A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Salzburg for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural city. Salzburg is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping. See Salzburg travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kuala Lumpur than Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur is bigger than Salzburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Salzburg is more popular for its music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur on the map. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur offers plenty to do in the evening. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg More Beautiful?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Salzburg is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This stunning city is known for its beautiful churches and hillside views.

The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg are great family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg are both great destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg are world-class destinations for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Many students frequent Salzburg. 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.

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its public transit. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Visitors to Salzburg can move around easily with public transportation. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg are great when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Salzburg is a very walkable city. 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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

In either Kuala Lumpur 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, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. 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 shopping and museums that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

Kuala Lumpur 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

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

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this recognizable destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

Kuala Lumpur 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 city offers something for everyone.

Salzburg is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Salzburg is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Kuala Lumpur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. 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. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Salzburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the natural beauty.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Kuala Lumpur