A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Villach vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Villach or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Villach or Budapest? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Villach and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Villach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Villach is known for its hiking and small town charm. Budapest is more touristy than Villach and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Villach is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

How is Villach different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Villach or Budapest?

Budapest 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.

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Villach or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Villach and Budapest.

Villach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Budapest offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Villach or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Villach. 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 Villach or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is notable 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Villach or Budapest Better for Hiking?

Villach is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Villach for the hiking trails. 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.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Budapest?

Budapest is notable for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Villach or Budapest Better for Families?

Villach is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Villach or Budapest Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Villach and Budapest make for a great place to visit.

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Villach or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is terrific for backpackers. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Is Villach or Budapest Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Budapest 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 Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Villach or Budapest a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Villach Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Villach?

How long in Villach or Budapest?

In either Villach or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Villach because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Villach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Budapest that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Villach or Budapest?

The beautiful town of Villach offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

A weekend in Villach or Budapest?

Villach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Villach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest has to offer.

Five days in Villach or Budapest?

Villach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest 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 Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Villach or Budapest?

Villach is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Villach and Budapest, we can see that Villach is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Villach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Villach than you might in Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Villach or Budapest?

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

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 Villach or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Villach as well as Budapest. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Villach is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 24°C (75°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In the summer, Villach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Villach is a little warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Villach usually receives more rain than Budapest. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Villach or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Villach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Villach is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Villach in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Villach often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Budapest. Most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Villach is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 13°C (56°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Villach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during spring. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Villach usually receives more rain than Budapest. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Villach