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

Should you visit Salzburg or Portofino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Portofino, 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. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Portofino

Portofino is a picturesque, breathtaking, and opulent seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Portofino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg. Although Salzburg and Portofino are both popular with visitors, Salzburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salzburg is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Portofino is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. 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. Portofino is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Portofino.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino 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.

Portofino offers plenty to do in the evening. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

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 Portofino Better for Music?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Portofino 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.

Portofino is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Resorts?

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

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Beaches?

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

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Salzburg offers plenty to see. 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 is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Portofino?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village 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 Portofino. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Families?

Salzburg is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village 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.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Couples?

Salzburg and Portofino are both fantastic 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.

Portofino is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is notable for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village 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.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Salzburg or Portofino Better for Students?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

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.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg is notable for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Salzburg can get you to some places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Salzburg or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino 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 Portofino on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

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 Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Portofino?

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

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Portofino. 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.

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Salzburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife 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 Portofino?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Portofino?

You'll find food and shopping around the recognizable city of Salzburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

Salzburg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Portofino 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 seaside village 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Salzburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salzburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salzburg 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino than you might in Salzburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Portofino?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Portofino, 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.