A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Warsaw vs. Vienna for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Warsaw or Vienna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Vienna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a historical, under-rated, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Warsaw and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna. Although Warsaw and Vienna are popular destinations, Vienna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vienna is very popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Warsaw attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Warsaw and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Warsaw is famous for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Warsaw different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Warsaw or Vienna.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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.

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

Vienna is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vienna. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw 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.

Warsaw has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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 Warsaw or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Warsaw is not a live music destination.

Vienna is known as a music capital 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.

Warsaw is not a live music destination.

Is Warsaw or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Warsaw. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Vienna?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Vienna Better for Families?

Both Warsaw and Vienna are nice to visit with kids.

Warsaw offers lots of family activities. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Vienna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Warsaw or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Is Warsaw or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Warsaw and Vienna are nice places to visit.

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Plenty of backpackers visit Vienna. 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 Warsaw or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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

Many students visit Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

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

Vienna is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

The public transit in Warsaw can get you around easily. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

Is Warsaw or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Vienna?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Warsaw or Vienna?

Warsaw 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.

Vienna 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 Warsaw or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Warsaw. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Warsaw or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Warsaw. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ritzy destination of Vienna. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Vienna?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Vienna. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw and Vienna, 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 Warsaw or Vienna?

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 Warsaw or Vienna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Vienna. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Warsaw is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Vienna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Warsaw usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vienna. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Warsaw or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Vienna. The autumn months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In October, Warsaw is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (49°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Warsaw often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Vienna. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. It's quite cold in Warsaw in the winter. Warsaw is much colder than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Vienna. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Warsaw or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and Warsaw during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Warsaw is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Vienna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Warsaw