Comparison · Munich vs Salzburg · Germany / Austria
Munich vs Salzburg
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens; choose Salzburg for Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 115 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 115 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Munich
- May–July, September and December
- Best time for Salzburg
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Munich | Salzburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Austria |
| Known for | Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and Marienplatz | Mozart, Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Festival |
| Best time to visit | May–July, September and December | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $180–$300 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 24°C (75°F) | July, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | MUC, FMM | SZG, MUC |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Munich for…
Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Bavaria's capital mixes royal grandeur with beer-hall tradition. The compact Altstadt around Marienplatz holds the Neues Rathaus, the twin-towered Frauenkirche and the Residenz palace, while the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in Europe…
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Choose Salzburg for…
Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Salzburg's UNESCO-listed old town squeezes Baroque churches, archbishops' palaces and Mozart's birthplace between the Salzach river and the cliffs of the Mönchsberg, with Hohensalzburg Fortress on top. It is compact enough to see on foot in a day or two, and…
Top sights compared
| # | Munich | Salzburg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus | Hohensalzburg Fortress |
| 2 | Frauenkirche | Mozart's Birthplace |
| 3 | Munich Residenz | Mozart Residence |
| 4 | Englischer Garten | Mirabell Palace and Gardens |
| 5 | Viktualienmarkt | Salzburg Cathedral |
Food compared
| Munich | Salzburg |
|---|---|
| White sausage | Salzburger Nockerl |
| Pretzel | Mozartkugel |
| Roast pork knuckle | Bosna |
| Roast pork with dumplings | Cheese dumplings |
Which is cheaper?
Munich and Salzburg cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$320 in Munich and $180–$300 in Salzburg (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Salzburg on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Munich and Salzburg are about 115 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Munich and 3 in Salzburg.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Munich or Salzburg cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 in Munich and $180–$300 in Salzburg (estimates).
+Is Munich or Salzburg better for a first trip?
Pick Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens, or Salzburg for Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
+How far is Munich from Salzburg?
About 115 km in a straight line.