A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Kiel for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Salzburg or Kiel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Kiel, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Kiel?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salzburg than Kiel. While Kiel is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salzburg is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kiel is known for its beaches and big city activities. Salzburg is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Salzburg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Kiel are good 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 Kiel. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for Music?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Kiel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for Beaches?

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

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Salzburg can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Kiel?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Salzburg make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for Families?

Salzburg is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salzburg is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Salzburg or Kiel Better for Students?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Salzburg is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Salzburg has some very good public transit options. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Salzburg or Kiel a more walkable city?

Salzburg is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Kiel?

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

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

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 Kiel 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 Kiel?

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.

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

Five days in Salzburg or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the musical 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.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

The beautiful 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.

Kiel 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, 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 Kiel, 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 Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Salzburg or Kiel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Kiel. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Salzburg is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiel. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Kiel. 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 Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Salzburg is a little warmer than Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Kiel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Kiel. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Salzburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Salzburg is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Kiel. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Salzburg