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

Should you visit Vienna or Villach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Villach, 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 traditional, artistic, and musical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Vienna and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Villach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Villach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Villach is known for its hiking and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Villach and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Villach is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Vienna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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

Vienna is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Vienna or Villach Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Villach.

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.

Villach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Vienna or Villach Better for Music?

Vienna is terrific for its music scene. However, Villach is not a live music destination.

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Villach is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Vienna or Villach Better for Hiking?

Villach 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 Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Villach?

Vienna is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Vienna or Villach Better for Families?

Villach 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, Villach is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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 Villach Better for Couples?

Vienna is terrific for couples. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Vienna or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach 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 Villach. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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 Villach Better for Students?

Vienna is terrific for students. However, Villach is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is terrific for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vienna can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Vienna or Villach a more walkable city?

Vienna is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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

Villach is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Villach or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Villach?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Villach. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Villach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Villach.

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Villach. 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 Villach 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 Villach?

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Villach?

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer.

Villach 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 Villach?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the nature-filled destination of Villach. This town 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Villach?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Villach. Many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vienna is around the same temperature as Villach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Villach averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Villach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Villach. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Villach. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Villach in the Autumn?

Both Villach and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vienna is generally cooler than Villach. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Villach fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Villach during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Villach. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Villach in the Winter?

Both Villach and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. Vienna is much colder than Villach in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Villach. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Villach. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Villach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Villach. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vienna is around the same temperature as Villach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Villach averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Villach during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Villach. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Villach and Vienna