Prague
Czech Republic
Salzburg
Austria
Prague
Salzburg
π° Budget
π‘οΈ Safety
Prague
Prague is one of the safest major cities in Europe. Violent crime is very rare. The main risks are petty theft and tourist-targeted scams, particularly in Old Town Square, on Charles Bridge, and in crowded areas around Wenceslas Square.
Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the safest cities in Europe. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent for tourists, and even petty theft is uncommon. The main risks are slippery cobblestones in rain or snow and the occasional tourist-trap restaurant.
β Ratings
π€οΈ Weather
Prague
Prague has a continental climate with warm summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Spring and autumn are pleasant but changeable. The city looks magical in every season β sun-drenched summer evenings and snow-dusted spires both have their charm.
Salzburg
Salzburg has an oceanic-continental climate influenced by its alpine location. Rainfall is frequent year-round, with the wettest months in summer. Winters are cold with regular snow, while summers are warm but can be rainy. Pack layers and rain gear in any season.
π Getting Around
Prague
Prague has excellent public transit operated by DPP (Dopravni podnik Prahy). The metro, trams, and buses all use the same ticket. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK and a 24-hour pass costs 120 CZK. Buy tickets from machines at metro stations or use the PID Litacka app.
Walkability: Prague's historic center is very walkable and best explored on foot. The core (Old Town, Mala Strana, Josefov) is compact β you can walk from Old Town Square to Prague Castle in about 25 minutes. Cobblestones are everywhere so wear comfortable shoes.
Salzburg
Salzburg's compact old town is best explored on foot. The Altstadtbus (small electric minibuses) circulates through the narrow streets. A trolleybus and bus network covers the wider city. The Salzburg Card offers unlimited transit plus free museum entry.
Walkability: The Altstadt is entirely walkable and largely pedestrianized. Major sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other. The Salzach River separates the old town (left bank) from the newer Neustadt (right bank), connected by several footbridges. Hills to the fortress and Monchsberg require some effort.
The Verdict
Choose Prague if...
you want a fairy-tale old town, cheap beer, Gothic architecture, and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities
Choose Salzburg if...
you want Mozart's birthplace β Hohensalzburg fortress, Mirabell gardens, Sound of Music tours, Salzkammergut lake day-trips, and Christmas markets
Salzburg