They’re two of Austria’s greatest cultural and musical cities, so when it comes to looking at Salzburg vs. Vienna, they share many similarities. If you’re lucky enough to be in a position to visit both, then do so.
In either city, you’ll come across gorgeous Baroque architecture, a magnificent musical heritage, welcoming coffee shops, and a beautiful old center. To help you choose between Vienna or Salzburg, here’s a look at what they have in common—and what they don’t.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Salzburg
Overall, Vienna has a warmer climate than Salzburg, which tends to be cooler due to its proximity to the Alps. Salzburg also has more snow in winter, which only adds to its beauty.
For example, July is the hottest month in both cities when temperatures can reach 81°F in Vienna and peak at around 70°F in Salzburg. While showers are possible at any time of year, Salzburg is rainier than Vienna.
Spring and fall are particularly lovely times of the year to visit both cities. And if you don’t mind the heat, Vienna and Salzburg have a buzzing summertime vibe when live classical music and entertainment spills out into the streets.
Location & Getting Around
Salzburg
Vienna, the capital and largest city in Austria, is situated in the northeastern part of the country on the banks of the Danube. Salzburg—the fourth largest city in Austria after Vienna, Graz, and Linz—is located 156 miles west of Vienna at the foot of the Alps, close to the border with Germany.
If you want to see both cities, one of the best ways to reach Vienna from Salzburg is by train, which takes around three hours.
Ringstrasse, Vienna
In terms of size, Vienna is around ten times bigger than Salzburg. Unless you’re a keen walker, it’s best to take an escorted tour here if it’s your first visit. Exploring independently is easy, though; the city has an efficient U-Bahn subway system, as well as an overground tram network. Cycling is easy and safe; there are cycle lanes everywhere, the center is flat, and the Viennese are extremely polite.
Salzburg is more compact than Vienna and again, is best explored on a guided tour if it’s your first visit. During any free time, you will find all the main attractions within walking distance.
Read: Day Trips from Vienna
History
Museum of Natural History, Vienna
When it comes to Vienna or Salzburg in relation to history, both cities can trace their origins back to Roman times. Their historic centers are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Due to its size and status as the country’s capital, there is more to see in Vienna, but neither city will disappoint.
Going back more than 2,000 years, Vienna grew out of a Roman encampment called Vindobona. Today’s Baroque city, characterized by grand 17th- and 18th-century palaces and imposing buildings, represents the most famous period of Vienna’s past. This was when the city was the official residence of the Habsburg dynasty, powerful rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Hofburg Palace, Vienna
The Hofburg Palace, spread over many buildings, dominates the city center. Other notable buildings line the Ringstrasse, a grand circular boulevard which replaced the original city walls. They include the Austrian parliament building, which resembles a Greek temple, and the Neo-Renaissance-style Vienna State Opera. Further on is the sweeping facade of the Vienna Museum of Art History, which faces its identical twin, the Museum of Natural History, across the square.
Moving to Salzburg, this city also evolved from a Roman town which was called Juvavum. While Vienna is associated with the Habsburgs, Salzburg has been shaped by religion. The Benedictine St. Peter’s Abbey was founded in the seventh century and is the oldest existing monastery in the German-speaking world.
Benedictine St. Peter’s Abbey, Salzburg
This led to the city becoming a bishopric, an area for which a bishop is responsible, and being elevated to an archbishopric to become an influential ecclesiastical domain presided over by archbishops. The cathedral is the biggest early Baroque church north of the Alps and is also famous as the place where composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized in 1756.
The full history of both cities can be traced in the Vienna Museum and Salzburg Museum.
Natural Wonders
Vienna Woods
Both Vienna and Salzburg are surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty. Vienna is fringed to the north, west, and south by the Vienna Woods, immortalized in Johann Strauss junior’s 1868 waltz Tales from the Vienna Woods. These rolling, forested hills can be reached in just half an hour by public transportation and have trails ranging from easy circular walks to more challenging hikes.
You might be surprised to learn there’s also a jungle in the city. Due to its wild and unspoiled landscape, it’s the nickname locals give to the Lobau, which lies on the northern bank of the Danube River.
Donau-Auen National Park, near Vienna
Part of the Donau-Auen National Park, the tranquil protected area is one of central Europe’s last remaining significant wetland habitats. It’s free to visit and rich in flora and fauna, with more than 800 varieties of plants and 100 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the kingfisher, the “flying gem” and symbol of the park.
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Salzburg is surrounded by the sweep of mountains. Untersberg is the highest mountain you can easily reach from the city. A half-hour bus or streetcar journey will take you to the foot of the mountain, where you can ride the cable car to the 5,827-foot summit for spectacular panoramic views over Salzburg and beyond.
Salzach River, Salzburg
Vienna has the Danube but Salzburg is also on the banks of a river, the Salzach, which runs through the heart of the city. It’s lovely to stroll along the wide pathways lining the banks and you can switch sides via the bridges that criss-cross the river.
Food & Drink
Sacher torte
When you are comparing Salzburg vs. Vienna on the food front, both cities have their own tasty specialties.
Imitated throughout Vienna and beyond, the first Sacher torte was created in 1832, almost by fluke. Prominent Austrian statesman Prince Metternich was hosting a banquet and had asked for an extra special dessert to impress his guests. When his head chef fell sick, the 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher had to step in.
Despite the pressure, Sacher came up with the rich glazed chocolate cake with an apricot jelly filling. The cake is still made using the same recipe today and is a symbol of the Hotel Sacher, opened in 1876 by Eduard, son of Franz. You can buy and eat Sachertorte in various places but the Hotel Sacher—which has a property in Salzburg, as well as Vienna—is the best place to go. Look for the characteristic Sacher stamp on top of your cake, which indicates it’s the real deal.
Wiener schnitzel
Also on menus throughout Austria, wiener schnitzel was first popularized in Vienna in the 19th century. The thin veal cutlet, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-fried in butter, is traditionally served with potato salad and a lemon wedge. These days you can get chicken and vegetarian schnitzels, too.
Vienna is also the only city in the world producing commercial quantities of wine within the city limits. Order a fresh and fruity glass of white Wiener Gemischter Satz to go with your schnitzel, or try a glass in one of the city’s heurigen, or wine taverns.
Naschmarkt, Vienna
For Viennese food on the go, the city’s huge Naschmarkt food market sells Austrian sausages, cheese and bread, as well as street food from all over the world, while the Naschmarkt Deli serves all-day breakfast.
Not to be outdone, Salzburg has specialties of its own. Not least, it actually takes its name–literally salt castle–from the salt mines producing “white gold” that brought great prosperity to the city.
Bosna
Salzburg’s savory treat of choice is bosna. Similar to a hot dog, two bratwurst sausages are served with onions and spices in lightly toasted white bread. It was invented at the Balkan Grill, tucked away down a side street in Salzburg’s old town, where you can buy it from a takeout counter.
The city also has a sweet tooth. You’ll find Mozartkugeln chocolates throughout both cities and, if you can resist them, they’re a great gift to take home. However, in honor of the world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg, they were invented by local confectioner Paul Fürst in 1890. Today, his great-great-grandson makes the pistachio, marzipan, nougat, and chocolate candies using the same recipe.
Salzburger nockerl
Another treat to try is the Salzburger nockerl, a light, fluffy dessert that Salzburg is known for, served with raspberry jelly and vanilla sauce.
Music
Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg
No mention of these two cities is complete without referencing music. Vienna, known as the “City of Music”, is the birthplace of the Viennese waltz—once considered shocking due to the closeness of the dance partners—and the Vienna Boys’ Choir, music runs through the city’s DNA.
Many classical musicians, including Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert, moved to the city, and each night their works can be heard in countless concerts held throughout Vienna.
House of Music, Vienna Photo by Agathe Freischütz on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
There are museums in Vienna dedicated to Mozart and Schubert and a host of musical attractions. In the interactive House of Music, you can conduct a virtual orchestra—and watch them walk off in protest if you don’t do it well enough. One of the newest attractions is the multimedia Mythos Mozart experience.
Mozart was born in Salzburg in 1756 and his birthplace is one of the most popular museums in Austria. A quirky attraction is the Salzburg Marionette Theater where puppets “perform” to recordings of Mozart’s best-known operas.
Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg
Salzburg is also celebrated for its connections with the von Trapp family, and where many scenes from the beloved 1965 movie were filmed. One of the most evocative locations is Mirabell Gardens where Maria and the children danced, skipped, and sang their way around the instantly recognizable fountain and stone stairway leading to the gardens.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Austria
Hofburg Palace, Vienna
Visit both of these magnificent cities on a Danube river cruise with Celebrity. Browse itineraries and plan your European getaway.
