Vienna or Budapest: Which European city should you visit?

Are you planning a trip to Europe and want to know if Vienna or Budapest is the best city for you? Here we do a detailed comparison on the two. From cost, to attractions, to food, we analyse it all to decide which European city you should visit on your next trip.

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Vienna or Budapest: Some background

Before we get into the whole Vienna vs Budapest debate, let’s have a look at some background on each city.

Vienna

Vienna is the capital of Austria, and has been votable the most liveable city in the world for several years running. It’s an incredibly green city with a high quality of living. It’s also probably not a surprise that the city is very multicultural with over 30% of the population coming from somewhere other than Austria.

The city is a mix of new and old, with music, arts, and dancing, being some of the main things that have shaped Viennese culture. I mean the city alone hosts over 300 yearly balls! And if that’s not your thing, don’t forget Mozart once worked in Vienna, which is why you will see so many people dressed as him around tourist attractions.

For more information on Vienna you can checkout our 2 day itinerary.

Budapest

Budapest of course is the capital of Hungary. It became a city after 3 cities, Buda, Pest and Óbuda merged, and this is where the name Budapest is derived from.

It is home to the world’s largest thermal cave system and the largest medicinal baths in Europe. Unsurprisingly Budapest is often referred to as the city of the spas.

For more information on visiting Budapest you can read our itineraries below:

1 day in Budapest

2 days in Budapest

3 days in Budapest

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for accommodation

Accommodation is a major factor when deciding where to stay in a city. Here we look at Vienna and Budapest and decide which one has the better accommodation options.

Vienna

Vienna has a lot of accommodation options. Different areas are broken up into districts in Vienna. So for instance you have Innere Stadt or District 1 which is the historic part of the city. You are close to some of the more traditional attractions like the Spanish Riding School and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Transport links here are also excellent.

For cheaper accommodation District 2 or Leopoldstadt is a great option. It’s still close enough to transport and some of the main attractions, but accommodation can be a lot better value.

Finally for those wanting to be close to the museums or some of the best restaurants and bars head to MuseumsQuartier or District 7.

There is accommodation in Vienna to suit all budgets, although for cheaper hotels you do need to pick your area wisely.

Budapest

There are several accommodation options when planning a trip to Budapest. And the good news is that this covers all budgets.

Budapest is broken up into two parts. On one side you have Buda and the other Pest. These are split by the Danube, with bridges connecting the two.

It is also broken down into 23 Districts, so you will see names like District I or District V for instance when trying to book your accommodation.

For the purposes of this article we are going to simplify it and look at Buda and Pest. On the Buda side you have Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and some of the underground caves. There are more luxury style hotels here, and it’s perfect if you are after quieter more atmospheric evenings.

On the Pest side, there are more accommodation options, and these cover all budgets, including your backpackers hostels. You have attractions like the Houses of Parliament, and the ruin bars on this side of the river. This is perfect if you are wanting to experience Budapest’s nightlife.

Accommodation as a whole in Budapest is relatively cheap, especially compared to other European capitals.

Vienna or Budapest?

We think Budapest is the better choice for accommodation. You can stay at some really great hotels, for much cheaper prices than Vienna.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for attractions

A huge consideration when visiting a new city is based on the attractions. Here we decide if Vienna or Budapest has the better attractions.

Vienna

Vienna has so many cool things to see from Imperial palaces and gardens to funky modern architecture. Here are some of our highlights for things to see and do in Vienna.

Schonbrunn Palace

One of the things you have to do in Vienna is visit Schonbrunn Palace. It was built in the 1630s and was once an imperial summer residence.

You can do tours, to see the inside, or you can wander around and explore the gardens outside.

Hofburg Palace

Another palace you can visit is Hofburg Palace. It was used as a winter residence for rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire, but these days it serves as a base for the President of Austria. You can do tours of the museum or explore the imperial apartments.

Prater amusement park

This is one of the fun things to do in Vienna, especially if you have kids or are a kid at heart. It’s essentially an amusement park with rides like bumper cars, roller coasters, and your classic fair ground style games.

The highlight of the park is the Riesenrad which is a ferris wheel standing at 212 ft. It was constructed in 1897 and was one of the first ferris wheels ever built.

St Stephen’s Cathedral

Located inStephensplatz in the historic centre of Vienna, St Stephen’s Cathedral is the tallest cathedral in Austria. It’s opulent design, particularly the hundreds of colourful tiles that make up the roof dominate the Viennese skyline, making it hard to miss.

Explore the MuseumQuartier

The MuseumQuartier, actually only opened in 2001, but it has since become home to a number of top class museums. One of our favourite museums is the Leopold Museum is a good choice as it houses a number of modern art works by Austrian artists.

The Vineyards

It is a bit of a journey out of town if you want to checkout the vineyards of Vienna but not impossible.

You can stroll around the area and stop at local vineyards for a sample along the way. The wine here is also pretty cheap, and goes great with a cheese and meat platter. There are also some really beautiful views from here.

Budapest

Here are some of the best things to do in Budapest.

Wondering if Budapest is worth visiting? Here is a handy guide.

St Stephen’s Basilica

For great city views we recommend a visit to St Stephen’s Basilica. The Roman Catholic Basilica is a distinctive part of the city’s skyline and was named in honour of Stephen the First King of Hungary. It is also one of the tallest buildings in Budapest alongside the Hungarian Parliament standing at 96 metres.

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is an incredible neo-gothic peice of architecture and is a favourite among tourists. It was designed by the Hungarian Architect Imre Steindl and opened in 1902.

Shoes on the Danube

The Shoes on the Danube is a memorial that represents the thousands of Jews that were killed during World War II by the Arrow Cross militia. They were marched down to the Danube and ordered to take off their shoes before being shot by the edge of the river. Their bodies then fell into the river and were carried away.

Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohany Street Synagogue also known as the known as the Great Synagogue or Tabakgasse Synagogue was built between 1854 and 1859 in the Moorish Revival style. The architect Ludwig Forster is Viennese with the inside designed partly by Frigyes Feszl. It is the largest synagogue in Europe and seats approximately 3000 people.

Szechenyi Baths

The Szechenyi Baths are another hugely popular attraction in Budapest. Built in 1913, the spa baths are considered medicinal and the water is supplied by two thermal springs. The water consists of a number of minerals including calcium, magnesiam, bicarbonate, metaboric acid and fluoride.

For a standard experience you get to spend some time in the large thermal pool. You might have seen those photos of people playing chess in the water, which is obviously something else you can do here. There are actually 18 pools to choose from, as well as 10 saunas, massage therapies, facial treatments and more.

House of Terror

The House of Terror is a museum that centres around the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary in the 20th Century. It details the sheer horror of what the victims of these regimes endured.

Hungarian National Gallery

Established in 1957 as the national art museum, and it has collections covering Hungarian art in all genres. The interior is also quite spectacular and the dome is accessible at certain times of the year.

Buda Castle Hill Funicular

The Buda Castle Hill Funicular connects the area around the chain bridge to Buda Castle. It is worth a ride especially if you want to save your legs climbing up that hill! It only takes a few minutes but the views going up (or down) and really spectacular.

Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a stunning terrace located across the river from the Parliament Building. There are several Romanesque look out terraces making it the perfect place to take pictures and enjoy the stunning views.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church sits right next to Fisherman’s Bastion, and is the most visited Roman Catholic church in Budapest. It’s is a mostly neo-Gothic style building that was established between the 13^th & 15^th Century although at the end of the 19^th Century it was renovated. It’s an important building in Hungary, hosting many a royal wedding, as well as a number of classic/ organ concerts.

Vienna or Budapest?

We found that there was a little bit more to see and do in Budapest. Especially as you have the beautiful baths, as well as all the amazing buildings and underground caves to explore.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is more picturesque

Europe has so many picturesque and quaint cities, but when it comes to Vienna and Budapest you might be wondering which one is nicer.

Vienna

Vienna is a beautiful city especially if you are into grand architecture and royal palaces. There are several beautiful viewpoints in the city, and a few hidden gems too. The vineyards on the outskirts of Vienna are one of our favourite places for scenery, so make sure you take the time to venture out.

Budapest

Budapest is a picturesque city but in a more edgy way. There are several beautiful viewpoints across the city, and one of our favourites is at Fisherman’s Bastion. Here you are surrounded by some pretty impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city.

Of course you also have the thermal baths, that add to the beauty of the city, and the old world basilicas and synagogues, and other bits of architecture that add to the charm.

Vienna or Budapest?

We personally thought that Budapest was the more picturesque destination, particularly around Buda Castle. There are some stunning viewpoints, and incredible bits of architecture to explore.

Vienna or Budapest: which one has the better vibe

Judging a city based on vibe is a weird statement I get it but hear us out.

Vienna

Vienna is a complete mix of old world vibes, and modern fun. There are elements of the city that can feel incredibly serious and pretentious, I mean it is famous for classical music and balls. But it also has a youthful relaxed vibe, particularly seen on a sunny day as young people spill out onto the streets sipping cocktails and craft beers.

Still wondering if Vienna is worth visiting here is a handy guide.

Budapest

Budapest has a slightly more gritty vibe. It’s history as a former communist country is on show and makes it more edgy and unnerving at times. At the same time it has a lively fun and lively side waiting to be explored especially once the sun goes down.

Vienna or Budapest?

Vienna and Budapest are such different cities when it comes to vibe, so it all depends on what you want. It you want gritty go to Budapest, but if you want traditional go to Vienna.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is easier to get to

Getting to your destination is obviously something that will impact your decision to visit. Here we look at whether Vienna or Budapest is easier to get to.

Vienna

Vienna is a popular European destination so getting here is no problem. The main airport is the Vienna International Airport which sees flights arriving each day from around the world.

Getting away from the airport is pretty easy too. There is a train that takes you straight into the centre in 16 minutes.

You can also get a taxi but this luxury will set you about around €35.

Budapest

Budapests main airport is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. There are a number of flights from around the world and Europe that fly here daily. To get into town from the airport you will need to get either a bus or a taxi. There are a couple of buses you can take into town, or alternatively you can get a taxi for under €30.

Vienna or Budapest?

Because of the connection between the airport and city centre via train, Vienna is probably the easier destination to get to. But not by much. Both airports have numerous flights arriving from around the world.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is easier to get around

Wondering if Vienna or Budapest is the easier city to get around? This section is for you.

Vienna

Public transport in Vienna is incredibly reliable, and cheap. For instance you can purchase a 2 day travel card for about €15 per person. This pass is valid on trams and trains.

You need to carry your pass on your at all times, and show your ticket to inspectors when asked for it.

Budapest

Budapest is a really easy city to get around. Public transport consists of trams, buses and the metro, all of which are cheap and efficient.

Tickets can be purchased from self service ticket machines located at the majority of metro, bus, or tram stations/stops.

Vienna or Budapest?

Both cities have excellent public transport that is not only cheap but efficient.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for food

If you are anything like us a massive part of travel is centred around food. But in the battle of Vienna vs Budapest which one is better for foodies.

Vienna

Foodies will really enjoy visiting Vienna. We mentioned earlier in this article that around 30% of the population of Vienna were not born in Austria. So with that in mind you can imagine how diverse the food is.

If you are after something more traditional though you should try the schnitzel. Traditionally it is made from veal, but you can get chicken so just make sure you specify if this is something you would prefer.

Another must is visiting a coffee house where you have to try the Sachertorte. It’s a rich chocolate cake which a layer of apricot jam.

Budapest

The food in Budapest is fantastic. Not only do you have a lot of traditional coffee houses which are perfect for cake and breakfast, but you also have amazing street food.

Traditional food in Budapest is similar to Vienna. You get a lot of schnitzel and stodgy potato and meat based meals. Paprika is a key ingredient in Hungarian cuisine though so things like chicken paprikash or goulash is incredibly popular.

Also don’t forget to indulge in some chimney cake whilst you are in Budapest, they usually sell these on street corners and they are really tasty.

Vienna or Budapest?

The traditional style food in Vienna and Budapest is pretty similar, but our favourite was Budapest. There are a lot more street food options here and the food is a lot cheaper. Also I am an absolute sucker for chicken paprikash.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for nightlife

If you are looking to party the night away you might be wondering if Vienna or Budapest is better.

Vienna

Vienna is great for nightlife especially if you love clubbing. Inner Stadt is a great place to go with the highest concentration of nightclubs in the city.

If that isn’t your thing there are also a number of cocktail bars, and pubs to sample some great drinks. Basically there is a little something for everyone in Vienna when it comes to nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a great place to go if you want to dance the night away. Like Vienna there is a little something for everyone here. You have high end cocktail and wine bars, clubs, discos, and of course the ruin bars.

The ruin bars are one of the highlights when going out in Budapest. Szimpla Kert is the biggest and most popular. It is kind of like a playground for grown ups where instead of swings and slides you have random fixtures and cheap drinks.

Vienna or Budapest?

We preferred Budapest when it comes to nights out. I mean the ruin bars are so much fun and really unique.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for culture

If you love to take in the culture of a destination when you travel you might be wondering if Vienna or Budapest is better for you.

Vienna

Vienna is in our opinion one of the best places in Europe for culture. It has a really long history of being the home of classic music, with Beethoven and Mozart both being linked to the city and some point in their lives.

You also have incredible museums, and theatres, which give you the opportunity to explore the culture firsthand.

Also we couldn’t mention culture in Vienna without mentioning coffee. It’s an important part of life in the city, so a visit to a coffeehouse is a must.

Budapest

Budapest has long been a hub for artists, writers and musicians, and this is very much reflected in the fact that there are over 40 theatres and over 100 museums in the city.

Vienna or Budapest?

Vienna is definitely the winner when it come to culture. Whilst Budapest has its own culture and is a strong contender, Vienna with its coffee culture, plus long history of classical music, and balls is the winner.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for safety

Safety is a big consideration when travelling, so between Vienna and Budapest which one is safer?

Vienna

For a European capital city, Vienna is relatively safe. Yes you get some dodgy neighbourhoods like anywhere, but the touristy parts are generally ok.

Pickpocketing and petty theft can be common, so take your usual precautions, and keep an eye on your belongings.

Budapest

Like Vienna Budapest is a relatively safe city. If you are in the tourist areas you should be ok. Again pickpocketing and petty theft are common so just keep an eye out for your belongings.

Also it is good to stick to crowded well lit areas if you are walking around the city at night.

Vienna or Budapest?

Honestly Vienna and Budapest are pretty on par when it comes to safety. Take your usual precautions and you should be ok.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for couples

If you are planning on visiting Europe with your significant other you might be wondering if Vienna or Budapest is the better option for couples.

Vienna

Vienna has an air of romance surrounding it. There are so many amazing date ideas in the city. For starters you can visit the vineyards, get lost in the royal palace gardens, or just sip drinks at one of the trendy bars along the Danube. And don’t forget the perfect date night surroundings of the Prater Amusement Park. If you are feeling extra romantic you can actually rent out a full cabin on the Reisenrad and sip champagne.

And for fancier date nights you can go to the Opera, or to a Ball, or just hang out in one of the grand coffee houses in the city.

Budapest

Budapest is a great place for couples as well, particularly when you are strolling around the Castle District. There are also so many incredible food and drink options here making it the perfect date night location.

The thermal baths are also a romantic choice and the perfect place to go if you are visiting as a couple.

Vienna or Budapest?

We think Vienna is the better option for a romantic city break. There are so many fun things to do as a couple from fancy nights out to relaxed bar crawls. Also the Prater Amusement Park is the perfect place to go for a romantic day or evening.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for families

If you are planning a visit to Europe with kids you might be wondering if Vienna or Budapest is the better option.

Vienna

Vienna is very kid friendly which is good news if you are planning to travel as a family. It’s safe and easy to navigate for starters. You also have a lot of historical buildings and attractions for them to explore.

A lot of the key attractions are geared towards families. For instance when we visited Schonbrunn Palace there were lots of things for kids to do including mazes, and playgrounds, and even a Children’s Museum. You’ve also got the Prater Amusement Park which is perfect for both kids and adults.

Budapest

Budapest too is a great destination for kids. There are lots of great parks that are fun for the whole family to explore. You also have Aquaworld which is a water park with 17 pools and some thermal baths for the adults.

The city is also a good choice for kids because there are several cave and labyrinth tours which will be sure to fascinate them.

Vienna or Budapest?

Both destinations are great for kids, but we felt Vienna was just a little more child friendly.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for solo travel

If you are travelling alone you might be wondering if Vienna or Budapest is the better option. Here are our thoughts.

Vienna

Vienna is a good choice for solo travel. Like we have mentioned previously it is a pretty safe city, so it’s great for solo travellers, particularly women.

It’s also relatively easy to get around, and there is a lot to see and do in the city so you definitely won’t be bored. You can also book onto a number of city tours or food tours, that are great for meeting other travellers.

Budapest

Budapest is also good for solo travel. It’s relatively safe, and easy to get around using public transport. If you are wanting to visit the ruin bars but don’t want to do it alone you can book onto pub crawl style tours which is always handy.

There are so many great things to see in Budapest that you will not be bored here as a solo traveller.

Vienna or Budapest?

This is another tie, as both cities are great if you are travelling alone.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is cheaper

Money is a big consideration when visiting a new city. So is Vienna or Budapest cheaper?

Vienna

Vienna is quite reasonable when it comes to costs. It’s not as expensive as places like Oslo or even Paris, and we would probably place it on the mid range scale.

To give you an idea of costs you will probably pay around €15- €20 for a main meal at a restaurant. A pint of beer averages at about €4-€5 with touristy areas being a bit more expensive.

You can do Vienna on a budget but for a mid range trip we would recommend putting aside €120 per person per day. This will cover things like your public transport, tourist attractions, food, and several evening cocktails.

Budapest

For a capital city in Europe Budapest is pretty cheap. We were able to do Budapest on a budget and spent around 175,130 Hungarian Forint or about €450 between us over 3 days. This wasn’t including accommodation.

This budget included us eating out every night and we had a fancy breakfast each morning. I mean when in Budapest right? So, you can definitely do things a whole lot cheaper. Especially if you just wanted to pick up some pastries and coffee for breakfast. Nightlife is also a lot cheaper than other European cities, especially if you are hanging around the ruin bars.

We found that accommodation was actually on the cheaper side, with good quality 4 star hotels costing under €100 or 38,567.50 Hungarian Forint a night. Although we didn’t travel in peak season, so if you do decide to visit smack bang in the summer months this might be a little more expensive.

Vienna or Budapest?

Budapest is the cheaper destination, particularly when it comes to food, accommodation and alcohol.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better for nature

If you want to get close to nature you might be wanting to know if Vienna or Budapest is the better option.

Vienna

Austria as a whole is a great place to visit for nature lovers, but you might be wondering if Vienna is too. Vienna is a pretty green city, and you can enjoy nature. Not far out of the city you have incredibly natural landscapes including vineyards, and parklands. In fact here are some of the best places to go for nature in Vienna.

Budapest

Budapest has some great parks, but it is a busy city. If you want to get out and explore some of the natural beauty in Hungary you do need to get out of Budapest.

Vienna or Budapest?

Considering Vienna and Budapest are both cities neither are really great for nature and you do need to venture further out if you want to enjoy a bit of nature.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better in summer

If you want the perfect summer holiday getaway you might be trying to decide if Vienna or Budapest is better. Here are our thoughts.

Vienna

Summer in Vienna is a good time to visit. Temperatures are warm and average at around 20 – 27 degrees Celsius.

There are a number of great festivals in the city in the summer, as well as bars and restaurants opening outdoor areas, and people spilling out onto the streets to sip drinks.

This is also peak travel season with school holidays in August. Our advice when visiting at this time of year is to book tours and accommodation well in advance.

Budapest

Peak travel time to Budapest is around June – August, which is of course summer. This also coincides with school holidays, so expect queues and an increase in hotel costs.

On the plus side the city really comes alive in the summer months. You have a number of great al fresco dining options, as well as beautiful beer gardens and ruin bars.

Temperatures range from around 20 degrees Celsius up to 30 degrees Celsius. Heatwaves are common in August so that is something to consider when visiting.

Vienna or Budapest?

Both cities are brilliant in the summer months so we have to make this one a tie.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is better in winter

If travelling in winter is more your thing, you might be wondering if Vienna or Budapest is the better holiday option.

Vienna

Winter is a popular time to visit Vienna, although this is mostly because of the Christmas Markets in December.

Winters can be cold in Vienna with temperatures average between 1 – 4 degrees Celsius. It’s also not unusual for it to snow, turning the city into a winter wonderland.

There are a lot of museums in the city to help you occupy your time in those cold winter months. Plus cafe culture is enjoyable at any time of the year.

Budapest

It does get cold in Budapest in the winter months. Make sure you dress appropriately as it is not unusual for temperatures to go below freezing.

Daylight hours are also limited and attractions close a bit earlier than they would in summer. Additionally you do get some places that aren’t open at all so double check before you visit.

December is a popular time to visit Budapest though, due to the Christmas markets. The atmosphere is really lively as people get ready for the holidays and sip mulled wine in the cold.

Vienna or Budapest?

Vienna is the better place to visit in the winter months. It’s incredibly atmospheric and you will find a lot more to see and do including the museums and coffee shops, in comparison to Budapest.

Vienna or Budapest: which one is for me

So you have made it through this article in the battle of Vienna vs Budapest. Hopefully you have decided which city you should visit for your next break. But if not let’s do a final recap.

Vienna

Vienna is a beautiful city to visit, particularly if you are into culture, art, and history. It’s also a key European city when it comes to coffee culture.

Vienna is great if you are looking for a weekend break or a city break style holiday, as a couple, with kids or alone.

Budapest

Budapest is a little bigger than Vienna, so you might need a little more time to see it all. It’s excellent for a budget holiday or if you are into nightlife, and cities that are a little rough around the edges.

Vienna or Budapest?

It’s a tough call but we preferred Budapest. It’s a little rougher around the edges, with its post communist vibe. There are also some really cool bars which is especially great for younger travellers.

If you are more into culture including classical music, and art, or if you just want to enjoy some coffee culture then Vienna is for you.

If you are lucky enough to be able to visit both destinations we have a Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary that might help you plan your trip.

Or if you are trying to decide between Prague and Budapest instead here is a guide.

Or if you are thinking about Vienna and Prague here is a helpful guide.

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Happy travels!