienna is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Viejo is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Puerto Viejo offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

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

Vienna is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Vienna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Puerto Viejo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Viejo 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.

Puerto Viejo has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a laid back town during the day and at night there's a chill but lively atmosphere. You'll find a few bars and clubs that have live music, and it's not hard to find something interesting to do.

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 Puerto Viejo Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Puerto Viejo is not a live music destination.

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Puerto Viejo is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Viejo is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Viejo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You'll find the best snorkeling in Cahuita National Park, where you'll see coral and colorful fish. There's a dive shop in town as well, but most people enjoy the snorkeling in the area more.

Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Viejo is a very popular place for the beach. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Viejo. The beaches in the area are beautiful and offer great waves for surfing and patches of coral reef for snorkeling. Many of the beaches are lined with forest and have a more laid back and less developed atmosphere than the beaches on the Pacific side.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Viejo does not have a historic old town.

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.

Puerto Viejo does not have a historic old town.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Viejo has hiking trails worth exploring. The hike through nearby Cahuita National Park is a highlight for many visitors. It wanders along the coastline and takes about three hours to walk. You'll likely see some wildlife during your walk.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Puerto Viejo?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

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

Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous place to visit. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Puerto Viejo 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, Puerto Viejo is very family-friendly. With its easy access to Cahuita National Park and many wildlife experiences, this is a great destination for the kids. Kids can see sloths and monkeys, or enjoy snorkeling and hanging out on a chill beach.

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 Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Vienna is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Puerto Viejo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, which has a more laid back and less touristy atmosphere. While you won't find the larger resorts and tourist amenities in this area, couples who enjoy hiking and a local vibe will love their time here.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo. There's a local atmosphere and enough hostels and budget accommodation to keep backpackers happy. It's also easy to explore and makes the perfect place to chill out for a few days.

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 Puerto Viejo Better for Students?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

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.

Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Viejo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is Vienna or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Puerto Viejo is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Puerto Viejo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Puerto Viejo. 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.

One day in Vienna or Puerto Viejo?

In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this musical city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Puerto Viejo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Puerto Viejo?

Vienna is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo?

In Vienna, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this ritzy destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Viejo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Puerto Viejo?

Vienna is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the mellow destination of Puerto Viejo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Vienna and Puerto Viejo, 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. Even though Vienna is in Europe and Puerto Viejo is in Central 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 Puerto Viejo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Vienna or Puerto Viejo?

Vienna has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Puerto Viejo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Vienna is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October.

Should I visit Vienna or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Vienna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In October, Vienna is generally much colder than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Vienna or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Puerto Viejo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. Vienna is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Vienna or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Puerto Viejo. Many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

In the spring, Vienna is much colder than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Vienna