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

Should you visit York or Salzburg?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Salzburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg. Although York and Salzburg are about the same size, Salzburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salzburg is better known for its music, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while York is more popular for its food and nightlife. Salzburg is more touristy than York and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Also, Salzburg is famous for The Salzburg Old Town. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is York different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Salzburg have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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.

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

York 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, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

York 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.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for live music. However, York 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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both York and Salzburg.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

With a famous historical old-town, Salzburg offers plenty to see. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Salzburg?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Salzburg Better for Families?

York 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.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Salzburg are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Many backpackers visit Salzburg. 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 York or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Salzburg is fairly effecient and thorough. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or York?

How long in York or Salzburg?

In either York or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than York. 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 York 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 York or Salzburg?

The city of York offers food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Salzburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Salzburg?

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

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Salzburg?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the musical destination of Salzburg. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Salzburg?

York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

The recognizable city of Salzburg offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Salzburg in the Summer?

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

In July, York is generally cooler than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Salzburg. York usually receives less sunshine than Salzburg during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Salzburg. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

York is around the same temperature as Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Salzburg. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Salzburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Salzburg. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. York can be very cold during winter. In the winter, York is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Salzburg. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Salzburg. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In April, York is generally cooler than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Salzburg. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and York