Salzburg vs Vienna: Which Enchanting Austrian City Captivates More?

Mountains, melodies, and delectable treats mit Schlag: Austria’s allure is undeniable, attracting millions of tourists annually.

As two of the country’s largest cities, Salzburg and Vienna rightfully rank among its most visited. But which one provides the superior gateway to Austrian art and culture? Below, two acclaimed experts present their arguments for their chosen city.

Salzburg: Austria in a (Stunning Baroque) Snapshot

Kerry Walker fell in love with Salzburg while writing the Dinogo Planet Austria guide back in 2007. Since then, she has explored every quiet alley and ascended (nearly) every mountain on the city’s outskirts.

Nowhere epitomizes “visit Austria!” quite like Salzburg – not even Vienna. This is the birthplace of Mozart, who began his remarkable composing career at just five years old, with his melodies still echoing in Europe’s finest gilded concert halls.

This city was grandly crafted by wealthy and ambitious prince-archbishops, who erected a colossal fortress atop a hill 900 years ago and filled the Altstadt (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) with opulent palaces, galleries, domes, churches, and baroque squares. It was here that everyone’s favorite yodeling nun – Maria von Trapp (played by Julie Andrews) – introduced the world to singing in The Sound of Music.

And let's not forget the breathtaking Alpine backdrop that captivates your gaze, elevating your spirit higher than Julie’s soaring vocals.

Vienna dazzles with its Habsburg palaces, galleries brimming with Klimts, coffee houses frequented by the likes of Sigmund Freud and Stalin, and the elegant Ringstrasse boulevard. However, its grandeur can feel a bit daunting, and the city might come across as aloof.

Not so in Salzburg. Nestled alongside the turquoise Salzach River, this perfectly sized city is packed with a lifetime’s worth of culture and history – and you’ll never have to contend with traffic or board a tram or U-Bahn to experience it. Just bring along your cobble-friendly shoes (and sturdy boots if you venture into the mountains). Its compact size allows for an in-depth exploration during a long weekend.

As the world speeds through the 21st century, Salzburg remains a charming throwback. The Residenz palace invites you on a delightful journey through history, featuring chandelier-lit state rooms and a gallery overflowing with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and their contemporaries. A short uphill walk takes you to Stift Nonnberg, a Benedictine abbey steeped in 1300 years of history, adorned with Romanesque frescoes. (This is where novice nun Maria caused quite a stir in The Sound of Music.) Arrive at 6:45am to witness the sunrise as the nuns chant Gregorian hymns for a truly moving experience. From here, you can stroll above the city’s rooftops to Salzburg’s majestic Festung Hohensalzburg and along the wooded cliffs of Mönchsberg to Museum der Moderne, showcasing exceptional contemporary art.

Not too shabby for a morning walk, right?

Back on the ground, there’s even more to discover: the stunning baroque Dom cathedral and Erzabtei St Peter, the oldest abbey and monastery globally, founded by a wandering bishop named Rupert in 696. Cross the river to find the beautiful gardens of Schloss Mirabell, complete with roses, mythical sculptures, and breathtaking views that make Instagrammers swoon.

Food? Salzburg has you covered: whether you want to down a tankard and enjoy pork knuckles and giant pretzels beneath the chestnut trees at the monk-founded Augustiner Bräustübl; delicately enjoy a slice of chocolate cake at Sacher (yes, Salzburg boasts elegant coffeehouses as well); or indulge in a romantic dinner at Michelin-starred spots like The Glass Garden (who's in for chamois haunch with spruce, blueberry, and wood sorrel?).

There's always a reason to don your dirndl or lederhosen in this vibrant city, especially during the peak of summer's grand Salzburg Festival, a renowned celebration of opera, drama, and classical music lasting five weeks. At Christmas, Salzburg glistens with festive markets, a dusting of snow over the Alps, and carolers singing “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”), written right here by local priest Joseph Mohr in 1816.

Regarding the crowds: yes, if you arrive in August, Salzburg will be bustling. If you prefer a quieter experience, spring and autumn are ideal. However, even in summer, you can find peace by the river or venture into the mountains. Untersberg offers a true taste of the Alps, towering at 1973m (6475ft), and you can trek across rugged karst heights to Bavaria. Alternatively, enjoy a picnic at Schloss Hellbrunn, where Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus avoided his duties to host raucous parties in exotic gardens filled with trick fountains in the 17th century.

For the ultimate Austrian experience, Salzburg, nestled in the Alpine heartland, is the place to be. Even the Viennese reluctantly agree.

Vienna: a city of unparalleled grandeur

Luke Waterson previously lived an hour from Vienna and has contributed writings about the city to platforms like Adventure.com and Morning Calm magazine.

From its iconic landmarks to dining and entertainment options, from its grandest baroque palace to its most avant-garde modern structure, Vienna effortlessly outshines its European rivals without breaking a sweat.

Vienna has never been one to worry about potential competitors elsewhere in the world. For centuries, the city has confidently positioned itself as Nummer Eins.

It's intriguing to compare Austria’s other major cultural gem, Salzburg, with the capital city.

With both cities laying claim to the legacy of classical music’s king, Mozart, the cultural showdown becomes a debate between The Sound of Music and the revolutionary art of Gustav Klimt, the psychoanalysis of Lucien Freud, the significant works of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the chamber music of Joseph Haydn, alongside Hotel Sacher's famous chocolate cake. And while many of us grew up admiring Julie Andrews in Salzburg’s picturesque landscapes, is that truly what you seek today?

While Salzburg dazzles with its breathtaking mountain backdrop, Vienna captivates with its impressive array of grand buildings right in front of you. Notable highlights include the Hofburg palace complex, the former seat of the Habsburg dynasty that once ruled a vast empire, where the crown jewels sparkle and the world-renowned equine ballet unfolds at the Spanish Riding School. Then there's the magnificent Schloss Belvedere, designed to rival the splendor of Versailles. The city radiates luxury from its UNESCO-listed historic center.

This is why Vienna holds a special place in my heart. The refined taste that the Viennese have cultivated over the years for life’s finer pleasures is contagious, making you believe life could be as splendid everywhere. Yet, it’s simply not achievable to the same remarkable degree. Perhaps this is why the city has topped The Economist’s Global Liveability Index for four of the past five years.

What exactly contributes to its exceptional livability? Everything. Vienna boasts over hundred-odd museums, including numerous world-class art collections like the Leopold Museum, alongside countless other sites honoring the city’s illustrious history. The Viennese coffeehouse culture holds UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, celebrated not only for the ornate interiors but also for its historic patrons (you’re sipping coffee where the likes of Klimt, Freud, and Trotsky once sat – imagine the stories these walls could tell...) and the unique beverages served, like the Einspänner, a double espresso topped with foam to keep it warm for city coachmen in the cold.

The city takes great pleasure in its wine, being one of the rare capitals that cultivates its own appellation wine, enjoyed in charming Heurigen (wine taverns). It's also home to impactful social initiatives, such as Magdas, a hotel run by refugees. Even the Spittelau waste incineration plant stands out as a remarkable attraction, adorned with the colorful art of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. And let's not overlook that this capital city is the birthplace of both the waltz and opera glasses.

No further proof is needed that this city truly embodies the art of living well like no other.