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

Should you visit Salzburg or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Cinque Terre, 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 recognizable, historic, and beautiful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Salzburg and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salzburg. Although Salzburg and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Salzburg is famous 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. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Salzburg is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Salzburg is renowned for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Salzburg has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

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

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg and Cinque Terre both have amazing historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Cinque Terre?

Salzburg is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Salzburg specifically to go shopping. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Salzburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Salzburg. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Salzburg and Cinque Terre are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Cinque Terre is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Salzburg. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Salzburg is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Salzburg or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Cinque Terre?

In either Salzburg or Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cinque Terre?

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

Five days in Salzburg or Cinque Terre?

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this cultural destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Salzburg is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre 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 coastal region 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Cinque Terre?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Salzburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Salzburg is cooler than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salzburg. In the summer, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Cinque Terre. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Salzburg is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salzburg in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salzburg or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. In January, Salzburg is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around -0°C (31°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Salzburg usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Salzburg is cooler than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Salzburg