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

Should you visit Salzburg or Hannover?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Hannover, 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 beautiful, musical, and cultural 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Hannover

Hannover is a vibrant, cultural, and dynamic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Salzburg or Hannover?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Salzburg than Hannover. While Hannover is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is better known for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hannover is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Salzburg is more touristy than Hannover 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. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system.

The Salzburg Old Town
The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg
Hannover

Salzburg is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


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

Salzburg
Hannover

Salzburg is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover 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 Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Salzburg or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Salzburg
Hannover

Hannover 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.

Hannover offers plenty to do in the evening. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

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 Hannover Better for Music?

Salzburg
Hannover

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

Hannover is not a live music destination.


Is Salzburg or Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg
Hannover

Salzburg is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Hannover 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.

Many people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Hannover?

Salzburg
Hannover

Salzburg is very popular for shopping. Also, Hannover 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.

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Salzburg or Hannover Better for Families?

Salzburg
Hannover

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

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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.


Is Salzburg or Hannover Better for Couples?

Salzburg
Hannover

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

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Salzburg or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg
Hannover

Salzburg is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Salzburg or Hannover Better for Students?

Salzburg
Hannover

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

Salzburg is a very popular place to visit 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.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.


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

Salzburg
Hannover

Both Salzburg and Hannover offer great 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 Hannover can move around easily with public transportation. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

Is Salzburg or Hannover a more walkable city?

Salzburg
Hannover

Salzburg and Hannover both are great 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.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Salzburg or Hannover to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Salzburg than Hannover 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 Hannover.

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


  • How many days in Salzburg or Hannover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Salzburg 3-5 
    Hannover 1-2

One day in Salzburg or Hannover?

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.

The city of Hannover offers food and shopping. 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 Hannover?

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.

Hannover 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hannover, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Hannover?

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.

Hannover 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 Hannover?

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.

Hannover is a great place to explore. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Hannover or Salzburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is €155, while the average daily cost in Hannover is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Salzburg and Hannover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salzburg 91
    Hannover 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salzburg 182
    Hannover 170
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Hannover

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg or Hannover? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Salzburg


Hotels in Hannover


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Salzburg Hotel Prices and Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salzburg 19
    Hannover 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Vienna: $738
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Prague: $695
  • Cesky Krumlov: Private One-Way Transfer to Salzburg: $629
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Vienna with 2h of sightseeing: $300
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Prague: $298
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Vienna with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $291
  • Kitzbuhel, Flachau, Transfer From Salzburg & Airport SZG: $288
  • Private transfer Salzburg → Vienna with stop in Mauthausen Concentration Camp: $284
  • From Salzburg to Prague, Private Transfer with 2h of Sightseeing: $283
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Salzburg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $278
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Prague with local English-speaking driver: $278
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg City to Vienna City: $272

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or Hannover?

Prices for flights to both Hannover and Salzburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Salzburg 41
    Hannover 49
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $106
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salzburg 30
    Hannover 35

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Private Salzburg City Highlights Tour: $272
  • 3 hour private walking tour - Salzburg: $176
  • 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $240
  • 3D Exclusive VR-Tour: $321
  • 3D Unique VR-Tour: $29
  • A day in the life of Salzburg - Private tour with a local: $230
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • Amphibious Splash Tour on the Water and on the Land in Salzburg: $45
  • Austrian Lakes and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna: $1,123
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with Amphibious Splash Tour: $94
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with River Cruise: $71
  • Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $163

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket: $21
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Virtual reality experience in Langenhagen: $131
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salzburg 26
    Hannover 34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


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


Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Hannover?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Hannover, 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 Hannover?

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 Hannover in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Hannover. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Hannover in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salzburg is a little warmer than Hannover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Hannover averages at about 18°C (64°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 Hannover. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Hannover. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F) 
    Hannover 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Hannover in the Autumn?

Both Hannover and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Hannover. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Hannover. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F) 
    Hannover 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Hannover in the Winter?

Both Hannover and Salzburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hannover because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hannover can be very cold. Salzburg can be very cold during winter. Salzburg is much colder than Hannover in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hannover. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F) 
    Hannover 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Hannover in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Hannover. The spring months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

In the spring, Salzburg is a little warmer than Hannover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Hannover averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Hannover. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F) 
    Hannover 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Hannover and Salzburg

Salzburg Hannover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)