2 nights in Vienna or 2 in Salzburg

Either…..they are both wonderful though Salzburg probably is truly #1 for me…….just smaller and so charming…….Vienna is big and busy……but lovely

A fine conundrum. They are both well worth visiting, and Vienna needs more time than Salzburg. Salzburg gives you the option of splendid alpine scenery and hikes close by. Since you are flying out of Vienna, I think it's more practical, timewise, to head there for your two days. Hikes around Vienna can be found here:
https://www.wien.info/en

Do spend some time in the old core, and try to make it to Schönbrunn.

A little off topic, but why do you need a car in Switzerland, with that country's efficient and user- friendly train system? Many of the mountain villages are car free.
Where are you staying in Switzerland?
Both Salzburg and Vienna are charming, are very different, and two nights equals one day, which is shorting either city.
I am confused- you are flying out of Vienna but only staying there a very short time?
Have a great trip! Safe travels.

If you are flying out of Vienna, presumably in the morning, then you definitely want to spend your last night in Vienna. It is a 2.5 hour train ride from Salzburg to the Vienna airport.

Thank you all for the suggestions;
- we are driving in Switz so we can hop to places quickly/easily but will still take trains from anchor spots
- ideally, we'd have more time in Vienna but trip just doesn't allow.. and Salzburg is my request as SOM was my fav growing up..

• any recs on places to stay in Salzburg (I can research RS blog as well but throwing it out here). My first rec told me she does not do 1 night- http://ktboardinghouse.at/index.php/en/rooms)

Salzburg, Salzburg, Salzburg

Both Vienna and Salzburg are wonderful and they both have some great sites to visit. However if it's a choice between one or the other, I'd definitely choose Salzburg. It's one of my favourite places in Europe.

You may get more replies if you repost this in the Austria section of the forum.

Ken, thanks.. it actually won't let me post in both places.. maybe I have to change the wording a bit..

Definitely Salzburg!