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

Should you visit Salzburg or Sorrento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Sorrento, 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 historic, beautiful, and musical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a accessible, laid back, and colorful small 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Salzburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Salzburg is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Sorrento and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Sorrento is well known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Salzburg different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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, Sorrento is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Sorrento 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 Sorrento. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Music?

Salzburg is renowned for live music. However, Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is a world class music destination. 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.

Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a moderate small city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Sorrento has a beach worth visiting. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

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

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Sorrento?

Salzburg is renowned for shopping. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Salzburg is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Families?

Salzburg and Sorrento are both high quality 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.

Sorrento is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Salzburg and Sorrento are both first-rate 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.

Sorrento is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sorrento is a very popular small city to visit for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Salzburg is renowned for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a very popular city 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Both Salzburg and Sorrento offer high quality 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 Sorrento can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Salzburg or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Sorrento both are high quality 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.

Sorrento is very walkable. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Sorrento?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento 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 Sorrento.

One day in Salzburg or Sorrento?

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 small city of Sorrento offers 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Salzburg or Sorrento?

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.

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

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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Salzburg and Sorrento, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Sorrento?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Sorrento. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salzburg is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sorrento this time of the year. In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Sorrento. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Sorrento in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Salzburg is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. Salzburg is much colder than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Salzburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Salzburg is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Salzburg