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

Should you visit Arachova or Salzburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Salzburg, 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.

Arachova

Arachova is a bustling, beautiful, and outdoorsy town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a recognizable, historic, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Arachova and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Arachova or Salzburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salzburg than Arachova, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salzburg is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Arachova is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Arachova and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Also, Salzburg is famous for The Salzburg Old Town. Arachova is well known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing.

The Salzburg Old Town
The Salzburg Old Town

How is Arachova different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Salzburg

Arachova is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Salzburg is not a skiing destination.

Head to Arachova for some great skiing and other winter activities. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Salzburg is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arachova or Salzburg?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salzburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Is the Food Better in Arachova or Salzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arachova
Salzburg

Dining out at restaurants in both Arachova and Salzburg can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Salzburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Salzburg

Arachova is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Arachova offers plenty to do in the evening. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.


Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Music?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Arachova is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is a world class music destination. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Arachova is not a live music destination.

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Salzburg offers plenty to see. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Arachova is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Salzburg

Arachova is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Arachova is a popular spot for hiking. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Salzburg?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Salzburg is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Families?

Arachova
Salzburg

Arachova and Salzburg are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Salzburg is very family-friendly. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Arachova is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.


Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is well known for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Students?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for students. However, Arachova is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a great destination for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Arachova is not popular with students.

Is Arachova or Salzburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is well known for its public transit. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Salzburg is fairly effecient and thorough. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.


Is Arachova or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Arachova
Salzburg

Salzburg is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Salzburg is very walkable. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Arachova Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Salzburg?

In either Arachova or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Arachova because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Arachova. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Salzburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Arachova. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salzburg that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Arachova 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 Salzburg.


  • How many days in Arachova or Salzburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Salzburg 3-5

One day in Arachova or Salzburg?

The town of Arachova offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Salzburg offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Salzburg?

Arachova is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arachova, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Salzburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Arachova or Salzburg?

Arachova is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Salzburg is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Salzburg, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Arachova or Salzburg?

Arachova is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Salzburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Salzburg or Arachova?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Salzburg is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Arachova and Salzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Salzburg 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Salzburg 182
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Salzburg

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Salzburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Arachova


Hotels in Salzburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Salzburg 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Airport Transfer: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg by Luxury Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93
  • Cesky Krumlov: Private One-Way Transfer to Salzburg: $629
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93
  • From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $213
  • From Salzburg to Prague, Private Transfer with 2h of Sightseeing: $283
  • Kitzbuhel, Flachau, Transfer From Salzburg & Airport SZG: $288
  • Private Salzburg Airport luxury transfers to Salzburg city&Hotels: $65
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Salzburg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $278
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg To Innsbruck, English Speaking Driver : $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Salzburg?

Prices for flights to both Salzburg and Arachova change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arachova 29
    Salzburg 41

Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $106
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Salzburg 30

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket with Audio Guide Option: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Sound of Music Sightseeing Walk with Audio Guide: $6.99
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $8.02
  • Mirabell Palace and Surroundings Audio Tour: $8.52
  • Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Salzburg Cathedral: Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Salzburg 26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arachova and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Arachova much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arachova would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arachova 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg than you might in Arachova.

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


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova and Salzburg, 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 Arachova or Salzburg?

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 Arachova or Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Salzburg. The summer months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In July, Arachova is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 27°C (81°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during summer. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arachova usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Salzburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Salzburg. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Arachova is much warmer than Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In the autumn, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Salzburg. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arachova for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Arachova is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arachova in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during winter. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arachova usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Salzburg in the Spring?

Both Salzburg and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arachova in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Arachova is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 16°C (60°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the spring, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Salzburg. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Arachova

Arachova Salzburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)