A Travel Price Comparison for Austria Villach vs. Salzburg for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Villach or Salzburg?

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

Should I visit Villach 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.

Villach

Villach is a nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Villach and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Salzburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg than Villach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Salzburg is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Villach attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Villach 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. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Villach different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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

Salzburg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Villach and Salzburg.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

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 Villach or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is terrific for its music scene. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a live music destination.

Is Villach or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Villach or Salzburg Better for Hiking?

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

Villach is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Salzburg?

Salzburg is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Salzburg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Villach or Salzburg.

Villach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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 Villach or Salzburg Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Villach or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Villach and Salzburg are very good destinations for backpackers.

Villach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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 Villach or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is terrific for students. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Salzburg offers a very effecient public transportation network. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Salzburg is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Villach?

How long in Villach or Salzburg?

In either Villach or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Villach because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Villach. 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 Villach. 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 Villach 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 Villach or Salzburg?

The beautiful town of Villach offers museums 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.

In Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Villach or Salzburg?

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

In Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Villach or Salzburg?

Villach 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.

Salzburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Salzburg has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Villach or Salzburg?

Villach 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 town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Villach or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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.

When is the best time to visit Villach or Salzburg?

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 Villach or Salzburg in the Summer?

Both Salzburg and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Villach or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Villach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Villach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

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

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

Should I visit Villach or Salzburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Salzburg. Most visitors come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. In January, Villach is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 5°C (41°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

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

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

Should I visit Villach or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Villach as well as Salzburg. The spring months attract visitors to Villach because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Villach