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

Should you visit Bucharest or Salzburg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Salzburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bucharest and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


How is Bucharest different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bucharest
Salzburg

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

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Bucharest or Salzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bucharest
Salzburg

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Bucharest and Salzburg.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bucharest. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Salzburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Bucharest or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest
Salzburg

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Salzburg.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

If you're looking for night time activities Salzburg has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Bucharest or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest
Salzburg

Salzburg has a more popular old town than Bucharest.

The old town of Salzburg is one of the most recognized in 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Salzburg?

Bucharest
Salzburg

Salzburg is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.


Is Bucharest or Salzburg Better for Families?

Bucharest
Salzburg

Families may find more to do in Salzburg than Bucharest.

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Bucharest
Salzburg

Salzburg offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than Bucharest.

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

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest
Salzburg

Bucharest and Salzburg are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bucharest is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

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

Bucharest
Salzburg

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Salzburg.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Salzburg offers a very effecient public transportation network. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.


Is Bucharest or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Bucharest
Salzburg

Bucharest and Salzburg both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Salzburg?

In either Bucharest or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Bucharest because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bucharest is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Salzburg is 3-5 days.


  • How many days in Bucharest or Salzburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bucharest 1-3 
    Salzburg 3-5

One day in Bucharest or Salzburg?

The of Bucharest offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Salzburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Salzburg?

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

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Salzburg?

Bucharest 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the recognizable city of Salzburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Bucharest or Salzburg?

Bucharest is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This offers something for everyone.

Salzburg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Which place is cheaper, Salzburg or Bucharest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $138, while the average daily cost in Salzburg is $165. 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 Bucharest and Salzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Salzburg $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Salzburg $198
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Salzburg

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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 Bucharest


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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Salzburg $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Best transfer from Bucharest Airport to City Center: $3.72
  • Bucharest airport transfer: $12
  • Private transfer from Bucharest Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $12
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Bucharest Airport to Bucharest City: $14
  • Private Departure Transfer from Bucharest City to Bucharest Airport: $14
  • Bucharest - Private Airport Transfer: $15
  • Bucharest Airport Transfer: $16
  • Otopeni Airport Transfer to Bucharest: $16
  • Private One-Way BUCHAREST-OTP Airport Transfer: $16
  • Bucharest Airport Transfer by Minivan: $17
  • Private Bucharest Airport Transfer: $17
  • Bucharest Giurgiu Port Shared Transfer: $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Airport Transfer: Salzburg to Munich Airport (MUC): $332
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $90
  • Cesky Krumlov: Private One-Way Transfer to Salzburg: $391
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $83
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $90
  • From Salzburg to Frankfurt Airport Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $231
  • From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $205
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Salzburg Airport to Linz City - One Way: $214
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Salzburg Airport to Salzburg City - One Way: $60
  • Low Cost Private Transfer from Salzburg Airport or Salzburg City to Salzburg City or Salzburg Airport: $37
  • Low Cost Private Transfer from Salzburg City to Salzburg Train Station: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Salzburg?

Prices for flights to both Salzburg and Bucharest 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
    Bucharest $58
    Salzburg $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $80
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $199
  • Walking Food Tour in the Old Town of Bucharest: $199
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $223
  • Private Dracula Castle Tour by night and Romanian traditional dinner: $331

Typical Food prices in Salzburg

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


  • Lunch Salad
    $9.66

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: $52
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch: $57
  • Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $60
  • Salzach Cruise & Dinner at Hohesalzburg Fortress: $68
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $79
  • Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $82
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $82
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert at the Baroque Hall of St Peter`s Abbey in Salzburg: $86
  • Fortress HohenObservationtower Admission, Dinner and Mozart Concert: $92
  • Dinner Cooking Class & Concert - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Mozart: $93
  • The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg With Lunch or Dinner: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Salzburg $32

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bellu Outdoor Museum Exploration Game & Tour: $5.67
  • Old Town Hidden Gems Exploration Game and Tour: $7.95
  • Museum of Senses Bucharest Entrance Ticket: $11
  • One Hour Epic Escape Room Adventure Mystery in Bucharest: $14
  • Escape Room Experience: $17
  • Half-day tour to the Mogoșoaia Palace by train from Bucharest: $20
  • Skip the line: Bucharest Parliament Palace Ticket: $23
  • Self-Guided Ruse from Bucharest Tour: $24
  • Skip the Line: Palace of the Parliament - Bucharest: $25
  • Guided Ceausescu Villa Tour: $25
  • Jewish Tour of Bucharest: $28
  • Dracula's Transylvania Virtual Private 2-Hour Live Guided Tour: $31

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

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

  • Auto-guided Private Tour of Salzburg: $4.91
  • Salzburg Private Tour: Sound of Music City Exploration Game: $5.21
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket with Audio Guide Option: $5.67
  • Salzburg Cathedral: Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $5.67
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $6.99
  • Sightseeing with the Sound of Music: A Salzburg Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Sound of Music Exploration Game & Tour: $7.93
  • Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • DomQuartier Entrance Ticket and Audio Guide: $15
  • Interactive Puzzle and City Exploration Tour: $18
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.24
    Salzburg $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $23
  • Wine Tasting Tour of Bucharest Old Town: $61
  • Wine Tasting Tour at First Wine Bar: $61
  • Private Wine Tasting at Bucharest's First Wine Bar: $65
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting – 2.5 hours: $88
  • Traditions in Village Museum & Wine Tasting: $93
  • Bike & Wine tour in Dealu Mare wineland: $96
  • Wine tasting at the mansion, Dracula's grave from Snagov & Mogosoaia Palace: $100
  • Traditions in Village Museum and Wine Tasting Tour: $100
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $106
  • Romanian Wine Tasting Experience: $113
  • Lacerta Crama Wine Tasting: $113

Typical Alcohol prices in Salzburg

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


  • Beer
    $3.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

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

  • Private Austrian Food and Wine Tasting with a Sommelière & Chef: $101
  • Private Half Day Salzburg City Tour including Visit to the Stiegl Brewery: $523


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


When is the best time to visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Salzburg. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July are around 23°C (73°F), and Salzburg is about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Salzburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Salzburg. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Salzburg stays around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Salzburg. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Salzburg in the winter. The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. Bucharest is much colder than Salzburg in the winter. The temperature in Bucharest is usually -1°C (29°F) in January, and Salzburg stays around -0°C (31°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Salzburg in the Spring?

Both Salzburg and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April are around 12°C (54°F), and Salzburg is about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Salzburg. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Bucharest

Bucharest Salzburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)


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Bucharest vs. Salzburg Travel Comparison

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