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

Should you visit Salzburg or Sarajevo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Sarajevo, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a quaint, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Salzburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its food, hiking, and big city activities, while Salzburg is known for its music, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Salzburg different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salzburg or Sarajevo.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Sarajevo are good 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 Sarajevo. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo Better for Music?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg and Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Sarajevo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Sarajevo?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Salzburg draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Salzburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Salzburg is very family-friendly. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Salzburg and Sarajevo are great destinations for backpackers.

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.

Sarajevo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a very popular place to visit 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Both Salzburg and Sarajevo offer great 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 Sarajevo can move around easily with public transportation. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Salzburg or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Salzburg is a very walkable city. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Sarajevo. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

The beautiful city of Salzburg offers museums and nightlife. 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.

The beautiful city of Sarajevo offers food and shopping. 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 Sarajevo?

Salzburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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

Five days in Salzburg or Sarajevo?

Salzburg is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Salzburg, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

Salzburg 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 city offers something for everyone.

Sarajevo 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 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Salzburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Salzburg is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salzburg. In the summer, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Salzburg is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salzburg or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Salzburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Salzburg usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 Sarajevo this time of year.

In April, Salzburg is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Salzburg