A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Rijeka for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Salzburg or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Rijeka, 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 cultural, recognizable, and historic city. 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, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg. Although Salzburg and Rijeka are about the same size, Salzburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salzburg is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Salzburg is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also well known for The Salzburg Old Town. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Salzburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Salzburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka 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.

Rijeka offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Music?

Salzburg is renowned for its music scene. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a moderate town for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Rijeka?

Salzburg is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka Better for Families?

Salzburg and Rijeka are both excellent 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.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Salzburg is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Salzburg has plenty to offer. 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka Better for Students?

Salzburg is renowned for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Salzburg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Salzburg. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Salzburg or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Salzburg or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Salzburg than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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.

The town of Rijeka offers food and shopping. 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 Rijeka?

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.

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

Five days in Salzburg or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Rijeka?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Salzburg is cooler than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the autumn, Salzburg is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salzburg in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Rijeka. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Salzburg in the winter. In January, Salzburg is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around -0°C (31°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Salzburg is cooler than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Salzburg