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

Should you visit Vienna or Queenstown?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Queenstown, 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 classical, traditional, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty in Vienna as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Vienna travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a outdoorsy, nature-oriented, and spirited city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Queenstown travel costs.

Vienna and Queenstown: 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 public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Vienna or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna. Although Vienna and Queenstown are popular destinations, Vienna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vienna is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Queenstown attracts visitors for its skiing, food, nightlife, and hiking. Vienna is more touristy than Queenstown and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Queenstown is famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vienna or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Vienna
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Vienna is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Queenstown is among the best in the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Vienna is not a skiing destination.


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

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Vienna
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Queenstown is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Vienna or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Queenstown

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for Music?

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna is a world-class destination for live music. However, Queenstown is not a live music destination.

Vienna is a world class music destination. 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.

Queenstown is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Vienna or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Vienna
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Queenstown draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Queenstown?

Vienna
Queenstown

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

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Vienna or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Vienna as well. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Is Vienna or Queenstown Better for Families?

Vienna
Queenstown

Queenstown 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, Queenstown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

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 Queenstown Better for Couples?

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna and Queenstown are both world-class to visit as a couple.

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.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Is Vienna or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Queenstown

Queenstown 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, Queenstown is extremely popular for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.


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

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Vienna or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Vienna
Queenstown

Vienna is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Queenstown?

Both Vienna and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Vienna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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


  • How many days in Vienna or Queenstown? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Queenstown 2-7

One day in Vienna or Queenstown?

With live music and food around the ritzy city of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?

With food and shopping around the destination of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

Vienna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Queenstown?

Vienna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Queenstown. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Queenstown 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 Queenstown is €110. 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 Queenstown in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Queenstown 47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Queenstown 94
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Queenstown

Looking for a hotel in Vienna or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown


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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Queenstown 8.64
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: $10
  • Bratislava Bus Transfer to and from Vienna Airport: $22
  • Vienna VIE Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $27
  • Transfer from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna City Center: $48
  • Transfer from Vienna airport to Bratislava: $57
  • Vienna Airport (VIE) Private Transfer to Vienna City/Hotels: $62
  • Departure Private Transfer Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Sedan: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfer Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Sedan: $65
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to Vienna City Hotel: $71
  • Vienna Airport Transfers From Vienna City With Private Driver: $71
  • Private transfer from Vienna to the airport : $72
  • Schwechat Airport Private Transfer to Vienna City: $75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:

  • ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
  • Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
  • Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
  • Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
  • Queenstown private transfer: $87
  • Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $90
  • Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
  • QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
  • Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $177
  • Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
  • From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Queenstown?

Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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
    Queenstown 52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Skip the Line: Austrian Dinner Show Ticket in Vienna: $102
  • Burlesque Spectacular Dinner Show: $119
  • Strauss Dinner Show: $119
  • Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $126
  • Schnitzel and Strudel: Shared Cooking Class : $144
  • Nuit des Lumières - The Candlelight Dinner Concert in Vienna: $155
  • Authentic Vienna Food Tour inc. lunch, street food, 3 drinks: $171
  • Exclusive Evening at Schönbrunn Palace: After-Hours Audiotour, Dinner, Concert: $171
  • Nabiel's Vienna Cooking Class: $180
  • Classic Food Tour of Vienna: $180
  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $188

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown

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

  • Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
  • Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
  • Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $135
  • Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Queenstown 18

Tours and Activities in Vienna

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

  • Vienna's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Imperial Adventure: $3.59
  • Self Guided Tours Vienna With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.59
  • Vienna Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.80
  • Entrance tickets for the KunstHausWien. Museum Hundertwasser: $4.81
  • Vienna Self Guided Walking Tour, Royal traditions & Cafe Culture: $5.78
  • Krems an der Donau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Vienna Prater Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Vienna (City Center) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Vienna: $7.20
  • Vienna Interactive City Tour: $8.42
  • Vienna Food Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Vienna Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown

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


  • Skyline Gondola (for 2)
    25

Tours and Activities in Queenstown

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

  • 1-Hour Ultimate Jet Boat Adventure on the Kawarau River: $89
  • 20-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown: $167
  • 30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure : $65
  • Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown: $125
  • Beauties of Queenstown Private Walking Tour: $941
  • Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour & Vineyard Platter-Style Lunch: $150
  • Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka: $215
  • Convertible Picnic Tour Queenstown: $113
  • Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown : $221
  • Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown: $264
  • Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience: $184
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown: $278

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Queenstown 7.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

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

  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $14
  • Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Vienna, Austria: $28
  • Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Vienna, Austria: $28
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $30
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace with optional Palace Ticket: $54
  • Small-group Vienna Wine Tour: $143
  • Austrian Wine Tasting: $144
  • Countryside Half Day Wine Tour near Vienna: $144
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $162
  • Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour from Vienna: $162
  • In Vienna Veritas - An Exclusive historical Wine tasting tour: $167
  • Austrian Private Wine Tasting Evening: $180

Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:

  • Ice Bar Crawl: $23
  • Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $53
  • Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $69
  • Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
  • Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
  • Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
  • Classic Wine Tour: $127
  • Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
  • Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
  • Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $137
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $144
  • Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vienna and Queenstown, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vienna is in Europe and Queenstown is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.

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


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Queenstown?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Queenstown, 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.