Comparison · Munich vs Vienna · Germany / Austria
Munich vs Vienna
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens; choose Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 355 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 355 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Munich
- May–July, September and December
- Best time for Vienna
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Munich | Vienna | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Austria |
| Known for | Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and Marienplatz | Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and Klimt and Schiele |
| Best time to visit | May–July, September and December | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 24°C (75°F) | July, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | MUC, FMM | VIE, BTS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Munich for…
Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Bavaria's capital mixes royal grandeur with beer-hall tradition. The compact Altstadt around Marienplatz holds the Neues Rathaus, the twin-towered Frauenkirche and the Residenz palace, while the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in Europe…
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
| # | Munich | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus | Schönbrunn Palace |
| 2 | Frauenkirche | Tiergarten Schönbrunn |
| 3 | Munich Residenz | Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum |
| 4 | Englischer Garten | Spanish Riding School |
| 5 | Viktualienmarkt | St Stephen's Cathedral |
Food compared
| Munich | Vienna |
|---|---|
| White sausage | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Pretzel | Tafelspitz |
| Roast pork knuckle | Sachertorte |
| Roast pork with dumplings | Apple strudel |
Which is cheaper?
Munich and Vienna cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$320 in Munich and $170–$300 in Vienna (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Vienna on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Munich and Vienna are about 355 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Munich and 4 in Vienna.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Munich or Vienna cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 in Munich and $170–$300 in Vienna (estimates).
+Is Munich or Vienna better for a first trip?
Pick Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens, or Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses.
+How far is Munich from Vienna?
About 355 km in a straight line.