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

Should you visit Salzburg or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Reykjavik, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Salzburg and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Salzburg than Reykjavik. Salzburg is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Salzburg is better known for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking. Salzburg is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Also, Salzburg is famous for The Salzburg Old Town. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Salzburg is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Reykjavik are notable 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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Reykjavik?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Salzburg. 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Salzburg and Reykjavik are both superb 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.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Salzburg is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Salzburg. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Salzburg or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Reykjavik?

In either Salzburg or Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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.

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find live music and food around the beautiful 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.

Reykjavik 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 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 Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Reykjavik?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Salzburg or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Salzburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In the summer, Salzburg is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Salzburg. In the summer, Salzburg often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Reykjavik. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In October, Salzburg is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salzburg or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. Salzburg is cooler than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Salzburg is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Salzburg