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

Should you visit Windsor or Vienna?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Vienna? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Windsor and Vienna: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Windsor or Vienna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vienna than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vienna is better known for its food, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Windsor different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor
Vienna

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Windsor and Vienna.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Vienna

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Vienna.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Vienna has a few options to choose from. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Windsor or Vienna Better for Music?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Windsor is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Vienna 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.

Windsor is not a live music destination.


Is Windsor or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Vienna?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Vienna Better for Families?

Windsor
Vienna

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Vienna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Vienna offers lots of family activities. 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 Windsor or Vienna Better for Couples?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Vienna Better for Students?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.


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

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Vienna a more walkable city?

Windsor
Vienna

Vienna is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Vienna?

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

Families should spend more time in Vienna than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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.


  • How many days in Windsor or Vienna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Vienna 2-5

One day in Windsor or Vienna?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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.


A weekend in Windsor or Vienna?

Windsor 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.

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.

Five days in Windsor or Vienna?

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

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.

A week in Windsor or Vienna?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Vienna or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Vienna is £129. 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 Windsor and Vienna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Vienna £80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Vienna £160
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Vienna

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Vienna? 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 Windsor


Hotels in Vienna


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Vienna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Vienna £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    £26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 2-in-1 Jewish Museums in Vienna Private Tour with Transfers: $361
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Business Car: $78
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Car: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Van: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Business Car: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Car: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Van: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Minibus: $219
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Business Car: $54
  • Belvedere Palace: Tour with Skip-the-Line/Transfer Options: $54
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna: $9.52
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna Airport: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Vienna?

Prices for flights to both Vienna and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Vienna £28
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

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


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
  • Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $65
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $70
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Vienna £33

Tours and Activities in Windsor

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

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Tours and Activities in Vienna

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Cultural Heart of the City Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Top of Vienna in One Day: An English Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.87
  • Detective Trail Mystery tour for the whole family: $8.02
  • MAK - Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $8.02
  • Walking Tour of the MuseumsQuartier with Guide: $8.56
  • Vienna Cathedral District Audio Tour (EN) (NO Ticket): $8.80
  • Walking Around Hofburg Palace In-App Audio Tour (EN): $8.80
  • Capuchins Crypt Entrance Ticket: $9.09

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Vienna £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

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

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91


When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Vienna, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Vienna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor or Vienna?

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 Windsor or Vienna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Vienna. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Windsor is cooler than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Vienna. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Vienna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Windsor is around the same temperature as Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives more rain than Vienna. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Vienna 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. Windsor can be very cold during winter. In January, Windsor is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Vienna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Vienna. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

Windsor is cooler than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Vienna. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Vienna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Vienna and Windsor

Windsor Vienna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)