A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Prague for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Old Town

Should you visit Salzburg or Prague?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Prague, 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. 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Prague

Prague is a fun-filled, cultural, and historical city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Salzburg and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Prague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Prague than Salzburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Prague is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Salzburg is known for its food, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Prague is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also home to The Prague Castle.

How is Salzburg different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Prague is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Prague on the map. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

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.

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

Salzburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Salzburg or Prague Better for Nightlife?

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

Prague is a must-see party destination. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Prague Better for Music?

Both Salzburg and Prague offer world-class live music venues.

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.

Prague is known as a music capital around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Is Salzburg or Prague Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg and Prague both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Salzburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

The old town of Prague is one of the most recognized in the world. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Prague?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

Is Salzburg or Prague Better for Families?

Salzburg and Prague are both great destinations for the whole family.

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.

Prague is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Salzburg or Prague Better for Couples?

Salzburg and Prague are both world-class 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.

Prague is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

Is Salzburg or Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague is terrific for backpackers. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Prague is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

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.

Is Salzburg or Prague Better for Students?

Salzburg and Prague are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Prague is a very popular city for students. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

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

Prague is terrific for its public transit. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Prague can take you anywhere. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

Visitors to Salzburg can move around easily with public transportation. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Salzburg or Prague a more walkable city?

Prague 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 Prague on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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 Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Prague?

Both Salzburg and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Salzburg. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.

Families should spend more time in Prague than Salzburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Prague, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Salzburg 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 Prague.

One day in Salzburg or Prague?

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.

Prague is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Prague?

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.

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

Five days in Salzburg or Prague?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the recognizable 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.

Prague is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Prague has to offer. 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 Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Prague?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Prague, 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 Prague?

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 Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Prague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Prague. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Prague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Prague during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Prague. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Prague in the Autumn?

Both Prague and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Prague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Salzburg is around the same temperature as Prague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Prague fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Prague. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in October than Prague. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Prague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Prague. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Prague because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Prague can be very cold. Salzburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Prague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Prague averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Prague during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Prague. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Prague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Prague. The spring months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

In April, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Prague. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Prague. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Prague. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Prague and Salzburg