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

Should you visit Salzburg or Nice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Nice, 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 historic, beautiful, and musical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Nice?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salzburg than Nice. While Nice is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salzburg is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Nice is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Salzburg is popular 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. Nice is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Music?

Salzburg is renowned for its live music scene. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is terrific for its resorts. However, Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a well-known place for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Salzburg is one of the most recognized in 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Nice?

Salzburg is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for Families?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for Couples?

Salzburg and Nice are both first-rate 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.

Nice is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Salzburg or Nice Better for Students?

Salzburg is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a very popular city 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Salzburg and Nice offer high quality 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 Nice can move around easily with public transportation. There are both buses and trams.

Is Salzburg or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Nice?

In either Salzburg or Nice, 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 Nice. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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 beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Nice?

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.

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Salzburg or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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.

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

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.

Nice 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 seaside destination 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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Salzburg is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Nice. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Salzburg is much colder than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Nice. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Nice. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Salzburg is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Salzburg