A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Murren vs. Salzburg for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Murren 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 Murren 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.

Murren

Murren is a stunning, serene, and authentic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Murren and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Salzburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salzburg than Murren, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salzburg is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Murren is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Murren 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. Murren is well known for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Murren different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for Skiing?

Murren is terrific for snow skiing. However, Salzburg is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Murren is among the best in the world. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Salzburg is not a skiing destination.

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

Salzburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

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

Salzburg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Salzburg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Salzburg is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Salzburg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Murren 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.

Murren is not a live music destination.

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for Hiking?

Murren is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Murren draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Salzburg?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known 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 in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for Families?

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

Murren is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

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 Murren or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Both Murren and Salzburg are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Murren is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

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.

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is well known for backpackers. However, Murren 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.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

Is Murren or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Murren is not popular with 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.

Murren is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Salzburg. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Murren offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Murren or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Murren 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 Murren on foot. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

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 Murren Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Murren?

How long in Murren or Salzburg?

In either Murren or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Murren because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Murren, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Murren. 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 Murren. 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 Murren 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 Murren or Salzburg?

Murren is a small town where visitors enjoy the food 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Murren or Salzburg?

Murren 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Murren, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Salzburg is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Murren or Salzburg?

Murren 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Murren or Salzburg?

Murren 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the recognizable destination of Salzburg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Murren and Salzburg, we can see that Murren 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 Murren would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Murren 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 Murren Expensive? and Is Salzburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Murren or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren 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.