Comparison · Prague vs Salzburg · Czechia / Austria
Prague vs Salzburg
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moyan Brenn from Italy, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Prague for Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and lower day-to-day costs; choose Salzburg for Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Prague is generally less expensive, and the two are about 271 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 271 km
- Less expensive
- Prague
- Best time for Prague
- May–June and September
- Best time for Salzburg
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Prague | Salzburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Czechia | Austria |
| Known for | Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock | Mozart, Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Festival |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$220 | $180–$300 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 25°C (77°F) | July, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 2°C (36°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | PRG | SZG, MUC |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Prague for…
Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and lower day-to-day costs. Prague's historic centre survived the 20th century largely intact, so Gothic, baroque and Art Nouveau buildings line both banks of the Vltava. Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral crown the hill on the west bank above the baroque palaces of Malá Strana…
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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
| # | Prague | Salzburg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prague Castle | Hohensalzburg Fortress |
| 2 | St Vitus Cathedral | Mozart's Birthplace |
| 3 | Charles Bridge | Mozart Residence |
| 4 | Old Town Square | Mirabell Palace and Gardens |
| 5 | Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock | Salzburg Cathedral |
Food compared
| Prague | Salzburg |
|---|---|
| Svíčková | Salzburger Nockerl |
| Roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut | Mozartkugel |
| Czech goulash | Bosna |
| Fried cheese | Cheese dumplings |
Which is cheaper?
Prague is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$220 per person there, against $180–$300 in Salzburg (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Prague on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Prague and Salzburg are about 271 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Prague and 3 in Salzburg.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Prague or Salzburg cheaper?
Prague is usually less expensive: about $120–$220 a day mid-range against $180–$300 (estimates).
+Is Prague or Salzburg better for a first trip?
Pick Prague for Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and lower day-to-day costs, or Salzburg for Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
+How far is Prague from Salzburg?
About 271 km in a straight line.