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

Should you visit York or Vienna?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

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

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Vienna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Vienna is more touristy than York and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is York different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both York and Vienna have very good 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 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 York or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Vienna is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is York or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

York 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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 York or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

Vienna is a world class music destination. 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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both York and Vienna.

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, 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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Vienna?

Vienna is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. 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 York or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is York or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 York or Vienna Better for Students?

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

York is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is York or Vienna a more walkable city?

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

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 Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or York?

How long in York or Vienna?

In either York or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

One day in York or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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 Vienna?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vienna 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 Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional destination of Vienna. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. 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.

The artistic city of Vienna offers shopping and museums. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 York and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Vienna. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Vienna. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Vienna. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, York is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives more rain than Vienna. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Vienna. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. York can be very cold during winter. York is much warmer than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Vienna. York usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Vienna. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and York