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

Should you visit Salzburg or Naples?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Naples, 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Salzburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Salzburg attracts visitors for its music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Naples and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Salzburg different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples 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.

Naples offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for Music?

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

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Naples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Salzburg or Naples Better for Families?

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

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Salzburg or Naples Better for Couples?

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

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.

Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Salzburg or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Salzburg and Naples are superb destinations for backpackers.

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.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Salzburg or Naples Better for Students?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Both Salzburg and Naples offer superb 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 Naples can move around easily with public transportation. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Salzburg or Naples a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Naples both are superb 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Naples?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Salzburg. 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 one day exploring.

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Naples?

Salzburg is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Salzburg or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Salzburg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Naples. The summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Salzburg is cooler than Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Naples. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Naples. 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 Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Naples. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. In January, Salzburg is generally much colder than Naples. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around -0°C (31°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Naples. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Salzburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months.

Salzburg is cooler than Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Naples. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Salzburg