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

Should you visit Basel or Salzburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a recognizable, historic, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Basel and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Salzburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg. Although Basel and Salzburg are both popular with visitors, Salzburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salzburg is more touristy than Basel and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Basel different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Basel and Salzburg.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Salzburg. 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.

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

Salzburg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Salzburg. 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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Salzburg.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

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 Basel or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Salzburg 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.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Salzburg is revered around the world. 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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Salzburg?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Salzburg make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Basel or Salzburg Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Salzburg. 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 Basel or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salzburg is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Both Basel and Salzburg offer superb public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Basel or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Basel is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Basel?

How long in Basel or Salzburg?

In either Basel or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Basel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Basel. 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 Basel. 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 Basel 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.

One day in Basel or Salzburg?

The beautiful city of Basel offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Salzburg?

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Salzburg?

Basel 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 fun place to experience. In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Salzburg?

Basel 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the musical destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Salzburg?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Salzburg in the Summer?

Both Salzburg and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In the summer, Basel is around the same temperature as Salzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Salzburg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Salzburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Salzburg. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Salzburg. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Salzburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Salzburg. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. Basel is much warmer than Salzburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Salzburg. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Basel is around the same temperature as Salzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Salzburg. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Basel