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

Should you visit Salzburg or Bressanone?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Bressanone, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. 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.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a charming, quaint, and picturesque town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Salzburg and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Bressanone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salzburg. Although Salzburg and Bressanone are popular destinations, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bressanone attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Bressanone and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also well known for The Salzburg Old Town. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

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

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

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 Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Salzburg is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Salzburg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for Music?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Salzburg is revered around 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 Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Bressanone is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Bressanone is a popular spot for hiking. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Bressanone?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for Families?

Salzburg is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bressanone is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone Better for Students?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

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.

Bressanone is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Salzburg or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Bressanone both are high quality 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.

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Salzburg or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Salzburg than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Bressanone. 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 Bressanone. 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 Bressanone 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 Bressanone?

With live music and food around the cultural city of Salzburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

Bressanone is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Bressanone?

With food and shopping around the destination of Salzburg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Bressanone is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Bressanone, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Bressanone?

Salzburg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone 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 Bressanone?

Salzburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bressanone is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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.

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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Bressanone?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Bressanone, 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.