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

Should you visit Taupo or Salzburg?

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

Should I visit Taupo or Salzburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Taupo travel costs.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable city. The famous beauty of Salzburg is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Salzburg travel costs.

Taupo and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taupo or Salzburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg. Although Taupo and Salzburg are both popular with visitors, Salzburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salzburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Taupo is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Taupo and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. Taupo is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Taupo different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salzburg and Taupo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Taupo or Salzburg Better for Skiing?

Taupo is terrific for snow skiing. However, Salzburg is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Taupo is among the best in the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Salzburg is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taupo or Salzburg?

Salzburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Both Taupo and Salzburg offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Salzburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Taupo or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Taupo or Salzburg has a better nightlife scene.

Taupo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

If you're looking for night time activities Salzburg has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Taupo or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Taupo is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Taupo is not a live music destination.

Is Taupo or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Taupo does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Salzburg can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Taupo or Salzburg Better for Hiking?

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

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Salzburg?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Taupo or Salzburg More Beautiful?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Salzburg is one of the main draws. This stunning city is known for its beautiful churches and hillside views.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Taupo or Salzburg Better for Families?

Taupo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Taupo is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Salzburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Taupo or Salzburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Taupo and Salzburg make for a fantastic place to visit.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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.

Is Taupo or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Taupo is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Taupo or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Salzburg has some very good public transit options. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Taupo or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or Salzburg?

In either Taupo or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Taupo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Taupo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Taupo 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 Taupo or Salzburg?

The town of Taupo 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.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this recognizable destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Taupo or Salzburg?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Taupo or Salzburg?

Taupo is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. 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.

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Taupo or Salzburg?

Taupo is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing 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 town offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taupo and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Taupo is in Pacific and Salzburg is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Taupo.

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

Which is Bigger, Taupo or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo and Salzburg, 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.