Comparison · Budapest vs Vienna · Hungary / Austria
Budapest vs Vienna
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Visions of Domino, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Budapest for Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. Budapest is generally less expensive, and the two are about 214 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 214 km
- Less expensive
- Budapest
- Best time for Budapest
- April–May and September–October
- Best time for Vienna
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Budapest | Vienna | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Hungary | Austria |
| Known for | Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament and Danube views | Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and Klimt and Schiele |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–October | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$210 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BUD | VIE, BTS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Budapest for…
Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Budapest straddles the Danube: hilly Buda on the west bank has the Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion, while flat Pest on the east holds the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the old Jewish Quarter and most hotels, restaurants and bars. The city sits…
Choose Vienna for…
Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. The Habsburgs ruled from Vienna for more than six centuries, and their palaces, museums and churches still define the city. Inside the Ringstrasse, the old centre holds St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg and dozens of traditional coffee houses; just outside…
Top sights compared
| # | Budapest | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hungarian Parliament Building | Schönbrunn Palace |
| 2 | Buda Castle | Tiergarten Schönbrunn |
| 3 | Fisherman's Bastion | Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum |
| 4 | Matthias Church | Spanish Riding School |
| 5 | Széchenyi Thermal Bath | St Stephen's Cathedral |
Food compared
| Budapest | Vienna |
|---|---|
| Goulash soup | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Chicken paprikash | Tafelspitz |
| Lángos | Sachertorte |
| Chimney cake | Apple strudel |
Which is cheaper?
Budapest is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$210 per person there, against $170–$300 in Vienna (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Budapest on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Budapest and Vienna are about 214 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Budapest and 4 in Vienna.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Budapest or Vienna cheaper?
Budapest is usually less expensive: about $110–$210 a day mid-range against $170–$300 (estimates).
+Is Budapest or Vienna better for a first trip?
Pick Budapest for Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses.
+How far is Budapest from Vienna?
About 214 km in a straight line.