Salzburg or Vienna

I have heard conflicting messages about Salzburg. Some people love it and others find it too touristy. I havn't heard much about Vienna. If you had to choose between the two, which would you choose and why?

Jeanie

In a heartbeat I would choose Vienna over Salzburg. Salzburg is cute but really touristy and expensive. Vienna is full of culture and is simply a beautiful and majestic city. There are palaces, open air markets, wonderful museums, great restaurants, etc. If you decide to go to Vienna I can give you plenty of advice, I lived there two years ago.

Cindy

And here I am with a somewhat conflicting reply. (You wouldn't want to not be confused would you?) We were in both cities about a year and a half ago. Our timing in Salzburg was perfect. The Vienna Boys Choir just happened to be singing there the 2nd night we were there. I have a classical/baroque music background so I did enjoy the Mozart background. Yes, Vienna is a much larger city and there IS alot more to do there. I wouldn't want to miss Salzburg though - it is a little quaint town. Of course, you can visit Salzburg by train from Vienna - the trains are wonderful in Austria. Good luck and have a wonderful time!!

Brian

I would have to completely agree with all of Jeanie's comments. I would pick Vienna over Salzburg anytime. Salzburg is cute and quaint, but very touristy. Vienna is much more real and it feels like an actual city, not just some tourist creation. Plus everything that Salzburg offers, so does Vienna and alot more. The only possible exception is the mountain scenery. Well I hope you enjoy your trip to Austria, I am sure you will!! If you need any more info, feel free to email me, I studied in Vienna a few years ago. <BR>

Rob

One word: VIENNA!!!!!

steve

I'm casting another vote for Vienna. It is such a cultural center. Just to imagine the greatness of the musical giants who have been there is awe-inspiring. Plus there is some marvelous architecture and art as well. The Spanish Riding School is a wonderful place to visit- you can go to watch them rehearse which is amazing. The Opera House is an incredible place to see. There are almost always many great performances going on in the city. While we were there the Bolshoi Ballet was performing-not only was it a magnificent performance but the Viennese audience was the most appreciative I have ever seen. Salzburg has a lovely setting and is a nice city, but I would concentrate more on Vienna.

steve

I'm casting another vote for Vienna. It is such a cultural center. Just to imagine the greatness of the musical giants who have been there is awe-inspiring. Plus there is some marvelous architecture and art as well. The Spanish Riding School is a wonderful place to visit- you can go to watch them rehearse which is amazing. The Opera House is an incredible place to see. There are almost always many great performances going on in the city. While we were there the Bolshoi Ballet was performing-not only was it a magnificent performance but the Viennese audience was the most appreciative I have ever seen. Salzburg has a lovely setting and is a nice city, but I would concentrate more on Vienna.

Michele

I stayed a week in Vienna and a week in Salzburg in November 1997 and loved both cities!! It was exceptional warm for November that year and during the day a light jacket was only needed. I think both cities have lots of beautiful things to do and see. Vienna is the city, more locals, lots of history, but a more city appeal and Salzburg is the mountains, the beautiful scenery, the "Sound of Music Tour", which was my favorite. We had a wonderful tour guide that made it so special and he even extended our tour into some mountain areas that are not normally covered. We took the train from Vienna to Salzburg and the scenery was incredible! Austria is a beautiful and clean Country! We did have one mishap with a hotel staff person who we gave approximately $20.00 U.S. to mail our postcards, which he never did and kept the money. We did complain to the hotel and even though it could not be proven, they reimbursed us the money. That was in Vienna, by the way! We stayed at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in Salzburg and it was gorgeous and extremely inexpensive. To be fair, I liked both cities, and we became more familiar with Vienna and the square of shops, casinos, restaurants, etc., but I think I would vote for Salzburg as my favorite. There was just something so quaint and country like there in the mountains and I did not find it touristy at all. We did do all the trip on our own other than the Vienna City Tour (which I highly recommend) and the Sound of Music Tour and we just followed our way around both cities, so that could have helped us end up in more local places instead of touristy ones. If you can see them both, I say do both and decide for yourself. They are both worth seeing!! <BR>Enjoy! <BR> <BR>

Peter

Salzburg is a very nice city and especially the surrounding Salzkammergut. Nice shops, enough to eat and comparing to Vienna affordable. Vienna is bloody expensive. Opera is important. Nice museums. I would prefer to go to Salzburg.

nickie

My vote if you really have to pick only one would be Salzburg. It's simply beautiful, and it's much easier to get around. I suppose it depends on your interests - for Vienna has much more IMO in regard to cultural activities. But Salzburg has the scenery.