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

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a ritzy, opulent, and picturesque Greek island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Salzburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mykonos than Salzburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mykonos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Salzburg is known for its museums and music. Mykonos is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Salzburg is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music.

How is Mykonos different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mykonos
Salzburg

Salzburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.


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

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos 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, Mykonos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Mykonos is a must-see party destination. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Music?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is not a live music destination.


Is Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos is terrific for its resorts. However, Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Mykonos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Mykonos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos is a well-known place for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mykonos. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.


Is Mykonos or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Mykonos and Salzburg.

With a famous historical old-town, Mykonos offers plenty to see. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

The rich history of Salzburg can be explored in its historical center. 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 Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos is not a good place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Salzburg?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Both Mykonos and Salzburg are world-class shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Many people travel to Salzburg specifically to go shopping. 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 Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Families?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Salzburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos and Salzburg both world-class destinations for a couple.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Salzburg is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island 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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.


Is Mykonos or Salzburg Better for Students?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a very popular place to visit 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Mykonos
Salzburg

Salzburg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Salzburg

Mykonos 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 Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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 Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Salzburg?

In either Mykonos or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mykonos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mykonos than Salzburg. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Salzburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Mykonos 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.


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

One day in Mykonos or Salzburg?

The beautiful Greek island of Mykonos offers museums 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.

In Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Salzburg?

Mykonos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mykonos or Salzburg?

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

Salzburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Salzburg has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Mykonos or Salzburg?

Mykonos 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 Greek island offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Salzburg or Mykonos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, while the average daily cost in Salzburg is €155. 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 Mykonos and Salzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Salzburg 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Salzburg 182
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Salzburg

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos 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 Mykonos


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Salzburg 19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • TRANSFER FROM MYKONOS PORT(Cruise Terminal) TO MYKONOS TOWN: $8.52
  • 24-hour Point-Point Mykonos Airport and Port Transfers Service: $20
  • 24 Hour Private Transfer Service All Around Mykonos Island: $27
  • Delos Island: Roundtrip Boat Transfer from Mykonos Island: $31
  • Mykonos Island VIP Transfers: 24/7 Private Transportation: $33
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Mykonos Airport ToFrom Mykonos): $34
  • Private Transfer from Mykonos Airport(JMK) to Mykonos Cruise Port: $36
  • Transfer Service: $43
  • Private Mykonos Airport Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Old Port of Mykonos to Mykonos Airport (JMK): $46
  • Private Transfer from Mykonos Airport (JMK) to Psarou Beach: $46
  • Delos Boat Transfer with Cell Phone Audioguide: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Salzburg Private Transfer from Salzburg Airport to City centre: $55
  • Private Salzburg Airport luxury transfers to Salzburg city&Hotels: $65
  • Private transfer: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport (SZG): $65
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93
  • Airport Transfer: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg by Luxury Car: $103
  • Private Transfer to Salzburg Airport or Station: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Salzburg?

Prices for flights to both Salzburg and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 48
    Salzburg 41
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

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


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

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

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $69
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $109
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $164
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $196
  • Private Authentic Greek Brunch Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Local: $254
  • Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $284
  • Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $607

Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

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


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

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: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $105
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Salzburg 30

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

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

  • Old Town Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Mykonos Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Paddle Boat Experience: $16
  • Cellar Tour & Beer Tasting at Mykonos Brewing Company : $30
  • Highlights Walking Tour with a Local: $37
  • 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $38
  • Walking Tour as a Local: $38
  • Mykonos Walking Tour: $42
  • Mykonos Old Town Walking Tour: $43
  • Half-Day City Walking Tour and Island Bus Tour: $43
  • From Ano Mera Farm Tour: $48
  • From Mykonos Town: Guided Sightseeing Tour with Windmills: $48

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket with Audio Guide Option: $5.33
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.93
  • Sound of Music Sightseeing Walk with Audio Guide: $6.99
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.99
  • Mirabell Palace and Surroundings Audio Tour: $8.52
  • Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Salzburg Cathedral: Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.59
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Salzburg 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

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

  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $72
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $80
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $128
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $128
  • Luxurious All-in-One Mykonos Party Tour with Wine Tasting: $163

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

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


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

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

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


When comparing the travel costs between Mykonos and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Salzburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Salzburg?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.