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

Should you visit York or Graz?

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

Should I visit York or Graz? 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in York or Graz?

Both Graz and York have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. York is very popular for its food, while Graz attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Graz is famous for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

How is York different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Graz?

York
Graz

Both York and Graz have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Graz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.


Is the Food Better in York or Graz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York
Graz

York is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is York or Graz Better for Nightlife?

York
Graz

Both York and Graz are high quality when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Graz has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is York or Graz Better for its Old Town?

York
Graz

It's fun to wander around the first-rate old towns in both York and Graz.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

With a famous historical old-town, Graz offers plenty to see. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Graz?

York
Graz

Graz is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Graz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Graz Better for Families?

York
Graz

York is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Graz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Is York or Graz Better for Couples?

York
Graz

With fun activities for couples, both York and Graz make for a high quality place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Graz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.


Is York or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Graz

York is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is York or Graz Better for Students?

York
Graz

Graz is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

York is not popular with students.

Is York or Graz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

York
Graz

Graz is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Graz is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.


Is York or Graz a more walkable city?

York
Graz

Graz is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Graz on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or York?

How long in York or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Graz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Graz 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 York.


  • How many days in York or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Graz 2-3

One day in York or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Graz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Graz?

York is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Graz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in York or Graz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fanciful destination of York. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval destination of Graz. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Graz?

The historic city of York offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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 cultural city of Graz offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or York?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Graz is £95. 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 York and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Graz £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Graz £114
Compare Hotels in York and Graz

Looking for a hotel in York or Graz? 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 York


Hotels in Graz


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: York Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Graz £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and York 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
    York £32
    Graz £28
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

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

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Graz £11

Tours and Activities in York

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

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Graz £13
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


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


Which is Bigger, York or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Graz, 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 York or Graz?

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 York or Graz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Graz. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Graz this time of year.

In the summer, York is cooler than Graz. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Graz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Graz. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Graz. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Graz. York usually gets less rain in July than Graz. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit York or Graz in the Autumn?

Both Graz and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally cooler than Graz. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Graz during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Graz. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit York or Graz in the Winter?

Both Graz and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Graz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Graz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is much warmer than Graz in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Graz. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in January than Graz. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Graz 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit York or Graz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Graz. Furthermore, most visitors come to Graz for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, York is much colder than Graz. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Graz during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Graz. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and York

York Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)