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

Should you visit Paros 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 Paros 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.

Paros

Paros is a diverse, stunning, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Paros and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Salzburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Salzburg are both popular with visitors, Paros has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paros is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Salzburg is known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Paros and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Paros is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also home to The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani.

How is Paros different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Paros and Salzburg.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Paros or Salzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paros 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, Paros is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

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 Paros or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Paros 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.

Paros offers plenty to do in the evening. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

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 Paros or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is terrific for its live music scene. However, Paros is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Paros is not a live music destination.

Is Paros or Salzburg Better for Resorts?

Paros is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Paros is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Salzburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Paros to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Paros are among the best in the world. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is terrific for its old town. However, Paros does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Paros does not have a historic old town.

Is Paros or Salzburg Better for Hiking?

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

Paros has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Salzburg?

Salzburg is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Salzburg draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Paros. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

Is Paros or Salzburg Better for Families?

Both Paros and Salzburg are great family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Paros is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Paros or Salzburg Better for Couples?

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

Paros is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

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 Paros or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros and Salzburg are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Paros. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

Salzburg is a very popular island 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.

Is Paros or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Paros 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.

Paros is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Paros and Salzburg.

Public transit in Paros can get you to some places easily. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

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

Is Paros or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Salzburg is a very walkable city. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

Paros is a somewhat walkable island. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Paros?

How long in Paros or Salzburg?

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

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

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

One day in Paros or Salzburg?

The beautiful island of Paros 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.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paros or Salzburg?

Paros 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paros or Salzburg?

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

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paros or Salzburg?

Paros 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 island offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, 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 Paros and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Paros much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paros would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paros 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 Paros.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros 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.