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

Should you visit Salzburg or Bonn?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Bonn, 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 musical, cultural, and recognizable city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Bonn?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Salzburg than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is more touristy than Bonn 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. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn 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 Bonn?

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

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 Bonn. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Salzburg is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Salzburg or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Bonn are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Salzburg or Bonn Better for Music?

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

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Bonn?

Salzburg is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Salzburg or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Salzburg or Bonn Better for Couples?

Salzburg is very popular for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Salzburg or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Salzburg or Bonn Better for Students?

Salzburg is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent Salzburg. 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.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Both Salzburg and Bonn offer very good 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 Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Salzburg or Bonn a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Bonn both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Bonn. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Bonn. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Salzburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Bonn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salzburg or Bonn?

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bonn 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Salzburg. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bonn 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.

A week in Salzburg or Bonn?

The cultural city of Salzburg offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bonn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Salzburg or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Bonn. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In the summer, Salzburg often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Bonn. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene.

In October, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Bonn. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Salzburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. Salzburg is much colder than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Bonn. The natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In the spring, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Bonn. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Salzburg