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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Salzburg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Salzburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a gothic, ancient, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include theater, nightlife, and live music.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Edinburgh and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Salzburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Salzburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Salzburg is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Salzburg is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music.

How is Edinburgh different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Edinburgh on the map. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Salzburg is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Salzburg is not a theatre destination.

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

Salzburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh offers plenty to do in the evening. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and Salzburg.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

In Salzburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Both Edinburgh and Salzburg have first-rate historic old towns worth visiting.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Salzburg?

Salzburg is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Salzburg draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Is Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Salzburg are high quality to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Salzburg is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Salzburg is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Edinburgh is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Salzburg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Edinburgh or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Salzburg is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

Salzburg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Salzburg can get you to some places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Salzburg?

In either Edinburgh or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh than Salzburg 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 Edinburgh.

One day in Edinburgh or Salzburg?

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater 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.

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 Edinburgh or Salzburg?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find live music and food around the recognizable 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 Edinburgh or Salzburg?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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 Edinburgh or Salzburg?

Edinburgh 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Salzburg, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Salzburg?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Salzburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Salzburg. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Edinburgh is cooler than Salzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Salzburg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Salzburg. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Salzburg. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In October, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Edinburgh during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. Edinburgh is much warmer than Salzburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Salzburg. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Salzburg. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Edinburgh is cooler than Salzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Salzburg during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Edinburgh