A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Villach vs. Hamburg for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Villach or Hamburg?

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

Should I visit Villach or Hamburg? 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 nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Villach and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Villach or Hamburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg than Villach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hamburg is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Villach attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Villach and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

How is Villach different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Villach
Hamburg

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Villach
Hamburg

Hamburg is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

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 Villach or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Villach
Hamburg

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

Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg Better for Music?

Villach
Hamburg

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

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Villach is not a live music destination.


Is Villach or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Villach
Hamburg

Villach is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Villach offers a nice historic old town area. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Villach or Hamburg Better for Hiking?

Villach
Hamburg

Villach is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Hamburg?

Villach
Hamburg

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

Villach
Hamburg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Villach or Hamburg.

Villach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Is Villach or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Villach
Hamburg

Villach is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Villach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Villach or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach
Hamburg

Villach is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Villach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.


Is Villach or Hamburg Better for Students?

Villach
Hamburg

Hamburg is a popular place for students. However, Villach is not popular with students.

Hamburg is a good port city to visit for students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Villach
Hamburg

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

Hamburg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trains and buses that make their way 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 Hamburg a more walkable city?

Villach
Hamburg

Hamburg is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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 Hamburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Villach?

How long in Villach or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Villach and Hamburg. In our opinion, Hamburg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hamburg than Villach. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Villach or Hamburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Villach 1-3 
    Hamburg 1-3

One day in Villach or Hamburg?

In Villach, you'll find nightlife and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Villach or Hamburg?

In Villach, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Villach has to offer.

In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.

Five days in Villach or Hamburg?

Villach is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hamburg is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Villach or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Villach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Villach is €116, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is €117. 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 Villach and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Villach 69
    Hamburg 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Villach 138
    Hamburg 108
Compare Hotels in Villach and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Villach or Hamburg? 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 Villach


Hotels in Hamburg


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: Villach Hotel Prices and Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Villach 18
    Hamburg 29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Hamburg Cruise Port: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City Hotels to Hamburg Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port: $78
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Villach or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Villach 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
    Villach 35
    Hamburg 35

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Villach 15
    Hamburg 39

Tours and Activities in Villach

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

  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $250
  • Magic Christmas Tour: $769

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Villach 14
    Hamburg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


When comparing the travel costs between Villach and Hamburg, we can see that Hamburg 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Villach or Hamburg?

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

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 Villach or Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Hamburg. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Villach is a little warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. In Villach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Villach usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Villach usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Villach 24°C (75°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Villach or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Villach as well as Hamburg. Many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Villach is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Villach in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Villach often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in October than Hamburg. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Villach 16°C (60°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Villach or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hamburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Villach is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 5°C (41°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Villach usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Villach 5°C (41°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Villach or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Villach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty.

Villach is much warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Villach often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in April than Hamburg. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Villach 13°C (56°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Villach

Villach Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)