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

Should you visit Oxford or Salzburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Salzburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a recognizable, historic, and beautiful city. It's 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oxford and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Salzburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salzburg than Oxford, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salzburg is better known for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Oxford and is popular 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. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Oxford different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Oxford or Salzburg.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Salzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salzburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Oxford 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.

Oxford offers plenty to do in the evening. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is very popular for live music. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a live music destination.

Is Oxford or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Salzburg?

Salzburg is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Salzburg. 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Salzburg Better for Families?

Salzburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Salzburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Salzburg is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Oxford or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Salzburg Better for Students?

Both Oxford and Salzburg are amazing destinations for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Salzburg is a very popular college town 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.

Is Oxford 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, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Oxford and Salzburg are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Salzburg is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Salzburg?

In either Oxford or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Oxford because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

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 Oxford or Salzburg?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this college town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, 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 Oxford or Salzburg?

Oxford 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 Oxford or Salzburg?

Oxford 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 college 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

When comparing the travel costs between Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Salzburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Salzburg?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Salzburg. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Salzburg. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Salzburg. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In the winter, Oxford is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Salzburg. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Salzburg. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Oxford