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

Should you visit Salzburg or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Barcelona, 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a friendly, high energy, and youthful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Salzburg and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Salzburg. Barcelona is bigger than Salzburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Salzburg is more popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is well known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Barcelona is well known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia.

How is Salzburg different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salzburg or Barcelona.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salzburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Barcelona.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Barcelona. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

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

Barcelona is a must-see party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Salzburg or Barcelona Better for Music?

Both Salzburg and Barcelona offer first-rate live music venues.

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.

Barcelona is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Barcelona has a beach worth visiting. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Barcelona?

Both Salzburg and Barcelona are first-rate shopping destinations.

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.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Barcelona. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona Better for Families?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Salzburg is 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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Salzburg is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is terrific for backpackers. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona Better for Students?

Salzburg and Barcelona are both first-rate destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

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

Both Salzburg and Barcelona offer high quality public transit options.

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

Visitors to Barcelona can move around easily with public transportation. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Is Salzburg or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city 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.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Barcelona?

Both Salzburg and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Salzburg. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Barcelona?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Salzburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Salzburg or Barcelona?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Five days in Salzburg or Barcelona?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Salzburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

A week in Salzburg or Barcelona?

Salzburg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Barcelona, 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 Salzburg or Barcelona?

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 Salzburg or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salzburg is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Salzburg is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. Salzburg is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Salzburg is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Salzburg