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

Should you visit Paphos or Salzburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos 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.

Paphos

Paphos is a ancient, beautiful, and cultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a recognizable, historic, and beautiful 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Paphos and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Salzburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Salzburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Salzburg is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Paphos and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Paphos is well known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park.

How is Paphos different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paphos 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 Paphos on the map. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

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 Paphos or Salzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paphos 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, Paphos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

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 Paphos or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Salzburg has a better nightlife scene.

Paphos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

If you're looking for night time activities Salzburg has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is renowned for live music. However, Paphos 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.

Paphos is not a live music destination.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for Resorts?

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

Paphos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Paphos has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

Paphos is terrific for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Paphos are among the best in the world. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Salzburg is one of the most recognized in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Salzburg?

Salzburg is renowned for shopping. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Paphos is well-known for its shopping. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for Families?

Paphos and Salzburg are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Paphos is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

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 Paphos or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Paphos and Salzburg are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Paphos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

Salzburg is a great town 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.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos and Salzburg are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

Many backpackers 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.

Is Paphos or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is renowned for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a great destination 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.

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Paphos and Salzburg.

Visitors to Paphos can move around easily with public transportation. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you around easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Paphos or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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.

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Paphos Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Salzburg?

In either Paphos or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Paphos 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 Paphos or Salzburg?

The beautiful town of Paphos offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Paphos or Salzburg?

Paphos 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.

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 Paphos or Salzburg?

Paphos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paphos, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Paphos or Salzburg?

Paphos 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 town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the musical 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, 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 Paphos and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 Paphos.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Salzburg?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Salzburg. The summer months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In July, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Salzburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Salzburg. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Paphos is much warmer than Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Salzburg. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos 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. In the winter, Paphos is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Salzburg in the Spring?

Both Salzburg and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paphos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Paphos is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Salzburg. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Paphos