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

Should you visit Vienna or Carcassonne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Carcassonne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping. See Vienna travel costs.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Carcassonne is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife. See Carcassonne travel costs.

Vienna and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna. Although Vienna and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Vienna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vienna is very popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Carcassonne.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Carcassonne can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Carcassonne is an experience not to be missed. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Carcassonne.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Carcassonne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and a few clubs around town that keep the energy lively. It's beautiful to walk between spots, as many of the buildings are lit up and strikingly beautiful.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for live music. However, Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Vienna has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Carcassonne?

Vienna is very popular for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne More Beautiful?

Vienna is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Carcassonne is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is filled with history and well preserved medieval sights.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Vienna and Carcassonne are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Vienna is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Vienna or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Vienna or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Vienna and Carcassonne are world-class when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Carcassonne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Vienna.

One day in Vienna or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the artistic city of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Carcassonne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic destination of Vienna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Carcassonne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the ritzy city of Vienna. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Vienna or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Vienna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historical destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Carcassonne?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Carcassonne, 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 Vienna or Carcassonne?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Vienna or Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

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

Vienna is cooler than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

Vienna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vienna is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Carcassonne. The spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In April, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Vienna