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

Should you visit Salzburg or Budapest?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Budapest, 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 cultural, recognizable, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic 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 museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Salzburg and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Salzburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Salzburg is known for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Budapest and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Salzburg different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Salzburg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Salzburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Salzburg or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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.

Budapest offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for Music?

Salzburg is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Budapest?

Salzburg is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Salzburg or Budapest Better for Families?

Salzburg is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Salzburg or Budapest Better for Couples?

Salzburg is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Salzburg 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Salzburg or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Salzburg and Budapest are both terrific 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.

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest is terrific for its public transit. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Visitors to Salzburg can move around easily with public transportation. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Salzburg or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Budapest?

In either Salzburg or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Salzburg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Salzburg than Budapest. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Budapest. 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 Budapest. 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 Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Salzburg or Budapest?

The beautiful city of Salzburg offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

Salzburg 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.

Budapest 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 Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Budapest?

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

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

Salzburg 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.

Budapest 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Budapest, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Budapest?

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

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 Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In the summer, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

Salzburg is around the same temperature as Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salzburg or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Salzburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. It's quite cold in Salzburg in the winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Budapest. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Salzburg