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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Salzburg

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

Palermo and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Salzburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo than Salzburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Palermo is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Salzburg attracts visitors for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Both Palermo and Salzburg offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Palermo 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.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is very popular for its music scene. However, Palermo is not a live music destination.

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.

Palermo is not a live music destination.

Is Palermo or Salzburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Salzburg?

Salzburg is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Salzburg is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 is a popular activity when visiting Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Palermo or Salzburg Better for Families?

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

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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.

Is Palermo or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Salzburg is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salzburg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is very popular for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Salzburg is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Salzburg. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Palermo and Salzburg both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Salzburg?

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

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Palermo. 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Salzburg?

The city of Palermo offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Palermo or Salzburg?

Palermo 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palermo, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Palermo or Salzburg?

Palermo 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.

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 Palermo or Salzburg?

Palermo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Salzburg?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Palermo or Salzburg in the Summer?

Both Salzburg and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Palermo is a little warmer than Salzburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Salzburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping 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 the autumn, Palermo is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets more rain in October than Salzburg. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Salzburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Salzburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo 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. In January, Palermo is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Salzburg. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Salzburg. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Palermo is a little warmer than Salzburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Salzburg. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Palermo