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18 Top-Rated Things to Do in Salzburg

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Joni Sweet Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Salzburg is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Located in northwest Austria, it's as popular among tourists for its well-preserved historical architecture as it is for its magnificent Alpine setting.

This picturesque city stretches along both banks of the River Salzach as it emerges from the Salzburg Alps into lower land dominated by the 1,853-meter Untersberg. Its romantic Old Town district is a must-visit attraction, a compact neighborhood of narrow medieval streets and arcaded courtyards that are fun to explore. So, too, are the spacious squares of the residential area between the Neutor and the Neugebäude districts.

Salzburg also enjoys a special fame in the world of music as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart . This rich musical heritage is reflected in tourist attractions such as the museum in his family home, various festivals showcasing his music, and even the melodies that ring out daily on the city's famous Glockenspiel. Several of Salzburg's attractions were also used as filming sites for The Sound of Music , and these are a particular draw for tourists.

Find out all the best places to visit while on vacation in this beautiful corner of Austria with our list of the best things to do in Salzburg.

1. Explore Salzburg's Old Town (Altstadt Salzburg)

2. climb to fortress hohensalzburg, 3. see st. peter's abbey, 4. visit historic st. peter's church, 5. tour salzburg cathedral, 6. explore the residenzplatz, 7. explore the salzburg residenz and the residenzgalerie, 8. see how the wealthy of old lived: hellbrunn palace and fountains, 9. mirabell palace and gardens, 10. visit the franciscan church, 11. mozart's birthplace, 12. salzburg's festival theaters, 13. neugebäude & the salzburg carillon, 14. st. sebastian's church and cemetery, 15. see the old town hall, 16. climb to the salzburg catacombs, 17. ride the cable car to the top of the untersberg, 18. take a drive to hallein and the celtic museum, where to stay in salzburg for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to salzburg, salzburg, austria - climate chart, more must-see destinations near salzburg.

From University Square (Universitätsplatz), a number of wonderful passageways known as "Durchhäuser" weave northward to Getreidegasse . This busy pedestrian area has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is lined with quaint old merchant homes dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries.

Highlights of a walking tour of this Old Town area are its many original wrought-iron shop and inn signs, along with its many quiet old courtyards. And it's a big area to cover, encompassing some 580 acres in the heart of Salzburg, all of it just begging to be explored.

The area is also home to numerous art galleries, boutique shops, as well as jewelry and craft workshops. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants, many with street-front patios that make for pleasant spots to kick back and do some people watching.

At the eastern end of Getreidegasse lies the Kranzlmarkt. Here, you'll find the old Town Hall (Rathaus) surrounded by even more old medieval houses, some as tall as five stories. In the Old Market (Alter Markt) stands the 13th-century Court Pharmacy (Hofapotheke), while in the middle of the square is the 17th-century St. Florian's Fountain. This latter attractive landmark is known for its unique octagonal basin and an even older spiral grille from 1583.

Other Old Town sightseeing opportunities include the Judengasse with its narrow, twisting lanes, and the Chiemseehof . Built in 1305, the latter was the residence of the Prince Bishops of Chiemsee until 1806. It's worth seeing for its arcaded courtyard decorated with coats of arms.

Salzburg is dominated by the picturesque Fortress Hohensalzburg (Festung Hohensalzburg), a stunning historic fortress that dominates the city skyline. Situated on the southeastern summit of the Mönchsberg, the original castle was built in 1077, and much of what's seen today dates from the early 1500s.

You can reach the castle by a pleasant 20-minute walk from the Old Town center or via a funicular railway from Festungsgasse. The approach to the fortress passes through a number of impressive arched defensive gateways under the 17th-century Fire Bastion to the Reisszug, a unique hoist dating from 1504 once used to haul supplies. It then continues through the Horse Gate into the Haupthof, or outer ward, with its ancient lime tree and a cistern from 1539.

Other highlights include the courtyard, with its tiny Church of St. George (Georgskirche) from 1502, and the famous Salzburg Bull (Salzburger Stier). This historic organ dating from 1502 still plays daily and seems to echo the carillon in the Neugebäude.

Interior highlights include the sumptuous Princes' Apartments, with their Late Gothic décor and fine painted wainscoting; the Golden Room (Goldene Stube), with its marble doorways; and the Golden Hall, with gold bosses on the blue coffered ceiling and red marble columns.

Also worth seeing are the Fortress Museum , with weapons and torture devices, and the Rainer Regiment Museum containing artifacts from the old Salzburg household regiment. English language guided tours of the fortress are available and include options geared toward families and children.

Address: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Official site: www.salzburg-burgen.at/en/hohensalzburg-castle/

On the western side of Salzburg's Kapitelplatz stands the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter (Erzabtei St. Peter). Founded by St. Rupert in 690 CE, this impressive building complex served as the residence of the Archbishops until 1110.

While the present buildings date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, they remain an impressive testament to the order's architectural skills. The best example of this can be seen in the building's tall onion-shaped tower, one of the first of its kind in Europe.

Highlights include St. Peter's Churchyard (Friedhof St. Peter), an impressive burial ground surrounded on three sides by arcades and family tombs from the 17th century. To the south, it backs onto the sheer rock face of the Mönchsberg, where you'll find Early Christian catacombs and St. Maximus' Chapel, hewn from the solid rock.

A passage leads from the churchyard into the outer courtyard graced by St. Peter's Fountain (Petrusbrunnen) built in 1673. Also of note here is the Haydn memorial depicting the life and work of Johann Michael Haydn, brother of famed composer Joseph Haydn.

Another important Salzburg landmark is Nonnberg Abbey , founded in 714 CE. The abbey is also the site of what is reputedly Europe's oldest restaurant, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, which was founded prior to 803 CE.

Address: Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

One of Salzburg's oldest and most attractive churches, St. Peter's Church (Stiftskirche St. Peter) has undergone many transformations over the years. Completed in 1143, it was added to and altered in 1625, and decorated in Rococo style between 1757 and 1783, when its distinctive helm tower was added. The church is also known as the "Abbey Church" for its location within the St. Peter's Abbey complex.

Inside the porch under the tower is the Romanesque west doorway dating from 1240. In the interior, the plan of the Romanesque basilica can still be detected, along with monuments including the rock-hewn tomb of St. Rupert with an epitaph from 1444.

Other notable monuments are those dedicated to Mozart's sister Marianne (Nannerl), who died in 1829, and to JM Haydn, brother of Joseph. Other highlights are the painted altarpieces on the 16 marble altars and the Lady Chapel (Marienkapelle) from 1319, which contains a stone figure of the Virgin, along with Early Gothic frescoes and later frescoes from 1755.

A prominent building thanks to its twin 79-meter tall towers, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) was completed in 1657 and is famous for its Italian style and its role as the location of Mozart's baptism. The building's west front, facing the Domplatz , has four colossal marble statues, the outer ones representing St. Rupert and Virgil, patron saints of the province. The inner ones depict Peter and Paul.

Notable features include its three massive bronze doors with their symbols of Faith, Love, and Hope; the high altar with its Resurrection painted in 1628; and the superb frescoes in the vaulting. The burial vaults and artifacts in the crypt are also worth seeing.

Be sure to visit the Cathedral Museum . This important cultural attraction features a variety of collections of liturgical objects and objets d'art from the Salzburg archdiocese. These include the 8th-century Carolingian Cross of St. Rupert, Gothic statues and paintings, and items from the Cathedral Treasury.

Also, check the cathedral's website in advance of your visit for details of upcoming concerts and recitals.

Address: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

At the very heart of Salzburg's Old Town (Altstadt) on the left bank of the Salzach is the Residenzplatz. One of the city's largest squares, it's the best place from which to begin exploring the many tourist attractions and things to do that this beautiful city has to offer.

The focal point of the Residenzplatz is the stunning Residenzbrunnen . This masterpiece of marble was made by an Italian sculptor in 1661 and is the largest and finest Baroque fountain this side of the Alps. Standing 15 meters high with splendid figures of bold horses, along with the god Atlas bearing dishes, it also impresses with its dolphins. Crowning the whole display is a Triton with a conch shell.

From here, it's easy to spend time relaxing in the terraced cafés and boutique shops lining the adjoining streets. You can also jump right in and visit key attractions such as Salzburg Cathedral and the Residenz , the former palace of the city's Prince Bishops.

The square is also frequently used for concerts and celebrations such as public New Year's Eve parties and the excellent Salzburg Christmas Market.

Address: Residenzplatz, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Dominating the western side of Salzburg's Residenzplatz is the Residenz, the former palace of the city's once powerful Prince Bishops. Built between 1596 and 1619, this huge palace is laid out around three courtyards, with a large marble gateway added in 1710.

Its spectacular State Apartments are lavishly decorated in Late Baroque and Early Neoclassical style and with exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, rich stucco ornaments, and handsome fireplaces. Of particular note are the Knights' Hall (Rittersaal), the Conference Hall (Konferenzsaal), and the splendid Audience Hall (Audienzsaal) containing Flemish tapestries from the 1600s and fine Parisian furniture.

Other highlights include the White Hall (Weisse Saal), with its superb stucco ornaments in Louis XVI style from 1776; the Function Room (Gesellschaftszimmer), with 18th-century silk carpets; and the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), with its portraits of Holy Roman Emperors and Kings of the Habsburg dynasty.

The Residenzgalerie , an art gallery established in 1923, displays works of European painters from the 16th to 19th centuries. The collection includes paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Brueghel.

Address: Residenzplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Official site: https://www.domquartier.at/en/residenz/

Markus Sittikus, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, commissioned this pleasure palace in 1613 as a place to relax and entertain. Never intended as a residence, Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) is nonetheless quite grand, and a tour gives you an inside look into the world of these immensely wealthy and powerful rulers of both church and state.

Sittikus conceived of unusual entertainments for his guests. These include a garden of trick water features and fountains, where an innocent looking statue of pavement may suddenly turn into a shower, or what appear to be benches around a table suddenly begin to spout water all over guests. The tour is lighthearted and fun, especially for children and those who don't mind getting a bit wet (it's a good idea to keep your camera and phone covered).

Apart from the trick fountains and beautiful flower gardens, the park is interesting as the site of the gazebo and grand alley of trees used in filming The Sound of Music . In December, the gardens are home to a lovely Christmas Market; entrance to a nearby folk museum is included in the admission ticket.

Address: Fürstenweg 37, Hellbrunn, Salzburg, Austria

Official site: www.hellbrunn.at/en/

Another garden used in the filming of The Sound of Music is at Salzburg's lovely Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell). This excellent example of Baroque landscape design was laid out in 1690 with numerous terraces, marble statues, and fountains.

The palace itself was remodeled in Baroque style between 1721-27 before being restored in the simpler Neoclassical style after a fire in 1818. Highlights of a visit include the spectacular Grand Staircase, built in the 18th-century, with a number of statues by Georg Raphael Donner and his pupils.

Other interesting features are the Marble Hall, which is still used for concerts and functions, and the Schloss Mirabell Baroque Museum . Housed in the Gardener's Building (the Gärtnergebäude), the museum is part of the estate's Orangery, and exhibits European art of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Also of note is the former 18th-century aviary, now used for exhibitions. Of interest, too, is the small open-air theater located at the southwestern corner of the gardens.

Address: Mirabellplatz 4, Salzburg, Austria

To the north of St. Peter's Church stands the Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche), the town's parish church until 1635. Notable features of the exterior are the high roof of the choir, and the tower on the south side from 1498.

Interior features of note include the dark 13th-century Romanesque nave, which contrasts with the high, bright 15th-century Gothic choir. In front of a ring of Baroque chapels dating from 1606 stands the high altar, added in 1709 and notable for its late 15th-century carved Madonna.

In the central chapel behind the altar is a winged marble altar from 1561 from the old cathedral. Opposite the church is the still-operating Franciscan Friary. Visitors are welcome to attend mass here.

Address: Franziskanergasse 5, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

The house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27th, 1756, is one of the best places to visit in Salzburg if you're a fan of classical music. Highlights include the rooms once occupied by the Mozart family, and a museum displaying numerous interesting mementos, including the young Mozart's violin, portraits, and original scores of his compositions.

Engaging exhibits introduce his family members and their life and explore his operatic works, with costumes, set designs, and models and excerpts from his operas. One room is furnished as it would have been in his time. English language guided tours can be arranged.

Address: Getreidegasse 9, Salzburg, Austria

Official site: https://mozarteum.at/en/museums/mozarts-birthplace/

Salzburg has long been famous for its music festivals, as shown by the city's many historic theaters and concert halls. Collectively known as the Festival Theaters (Festspielhäuser), these buildings consist of the large Festspielhau ; the smaller Haus für Mozart , between which is a foyer with fine frescoes; and the Karl-Böhm Hall , used for exhibitions and receptions.

It's in this building, decorated by superb 17th-century frescoes, that the famous Salzburg Festival has been held since 1925. This popular multi-week-long summer event showcases the best of European music and drama.

Other major Salzburg festivals include Mozart Week , a winter event focusing on the works of the great Austrian composer; and Salzburg Cultural Days , an annual two-week festival in October that includes symphonic and chamber concerts and opera performances.

For a completely different theatrical experience, visit the Salzburg Marionette Theater . Eestablished in 1913, it's one of the oldest puppet theaters in the world.

Address: Hofstallgasse 1, A-5010 Salzburg, Austria

Official site: www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/summer

Opposite the Salzburg Residenz is the New Building (Neugebäude), erected in 1602 as the Archbishop's guesthouse and enlarged in 1670. Now home to provincial government offices and the Salzburg Museum , the building is famous for its carillon, the famous Glockenspiel.

Built in 1702, it contains 35 bells that play tunes from Mozart's vast repertoire three times per day (7am, 11am, and 6pm). Guided tours of the tower offering a unique view of the workings of this impressive mechanism are available.

A highlight of the experience is hearing the famous Salzburg Bull, the organ in neighboring Hohensalzburg palace, respond to the carillon with a chorale. Also, be sure to visit the lovely 18th-century St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) on the north side of the Residenzplatz at the corner of Mozartplatz with its Mozart Monument from 1842.

Address: Mozartpl. 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

A highlight of Salzburg's more modern district on the right bank of the Salzach is St. Sebastian's Church (Sebastianskirche). Built in 1512 and completely remodeled in Rococo style in 1753, the church features a flight of steps leading to St. Sebastian Cemetery (Friedhof).

Established in 1595, in the middle of the cemetery, stands St. Gabriel's Chapel (Gabrielskapelle), with its ornate ceramic decoration, completed in 1603 as a mausoleum for Archbishop Wolf Dietrich.

On the path to the chapel lie the graves of Mozart's father, Leopold, and his widow, Konstanze. To the west of the church is a passage leading to the Loreto Convent (Loretokloster) and Paris-Lodron-Strasse.

Address: Linzer Gasse 41, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

With its Rococo facade and iconic tower, the Old Town Hall makes for one of the most attractive sites in Salzburg. It served important roles throughout history: sounding the bell when curfew was near, keeping time for the public, and as a watchtower.

Today, its purpose is mainly to share local culture with tourists and provide a space for bureaucratic offices. Check out rotating exhibitions of works from Salzburg artists in the City Gallery , located on the first floor. While the second floor is primarily used for city council meetings, it also displays Franz Kulstrunk's famous painting The Town of Salzburg in 1916 , on view for the public.

Address: Kranzlmarkt 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Just past St. Sebastian's Church and Cemetery are catacombs carved into the face of the Mönchsberg rock. The attraction, estimated to be about 1,000 years old, served dual purposes as both a hermitage and a burial site. You may recognize it from The Sound of Music as the place where the Trapp family sought refuge before fleeing to Switzerland.

To reach the two levels of the catacombs open to the public, you'll need to climb a set of old, steep stone steps (grippy shoes are a must!). The first level contains the "Gertrauden Chapel," while the upper part houses the "Maximus Chapel," which is thought to be even older. You can also see an incredible view of Salzburg from the windows and balcony.

The Untersberg, a popular recreation area with a rugged peak, draws outdoors lovers from around the world. You can reach the top by taking a ride on the Untersbergbahn (cable car), located about 10 kilometers south of the city and easily reached by bus. The 8.5-minute ride in one of the two gondola-like cars is a delight, offering dazzling views of Salzburg, the Rositten Valley, and the entire Berchtesgaden region.

The best vistas, however, can be found when the cable car drops you off near the Geiereck 1,805-meter-tall Geiereck summit and you're looking down on the fluffy white clouds and the snowcapped Alps. It's no surprise that many couples get engaged in this beautiful spot.

Spend an hour or two exploring the stunning high Alpine terrain, and when you're ready to refuel, simply pull up a seat at the mountaintop café for coffee and strudel.

Address: Dr.-Friedrich-Oedl-Weg 2, 5083, Austria

Official site: https://www.untersbergbahn.at/

The old Celtic town of Hallein on the River Salzach, a 10-minute-drive from Salzburg city center, is one of the several interesting places to visit near Salzburg. The town is especially popular for its picturesque narrow streets, gateways, and statues, as well as the historic homes built in typical Salzach style.

Hallein is the birthplace of organist Franz Xaver Gruber, composer of Silent Night. It's also where you'll find the Celtic Museum (Keltenmuseum Hallein), one of the largest and most complete museums of Celtic art and history in all Europe. Set in a former 17th-century orphanage, this reconstructed Celtic farmstead includes buildings and tools used by Celt settlers, as well as an ancient burial chamber.

Other highlights include displays of finds from the Hallstatt and La Tène (Iron Age) periods from 800-15 BC. There are also exhibits portraying local customs and the history of town guilds.

Address: Pflegerplatz 5, Hallein, Austria

Perfect for touring on foot, the picturesque streets of Salzburg's old town, almost directly under the walls of the formidable Hohensalzburg fortress, contain the cathedral; St. Peter's Abbey; and the palace, with its state apartments and museums. The funicular to the fortress is nearby, and just across the river is Mirabell Palace and gardens. Here are some highly rated hotels close to these Salzburg attractions:

Luxury Hotels :

• Spacious rooms at Hotel Goldgasse offer historic charm and modern facilities in the center of the pedestrianized old town.
• Equally well-located, within steps of attractions, is the elegant Hotel Goldener Hirsch , a Luxury Collection Hotel.
• Sister hotel to the landmark Hotel Sacher Vienna, the lavishly furnished Hotel Sacher Salzburg overlooks the river, and is just a short walk from the old town and from Mirabell Palace.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Across the river, a block from the bridge leading directly into the center of the old town, Stadtkrug Hotel is also close to the Mirabell.
• Boutique Hotel Am Dom is in a restored historic building in the center of the pedestrianized old town.
• If old town charm is not important, IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg is located near the train station, behind Mirabell Palace, and a 15-minute walk from the main attractions.

Budget Hotels:

• Star Inn Hotel Salzburg Zentrum has pleasant, plain rooms in a residential neighborhood on the other side of the Hohensalzburg fortress, a 10-minute walk to the old town through a pedestrian tunnel.
• The nearby family-run Haus Wartenberg has the character and charm of a traditional building with modern facilities and larger rooms that are ideal for families.
• Close to the rail and bus station, Pension Adlerhof has limited free parking and free continental breakfast, but you'll have a 30-minute walk or a bus ride to the Old Town.
• Sound of Music Tour : If you're a fan of The Sound of Music, you can reminisce about your favorite scenes at some of the movie's best-known locations and sing along to the soundtrack on The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg . But you don't have to be a fan of the movie to appreciate the history and beauty of Salzburg's top attractions and architectural gems, which are also included on this tour. Top it off with a visit to the beautiful Lake District and the quaint town of Mondsee, where the movie's wedding took place.
• Eagle's Nest Tour : To soak up some fascinating history and see the spectacular scenery of the Bavarian Alps at the same time, sign up for the Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg . On this half-day guided tour, you'll see Hellbrunn Castle and the Königsee River Valley before heading up to the Eagle's Nest, Hitler's former mountain retreat in Bavaria, where you can learn about its history and admire the views. Before heading home, you'll have a chance to explore the quaint German mountain town of Berchtesgaden.
• Mountains and Mining Tour : Another tour that blends history with striking scenery is the Bavarian Mountains and Salt-Mines Tour . After a scenic drive along the King's Lake River, this half-day guided tour takes you deep into an underground salt mine, where you can learn about its 450-year old history, take a tour on a mini-train, and cruise around a subterranean salt lake. This tour also ends with a stroll around Berchtesgaden before you head home.

Salzburg sits close to the border between Austria and Germany , almost equidistant from Munich and Innsbruck . Passau, in northern Bavaria , is about the same distance to the north, and farther east on the Danube is Linz . Just across the border to the west, the German town of Berchtesgaden and the idyllic Königsee are easy day trips from Salzburg . To the southeast is the beautiful town of Hallstatt and the Hallstätter Sea, part of the Dachstein/Salzkammergut Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site. About halfway between Salzburg and Innsbruck is the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbuhel .

More on Austria

17 BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 2, 2024

Thinking of visiting Salzburg in Austria and wondering what there’s to see and do in the city? In this guide, we cover all the musts, top sights, most important landmarks, and things to do in Salzburg that are worth your time the most. For each place, we also include our experience-based tips and useful information for your visit. Take a look!

Instantly recognizable as the beautiful backdrop to the iconic movie ‘The Sound of Music’, the romantic city of Salzburg is steeped in history and rich in culture. Mozart was born here and the city’s tradition of music remains strong. There are numerous performances and concerts every night and various festivals held annually.

But there is so much more to this charming city than its musical heritage. From its scenic location in the foothills of the Alps to its exquisite architecture and wonderful food, Salzburg is a destination that has a lot to offer to any type of traveler.

In this guide, we share all the main sights and attractions in Salzburg , as well as useful tips for visiting this beautiful and vibrant city for the first time. We also created a map indicating all the top places to see in Salzburg – you can find it at the bottom of this article.

TIP: Be sure to buy the Salzburg Card to last the duration of your visit. It gives you free and fast access to many of the city’s main attractions and includes free public transportation too. It will quickly pay for itself, even if you only visit a few of the main highlights in Salzburg in one day! If you spend 2-3 days in the city and surroundings, this card offers incredible value.

READ ALSO: Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary & Salzburg 2 Days Itinerary

These are the very best places to see and things to do in Salzburg:

1. Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Built early in the 17th century by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his wife, Mirabell Palace and Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Salzburg. The palace, the manicured gardens, the fountains, the views – everything is so beautiful. A visit here is like stepping into a fairytale !

Mirabell Palace is home to the Angel Staircase and the famous Marble Hall , considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. Mozart once made music here, and these days, you can attend a Mozart concert here almost every evening .

Good to know: Normally, you can visit the Angel Staircase (daily from 8 am to 6 pm) and the Marble Hall (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm and Tuesday and Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm), and the entrance is free of charge. However, the Marble Hall is frequently used to host weddings and other important ceremonies, in which case it’s closed to visitors. So if you absolutely want to see this beautiful hall from the inside and it’s closed, see if you can book concert tickets instead.

The real attraction here, though, are the gardens . Designed in a geometrical Baroque style, they are so beautiful, especially in the warmer months when all the flowers are blooming.

You can see the Pegasus Fountain here, along with the palace Chapel consecrated in 1726. You can also see a Dwarf Garden containing 17 dwarves made from white Untersberg marble, plus an Orangery and an ornamental Rose Garden.

Good to know: If the Pegasus Fountain looks familiar to you, that’s probably because it was used as another location in the ‘Sound of Music’. It was here that Maria and the children danced as they sang ‘Do Re Mi’.

2. Old Town

Salzburg Old Town is filled with stunning architecture, grand squares, and picturesque streets and alleys. It’s here that you’ll find most of the city’s historic buildings, landmarks, and museums. At the same time, it’s also a very lively place with lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

It would be impossible to list every place that’s worth seeing here, and the best way to experience the historic old town is to simply walk around and see ‘everything’. The good thing is that the historic old town is quite compact and so it’s actually quite easy to do.

Below, you can find some information about the main places not to miss in Salzburg’s old town, and we also indicated all of them on our map further below.

Some of the main places not to miss include the major squares around the cathedral: Alter Markt , Residenzplatz , Mozartplatz , Domplatz , and Kapitelplatz . They all interconnect and so you basically just walk from one to the other, trying to absorb the incredible atmosphere around you.

On the Alter Markt , you’ll find the historic Café Tomaselli, the oldest café in Austria. On Mozartplatz – the statue of Mozart, and on Kapitelplatz – a huge golden ball with a sculpture of a man standing on top of it. In the middle of Domplatz , right in front of the cathedral entrance, stands a statue of the Virgin Mary with a Child and four allegoric statues around it.

Residenzplatz is home to the impressive bell tower of Salzburg Carillon ( Salzburger Glockenspiel ) – its 35 bells play various songs three times a day (at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm). Here, you’ll also see the impressive baroque fountain with horses.

This is also the place where horse-drawn carriage rides start. Residenzplatz is also home to some lesser-visited museums that might be worth it if you have lots of extra time for sightseeing.

You also really can’t miss Getreidegasse , the most beautiful pedestrian shopping street in Salzburg. Every store here has a really unique sign on its facade, making the street really picturesque. Another charming old street to check out is the Goldgasse that connects Alter Markt with Residenzplatz.

Be sure to also check out the Franziskanergasse , a small street where the Franciscan Monastery is located. The gothic interior of the church is very impressive.

And finally, I also recommend a small detour to Marstallschwemme – Pferdeschwemme . The fountain with big murals depicting horses stands at the base of Mönchsberg, with the steep cliffs of the mountain right behind it. This is one of the two preserved horse baths in Salzburg.

3. Mozart’s Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the city’s main tourist attractions and definitely a ‘must see’ when you visit Salzburg. It was here – in this bright yellow building at Getreidegasse 9 – that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756.

He lived here throughout his childhood and much of his youth (until the age of 17) in a middle-class apartment on the third floor. You can take a stroll through the apartment itself, which has been reconstructed as accurately as possible with items from everyday life and 18th-century furniture.

Pieces on display include original letters and certificates documenting Mozart’s life, several portraits painted during his lifetime, and his own clavichord and violin. There is even a lock of hair – believed to be Mozart’s – attached to a letter he wrote in 1777!

Although the museum is small and the number of exhibits quite limited, it feels very special to stand in the footsteps of the great composer and get a glimpse of life as he may have seen it.

TIP: Try to visit early in the morning, before the tour groups arrive. Alternatively, come here an hour or 30 minutes before the closing time. As you can imagine, the museum gets VERY busy!

Practical information: Mozart’s Birthplace is open daily, with hours varying a bit per season. More info here . Free entry is included on the Salzburg Card .

4. DomQuartier Salzburg

A UNESCO World Heritage site, DomQuartier Salzburg is a stunning attraction made up of a complex of baroque buildings built around three courtyards.

It was created by the prince-archbishops of Salzburg more than 400 years ago. Originally it contained both their residential quarters and a Cathedral, as an expression of their claim to rule both the heavens and the earth.

These days it is home to three interconnected museums – among the most compelling in the city! You can walk through the beautiful baroque state rooms and visit the impressive Residenz Gallery , containing artworks by 16th- to 19th-century painters such as Rembrandt and Rubens.

Also not to be missed are the awesome views of the city mountains and the Salzburg historic district from the terrace above the Cathedral Arches .

The Cathedral Museum is interesting to see too, from the elaborate stuccowork of the rooms of the Northern Oratory to the views of the cathedral’s magnificent interior from the organ loft.

You also visit the Museum of St. Peter’s Abbey , and the Long Gallery , the oldest gallery in Salzburg that was the prince archbishops’ painting gallery.

Good to know: DomQuartier Salzburg is a large museum and if you want to see everything in detail, you should set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. However, if your time is short it would be possible to walk through the best of the exhibits in around an hour.

Practical information: DomQuartier Salzburg is open daily except on Tuesdays. For more details, see the official website . Entry here is also included with the Salzburg Card.

5. Hohensalzburg Fortress

Dating back to the 11th century, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe.

A key landmark of Salzburg and an integral part of its skyline, the fortress is located high on Festungberg Hill. You can either walk to it or take a funicular from the old town, which is far quicker and much easier.

When you get there, the views from the various lookouts are magnificent. With the Salzach River winding its way throughout the city and the soaring mountains in the background, it looks like something from a postcard. But it is even more impressive when the sun goes down and the city lights illuminate the scene.

Throughout its life, Hohensalzburg has been a fort, a military barracks, a prison, and home to the prince archbishops. Now it houses several museums and has the look and feel of a medieval village within its protective walls.

The Fortress Museum is especially interesting as it includes access to the staterooms , including the Princes’ Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Golden Hall. These contain original furnishings from the early 16th century that are very much worth seeing!

TIP: If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit the Arsenal building. It contains several interactive games that the entire family can enjoy.

Practical information: Hohensalzburg Fortress is open daily. From May to September, from 9 am to 8 pm, the rest of the year – from 9.30 am to 5 pm. You could spend 2-3 hours here, or just see the ‘musts’ in about 1.5 hours.

The funicular and museums are included with the Salzburg Card , except for the staterooms (unless you visit before 11 am). If you have to pay a few euros extra to see them, do it – it’s totally worth it!

Good to know: In the evenings, you can attend a Mozart concert inside the state rooms at the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can choose between concert-only or concert and dinner options – see all the ticket options here .

6. Mozart Residence

Mozart Residence is another place that deserves a mention on any list of the best things to do in Salzburg. Not to be confused with the earlier-mentioned Mozart’s Birthplace, this is a house at No. 8 Makartplatz, on the other side of the river. This is where Mozart lived with his family from 1773 until he moved to Vienna in 1781.

A large part of this house was destroyed during an air raid in the second world war. It was later reconstructed according to the original building plans and opened as a museum in 1996.

A visit here gives you another wonderful insight into Mozart’s life. You can see a portrait of Mozart and his family in the large ballroom – an image considered to be one of the most accurate depictions of the composer anywhere. The room also contains Mozart’s original piano from the family estate.

The audio guide (included with free entry using the Salzburg Card) explains the significance of the rooms you visit and tells the stories of each family member.

Practical information: Mozart Residence is open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm. In July and August, it’s open from 8.30 am to 7 pm. The entrance here is also free with Salzburg Card. You need 30-45 minutes for a visit here.

7. St. Peter’s Abbey Site

Located beside DomQuartier is the Abbey of St. Peter , a Benedictine monastery and former cathedral. You can’t enter the Abbey itself, although a visit to the interior of its ‘Long Gallery’ is included as part of the DomQuartier tour.

But you might want to stop and take a moment to appreciate the wonderful smell of fresh bread coming from Stiftsbäckerei St Peter, Salzburg’s oldest bakery . You can still see the old water wheel originally used to power the monastery’s mill just as you enter the abbey site.

The Abbey of St. Peter’s main attraction, however, is its beautiful, ancient cemetery (Friedhof St. Peter) and St. Peter’s Catacombs .

Fans of the ‘Sound of Music’ movie flock to see the cemetery , as it was here that one of the final scenes was filmed. If you’ve seen the movie, you definitely remember how the von Trapp family was hiding here during their escape from the National Socialists.

But there are many other points of interest, including St. Margaret Chapel ( Margarethenkapelle ) and the vaults and burial sites of some of the city’s most notable residents. Mozart’s sister and her husband are buried here as well.

The Early Christian catacombs – hewn from the rock of the Mönchsberg mountain during the 1100s – are the oldest and best-maintained in Austria. Two different levels are open to the public – the ‘Gertrauden Chapel’ and the ‘Maximus Chapel’, located 40 steps higher.

Here you can see the preserved remains of ancient tombs, altars, relics, and murals. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the city from the balcony around halfway down the stairs.

Good to know: The steps inside the catacombs are very steep and there is no handrail, so it helps to wear walking shoes with a good grip.

Practical information: The cemetery is free to visit and a ticket for entry to the catacombs is free with the Salzburg Card. The Catacombs are open daily except for some public holidays. They usually close for lunch between 12.30 and 1 pm. Count 15-30 minutes a visit here.

8. Salzburg Cathedral

The impressive Cathedral is one of the most notable landmarks in Salzburg. Standing right in the heart of the old town and surrounded by the most beautiful and important town squares, you’ll inevitably pass here at least a few times during your visit.

A cathedral was first built on this site in 774. Throughout the centuries, a series of fires led to it being entirely rebuilt three times. The last major reconstruction dates from 1628 and the towers – 40 years later. The central dome, however, was destroyed entirely by bombing during WWII and the basilica we see now was eventually completed in 1959.

The cathedral houses the font where Mozart was baptized in 1756 and contains five organs, one of which – the Hoforgel – he later played. Most spectacular of all is the view of the dome’s interior, featuring 16 frescoes in 2 rows depicting Old Testament scenes.

Good to know: A visit to the earlier-mentioned DomQuartier Salzburg includes a look at the inside of the cathedral, including a close-up view of its impressive organ. This means that you don’t need to plan a separate visit to see it unless you want to explore everything inside.

But it is certainly worth taking the time to view this magnificent building from the outside too. This baroque masterpiece is visually stunning, featuring two spires and an imposing copper dome. There are four huge statues at the main entrance, depicting the apostles Peter and Paul and the two patron saints Virgil (who built the very first cathedral) and Rupert.

TIP: If you are a music lover, then perhaps the best way to enjoy the cathedral is to attend one of the 30-minute organ recitals that take place just after noon every day, except for Sunday. You can find more information and get the tickets here . If it’s not too busy, you can normally get a ticket on the spot as well – the Cathedral is huge and there’s lots of space inside.

Practical information: Salzburg Cathedral is open daily, with hours varying per season. No visits are allowed during mass and during the concerts at noon. There’s a small fee to visit the cathedral, and this is one of the few of the main sights in Salzburg that are not included with the city card (you do get a discount though).

9. Views from Kapuzinerberg

Located on the Salzach River’s eastern bank, Kapuzinerberg is the highest point in Salzburg. However, the viewpoint at the monastery is just a bit uphill, so you won’t have to climb far. The short uphill walk is a bit steep, but the unmissable views awaiting you make it very worthwhile. This is one of the best viewpoints in the old town of Salzburg!

Along the trail, you will come across the Stations of Cross ( Kalvarienbergkapellen Kapuzinerberg ), Franziskischlössl (a small 17th-century defense tower), a small church that you can visit, and the monastery for Capuchin friars from which the hill took its name.

From the viewing platforms at the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of Salzburg , taking in the old town, the fortress, the river, and the surrounding mountains.

There are two times of the day that are particularly good to visit. One is at noon, when you can hear all the church bells across the city ringing – a wonderful sound that really enhances the experience. Alternatively, visit towards the end of the day for some truly spectacular sunset views.

Good to know: There are two ways to get to the top of Kapuzinerberg – by stairs from Steingasse or via the road with the cross stations starting at Linzer Gasse. The latter is much easier than the stairs, so I recommend that way up and then taking the stairs down – that way, you can also enjoy the nice views in the direction of the river and the fortress.

10. Views from Mönchsberg

Another place from which to enjoy exceptional city views in Salzburg is at the top of Mönchsberg hill .

You can reach the viewing platform – also known as Winkler Terrace – by taking a short elevator ride from Gstättengasse street, near the river. The cost of the ride is also included in the Salzburg Card. Alternatively, you can hike to the lookout point using the Mönchsberg hiking path on the other side of the hill.

There is a museum of modern art at the top of the hill, although you don’t need to buy tickets for it in order to access the viewing platform. You’ll find the platform just through the glass doors to the right of the elevator. The panoramic views are some of the finest in Europe and were featured in some of the most famous scenes of ‘The Sound of Music’.

Right at the viewing platform, there’s also a restaurant with a big outdoor terrace. This could be a nice place for a drink. Mönchsberg also has several walking trails, and you’ll see locals walking dogs or jogging here.

TIP: From the viewing platform at the museum, take the stairs on the right-hand side and follow the path until you reach a second viewpoint from which you can see another angle of the city. Yet a bit further down the dirt path and then a sharp right down the stairs, you’ll find a viewpoint at Humboldtterrasse . The views here are also very nice, with yet another angle on the river and the old town.

11. Hellbrunn Palace

Located just a bit outside the city center, Hellbrunn Palace is another place that’s well worth including in your Salzburg sightseeing itinerary if you have at least 2 days in the city. This magnificent Baroque palace took just 3 years to build, from 1612 until 1615. That would have been considered record time at the start of the 17th century!

Intended as a summer retreat, it was constructed for the enjoyment of the prince-archbishop Markus Sittikus. Over the years, it became a getaway spot for all sorts of rulers who enjoyed good food, the exotic foliage, and the palace’s famous trick fountains!

These remain a popular attraction today, with hidden water jets soaking – yet delighting – its visitors. It is funny to think of all the aristocratic members of society from the past also getting sprayed by these secret fountains!

There is lots more to see at this pleasure palace, including the water-powered Mechanical Theater with almost 200 moving wood carvings, the beautifully landscaped gardens, and a large adventure playground for children. There is also an exhibition inside the palace where you can learn lots more about its fascinating past.

You can also see the gazebo in which Liesl and Franz sang to each other in ‘The Sound of Music’. Another interesting place is the Stone Theatre in the forest – a natural rock quarry that Markus Sittikus had converted into a stage.

Practical information: Hellbrunn Palace is open daily from the beginning of April till the end of October. You can easily get here by public transport from the city center in about 15 minutes. Transport, as well as the entrance to the palace, are also included with Salzburg Card .

Alternatively, you can also visit here with a hop-on hop-off bus (entrance to the palace not included) or this river cruise that brings you to the palace and includes the entry tickets. Some other (Sound of Music) tours stop here as well, but usually do not visit the grounds of the palace.

TIP: If you are visiting Salzburg before Christmas, a visit to this palace is a must! The entire courtyard and old driveway are completely transformed into a magical and festive Advent Market.

12. Nonnberg Abbey

Founded at some point between 712 and 715, Nonnberg Abbey is the oldest Benedictine nunnery in the German-speaking region. But that isn’t its only claim to fame!

The true story of a novice from the nunnery – Maria Kutschera – was the inspiration behind the now world-famous movie, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Maria was sent by her abbess to be a governess to the children of the widowed Baron Georg Ritter von Trapp. She later married the baron and – as the movie portrays – founded a family choir. It’s pretty amazing to visit the spot where the story started! The Abbey was also used as one of the filming locations for the movie.

Peaceful and pretty, it contains frescoes at the high altar and in the “Paradise” under the nuns’ choir that can be illuminated.

Practical information: Both the church and the cemetery are open to visitors every day from 6.45 am, although visits are not permitted during services. Located at the foot of the Festungsberg, Nonnberg Abbey can be reached from Kaigasse via the Nonnbergstiege staircase.

Good to know: If you are an early riser, consider coming here in the morning when the beautiful sound of the nuns’ choir fills the Nonnberg Abbey Church at 6.45 am. You can also hear them sing in the afternoon (weekdays at 5.15 pm, Saturdays at 5 pm, Sundays and public holidays at 4.30 pm), although these times are subject to change.

13. Salzach River Cruise

Taking a slow cruise along the Salzach River is another popular thing to do in Salzburg for tourists. It gives you a great opportunity to view the city from a different perspective, but also to rest your legs and enjoy the scenery in comfort.

Although there are various cruises available – romantic cruises, for example, or those including visits to particular attractions – a regular boat tour is free with the Salzburg Card .

Taking around 40 to 50 minutes, it includes a commentary in both German and English to help you learn more about the places you’re seeing. Eight kilometers long in total, the route takes you towards Hellbrunn, slightly beyond the limit of the city, then returns the way you came. The tour ends with the boat ‘waltzing in the river’ which is quite fun and definitely the most exciting part of this easy-going tour.

Good to know: Unless you book a timed ticket at an extra cost, you may not be able to find a spot for the next available cruise. So if you want to use the Salzburg Card for this, you have to stop by their ticket office by the river to reserve a place. We were lucky to just get on the next boat, but we were visiting outside the main season and we literally got the last spots. The boats quickly fill up in the summer.

While I find that a river cruise is something nice to do in Salzburg if you have plenty of time, it’s definitely not a must if your time is limited. I think it would be more enjoyable if you do it as part of this tour that includes the Hellbrunn Palace visit.

14. The Sound of Music Tours

It is hard to visit Salzburg without acknowledging its deep connection to the famous Hollywood movie ‘The Sound of Music’.

But even if you are not a fan, the bus tours are well worth taking as they include so many lovely places outside the city. Bicycle tours are also available, although these tend to concentrate more on the city itself and will often include places you will already see anyway.

Whilst there are several options available, most tours will take in iconic locations like Mirabell Gardens (with the Pegasus Fountain), Leopoldskron Palace (where the boating scene was filmed), the rebuilt Gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and the wider Salzburg Lake District Area. The final destination is often Mondsee, where you can see the church in which Maria and Baron von Trapp were married in the movie.

TIP: This highly-rated bus tour is the most popular original Sound of Music tour in Salzburg.

15. Mozart Concerts

Mozart concerts with or without dinner are among the most popular things to do in Salzburg. You can opt for an all-in experience that includes a concert and a nice dinner, or just attend a concert (usually, in a very beautiful setting).

There are various options, and most of them are available almost daily throughout the year.

Here are the best Mozart concerts in Salzburg :

• Mozart classical concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace . This option doesn’t include dinner.
• Mozart Fortress concert with dinner at the staterooms inside the Hohensalzburg Fortress . You can also opt for the concert-only option here (so no dinner).
• Mozart concert with dinner – inside the Baroque Hall of St. Peter Abbey . If you are looking for a really good food experience too, this is the best option. Also, this is a more special experience with opera singers in costumes, etc.

16. Traditional Beer Gardens & Restaurants

While not something you can compare with visiting the famous landmarks, just as fun – and must-do in Salzburg – are the traditional beer gardens and restaurants .

This is just something so typical to the region and no trip would be complete without at least a quick drink at a Biergarten (beer garden) or a traditional Austrian meal at a Bierkeller (beer cellar).

One of the easiest-to-visit beer gardens in the center of Salzburg is Sternbräu , located between the main shopping street Getreidegasse and the river. Another popular choice (also a restaurant) is Augustiner bräu at an old cloister.

One of the oldest beer cellars in Salzburg is PitterKeller (1926) located in the basement of Imlauer Hotel Pitter. With dark-wood walls and traditional murals, it’s a real institution in Salzburg, a popular dining place for locals and tourists alike. If you plan to come for dinner (and definitely on weekends), it’s best to reserve in advance.

TIP: As an absolute minimum, you really can’t leave Salzburg without trying some pretzels . Locals seem to eat them at all times of day, and you’ll even find them served for breakfast at the hotels in the area. You can buy pretzels in bakeries, street-food stands, cafés etc. all over the city.

17. Salzburg Museums

In addition to all the main sights and attractions in Salzburg mentioned above, there are also many museums in the city. Many of them are included with the Salzburg Card as well and could make a nice addition to your itinerary.

However, I’d only recommend visiting most of them if you have more than 2 days in the city and/or are really interested in a specific museum. It’s also something nice to do in Salzburg when it rains or in winter when you might want to spend more time inside.

We visited a few of them and found that they weren’t really worth it on a short visit. Often, it’s better to spend more time in fewer places rather than trying to ‘see it all’. But if you do indeed have time to spare, here are some of the best museums in Salzburg (and included with the Salzburg Card):

• Salzburg Panorama . Located on Residenzplatz, this museum houses a giant 26 meters – long panorama painting depicting the city as it looked in 1829.
• Salzburg Christmas Museum. If you love Christmas, you’ll love this museum. Most exhibits date from mid 19th to the beginning of the 20th century.
• Salzburg Museum. Located in the Neue Residenz on Residenzplatz, this museum gives you insights into the art and history of Salzburg through a somewhat eclectic mix of exhibitions and multimedia installations.
• Museum of Modern Art at Mönchsberg . Contemporary art museum with works from the 20-21st centuries.
• Toy Museum. This interactive museum can be fun if you are looking to fill a few hours in Salzburg with kids.

17+. Explore beyond the city

No trip to Salzburg would be complete without seeing the beautiful surroundings. The area is stunning, with palaces and medieval castles, incredible mountain landscapes, and too many beautiful places to see to even try to mention them here.

Here are some of the most popular (half) day trips from Salzburg for first-time visitors:

• Hallstatt & Salzkammergut. Hallstatt is probably the most-photographed mountain village in the world, instantly recognizable for its picturesque lakeside church with a stunning mountain backdrop. This is one of the most visited places in Austria and the most popular day trip from Salzburg. See all the tour options here .
• Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden. This is Adolf Hitler’s famous vacation home in the Bavarian Alps, right at the Austrian – German border, a very short ride from Salzburg. See tour options here .
• Berchtesgaden Salt Mines and underground lake. This is a really fun tour for the whole family. Not only do you get to visit the old salt mines, but also take a raft tour on the subterranean lake. You also see some amazing scenery of the Bavarian Alps (just over the border in Germany). See tour options here .

These are just the most popular options that you can visit with organized tours from Salzburg. If you have a car, the possibilities are almost endless.

Our kids absolutely loved Eisriesenwelt , the biggest ice cave in the world, as well as the birds of prey show at the Hohenwerfen Castle (tickets and more info here ). You can also visit the ice cave with a tour , but it’s rather expensive.

Another nice free attraction in Salzburg is Hangar-7 (aka Red Bull Hangar), just outside the city center. You can also consider Salzburg open-air museum which showcases 100 rebuilt farmhouses from the 16th century onward and includes a short train ride through the grounds (free with Salzburg Card ).

TIP: If you are visiting Salzburg in winter and are looking for something special to do in the beautiful area nearby, check out this horse carriage sleigh ride experience . In summer, there are also rafting tours available (both – beginner-level and white-water rafting). And, of course, you can simply visit the mountains, go hiking, and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Salzburg

To help you plan your time in Salzburg, we created a map indicating all the best places to see in the city – see below.

TIP: If you are planning a short city trip to Salzburg and want to make the most of your time, take a look at our sample itineraries via the links below!

READ ALSO: 1 day in Salzburg & 2 days in Salzburg

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Salzburg

Salzburg city center is really compact and walkable, so if you stay in the center, you can just walk to almost all the main sights. If you are traveling by train, you may want to stay closer to the station. And if you are visiting by car, make sure that your hotel offers car parking and reserve it in advance if possible.

One of the most convenient areas to stay in Salzburg for sightseeing is the area around the Mirabell Palace. This is also where we stayed – at IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER . The location is excellent, the hotel has a fantastic rooftop terrace, and a really nice traditional restaurant. We loved it.

Below are some of the& best-rated hotels in Salzburg for various budgets :

• €€€€€ Hotel Sacher Salzburg – the most luxurious hotel in the city (+ amazing river views).
• €€€€ Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt – excellent price/quality in the heart of the old town.
• €€€+ Hotel Stein (adults only) – a nice 4* luxury hotel by the river (+wodnerful rooftop bar).
• €€€ Star Inn Gablerbräu – a very nice and simple 3* hotel – a great mid-budget option.
• €€ H+ Hotel Salzburg – a modern 4* hotel, with great customer reviews.
• € a&o Salzburg Hauptbahnhof – one of the nicest budget options.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in and around Salzburg. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

So, this is our guide to the very best of Salzburg for first-time visitors. Whatever your passion – whether it be spectacular scenery, history, architecture, or music – you will find it all in this captivating Austrian city.

Have a great trip!

More travel inspiration for Austria:

• Best Things to Do in Tirol with Kids
• Top of Tyrol – Stubai Glacier
• Tiroler Zugspitz Arena in Summer
• Seebensee & Drachensee Hike
• Zillertal in Summer
• Olpererhütte Hike
• Hintertux Glacier & Nature’s Ice Palace
• Stubai Valley in Summer
• Schlick 2000 in Summer
• Almabtrieb in Austria

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Seville, Spain
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Toledo, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our destinations page.

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Friday 18th of August 2023

I love your blog posts and have used them many times! This one for Salzburg is perfect! Thank you for all the information and wonderful recommendation! Take care!!

Friday 25th of August 2023

Glad to help, Aliza, and thank you for the kind feedback. Happy travels!

Map of Salzburg — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Salzburg, Austria for travelers! Check out Salzburg’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Salzburg? See our Salzburg Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Salzburg. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Salzburg map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Salzburg by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 19 attractions in Salzburg

Fortress hohensalzburg, hellbrunn palace.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof)

Salzburg cathedral, red bull hangar-7, mirabell palace, mozart's birthplace, st. peter's abbey, friedhof salzburg (st. sebastian), domquartier salzburg, getreidegasse, mozart residence, salzburg museum, museum of natural history and technology, kapuzinerberg, franziskanerkirche, residenzgalerie salzburg, old city hall, top 10 restaurants in salzburg.

Café Tomaselli

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Restaurant Triangel

The glass garden, gasthaus "zum wilden mann", cafe konditorei fürst, augustiner bräu mülln, transportation in salzburg, nearby airports, salzburg airport, highways and major roads.

• A1 West Autobahn
• A10 Tauern Autobahn
• B150 Fuschlsee Straße
• B155 Wolfgangsee Straße
• B156 Salzkammergut Straße
• B159 Thalgauer Straße
• B160 Antheringer Straße
• B161 Mattseer Straße
• B311 Pinzgauer Straße
• B317 Gaisberg Straße

Top searches in Salzburg

Popular road trips from salzburg, what's the weather like in salzburg.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Salzburg for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Salzburg in January
• Weather in Salzburg in February
• Weather in Salzburg in March
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• Weather in Salzburg in November
• Weather in Salzburg in December

All road trips from Salzburg

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Explore nearby places

• Freilassing
• St. Leonhard
• Marktschellenberg
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• Hof bei Salzburg
• Bayerisch Gmain
• Obertrum am See
• Bad Reichenhall
• Henndorf am Wallersee
• Bad Durrnberg

All related maps of Salzburg

• Map of Elsbethen
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The 12 best things to do in Salzburg

Nov 7, 2023 • 9 min read

A visit to the famous Schloss Mirabell is one of Salzburg's highlights © canadastock / Shutterstock

Salzburg is like a film set. Reclining at the foot of wooded cliffs on the banks of a turquoise river, its baroque-gone-mad Altstadt wings you through a millennium of history, with its jewel box of churches, abbeys, and domes. Everywhere you go, you are forced to look up in wonder: at the whopping hilltop fortress; at lavishly gilded palaces and concert halls where Mozart once performed; at mountains peeking up on the horizon where Maria (Julie Andrews) had her twirling The Sound of Music debut. 

You can pinch yourself, but it’s all fabulously real. Just don’t expect to have these streets to yourself – the word’s out that Salzburg has got it all going on. That said, there are ways to find peace in this city – whether it’s listening to Gregorian chorales at sunrise or a gentle cable car ride up a mountain where the Alps open up like a pop-up book. Read on for our top things to do in Salzburg.

1. Hear nuns sing at daybreak

As dawn breaks over the Alps, hoof it up the steep steps of the Nonnbergstiege to reach Stift Nonnberg by 6:45am to hear the hairs-on-end sound of nuns chanting Gregorian chorales at one of Europe’s oldest working abbeys. Founded by St Rupert, patron saint of Salzburg way back in 715 CE, the Benedictine abbey is off-limits apart from its rib-vaulted church, where you can glimpse Romanesque frescoes.

If it feels like déjà-vu up here, it’s no surprise: you probably have seen nuns waltzing to mass at this abbey before in The Sound of Music . And if you’re not an early riser, don’t worry, as you can hear their uplifting song again at 5:15pm on weekdays, 5pm on Saturdays, and 4:30pm on Sundays.

2. See the city from on high

Short but spectacular, the walk from Nonnberg to Festung Hohensalzburg along the Hohe Weg (Festungsgasse) lifts spirits instantly and gives a great overview of the city, with dress-circle views over the rooftops, spires, and domes of the baroque Altstadt to the forested mountains beyond. Walking up here, far above the hum of the city and toll of church bells, is really quite something. Round out your walk with a romp around the ramparts, lavish staterooms, and museums at the 900-year-old clifftop fortress.

3. Drink up at the Augustiner Bräustübl

It’s Oktoberfest 365 days a year at the Augustiner Bräustübl , an offshoot of the Munich-run brewery that is Germany’s oldest, dating to 1328. With its vaulted taverns and vast, 1400-seat beer garden set up under the shade of chestnut trees, this monk-founded brewery at the foot of Mönchsberg has given Salzburg rollicking good times since 1621. Fill your tankard at the foyer pump and visit the Schmankerlgang (deli stands) for hearty, beer-swigging grub like Stelze  (ham hock), pork belly, and pretzels as big as your head. Beers swing from mildly hoppy lagers to amber-hued wheat beers. You’ll find fewer tourists and a more authentic vibe here than at other beer halls in the Altstadt.

4. Sing along to The Sound of Music

Come on, you know you want to… You don’t have to be a die-hard fan of The Sound of Music or be able to hit the octave-leaping high notes like Julie Andrews to want to hop on a bike and belt out a few songs pedaling between film locations with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours . Do-Re-Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, So Long, Farewell – all the classics are in the mix on this half-day bike tour that rolls from palace to plaza, park to abbey. Tours run from April to October – get in quick in summer as they are crazily popular.

5. Climb every mountain

Or maybe just the one. Puckering up on the German border, 1973m (6473ft)  Untersberg delivers a proper hit of mountain scenery on the fringes of the city. Stippled with wildflowers, the craggy summit is laced with hiking trails that open up sensational views of Salzburg, the Rositten Valley, and the Tyrolean, Salzburg and Bavarian Alpine ranges. Paragliders launch themselves from the peak in summer (listen for the whoosh), while in winter, there’s gentle skiing up here.

From the top station of the cable car, you can wander easy trails to lookouts like Geiereck (1805m; 5922ft) and Salzburg Hochthron (1853m; 6079ft), or trek a couple of hours across a karst plateau to the Schellenberger Ice Cave over the border in Bavaria. Either way, bring sturdy boots and a fleece or jacket, as temperatures are significantly cooler up here than down in the valley.

6. Get an art fix at Mönchsberg

With wooded cliffs rising above Salzburg like a theater curtain, 504m (1654ft) Mönchsberg – Monk Mountain – is named after the Benedictine monks of St Peter's Abbey. And the views? Well, they’re pretty heavenly, too, framing the fortress-topped Altstadt. Strike out on foot along trails weaving through meadows and woodland to Augustiner Bräustübl, and you’ll see all the way to the Austrian and Bavarian Alps on cloudless days.

If contemporary art floats your boat, you’ll be in your element at the Museum der Moderne , a strikingly minimalist oblong built from locally quarried Untersberg marble and plonked ceremoniously on top of the hill. You can race up here in the lift or take your time and walk from Festung Hohensalzburg. The gallery has an outstanding roster of 20th- and 21st-century art exhibitions. Outside, you can glimpse sculptures like American artist James Turrell’s Blue Pearl – Skyspace , an elliptical cylinder open to the sky that reflects the changing weathers, moods, lights and colors of the mountain.

7. Feel the Mozart groove at Schloss Mirabell

If you love Mozart but not the thought of sharing his symphonies with a ton of other tourists, give the kitschy Mozart dinners a skip and head to Schloss Mirabell instead. This fantasy 17th-century palace holds intimate chamber music concerts in its Marmorsaal (Marble Hall), a lavish confection of stucco, marble, and frescoes. Internationally acclaimed ensembles and soloists perform works by Mozart and other much-feted composers, including Vivaldi, Haydn, and Beethoven. Concerts are held at 8pm daily (except Friday and Monday). Tickets are like gold dust in summer, so book well ahead.

8. Marvel at puppetry magic at Salzburger Marionettentheater

You don’t have to be five years old to feel a sense of wonder at the Unesco World Heritage-listed  Salzburger Marionettentheater , where the red curtain has risen on a miniature stage since 1913. The theater is just as opulent as a full-size one, with its stucco ornament and chandeliers. The detail in costumes and backdrops is remarkable, and the puppeteers are among the most skilled of their kind (trust us, you’ll barely notice the strings as these marionettes dance, swoop, and fly through the air).

The repertoire star is The Sound of Music, with a life-sized Mother Superior and a marionette-packed finale. Other enchanting productions include Mozart's The Magic Flute and Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker . All have multilingual subtitles.

9. Swan around the gardens of Schloss Mirabell

Schloss Mirabell palace is the belle of the baroque ball in Salzburg, built by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich to woo his mistress Salome Alt in 1606.  But it is the gardens that really blow you away. Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun worked his green-fingered magic on them in 1690, going crazy with fountains and muses, parterres and rose gardens, all the while making sure that the gaze was constantly drawn up to high-on-a-hill Festung Hohensalzburg.

As you wander, keep an eye out for the Tänzerin (dancer) sculpture – a terrific spot to photograph the gardens with the fortress in the background. The Sound of Music fans will of course recognize the Pegasus statue, the steps, and the gnomes of the Zwerglgarten (Dwarf Garden), where the little von Trapps learned to sing Do-Re-Mi.

10. Cycle the banks of the Salzach

Unfurling from city to meadow and mountain, the banks of the Salzach River are a joy to cycle, especially when the city heaves in summer. Grab yourself a  rental bike and pedal south, with views of the Altstadt’s riot of domes and spires slowly fading as you pass the Volksgarten park.

Going for a pedal here allows you to give the city crowds the slip for a spell. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it, perhaps stopping to see the grand summer palace and trick fountains at Schloss Hellbrunn or, if the sun’s out, continuing south to Waldbad Anif . Swimming, canoeing, or wakeboarding in the refreshing turquoise waters of this forest-rimmed lake is a peaceful way to while away a summer afternoon.

11. Saunter along Steingasse

The baroque Altstadt on the left bank of the Salzach River gets all the fuss, and yes, it is incredibly beautiful, but it’s also nerve-fraying when the tourist masses descend in summer. For our money, the loveliest lane in Salzburg is Steingasse on the opposite side of the milky-green river. Hard though it is to believe today, this narrow lane was the main north–south route between the city and Italy in the Middle Ages, its cobbles polished smooth by many a horse’s hoof and wagon wheel. Salt from nearby mines was transported from here to Europe and beyond.

Now it’s the kind of lane that sends Instagrammers into raptures, with its gently curving medieval townhouses in soft fresco colors, at their most photogenic in the morning sunlight or lantern-lit in the blue dusk. Look out for the plaque at No.9 to famous past resident Joseph Mohr, who penned the lyrics to the carol Silent Night just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

12. Dig into traditional Austrian grub at Bärenwirt

There are a lot of fancy restaurants in Salzburg, with price tags to match, but sometimes all you want is schnitzel as big as a boot, cooked to golden perfection, and a side order of history. You’ll find precisely this at Bärenwirt , a warm, woody, hunting lodge-style tavern that has been juggling the pans since 1663. The inn forgoes all the new-fangled food trends in favor of good old-fashioned, gut-busting dishes like Bierbraten (beer roast) with lashings of dumplings and sauerkraut, beef goulash and Kasnocken (mini cheese dumplings with fried onions). If the weather is kind, snag a table on the terrace for a view of the Salzach River.

This article was first published Jul 12, 2022 and updated Nov 7, 2023.

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19 Top Tourist Attractions in Salzburg, Austria

By Carl Austin · Last updated on May 4, 2024

One of the most stunning cities in all Austria, Salzburg is set in a picture-perfect spot amidst the Alps. Besides its beautiful architecture, old town and alpine setting, all its sites relating to The Sound of Music film only add to its already considerable charm.

Once known as the ‘Rome of the North’, the city was completely transformed in the fourteenth century under the rule of the influential Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. Since then, its atmospheric Altstadt has instead been famed for its picturesque and well-preserved Italian Baroque-style buildings.

Map of Salzburg

Lying alongside the scenic Salzach river amidst snow-capped mountains, its historic heart contains loads of elegant churches, squares and palaces. Exploring the handsome hilltop castle, which dominates the city skyline, is one of the most popular things to do in Salzburg while world-class concerts and operas are held in its countless theaters below.

It’s possible to see a few of the attractions in Salzburg on a quick day trip from Munich or Vienna, but spending a few days allows visitors to take in more sights and soak in the atmosphere of this delightful city.

Although now synonymous with the famous musical starring Julie Andrews, the city is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With melodies ringing in the air and romantic views and cityscapes wherever you go, it is no wonder Salzburg is one of the country’s main tourist destinations.

19. Mozarts Wohnhaus

A fascinating place to visit, Mozarts Wohnhaus lies just across the Salzach river from the older house he was born in. Actually, destroyed during the Second World War, the renowned composer’s residence was rebuilt and opened as a museum in 1996.

From 1773 to 1780, he and his family lived here in the ‘Dance Master’s House’ along Makartplatz. Their airy eight-room apartment now has a handful of instruments used by him for you to peruse. Some original portraits and music sheets are also on show.

Although it is quite small in comparison with the other museum dedicated to Mozart, music lovers will still appreciate its unique artifacts and exhibits. These also present more information on Wolfgang’s family and their lives in Salzburg.

18. Alter Markt Square

Just a short walk from Mozarts Wohnhaus is the attractive Alter Markt Square which has acted as the center of the city for centuries. Enclosed by pretty pastel-colored townhouses, it is located right next to Residenzplatz and the Salzburger Dom.

Set at the foot of the castle, not far from the riverfront, the old square has served as a market and meeting place since the thirteenth century. Lined by loads of stylish cafes and chic tourist shops, its charming cobblestones also contain the ornate St. Florian Fountain. Erected in 1488, its striking statue, coat of arms and marble steps make for some fine photos.

Asides from taking in its architecture and ambience, you can see the city’s narrowest house and an old apothecary. There is also the classic Viennese-style Cafe Tomaselli coffee house to stop by and fun markets to explore.

17. Stiegl Brauwelt

Other than seeing the city’s attractions and scenic surroundings, one of the main things to do in Salzburg s visit its top-class breweries. At the historic Stiegl Brauwelt just outside of the center, there are terrific tours and tastings for you to enjoy.

One of the most popular and commonly found beers in Austria, Stiegl has remarkably been family-owned since 1492. On their very well-run tours, you’ll learn all about their history and how beer production has changed over the years. In addition to exploring its modern brewhouse and bottling hall, there is a 270-degree film to see that covers the entire process from start to finish.

At the end, you can sit and sample some of the flavorful beers produced here in its brewpub or restaurant. There is also some tasty Austrian cuisine to try and a lovely beer garden to relax in outside.

16. St. Sebastian’s Church & Cemetery

Back over on the more modern side of town, not far from Mozart’s Residence, is the stunning St. Sebastian’s Church. It and its cemetery are wonderful to wander around with many famous historical figures having been buried here.

Instantly recognizable from its onion-dome, the Late Baroque-style church was built in 1753 to replace an early edition that had become derelict. Although a devastating fire later destroyed many of its artworks, its interior still boasts a beautiful high altar.

The real highlight however is its gorgeous graveyard which was designed to look like an Italian campo santo in 1595. Alongside its exquisite arcades, you can find majestic monuments and markings to Mozart’s father and wife among many others.

At the center of its immaculate, green grounds lies the elaborate St. Gabriel’s Chapel. The final resting place of the important Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Wolf Dietrich, the mausoleum really is an architectural masterpiece. For us, St. Sebastian’s easily rivaled the more popular St. Peter’s due to its cool carvings and rather eerie graves.

15. Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse, which translates as Grain Lane, is Salzburg’s most famous shopping street. Located in Old Town, Getreidegasse is filled with high narrow buildings that contain shops, boutiques and restaurants serving the city’s specialties, including mouthwatering desserts.

Some buildings have guild signs that indicate the type of work that took place here in centuries past. Jewelry and traditional costumes are among the popular items on shoppers’ lists. Note that No. 9 Getreidegasse is where Mozart was born. Visitors should take time to explore the passageways and courtyards off this street as there are even more enticing shops to separate visitors from their Euros.

14. Franziskanerkirche

Another hugely interesting church for you to check out is that of Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) in the Salzburger Altstadt. Lying right next to St. Peter’s Abbey and the Domplatz, it has a fantastic vault ceiling, tall bell tower and intricately crafted high altar to admire.

While the first church to stand here was established in the eighth century, the current one dates to 1450. Now exhibiting an arresting mix of architectural styles, its slender steeple and steep roof are visible for many miles around.

Inside is the real showstopper though as its glorious Gothic vault ceiling is supported by soaring pillars that tower above its glimmering gold-decked altar. Its choir also has nine Baroque-style chapels to stroll about, all home to refined religious paintings and sculptures.

13. Haus der Natur

Towards the end of the Altstadt, alongside the Salzach river, is the equally impressive Haus der Natur. At the state-of-the-art science center, you can learn about everything from dinosaurs and technology to anatomy, evolution and our universe.

Founded in 1924, its interactive exhibits now cover eight levels across two buildings. Whereas some rooms focus on Arctic ecosystems or those of the rainforest, others look at life back in prehistoric times. You can also examine orbiting planets from up close or ogle at its amazing dinosaur models and sparkling spaceships.

Particularly popular are the museum’s innumerable aquaria and the glass tanks of its reptile zoo. Amidst its colourful coral reefs and verdant foliage, guests can spy shoals of swirling fish, live snakes and lizards.

12. Take a Sound of Music Tour

As the city is synonymous with the film, you really must take a Sound of Music Tour when in town. As well as taking you about all the main shooting locations, your guide provides in-depth info on the family and filming process.

Following the footsteps of the von Trapp family, it visits both the Mirabell Garden and Hellbrunn Palace among other stops. Here you’ll see where Maria and all the children danced and sang ‘Do-Re-Mi’ alongside other singing scenes. You can then explore the old Nonnberg Abbey where she served as a novice and drive out to the delightful Lake District nearby.

Options include not just brilliant bus and bike tours around Salzburg but walking ones and horse-drawn carriage rides too. Whichever one you opt for, you’re certain to see a lot of the city and learn everything there is to know about the magical musical.

11. Kapuzinerberg

Travelers with an interest in pre-historic sites may enjoy a visit to Kapuzinerberg. Sitting on a hill overlooking the Salzach River, human habitation of Kapuzinerberg dates back to the Neolithic period.

The hill is not fully developed, and small wild animals may be seen roaming the gardens and grounds. Kapuzinerberg is best known for its Way of the Cross chapels that tell the story of the Passion of Christ as they lead up the hill. The route ends with an impressive depiction of the crucifixion. A monastery, towers from an old fortress and lush gardens add to the site’s beauty.

10. Mozarts Geburtshaus

If you want even more insight into the life of the musical maestro, make sure to head to Mozart’s Geburtshaus. Much larger than the other museum dedicated to the famed composer, it lies along the lively Getreidegasse shopping street.

Now painted bright yellow, it was here in the twelfth century house that Wolfgang was born on January 27th, 1756. Up until the family moved in 1773, he spent much of his childhood in their apartment on the third floor. One room has since been restored to how it would have looked back during his lifetime.

Turned into a museum in 1880, the big building also contains unique old certificates, letters and memorabilia that document his life in the city. The highlight is of course its expertly crafted historic instruments, including a violin and clavichord actually played by Mozart. We ended up really enjoying all its well-done displays and even snapped some great pics with the museum’s large Playmobil model of Mozart!

9. Residenzplatz

Residenzplatz, or Residence Square, is located in the heart of Old Town Salzburg, This magnificent square is surrounded by archbishop residences, Salzburg Cathedral, the Old Residence and townhouses now filled with shops and eateries.

It is also the place where visitors can hop a horse0drawn carriage for a ride through the streets of Old Town. A fountain, said to be Salzburg’s most beautiful, punctuates the square. This unique fountain sports snorting horses, giants and dolphins. Many public events, including Salzburg’s Christmas fair, take place in the square today.

8. Hellbrunn Palace

Visitors to Hellbrunn Palace should wear clothes that dry quickly. That’s because the trick fountains the palace is famous for spray water on visitors.

One of the most famous family attractions in Salzburg, this early 17th century Renaissance palace was originally built as a pleasurable place where archbishops could relax for a day. Since they came only for a day, the palace has no bedrooms, though it was intended as a summer residence.

Sound of Music fans may recognize the pavilion where Liesl sang “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” to Rolfe, though it was located at another palace when the movie was filmed.

7. Hangar 7

Owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, Hangar 7 is a stylish, hangar-inspired museum with a collection of historical airplanes, helicopters and Formula One racing cars. It is one of those museums that is just as intriguing from the outside as it is from the inside.

The wing-like dome of the museum and adjoining cylindrical towers are built of a latticework of steel supporting a glass shell. The sleek, modern structure contrasts sharply with the Alps rising in the backdrop. Hangar 7 is also home to the Michelin starred restaurant Ikarus as well as two bars and a lounge.

6. Cable Car to Untersberg

For the most incredible views imaginable of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps, make sure to take the cable car up Untersberg. Set just southwest of the city, the legendary mount has all kinds of fun outdoor activities for you to enjoy.

Easily reached by bus, the funicular’s cable cars whisk guests up to its summit in just over eight minutes. From St. Leonard station in Gartenau, you slowly rise over 1,300 meters to Geiereck’s jagged peak, high up amidst the clouds.

On the way, you bask in breathtaking panoramas of Hohensalzburg Castle watching out over Salzburg and the Rositten Valley. At its 1,806-meter-high peak, there is some magnificent hiking and biking to be had amongst its alpine landscapes.

5. St. Peter’s Abbey

One of our favorite places in the city, St. Peter’s Abbey, its cemetery and catacombs are nestled right at the foot of the fortress. Located alongside a sheer rock face, all its grand rooms and gardens are very interesting and attractive to wander around.

Long the spiritual heart of Salzburg, it was founded in the seventh century though the current church ‘only’ dates to 1130. Later redecorated in a Rococo-style, it contains several exquisite altars and the tombs of both Mozart’s sister and Johann Michael Hayden. There is also a very elegant library to see, though this is unfortunately only accessible on rare occasions.

Perhaps even more impressive however are the intricate, iron-wrought graves in the lush green cemetery outside. You can also visit the cool catacombs and chapels that are carved in the rugged rock right by the abbey. Coupled with its unique setting, look and atmosphere, we thought this made St. Peter’s very special to visit.

4. Salzburger Dom

Rising dramatically above the Altstadt are the big bronze dome and two tall towers of the Salzburger Dom. One of the city’s most important places of worship, the basilica boasts loads of lovely architecture and twinkling artistic treasures.

Originally erected in 774, it was later rebuilt in the seventeenth century under the rule of Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. Once past its arresting Baroque facade with its ornate gates, portals and statues, you can explore the cathedral’s immense interior. Besides an imposing organ, there are fine frescoes to see beneath its dome and the baptismal font where Mozart was baptized.

The Domplatz in front also contains the marvelous Marian Column with the city’s fun Christmas market taking place here in wintertime. The Cathedral Museum is also well worth checking out if you like old religious artworks.

3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Just one of Salzburg’s many unmissable tourist attractions is the magical Mirabell Palace and its gorgeous gardens.

The building’s front is plain compared to other Salzburg palaces, but visitors will find lush gardens, featuring statues of mythological people, on the grounds. Is pretty flowerbeds and fountains make for some absolutely phenomenal photos, with the charming castle looming in the background.

Again, built by the Prince-Archbishop in 1606, the vast Neoclassical-style palace was designed for his beloved courtesan Salome Alt. It was later rebuilt in Baroque and Neoclassical styles, and served as the 1815 birthplace of the future King Otto of Greece.

Highlights include the amazing ‘Angel Staircase’ which is adorned with dozens of cute cherubs and the grand, gold-decked Marble Hall. At the palace, you can also hear Mozart concerts almost everyday – over 200 years since he performed there himself.

Outside though amidst its terraced gardens where the famous musical was filmed is where visitors spend most of their time. Asides from the distinctive Pegasus Fountain around which Maria and the children danced, there are some divine viewpoints to see too. We really loved ambling about the blooming gardens, snapping pictures with the castle and church spires in the distance.

2. Hohensalzburg Castle

Sprawling across a huge hilltop, the spectacular Hohensalzburg Castle completely dominates the city’s skyline. After a steep climb up either on foot or via its funicular, you can explore its countless courtyards, museums and sturdy fortifications.

The largest, fully preserved castle in Central Europe, the colossal complex’s current appearance mostly dates to the 1500s. Perched atop Festungsberg Hill, it acted as an important seat of power for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg for centuries. As well as seeing all its sumptuous stately rooms and their fine furnishings, guests can walk around its old dungeons, towers and battlements.

Other than the glittering Golden Hall, the antiquated Salzburg Bull organ is another of its main sights. The castle’s museums also house armour and weapons while exhibits shed more light on the lives of the Prince-Archbishops. From up here, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city, old town and endless mountains all around you.

1. Salzburger Altstadt

An absolute treat to stroll around, the atmospheric streets of Salzburger Altstadt are undoubtedly the highlight of most people’s time in town. Lined by lots of beautiful old buildings, its grand squares contain most of the city’s main sights.

Overlooked by the hulking great Hohensalzburg Castle, the historic heart of the city straddles the banks of the Salzach river. As Salzburg was once the capital of a very wealthy independent state, eye-catching churches, squares and merchants’ houses all sprung up over the centuries.

Getting lost amidst the narrow lanes of the Judengasse before again emerging at one of the Altstadt’s picturesque squares like Alter Markt or Residenzplatz is a wonderful way to spend the day. Along the lively Getreidegasse, you can shop til you drop while taking in its fetching facades and wrought-iron guild signs. Here too you’ll find some excellent art galleries, chic boutiques and, of course, Mozart’s birthplace.

As the cathedral, castle and St. Sebastian’s Church are all found here, not to mention Mirabell Palace and St. Peter’s Abbey, it really is the heart and soul of life in town. An enchanting place, it made Salzburg and its scenic surroundings our favorite stop in all Austria.

Best Time to Visit Salzburg

As the weather is warmest and its mountain landscapes are at their most magnificent, June through September is the most popular time to visit Salzburg. Temperatures range from 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F) with the world-famous Salzburg Festival taking place in July and August.

As the operas, plays and concerts draw such huge numbers, the city’s hotels and restaurants are at their busiest and most expensive. Once you escape the center though, lovely lakes and mountains have loads of epic outdoor activities to enjoy. These months do see the most amount of rainfall however, with rain at least a little on 13 to 19 days on average.

If you want to avoid the crowds, high prices and rain (well, the worst of it at least), then the spring and autumn seasons may be better options. While April and May see the flowers back blooming, October’s autumnal foliage is every bit as enchanting.

Outside of these months is the low season with average temperatures dropping to just 2 to 8°C (35 to 46°F). The expectation is December when many visit for its Christmas market or to ski in the nearby mountains.

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Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour (Includes Viewpoints) + Map

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Crafting a self-guided walking tour of Old Town Salzburg , in a way, is not a huge task , not just because we have these handy travel apps, but also because Old Town Salzburg is naturally compact and easy to navigate .

The historical landmarks, notable architectural attractions, and even the viewpoints are all within walking distance from each other. Plus, the Hohensalzburg Fortress , sitting atop Festungsberg, is mostly visible from the streets, serving as a handy reference point as you navigate the city.

However, travelers often aren’t aware of all the notable attractions in Salzburg . They tend to spend more time walking and see less than they could. Even worse, they sometimes miss out on incredible views that are just a quick detour from the streets they’re currently exploring. As I put myself in the shoes of future travelers who might make the same mistakes, I can’t help but feel a sense of regret . So, to help them (which I think might include you) make the most of their visit, I’ve created this self-guided walking tour of Old Town Salzburg.

Most importantly, if you’re looking to discover as many beautiful sights in Salzburg as possible, including picture-perfect scenery, while simply walking, this guide is for you. Exploring Salzburg on foot can take anywhere from half a day to a full day . So, these walking tours can be easily incorporated into your plans, whether you’re visiting Salzburg for just one day , staying for two days , or planning a 3-day getaway . Even if you’re taking a day trip to Salzburg from Vienna , these plans should fit perfectly.

Actually, I’ve put together three self-guided walking tours, each with a map to visually guide you through the city’s attractions and viewpoints .

The walking tours I’m going to share with you will focus on the top sights in Old Town Salzburg , as well as the scenic spots located on the mountains that are accessible from the historic center. In summary, these attractions include: Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace along Getreidegasse (one of the most beautiful places in Salzburg), Salzburg Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Nonnberg Abbey, scenic spots and tourist attractions in Mönchsberg, and viewpoints and hiking trails in Kapuzinerberg .

Here’s a tip : To truly appreciate Salzburg, I recommend watching the classic movie, The Sound of Music. It’s a beautiful film, which has several filming locations in Salzburg, with a meaningful message that you’re sure to love.

Let’s quickly go over each of the attractions mentioned… ( click here to proceed to the maps — skip the summary )

Mirabell Palace & Garden

If you’re arriving in Salzburg via the central train station, the first highlight of the Old Town that you can visit is Mirabell Palace. Dating back to the early 17th century, this palace is one of the oldest landmarks in Salzburg and is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautifully designed gardens.

Full details: 5 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Mirabell Palace & Gardens

While every corner of Mirabell Palace exudes charm, it’s perhaps best known as a filming location for the classic movie, The Sound of Music. Fans of the film will feel a sense of nostalgia as they explore the palace’s gardens and take in its beauty. If you like stunning architecture, you may come inside the palace and see the Marble Hall.  Don’t miss it — there’s a reason why it’s one of the most sought after wedding venues in Austria. 

Quick information:

• Entry: Free
• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Opening Hours: 6:00 am until dusk (varies per day or season) 

Getreidegasse

Some streets in Salzburg are truly special, like Getreidegasse, which is also a highly rated shopping district in Old Town Salzburg. As someone who loves old-world architecture, this part of the city really caught my attention as I explored it. With its fancy and elaborate wrought iron guild signs hanging above you as you stroll through Getreidegasse, you’re sure to find this street fascinating too.

While the iron guild signs are certainly interesting, don’t forget to look sideways as you walk down the street. You’ll find passageways leading to picturesque courtyards and traditional shops. If you’re interested in experiencing the spellbinding beauty of Salzburg, check out the Seven Beautiful Things That I Discovered in Salzburg .

Mozart’s Birthplace

Salzburg is a city with a rich heritage, and music plays a significant role in its culture. And simply, a visit to Salzburg wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its musical heritage, which centers around Mozart. That’s why you’ll find Mozart-themed concerts at various locations throughout Salzburg, with the Mirabell Palace and Hohensalzburg Fortress being among the most famous venues. However, there’s no better place in Salzburg to gain insight into Mozart and the city’s musical heritage than at Mozart’s Birthplace.

Full details: Interesting Exhibits in Mozart’s Birthplace in Salzburg

This three-story museum, located along Getreidegasse, preserves the most important details of Mozart’s life. By visiting Mozart’s Birthplace, you’ll learn about his career, personal life, and how he took risks to pursue his passion for music. For me, visiting Mozart’s birthplace can be inspiring, especially if you have a big dream that you want to achieve.

• Entry: 12 EUR
• Duration: 1 hour
• Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (longer during peak season)

Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral is the religious heart of the city and an architectural highlight that will take your breath away. While Salzburg Cathedral may seem similar to other famous churches in Europe, especially if you’ve visited other major cities on the continent, this 17th-century Baroque church has uniqueness you still would love to see.

Full details: A Complete Guide to Salzburg Cathedral (Facts, Info & Tips)

This church boasts some of the most stunning ceilings of any church north of the Alps, making it a must-see during your visit to Salzburg. Its stuccoes are truly unique, thanks to their gray outlines that create a deeper sense of dimension. The artwork inside its crypt, called Vanitas, is also one-of-a-kind. It may look creepy at first glance, but it’s actually meant to encourage us to reflect on our limited time in this world and how we can make the most of it.

• Entry: 5 EUR
• Duration: 1 hour (not more than 2)
• Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (longer during peak season)

Hohensalzburg Fortress

To me, Hohensalzburg Fortress is the ultimate destination in Salzburg’s Old Town. Perched high atop Festungsberg at an elevation of 506 meters, this 11th-century fortress dominates the city’s skyline. Not only is it an important historical and visual landmark in Salzburg, but it also offers a wealth of discoveries. From the history of Salzburg to scenic views, and from medieval weapons to marionettes, there’s so much to learn and discover at Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Full details: Visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress — All You Need to Know

During your visit, you can even discover a medieval alarm system that creates a sound similar to a bull. And as you explore its princely chambers, you’ll surely marvel at the architecture. Don’t miss the library door and the golden stove inside these chambers — they’re like something straight out of Narnia and are truly the little gems of Salzburg. 

Quick information: 

• Entry: 10.80 EUR (starting price)
• Duration: 1-2 hours (basic ticket) or 3-4 hours (full experience)
• Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (earlier or longer during peak season)
• Getting there: by foot or funicular (depends on the tickets)

Nonnberg Abbey

After visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress, why not make a quick detour to Nonnberg Abbey? Located on Festungsberg beside the fortress, this off-the-beaten-path destination in Salzburg is a great place to find some peace and quiet. The church and cemetery are free to visit, and as you wander around the abbey, you’ll discover little gems that are sure to pique your interest.

Full details: Visiting Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg: Expectations, Tips & Info

Two highlights that I think are worth seeing are the beautiful wrought iron grave markers and the 12th-century Romanesque frescoes. And if you’re on a quest to see all the filming locations of the Sound of Music movie in Salzburg, be sure not to miss Nonnberg Abbey!

• Duration: less than an hour
• Opening Hours: 6:30 am until nightfall

The mountain beside Festungsberg, where Hohensalzburg Fortress and Nonnberg Abbey are located, is called Mönchsberg. It is approximately 500 meters high and offers some of the best vantage points for views of the Alps and Salzburg’s Old Town. If you enjoy watching the sunset when you visit Salzburg, Humboldt Terrace and the M32 restaurant, located on top of Mönchsberg, are the places to be.

Full details: A Guide to Mönchsberg, Salzburg (Going There & Things to Do)

I have to mention that the view from Humboldt Terrace is particularly unique and absolutely picture-perfect: it offers a view of Salzburg’s Old Town from its northern tip. The vantage points aren’t the only interesting places to visit on Mönchsberg, though. There are also attractions like the Museum der Moderne, Saint Peter’s Catacombs, and a couple more historic landmarks on its foothills.

Mönchsberg can be accessed from different parts, but the most convenient way is through the elevator near the western end of Getreidegasse. If you’re coming from Hohensalzburg Fortress, you can simply hike to reach Mönchsberg.

Kapuzinerberg

If you have plenty of time to spend in Salzburg, you can also include the vantage points of Old Town Salzburg in Kapuzinerberg to your walking tour. Kapuzinerberg is another mountain in the historic center of Salzburg, neighboring the Old Town. It is accessed through the pathways and stairs located in Old Town Salzburg, so it’s really easy to visit Kapuzinerberg during your walking tour.

Full details: Visit Kapuzinerberg and See a Panoramic View of Salzburg

Aside from nature, it’s the magical view of Old Town Salzburg and Hohensalzburg Fortress which can be so convincing about Kapuzinerberg. The vantage points in Kapuzinerberg are also the walls and bastions of the city’s fortification from the medieval ages. So, going here means another time-transporting experience in Salzburg, too.

If you like, you can hike along the trail that goes along the walls. It goes straight up to Franziskischlössl, which is the little fortress on top of Kapuzinerberg. While it is only a small fortress, it also has a viewpoint which will give you an overlooking view of Salzburg’s northern areas.

Map of the Old Town’s Landmarks & Attractions

Now that you know what to expect from this self-guided walking tour of Salzburg Old Town, let’s take a closer look at where the highlights are located.

Old Town Salzburg has five must-see attractions: Mirabell Palace, Getreidegasse, Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, and Hohensalzburg Fortress. These popular spots showcase the city’s unique character and treasures. While Nonnberg Abbey isn’t considered a highlight, it’s worth a visit since it’s just a stone’s throw away from the fortress.

Map of the Old Town’s Scenic Spots

In addition to the highlights, specifically, there are seven scenic viewpoints you can visit on your walking tour of Old Town Salzburg.

Three are located in Mönchsberg, two along the Salzach River, and two more in Kapuzinerberg. The viewpoints facing Old Town Salzburg are especially worth visiting to watch the sunrise or sunset over the city. But don’t worry, they’re just as stunning during midday. The panoramic views make them a great stop on your walking tour.

Walking Tour Route Maps

Now, here are the three maps that feature different walking routes in Old Town Salzburg, designed to cater to different preferences. Note : You can find the technical details of the route (length, minimum total walking time, elevation gain, and more) in the resources section of this post.

Map #1 “Must-Visit Attractions” in Old Town Salzburg

Technical details :

• Approximate overall travel distance (including funicular and elevator): 5 kilometers 
• Approximate walking time (from one attraction to another): 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Elevation gain/loss: 150 meters

Please note that the metrics above do not include the time and distance you will spend at each tourist attraction.

Summary (and Tips) :

On this walking tour of Old Town Salzburg, I not only emphasized the must-visit places of interest in Salzburg, but also included some nice-to-see spots in the city between them. We begin the tour at Mirabell Palace and end it at Nonnberg Abbey, which is located in Festungsberg. In between, you’ll visit these places in order: Hettwer Bastei, Mozart’s Birthplace, Getreidegasse, Museum der Moderne, Salzburg Cathedral, and Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Remember, if you are from other parts of Salzburg, you can quickly start this walking journey by taking a bus to Mirabellplatz or Andräkirche Salzburg (church) bus stations. (Mirabell Palace and Andräkirche Salzburg are only a street apart). For example, if you are currently at Salzburg train station, you can hop on buses #1, #3, #5, #6, or #25 and be at Mirabellplatz or Andräkirche Salzburg in around 5 minutes.

When you visit Mirabell Palace, explore it from north to south. For example, see the palace first, then the small parterre, and finally the grand parterre. Exit Mirabell Palace through its southern gate near the palace’s grand parterre. This way, you will be closer to Kapuzinerberg, where you can find your next destination — Hettwer Bastion which is a scenic spot.

Since the bastion is elevated, you can expect to walk uphill to reach it. On your way up, take the Stefan-Zweig-Weg (path) because it is not as steep as Imbergstiege, which is mostly stairs. On your way down, take Imbergstiege (staircase) for a different experience. Remember to read my article about Kapuzinerberg to learn exactly how to reach Hettwer Bastion.

After the bastion, cross the Salzach River to get to your next destination, Getreidegasse and Mozart’s Birthplace. For a better experience, cross the river via Marko-Feingold-Steg. The bridge is a romantic spot with lovers’ locks attached to its railings and a beautiful view of Hohensalzburg Fortress. After crossing the bridge, enter Getreidegasse from either Rathausplatz or Hagenauerplatz; if you choose Hagenauerplatz, you’ll immediately see Mozart’s Birthplace.

After Getreidegasse, your next stop is the viewpoint in front of Museum der Moderne.  Remember that M32 Restaurant is just beside Museum der Moderne. If you feel hungry, take advantage of the scenic dining opportunity from its alfresco seating. The viewpoint, museum, and restaurant can be easily accessed via the Mönchsberg elevator near the western end of Getreidegasse.

You can return to Old Town Salzburg using the elevator to get to Salzburg Cathedral, which is your next destination. However, I recommend taking a quick hike instead so you can discover a few time-transporting medieval fortifications along the way.

From Museum der Moderne, hike south towards Hohensalzburg Fortress. Choose the trail that always has a view of Old Town Salzburg to reach Clemens-Holzmeister-Stiege stairs. This is the staircase you will see after Stefan Zweig Zentrum, which will lead you to another Museum der Moderne and Franziskanerkirche, both of which are just a few steps away from Salzburg Cathedral.

After visiting the cathedral, proceed to Hohensalzburg Fortress; depending on your preference, you can take the funicular or walk.

The last part of your walking tour is Nonnberg Abbey, linked to Hohensalzburg Fortress via a pathway at Festungsberg’s hillsides.

Overall, this walking tour can take half a day or a whole day if you want to fully experience Old Town Salzburg’s highlights.

Map #2 Old Town Salzburg Complete Route

• Approximate overall travel distance (including funicular and elevator): 11.2 kilometers 
• Approximate walking time (from one attraction to another): 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Elevation gain/loss: 350 meters

Since this walking tour visits the Old Town Salzburg, Festungsberg, Mönchsberg, and Kapuzinerberg, you can also consider it an exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic center of the city of Salzburg – core zone.

This walking tour is a round trip, starting at Mirabell Palace and ending at Hettwer Bastion. It also is divided into two parts: the Old Town Salzburg trail and the mountain or scenic spot trail. Depending on your preferences, you can hike either trail or both. If you want to explore the entire core zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic center of the city of Salzburg, it is recommended to start your journey early in the morning. 

This walking tour can take you the whole day to complete, including the time you will spend at each stop and walking between them. As reference to when you shall start your walking tour at Mirabell Palace, you must be in Getreidegasse a few minutes before the opening hours of Mozart’s Birthplace. If you think you can’t finish it, you can simply disregard the hike in Kapuzinerberg. The important thing is that you will be at Hettwer Bastion for the sunset.

Alright! Without any further ado, let’s get into the details of the sequence of this walking tour.

We start this Old Town Salzburg walking tour in Mirabell Palace. If you’re coming from far away, you can save time and energy by taking a bus to either Mirabellplatz or Andräkirche Salzburg. These are the closest bus stops to the northern gate of Mirabell Garden, which is the perfect starting point for exploring Mirabell Palace on this walking tour. If you’re at the Salzburg train station, just hop on bus #1, #3, #5, #6, or #25 and you’ll be at Mirabellplatz or Andräkirche Salzburg in about 5 minutes.

After visiting Mirabell Palace, we’ll head straight to the other side of Old Town Salzburg, across the River Salzach. Our next destination is Getreidegasse and Mozart’s Birthplace. For the best walking experience, cross the river using the romantic Marko-Feingold-Steg bridge. The view of Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress, along with the hundreds of lovers’ padlocks attached to the railings, will give you a truly romantic vibe.

Once you’ve crossed the river, enter Getreidegasse through either Rathausplatz or Hagenauerplatz. If you choose Hagenauerplatz, you’ll immediately see Mozart’s Birthplace.

Salzburg Cathedral is the next destination.  From the western end of Getreidegasse, turn left towards Hohensalzburg Fortress. You’ll pass by Pferdeschwemme (the horse pond), Siegmundstor, Wilder Mann Brunnen, and Franziskaner Kirche before arriving at Domplatz, where the entrance to Salzburg Cathedral is located.

After exploring the cathedral, it’s time to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can get there by funicular or on foot, depending on the type of ticket you buy. Since this walking tour is quite long, I recommend taking the funicular to save energy.

Next to the fortress, on Festungsberg, is Nonnberg Abbey. You might want to stop by for a quick rest in a peaceful and tranquil setting. It’ll all be hiking and scenic spots after exploring Nonnberg Abbey or Hohensalzburg fortress. 

Here are the highlights of the hike:

• Richterhöhe — best views of the Alps from Mönchsberg.
• Museum der Moderne — Still located in Mönchsberg. It offers overlooking view of Old Town Salzburg. You can also see modern art inside. Or, you can try dining with a view in the M32 restaurant beside the museum.
• Humboldt Terrace — The place where you can see the entire Old Town Salzburg facing just one direction. Last viewpoint to visit in Mönchsberg.
• Müllnersteg — Across River Salzach. It’s the bridge which has a view of Salzburg similar to Mont Saint Michel in france.
• Elisabethkai — Beside River Salzach. The water promenade with a romantic view of Salzburg Old Town. You may rest here for a while (have a picnic) during the hike.
• Hettwer Bastion — Located in Kapuzinerberg. Picture-perfect overlooking view of Old Town Salzburg with a closer look to Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• Franziskischlössl — The fortress on top of Kapuzinerberg offering a view of northern Salzburg towards Munich.

Remember, there are two ways to access Kapuzinerberg from Old Town Salzburg: Stefan-Zweig-Weg and Imbergstiege. While I indicated that Imbergstiege is the route to Hettwer Bastion on the map, Stefan-Zweig-Weg is a more gradual climb if you prefer a less steep ascent.

Map #3 Old Town Salzburg Shorter Route

• Approximate overall travel distance (including funicular and elevator): 8 kilometers 
• Approximate walking time (from one attraction to another): 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Elevation gain/loss: 250 meters

In this Old Town Salzburg walking tour, we aim to see the highlights of Old Town Salzburg and take a short hike in Mönchsberg. The hike is to see the beautiful views of Salzburg and the Alps, which are a must-see when visiting Salzburg.

For this walking tour, your first destination is Hettwer Bastion. Since the view from the bastion is stunning during sunrise or sunset, I encourage you to start this walking tour a few minutes before sunrise. The last stop, on the other hand, is Richterhöhe in Mönchsberg. It’s another viewpoint, but instead of the city, you’ll see the Alps from here. You might want to bring some afternoon snacks for a lovely picnic at Richterhöhe.

The jump-off location is at the Makartplatz bus stop. If you are coming from other parts of Salzburg, take the bus to save time and effort. For example, if you are coming from the train station, take bus #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, or #25 and you will arrive at Makartplatz in a few minutes.

From Makartplatz, Hettwer Bastion would only be just a 10 to 15 minute short hike. For a different experience, take Stefan-Zweig-Weg up to the bastion and Imbergstiege stairs back to the Old Town Salzburg.  Stefan-Zweig-Weg offers a more gradual climb to the viewpoint so it’s preferable to use it when going to the bastion.

Your next destination is Salzburg Cathedral, located on the other side of the Salzach River. To get there, walk along Steingasse and cross the river using Mozartsteg. You’ll enjoy the walk because Steingasse is one of the oldest streets in Salzburg, with a cobblestone pathway that will transport you back to the time when Salzburg was still the Roman city of Juvavum. And Mozartsteg is a picturesque bridge with a view of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

After visiting Salzburg Cathedral, proceed to Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can get there by funicular or on foot, depending on the type of ticket you book. If you’re a fan of the Sound of Music movie or enjoy taking a moment of silence to contemplate or introspect during your travels, you might want to stop by Nonnberg Abbey located beside Hohensalzburg Fortress.

After visiting the attractions in Festungsberg, we’ll proceed to Getreidegasse.You can choose to walk back to the area near Salzburg Cathedral to reach Getreidegasse, but I suggest taking a little hike instead, between Festungsberg and Mönchsberg, for a different experience.

To exit Festungsberg or Hohensalzburg Fortress, head towards the Schartentor gate tower located to the west of the fortress. You’ll see this gate tower after passing under the funicular rail that links the fortress to Old Town Salzburg.

Before you reach Roter Turm (the tower) in Mönchsberg, you’ll find a path to your right midway between the towers. Turn onto it and after walking for a few minutes, you’ll see a staircase leading back to Old Town. This staircase is called Clemens-Holzmeister-Stiege and you should see it before reaching Stefan Zweig Center.

When you reach Max-Reinhardt-Platz, turn onto Hofstallgasse, the street that heads away from Hohensalzburg Fortress. Keep walking until you reach Bürgerspitalkirche St. Blasius. Getreidegasse is the street opposite this church. Near the eastern end of Getreidegasse opposite Hagenauerplatz, you’ll find Mozart’s Birthplace which is your next destination.

After visiting Mozart’s Birthplace, we’ll head to Mirabell Palace to relax in its gardens and admire the picture-perfect view of Hohensalzburg Fortress. To get there, cross the River Salzach using the Marko-Feingold-Steg bridge for a more special experience – a romantic view of Old Town Salzburg.

After crossing the river, enter Mirabell Garden through its southern gate on Makartplatz. Exit the garden through its northern gate, which is beside the palace. From there, Müllnersteg bridge, your next destination, is just 5 minutes away. After crossing Müllnersteg bridge, we’ll start our hike in Mönchsberg.

There are three places to see: Humboldt Terrace, Museum der Moderne, and Richterhöhe. If you prefer, you can end the hike at Museum der Moderne and return to Old Town Salzburg using the Mönchsberg elevator. For a refreshing and rewarding end to the walking tour, you may continue to Richterhöhe, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps.

Overall, this walking tour could take up an entire day, or perhaps shorter if you walk quickly and experience the highlights quickly. If you want, you can plan your time so that you can watch the sunset from Museum der Moderne while having dinner.

Map Template

If you want to create your own Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour, you can download a blank map and draft your plans. I’ve emphasized the tourist attractions and the hiking trails in the mountains to help you plot your route in Kapuzinerberg, Mönchsberg, and Festungsberg. This way, you can customize your tour to suit your interests and preferences.

Guided Walking Tours

If you need help exploring Salzburg on foot, you might consider getting a guide or joining a tour. You’ll be accompanied by a professional tour guide who can help you make the most of your trip to Salzburg while providing insider tips, such as the best restaurants to eat at and hidden gems to discover.

Here are some you might want to check:

• Great for everyone — 2.5-Hour Walking Tour: Mozart, Old Town & More
• Discover the dark side of Salzburg (unique experience) — Ghost Tour
• Best for travelers who want beautiful photo souvenirs — 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour with a Photographer
• Learn Salzburg’s history as you explore the city — 2.5-Hour Introductory Tour With a Historian
• Walking tour about Mozart in Salzburg — Life of Mozart Private Guided Walking Tour
• Get your personal guide to see Salzburg — Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour

Here are some maps from Komoot that you can use as a reference to explore the city, if you would like to see more details of the Old Town Salzburg walking tour.

• Komoot — Map With a Route to the “Must-Visit Attractions” in Old Town Salzburg
• Komoot — Map With a Shorter Route to the Highlights and Scenic Spots in Old Town Salzburg
• Komoot — Map With a Complete Route to the Highlights and Scenic Spots in Old Town Salzburg

If you’re planning to visit Salzburg for a few days or longer and are still on the hunt for accommodations, check out this website for the best hotel deals in the city . It features a handy map to help you find the most conveniently located hotel. Just a heads up, this is an affiliate link. This means that if you book a hotel through this link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support greatly helps WanderInEurope continue to create content like this, which could be beneficial for your future travels. Thanks for your support!

The excitement in Salzburg extends far beyond the charming streets of the Old Town. The city serves as a gateway to some of the most stunning destinations in both Austria and Bavaria, Germany. If you’re spending a few days in Salzburg, don’t miss the opportunity to explore nearby attractions and day trips .

My top picks? (1) Berchtesgaden — Marvel at the stunning beauty of the Bavarian Alps. You’re sure to enjoy the view of Königssee! (2) Hohenwerfen Fortress — According to Conde Nast Traveler, it’s one of the most beautiful fortresses in Europe. (3) St. Gilgen — A charming village in the Salzkammergut region. It boasts a serene lake, breathtaking mountains, and unique discoveries. (4) Hellbrunn Palace — Visit Salzburg’s trick fountains, which are both engineering marvels and playful pranks orchestrated by the prince-archbishops. Alternatively, here are some unique activities and attractions that can make your trip to Salzburg even more special.

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Home » Travel Guides » Austria » 15 Best Things to Do in Salzburg (Austria)

15 Best Things to Do in Salzburg (Austria)

Salzburg is one of the most renowned cities in Austria and Europe, and has possibly the best-preserved old town centre full of beautiful baroque architecture which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This charming Austrian town is most famous for being the birthplace of the classical composer Mozart, but has so much more in terms of historical sights and fun attractions. The list below details the top things to do in Salzburg and contains a wide variety, from Museums and Gardens to Churches and Mountains.

Lets explore the best things to do in Salzburg :

1. Salzburg Fortress

Otherwise known as Hohensalzburg Castle, this imposing Fortress sits in a dominating position on top of the Festungsberg Hill and has been a major power hive for the rulers of Salzburg since the 1000’s.

Since its inception, the castle has undergone many transformations, additions and expansions including a Funicular Cable Car leading from the bottom of the Hill that allows easy access for tourists.

The striking white exterior of the building stands out, while there are many courtyards and walls to look down on the city of Salzburg from.

Inside, there are many rooms and wings to explore containing various artefacts and traditional decor; a large Aerophon (Organ) sits in the powder room, while the Golden Hall contains many marble pillars and the Chapel is decorated with Stuccos and Ornate busts.

The fortress is without a doubt the number one attraction in Salzburg and a wonderful piece of history.

2. Salzburg Old Town

One of the largest UNESCO World Heritage sights by area, the Salzburg Old town or Altstadt encompasses many of the City’s main sights and is full of historical buildings, beautifully designed squares and quaint little side-streets leading off to forgotten corners.

The building style consists mainly of Medieval and Baroque architecture and the old town is just a great place to walk through.

The Old Town is a perfect starting place for your time in Salzburg and you could easily spend a day getting lost in the streets, admiring the sights, having a coffee or maybe doing some shopping.

3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Salzburg is not short on historical buildings and gardens, but the Mirabell Palace is outstanding and is one of the finest in Austria.

Listed as a cultural heritage monument, the Palace was built in 1606 and was used mainly as a pleasure palace.

As well as the striking Marble Hall which is a venue for Palace Concerts, the Palace also has a wondrous set of gardens that can be explored at your leisure.

The garden gives great views to Salzburg Cathedral and has a symmetrical design with emphasis on mythology including the Pegasus Fountain and lots of other fountains, hedges, and themed gardens.

If you enjoy maintained Gardens and being in the outdoors, the palace is a brilliant place to visit.

4. Mozart’s Residence

Wherever you go in Salzburg, the influence and fame of Mozart is apparent – Born in a small house originally, the family moved to what is now known as “Mozarts Wohnhaus” in Makartplatz.

The building was reconstructed as closely as possible to the original design after its destruction during World War II and is now open as a museum.

This fantastic museum contains biographies of the family members together with displays of their day to day life and how they would have lived.

For any Mozart fan this museum is a must.

Available activity : Mozart Concert with Dinner

5. Hellbrunn Castle/Palace

Located in the southern Morgz district of Salzburg, Hellbrunn Castle or Palace is surrounded by a beautiful park and also has the Salzburg Zoo close by.

Created in the 1600’s as a residential villa much like Mirabell Palace, Hellbrunn has a lively yellow rendering and its front façade is fully symmetrical.

The main attraction of Hellbrunn Palace however is the gardens and trick fountains.

The gardens are simply magical and contain many different Grottos, Fountains and Water Automats.

What people love most is the water features that try and trick you such as the seats with holes in that spurt water on the unsuspecting guest when you sit down – Its loads of fun and during the summer months a wonderful outdoor space to enjoy.

6. Salzburg Cathedral

A fine example of a Baroque Cathedral, the Salzburg Cathedral is located in an enclosed square next to the Salzburg Residenz and St. Peter’s Abbey, creating a lovely historical area to visit.

This Cathedral has been demolished and rebuilt several times from its initial creation in 774 and now stands as a striking piece of architecture; the front facade has dual bell towers and outside sits the Marian Column in the middle of the “Domplatz”. Although a relatively simple design, it is still striking while its interior is magnificent.

The interior is fairly simplistic too, and has many columns, knaves, a beautiful organ and detailed frescos in the dome.

7. Neugebäude

The Neugebäude or New Residence is a beautiful building in its own right and has halls decorated with Stuccos from the 1600’s and also hosts the Salzburg Museum but the main draw is the musical Glockenspiel.

This wonderful arrangement of 35 bells was created in the 18th Century in Antwerp and shipped over to Salzburg where it took several years to tune and setup correctly (Or to the best of the clock makers ability who installed it!). These amazing musical pieces play at set intervals during the day and perform beautiful renditions of Classical numbers such as the Menuett by Mozart and Tochter Zion by Handel.

Not only can you sit and admire this classical display, but guided tours of the bells and mechanisms are available too.

8. Getreidegasse

This famous and popular street runs for a stretch in the old town and is a standout destination for shopping.

The narrow street has many buildings packed together that stretch far back and have beautiful designs and quaint little windows.

Many passageways and courtyards spring from the main street and create romantic areas to explore, while small details like the wrought iron guild signs give Getreidegasse extra charm and character.

Shops include fine Jewellery, fashion, antiques, traditional costumes, and many boutiques.

There is also a mouth-watering selection of eateries and cafes to enjoy, and several historical buildings and points of interest.

9. Toy Museum

You may think that a Toy Museum is purely for children, well the Salzburg Toy Museum thinks otherwise.

Located close to  Mozartplatz and Mirabell Palace, this fantastical place will provide hours of fun and wonder for children and adults alike.

Split into two sections – The “museum” part contains various historical displays of old toys and games, while the “hands-on” part contains different interactive rides and activities such as a marble run, a mini race-circuit, and an imitation shop where children can learn how an old shop looked and worked.

With seasonal and special themed activities too, you can be guaranteed to always find something different and entertaining in this brilliant museum.

10. Mozartplatz Square

Buried right in the centre of the Old Town, Mozartplatz is a peaceful square dominated by an ornate Bronze statue of the square’s namesake that was unveiled in the presence of his sons in the 1800’s.

Aside from the statue, there is also several museums and attractions directly on the square including the Salzburg Museum, the Traklhaus and The Salzburg Christmas Museum.

Furthermore, just off of the square, are two more adjoining squares that are worth exploring – The Residenplaz and the Domplaz.

11. Hangar 7

This fantastically designed building is not your typical hangar, but does contain many aeronautical artefacts.

Situated next to the main Salzburg Airport (Keeping in with the theme!), the “Hangar” contains several bars, a  cafe, a Michelin Star restaurant, and outdoor lounge, several motorbike and Formula 1 exhibits, and an amazing display of aeroplanes ranging from a Cobra Helicopter to an Alpha Jet Aircraft.

Hangar 7 is just a fun and exciting place to see, not only for the amazing architecture of the hydrofoil dome, but also the well-presented displays and swanky social areas.

12. Mozarts Birthplace

As one of the most visited museums in the world, the birthplace of this legendary Classical Composer is a must see sight in Salzburg.

The city has various museums, monuments and places dedicated to Mozart, but his birthplace is definitely the defining one.

The sight is easily accessible as it is in the Old Town, and a full tour of the displays etc should take around an hour.

The museum contains everything Mozart, from details of his childhood life, to musical instruments he owned and composed his famous symphonies with.

It really is a treat to gain such a detailed insight into Salzburg’s most famous residence life.

13. St. Peter’s Abbey

Not to be confused with Salzburg Cathedral, the Abbey dedicated to St. Peter was originally constructed over old Christian remains in 696 by Saint Rupert and has stood in some form ever since.

This Benedictine Monastery is the oldest in the German-speaking era and also holds the oldest Library in Austria.

The architecture has changed over the years to suit the various fashions of the eras, and now has a combination of Romanesque and Renaissance styles.

A very decorated and ornate religious building, the Abbey also has Catacombs that are open to the public, a lovely Cemetery, The Long gallery which includes many large paintings, and also an extensive Library with over 100,00 volumes (Unfortunately the Library is only accessible by very selective guided tours). If you are interested in historical buildings, St. Peter’s Abbey is an interesting place to visit whilst in the Old Town area of Salzburg.

14. The Eagles Nest

This Third Reich era building was constructed as a mountain getaway high up near the town of Berchtesgaden in Germany and although it is not in Salzburg itself, is easily accessible as a day trip from Austria.

Today the building stands as a restaurant and tourist site and attracts many visitors, not only for the architecture of the building and its historical significance, but mainly for the unbelievable views of the Bavarian Alps.

To reach the summit where the Eagles nest is situated, it takes around two hours on foot from the Obersalzberg area – You will then be rewarded with some stunning views of the mountainous countryside beneath you.

To enter the building/restaurant, you walk through a long 124m underground tunnel and descend into a lift that takes you a further 124m inside.

Although not a well published site, the Eagles Nest is still an interesting place to visit and great for hiking.

Available tour : Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg

15. Gaisberg Mountain

Lying in the eastern area of Salzburg, this mountain is the perfect place to try your hand at some adrenaline filled activities or a hike.

There is a bus link from outside Mirabell Palace so if you do not have a car, the mountain is still accessible.

If you love the outdoors and outdoor activities, Gaisberg will be your dream – There is over 20km of well-marked trails ranging in length and difficulty, and a host of outdoor activities including Paragliding and Mountain Biking.

To experience a different side to Salzburg’s historical centre, get out of the town and explore the expanses of the Gaisberg!

15 Best Things to Do in Salzburg (Austria):

• Salzburg Fortress
• Salzburg Old Town
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens
• Mozart’s Residence
• Hellbrunn Castle/Palace
• Salzburg Cathedral
• Getreidegasse
• Mozartplatz Square
• Mozarts Birthplace
• St. Peter's Abbey
• The Eagles Nest
• Gaisberg Mountain

Best Things to Do in Salzburg: 3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary

Posted on Published: January 13, 2020  - Last updated: May 17, 2022

Categories Austria , Blog , City Guides , Europe , Travel Guides

Thinking about traveling to Salzburg? We adored this Austrian city, especially the Old Town pedestrian area and both sides of the river, Salzach. I’m thrilled to write this Salzburg travel blog post because I truly fell in love with the city (and I hope you do, too).

While I highly recommend wandering around, drinking coffee, and exploring every little side street, here are the best things to do in Salzburg Austria for every interest. Here’s the perfect 3 days in Salzburg itinerary, a wonderful city with small town charms.

This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Getting to Salzburg

In our case, we travelled to Salzburg from Cesky Krumlov , Czech Republic. Justin and I opted for a shuttle service as it was the easiest and quickest option. Green Shuttles picked us up directly at our accommodation in Cesky Krumlov ( Orangerie Apartment ) and dropped us off at our apartment in Salzburg ( Salzburg Place to Stay ).

Our apartment was in the pedestrian area of Old Town and our shuttle couldn’t drive us right up to the front door, so we did have to walk for a few minutes with our luggage. More on our accommodation at the end of the post!

Salzburg Sightseeing: Get the Salzburg Card

If you want to see Salzburg attractions for free or at a great discount, be sure to get your hands on a Salzburg Card . You can buy the card for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours, depending on how much time you plan to spend there. It provides you with many ideas for the best things to do in Salzburg Austria.

The Salzburg Card gives you loads of benefits. First, you receive free one-time admission to all city tourist attractions and museums. This includes Hohensalzburg Fortress, Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains, Mozart’s Birthplace, the Museum of Modern Art, and more.

You will also receive free transportation in Salzburg. While you might find yourself walking a lot in Salzburg, feel free to hop on a public bus to get around. Also, a river cruise with Salzburg City Cruises can be redeemed with the card. Cable railway transportation to Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Monchsberg Lift, and the Cable Car in Untersberg are also included with the card.

The prices for the Salzburg Card are very reasonable considering the benefits you get from ordering one. Plus, I loved not having to worry about admission tickets or transportation around time, so it also saved lots of time and hassle. We highly recommend getting one when you visit Salzburg.

Salzburg Itinerary Day 1

We reached Salzburg in early June on a bright and sunny day. Justin and I were immediately noticed the grandiose Salzburg Cathedral, the interesting statue of a man on top of a giant golden globe, and Hohensalzburg Castle up high on the hill. As there are so many things to do in Salzburg Austria, let’s start our plans right away!

Things to Do in Salzburg: Stroll Around Old Town

I always love wandering around a new place when I first arrive. After we settled in at our apartment, we set off and explored the pedestrian area of Old Town. It’s definitely one of my favorite things to do in Salzburg Austria.

Salzburg has a very charming, small town feel. Take the time to roam up and down every narrow side street. If you’re in the mood to shop, you might find some souvenirs or treasures along Getreidegasse, the main shopping street. There are also quaint cafes around every corner, and even shops selling traditional Austrian clothing.

In Kapitelplatz, there’s an interesting sculpture called Sphaera by Stephan Balkenhol . It’s an ordinary looking man standing on top of a giant golden globe. While it’s a very striking work of art, the artist leaves its interpretation completely up to the observer. As this square was right on the way back to our apartment, we passed by this 9 meters high sculpture several times daily. It’s certainly one of the most iconic Salzburg attractions, and surely one you’ll remember seeing for years to come.

Apparently, there’s a tiny woman statue, made by the same artist, hidden elsewhere in Old Town. Unfortunately, we never found her (but we didn’t look very hard). Maybe you’ll discover the tiny woman on your travels!

Salzburg Cathedral

I loved that we had a view of the Salzburg Cathedral’s dome from the window of our apartment. I recommend you visit the inside of this beautiful and ornate cathedral. It’s worth adding to your 3 days in Salzburg itinerary.

The Salzburg Cathedral was first founded by Saint Rupert in 774, and it was rebuilt in 1181 after a fire. Then, in the 17th century, it was completely rebuilt in the Baroque Style (how it appears today). Notably, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized here a day after he was born, on January 28th, 1756.

The three bronze gates at the front represent the three divine virtues of faith, hope, and love. They were added in 1957 to 1958. Above the three gates are three years: 774, 1628, and 1959, which are three years that the church was fully built or renovated.

Lunch at Backwerk

We were pretty hungry and wanted a quick bite to eat, so we picked up sandwiches at the BackWerk convenience store. There are assorted wraps and sandwiches, clearly marked as vegan on the shelf. Choose from a ranch tofu wrap, a guacamole wrap, a falafel wrap, or an avocado sandwich.

We brought these sandwiches back to our apartment and ate on the patio in the backyard, like a small picnic lunch. Interested in more vegan food from Salzburg? Check out our entire guide to vegan restaurants in Salzburg where we ate on our trip.

Places to Go in Salzburg: Across the River

We continued our walk across the river by using the Mozartsteg, an Art Nouveau pedestrian bridge. On the corner before you walk across, there’s a small coffee stand called We Love Coffee. Stop for a cup of joe to go if you’re feeling like a midday boost! And yes, they have plant-based milk for a latte or cappuccino.

Take a walk up and down the Linzer Gasse, another pedestrian zone with boutiques and restaurants. On your way back, meander down Steingasse, one of the oldest streets in Salzburg. This street is a quiet retreat from the busier shopping districts.

Walking around these peaceful meandering streets was one of my favorite things to do in Salzburg, even if it rained a little while we were there. Now that you’ve walked all over Salzburg, you’ve probably got a good feel for this delightful city.

Takeaway Dinner From My Indigo

My Indigo has several vegan options on the menu, including a vegan curry with soy chunks, salads, and vegan sushi rolls. We brought back some curry and sushi rolls to eat at our apartment. There’s also a small seating area inside should you wish to dine in. On another occasion, I also enjoyed a coffee here on their small outdoor patio facing the serene river.

Salzburg Itinerary Day 2

Now that you’re all settled in, use day 2 in Salzburg to check out some local attractions. There are so many fun things to do in Salzburg, you surely won’t run out of places to see. But first…don’t go out on your sightseeing adventure with an empty stomach!

On our way to breakfast, we crossed a different bridge that was covered with love locks. The Makartsteg pedestrian bridge offers scenic views across the river, and it’s also a place to mark your everlasting romance.

Breakfast at The Heart Of Joy

The Heart of Joy is a vegetarian and vegan cafe serving up hearty and delicious meals all day. On the breakfast menu, there are a number of breakfast plates. We both ordered the “Vegan Delight”, consisting of a soy latte, vegan ham, porridge with fruits, vegan butter, jam and spelt bread. What a nourishing way to start the day!

Mirabell Gardens

Would you like to visit one of the most delightful spots in the city? Not only is it tranquil, but it’s one of the best free things to do in Salzburg. The Sound of Music made Mirabell Gardens famous. Regardless of its notoriety in film, it’s an exquisite garden with a rainbow of flourishing blooms, sure to brighten your day.

One of the wonderful things about Mirabell Gardens? It’s open from 6:00am until dusk. If you’re an early riser or you want to get an earlier start to your day, you can visit Mirabell Gardens very early in the morning and perhaps even have it mostly to yourself.

While we would have loved to have visited Mirabell Palace , it wasn’t open when we were there. Next time, for sure! Be sure to take note of this important detail within this Salzburg travel guide. The palace is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00-16:00, and on Tuesday and Friday from 13:00-16:00.

Visit the Salzburg Farmer’s Market

At Kajetanerplatz, I randomly stumbled upon the Salzburg Organic Farmer’s Market . It only happens on Friday mornings, so it was very good luck that we happened to be there on a Friday. It’s very close to Mirabell Gardens, so you can stop here before or after your visit.

There are many vendors at the Salzburg Farmers Market selling fresh produce, flowers, and other treats. While I didn’t pick up any food or flowers, I managed to snag a couple of handmade vegan chocolate bars that were super yummy.

Hohensalzburg Castle

A trip to Salzburg isn’t complete without a visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress . It’s already featured in a few of the pics of I’ve posted here as the imposing castle up on the hill. Visiting Hohensalzburg is one of the most iconic things to do in Salzburg, and one of the top Salzburg attractions.

We rode a funicular up the hill and we were greeted by a lookout point. The views of Salzburg’s Old Town and beyond are stunning. Justin and I paused here for a while to take in the beautiful scenery. Views from Hohensalzburg Castle are among the best things to see in Salzburg.

Next, walk through the interior of the castle itself until you eventually get to the top. When we visited, it started to pour rain exactly as we got outside at the very top of the castle! Thankfully, we had an umbrella and tried our best to shield ourselves while snapping a few pictures and admiring the view.

Once you come back down from the top, explore the grounds within the inner walls of the fortress itself. You can really transport yourself back in time here as the grounds are perfectly preserved.

And a trip to the Hohensalzburg Castle wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Marionette Museum! Yes, there’s a museum devoted to the art of marionette puppetry inside the castle itself. Salzburg has a rich history in marionette theatre, including one that offers performances to this date.

It’s a small museum, but very cute and worth checking out. There are even a couple of interactive displays where you can try your hand at using a marionette for yourself. As you can see, in this Salzburg travel guide, we highly recommend going to Hohensalzburg Castle for both the exterior scenery and the history lesson found inside the castle.

One final last cute touch at Hohensalzburg Fortress was the adorable little tunnel called Liebesgrotte. You walk into the small stone opening with your partner. As it says on the plaque, “One kiss inside the love grotto and your love will be everlasting.” Of course, Justin and I had to smooch in the grotto!

Lunch at Uncle Van

After Hohensalzburg Castle, we hopped back across the river for lunch at Uncle Van . It’s a Vietnamese takeaway restaurant, specializing in vegan-friendly ingredients and sauces.

Make your own rice or noodle bowls by checking off which vegetables, protein, and sauce you’d like. There are eight sauces that are all vegan. You can add several different vegetables and tofu for a complete meal. There are also two vegan soups available to order.

While Uncle Van is primarily a takeaway restaurant, there are a few tables inside and outside, although these have a limited availability. Thankfully, we were able to snag a spot outdoors. Uncle Van has an interesting location, down a narrow, partially covered side street.

Our apologies for the food photos – it was a bit dark, plus Justin ate half of his before I took the picture! Blogger fail, Justin!

Coffee Break at 220 GRAD

After lunch, we wandered around a little bit more and stopped for a coffee near our apartment. I ordered an Americano that was rich and delicious. You might find that coffee is a little expensive right in the main tourist area of Old Town. However, there are many cafes and coffee shops in Salzburg in less frequented spots that are a little less expensive and have tasty brewed beverages.

What to Do in Salzburg: Salzburg Marionette Theatre

In the evening, Justin and I had reserved tickets to see a production of The Sound of Music at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre. We booked the tickets on their website in advance , and the tickets were speedily mailed to us in Canada. Definitely book your tickets ahead of time because you don’t want to miss this unique production show that you won’t see anywhere else!

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre is included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage . These marionette shows have delighted adults and children alike for decades. If you’re looking for what to do in Salzburg, seeing a production of The Sound of Music makes perfect sense.

It’s easy to become enraptured by the production and forget that the characters are even puppets being pulled by string. The sets are quite elaborate, and the marionettes themselves are very detailed in their expressions and movements. The puppeteers are highly skilled and I don’t even know how they pull off such orchestrated choreography so eloquently!

It’s important to note that there is no photography or videography allowed inside the theatre. I only snapped a couple of pictures inside the theatre before the show started. I’ll post one picture from the photo archive of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre so you can catch a glimpse of the marionettes themselves.

We would have never guessed it ahead of time, but this was one of our favourite things to do in Salzburg.

Late Night Pizza Dinner

After the theatre production, we were starving and opted to grab some pizza to go. Thankfully, Organic Pizza Salzburg was right on the way back home. They focus on fresh ingredients and cater to vegans. There are three vegan pizzas on the menu, each with vegan cheese and various vegetable toppings. The pizza was cooked perfectly and it was super flavourful.

Organic Pizza Salzburg is open until 10:00pm, making it a great pit stop if you’re looking for a late dinner or evening snack.

Salzburg Itinerary Day 3: Day Trip

You could easily spend 3 days in Salzburg, especially if you travel a little more slowly than we did. But, it’s also a great opportunity to take day trips from Salzburg, while maintaining your base in the city.

Originally, we planned to travel to Hallstatt for the day. As I was trying to figure out how to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg, I realized you either had to take a couple of trains or a bus, and then hop on a ferry across, plus you had to return before a certain time with the risk of being stranded there. I wanted a little more flexibility with our day, so we decided to rent a car.

However, as we heard more and more that Hallstatt was overly crowded in the summertime, we explored some other options. With some advice from a local and some last minute research, Justin and I decided the day would be better spent travelling to some of the smaller, lesser visited towns for an equally awesome experience. If you do have your heart set on Hallstatt, I discovered afterwards that you can take a Hallstatt day tour from Salzburg .

Plus, it happened to be my birthday that day, and all I really wanted was to witness some stunning Austrian scenery, no matter where we went. Yes, my wish was granted over and over again that day. Here’s an overview of a couple of Austrian villages near Salzburg that we visited, and you can discover them in more detail in this article about Mondsee and St Gilgen .

Mondsee is a lakeside village with an adorable downtown with beautiful, brightly painted buildings. It’s right on Lake Mondsee, so savour those gorgeous views of the lake with the mountains in the distance.

The most famous attraction in Mondsee is the St. Michael Basilica, as featured in The Sound of Music. You can also visit the St. Michael Basilica on a guided Sound of Music tour from Salzburg. It’s a very popular choice and a great substitute day tour if you don’t feel like renting a car and taking this day trip from Salzburg.

We walked around town, enjoyed a cup of coffee at a cute cafe, and wandered down to the lake. It’s easy to see this town in a couple of hours, making it the perfect pit stop on a road trip of Austria.

Our next stop was St Gilgen where we embarked on a cable car ride up to the top of the mountain. Taking the Zwölferhorn Mountain cable car was the highlight of our day trip as the views from the top were spectacular. The ride itself was scenic and a lot of fun. Be sure to pack something warm to wear as it was chilly at the top of the mountain, even in June!

After the cable car ride back down the mountain, we explored the town of St. Gilgen, Austria. We browsed some local shops, had a bite to eat for lunch (we found some pasta with tomato sauce as this small town wasn’t super vegan-friendly), and walked down by the lake.

We returned to Salzburg, dropped off the rental car, and headed out…in search of birthday cake!

GustaV for a Birthday Treat

GustaV is a vegan restaurant in Salzburg. While we didn’t have the chance to eat a full meal here, I was thrilled to stop for cake and coffee. I ordered a red velvet latte (colored red with beetroot juice) and a slice of their cake of the day, coconut cream. Both were melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

The Green Garden for Dinner

Later, we walked from our apartment to a vegetarian restaurant, The Green Garden . Even though I was following Google Maps, I still managed to get us twisted around and walking in the wrong direction. We climbed some stairs in an instance where we shouldn’t have, but the diversion ended up providing us with a stunning view of the city. Sometimes mistakes can be a good thing.

The Green Garden serves eggs and dairy, but the vegan menu choices are abundant and clearly marked. Justin treated me to an extra special birthday dinner. I started with a glass of lavender Prosecco that had a small flower in the glass.

For my main dish, I got the vegan burger with homemade potato wedges and dip, which really hit the spot. Even though it was super filling, I couldn’t skip the chance to have another dessert that day! I couldn’t resist ordering the chocolate brownie with caramelized peanuts and ice cream.

More Top Things to Do in Salzburg Austria

Not completely satisfied with this Salzburg itinerary? Don’t fret, there are even more things to do in Salzburg that I’m sure you’ll love. This is a great list if you’d like to spend all of your 3 days in Salzburg rather than venturing to the towns outside of the city.

Plus, it’s an addition to this Salzburg travel guide that you’ll find handy if you’re spending 4 days in Salzburg…or up to a week there. I loved this city so much that I could have easily spent a week there, wandering around its quaint cobblestone streets. Here are some more tours and Salzburg sightseeing to try:

• In this musical city, enjoy the sights and sounds of a concert at Mirabell Palace . Take in the classical music and atmosphere in the most magnificent room in Salzburg.
• For another musical experience, experience an evening of Mozart with a concert and dinner at the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• There are even more interesting things to do in Salzburg that we didn’t have time for, including the Hallein Salt Mine tunnels and adventures.
• Take a boat ride to Hellbrunn Palace and go for a tour.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Justin and I stayed at Salzburg Place to Stay , a Salzburg luxury apartment in the pedestrian area of the historic old town. While we rented this apartment for three nights, we could have easily stayed much longer. We really felt like we were returning to our home every night after our daily adventures.

We soaked up a gorgeous view of the Salzburg Cathedral and dome right from our own place. We were surrounded by old buildings in such a historic area of the city. Throughout the day, we heard the sounds of bells from several churches, each with their own tune.

Behind the house, there’s a tranquil garden with greenery and flowers growing everywhere. Steps lead up to a small seating area. One day, we enjoyed our lunch on the patio. It is such a quiet and peaceful place in the middle of a touristy town. Be sure to book your stay at this gorgeous Salzburg apartment, and take a look at more reviews of Salzburg Place to Stay written by fellow travelers.

3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary & Travel Map

If you’re more of a visual person and enjoy seeing places all mapped out, here’s our Salzburg itinerary and Salzburg travel guide on a map. Feel free to reference this Salzburg travel map when you go there, and you can also save it to your own Google maps for future reference.

Want to see more photos of Salzburg?

Browse our travel photography album to see all of our pictures from Salzburg, Austria. You can also buy prints, housewares, and more from all of our photos.

There are lots of fun things to do in Salzburg, so you can easily spend at least a few days there. From delicious vegan food to exploring historic sites and charming streets, I fell in love with Salzburg quickly and hope to return someday.

During our two week trip to Europe, we visited a lot of incredible towns and cities. Be sure to check out our other city guides and day trip ideas to have 2 fun-filled weeks in Europe: Prague , Cesky Krumlov , day trip from Salzburg , Bamberg , Berlin , and Amsterdam .

If you’re looking for more things to do in Austria, check out our one day guide to Innsbruck , a beautiful city in Tyrol.

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Wednesday 17th of April 2019

Hi, This is really nice. Me and my friends are planning to visit Salzburg for 2 days (in May 2019). Would you recommend - (i) Hallstatt excursion ? OR (ii) Werfen Caves? OR (iii) Exploring other less crowded places like you did (this option as evident from your blog seems really attractive)?

We are looking to visit and explore places that are somewhat less crowded, scenic and worth the time.

David Burnell IV

Tuesday 4th of September 2018

Justin and Lauren great coverage of this wonderland. ''Like'' button for all the pictures. We recently shot a movie there and I instantly fell in love with Mirabell Gardens. Keep up the great work. - David Burnell IV

David, thank you so much! I fell in love with Salzburg! Mirabell Gardens is such a beautiful place, I'd go back there in a heartbeat. Can't wait until the day I return to Salzburg and I'm glad you got to visit, too!

Monday 4th of June 2018

lovely review. we are visiting salzburg in sept . this will help!

Monday 14th of May 2018

Every weekend i used to go to see this site, because i want enjoyment, for the reason that this this web page conations really pleasant funny data too.

Friday 13th of April 2018

It seems you did a lot in 3 days. I want to visit Salzburg this fall and I was wondering how long to stay. Do you think 3 days is enough?

3 days is definitely enough time! You can see Salzburg in 2 days and then spend a third day exploring the surrounding region - that's what we did! Have fun!

‎ Austria ‎ >  Salzburg > Free Salzburg Walking Tour

Top 10 Salzburg Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Salzburg

• Top 10 Things To Do
• Old Town Walking Tour
• Sound of Music Movie Tour
• Mozart Walking Tour
• Best Viewpoints In Salzburg
• More Sights
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Visitor Tips
• Best Places To Stay
• Suggested Itineraries

Free Salzburg Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Location :  Old Town Salzburg ( Altstadt ) Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Museum costs listed below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided )  Start :  Mirabell Palace Gardens End :  Mönchsberg Winkler Terrace Walking Distance :  3 Miles ( +0.3 inside Salzburg Castle,  +0.75 to follow Mönchsberg to Augustiner Beer Hall; +0.50 roundtrip for Nonnberg Abbey ) Time :  2 Hours For Walk ( with attractions 5-6 hours ) Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

Salzburg Walking Tour Overview:

Our free Salzburg walking tour focuses on beautiful Old Town ( Altstadt ), which is well known as the home of Mozart and the setting for the hit movie The Sound of Music.  From its Alpine surroundings to its robust history, and rich architecture, it is no wonder that so many visitors flock to Salzburg’s Old Town each year.  The city center is very compact, and you will be able to breeze through the main sights thanks to our free Salzburg walking tour map.

We like to start this Salzburg walking tour early in the morning, sometimes even right dawn when the Mirabell Palace Gardens are opening.  Starting early in the day is a great way to avoid feeling rushed and will give you plenty of extra time to explore the walking tour sights, shop on Getreidegasse, or to just stop and relax.  We hope you enjoy our free Salzburg walking tour!

Brief History Of Old Town Salzburg:

The core of Old Town Salzburg’s history started as a Celtic settlement which the Romans developed into a formal town of Luvaum ( controlled from 15BC-488AD ) complete with a large forum.  Luvaum ( pronounced U-Va-Voom ) sat right at the intersection of two trades routes, and because of an abundance of nearby white gold ( salt ), the town was gradually renamed Salzburg ( meaning Salt Fortress ) during post-Roman redevelopment.  Our free Salzburg walking tour will cover the in-depth history of the town.

Throughout its almost 500 years of independent rule by Prince-Archbishops ( 1213–1803 ), medieval Salzburg grew quite wealthy and full of elegant Baroque architecture. The city grew especially powerful in the 1500s which led to a lot of Italianate redevelopment in Old Town.  A vibrant local culture also sprung up in Salzburg, and as the home of the famous composer, it became known as the city of Mozart.  Salzburg’s city center was lucky enough to retain its beautiful by avoiding The 30 Years War and by suffering relatively minor damage during WW2.  Because Salzburg’s Old Town has kept much of its original charm, the hills are very much still alive with The Sound of Music.

1. Sacher Cafe :

About Sacher Cafe :  The Sacher Café is known for having the best slice of chocolate cake you can find anywhere.  Their  world-famous cake , known as the Original Sacher-Torte, was the creation of Austrian chef Franz Sacher who was asked to make a dessert for a  Royal party in 1832  while only 16 years old.  Word of the Sacher’s amazing cake spread and he quickly became a household name.  Forever known as the family of rich cake, Sacher’s son opened the Sacher Hotel and Café in Vienna in 1876 and spared no expense decorating every elegant detail.

With over a century of success, the Sacher business expanded to Salzburg in 1988 with their  riverfront location  and has become a local staple ever since.  The fancy sit down area is wonderful, but they also have outdoor umbrella tables facing the river and a takeout shop where you can even have desserts shipped back home.  They actually have a wide range of food and can be a good breakfast option.  If you are confused and which coffee goes best with the cake, the traditional drink in Vienna is hot black coffee with foamed milk and whipped cream.  If Sacher is too busy for some reason, you can also great a great bite to eat next door at the Cafe Bazar.  Coffeehouse culture is an essential part of Austrian culture and stopping at one while on this free Salzburg walking tour is a must.

Hours :  Daily 7:30am-11pm.   Website :   Here .

2. “ Love Lock ” Footbridge ( Makartsteg ):

About The Love Lock Bridge :  While other tourist destinations around Europe like Paris have crackdown down and banned love locks, the romantic city of Salzburg has embraced it.  Every day the long pedestrian & bike-only Makart Footbridge ( Makartsteg ) is lined with tourists leaving paddle locks in hope for good luck .  Some wish for lasting romance with the person they love while others memorialize someone they have lost, but all do it in the hopes of returning to Salzburg someday.  Many of the locks have custom messages or initials written on them and once locked you throw away the key to make your wish come true.

The first bridge here was completed in 1905 and named after  19th-Century painter Hans Makart .  It had to be rebuilt in 1967 following damage in WW2, but the bridge would sway so much with the ever increasing foot traffic that it had to be re-designed for its grand opening in 2000.  While admiring the love locks, or leaving one yourself, make sure to take in the beautiful panoramic views of Old Town.  Many of the interesting things you see from the Love Lock Bridge we will see later on this free Salzburg walking tour.  You can also see the boat docks on the Southern bank of the bridge where Salzburg’s river cruises leave from.

3. Mozart’s Residence ( Wohnhaus ):

About Mozart’s Residence :  Welcome to the house that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in with his family from age 17 to 25.  We will cover the more popular home where Mozart was born later in this free Salzburg walking tour, but we love this building which is often overlooked by tourists.  After returning from a European music tour in 1773, the Mozart family realized they had  outgrown their original Salzburg home  and needed to upgrade.  Mozart’s dad Leopold decided to move the growing family to the sizeable Dance Master House ( Tanzmeisterhaus ) building you see before you.  They rented half of the building, complete with 8 spacious rooms, which later became known as the Mozart Residence ( Wohnhaus ) .

Amadeus produced many famous works in their apartments in Dance Master House ( Tanzmeisterhaus ), and the family thrived in their new social environment.  After 8 years in the Wohnhaus, Amadeus was ultimately driven from Salzburg in 1781 after an argument with the Archbishop and moved to Vienna.  Mozart had long felt he was under the thumb of the Archbishop and wanted more personal and creative freedom outside of Salzburg, although his father was upset by the move.  Two years later, Mozart’s beloved sister Nannerl moved to nearby Saint Gilgen Austria after marrying the city’s administrator, but oddly left her newborn baby here at the Wohnhaus with her dad Leopold.  After Leopold died in 1787, the home changed hands many times over the years and was later heavily damaged by WWII bombings.

Decades after the WWII, with Salzburg’s tourism on the upswing, the Mozarts’ Residence was faithfully reconstructed and opened to the public as a museum in 1996.  Exhibits include original documents and portraits showing the history of the Wohnhaus building, Mozart’s compositions during his Salzburg years, and of the large social gatherings of the family.  Special attractions include Mozart’s  original fortepiano  and the famous family portrait in the  Dance-Master’s Salon Room .  Separate areas in the museum are dedicated to topics such as the women in Mozart’s life, especially his sister Nannerl, and even sports shooting ( Bölzlschießen ) which was a popular pastime among the family, as well as info on the family’s extensive European travels.

Make note of the white and yellow house ( Makartplatz 1 ) on your right as you approach the Mozart Residence from the river.  Local physicist Christian Doppler was born in 1803, who later went on to pioneer the “Doppler effect” which led to modern radar.

Visiting Hours :  Daily 9am-5:30pm; in July & August 8:30am-7pm; last entry an hour before close.   Cost :  Adults are 11€, or 18€ for a ticket that also includes Mozart’s Birth Place.  Children are only 3.50€, and a family ticket is 23€.   Website :   Here .

Featured On : Self-Guided Mozart Tour

4. Mirabell Palace Gardens :

About Mirabell Palace Gardens :  The Mirabell Palace Gardens ( laid out in 1715-30 ) is one of the most playful areas of Salzburg and offers some of the best views of Old Town.  The name Mirabell literally means beautiful view, so you know you’re in for a treat.  The palace grounds are very famous for being laced with scenes from the hit movie The Sound of Music – especially from the song ‘ Do Re Mo ’.

A visit to the Mirabell Gardens begins at the Southern entrance where two large pairs of Greek fencing statutes can be found leaping toward each other with their triumphant fists in the air.  The figures were inspired by the ancient Borghese gladiator statues are among many carved pieces of art in the park.  As you walk through the grounds, you’ll encounter several fountains, elegant statues, and plenty of colorful flowers.  Make sure to turn around and check out the amazing views of  Hohensalzburg Fortress  towering over Old Town Salzburg.  We’ll visit the fortress later on this free Salzburg walking tour.

You’ll find one of the most iconic spots in the Mirabell Gardens, the  Pegasus Statue Fountain , sitting in the Northwest corner of the grounds.  This horse statue was moved here in 1913 after previously sitting in front of the Mozart Residence in Hannibalplatz ( now Makartplatz ).  In the movie The Sound of Music, the Von Trapp children dance around this Pegasus Fountain ( added in 1913 ) while singing Do Re Mi and using the nearby terrace steps as a  musical scale .  After inspecting their unicorn guards, climb the terrace steps just like Maria did in the movie for an epic view of Salzburg.

Make sure to also follow the other set of steps near the Pegasus Fountain guarded by lions ( Westside opposite the palace ) across a small footbridge to the  Dwarf Gnome Park ( Zwergerlgarten ) .  Commissioned in 1715, the statues were meant to caricatures making fun of Salzburg’s common people who weren’t even allowed in the park ( became public in 1854) .  These statues helped to upper class to feel big while also creating an ugly balance to the large triumphant statues in the center of the park.

15 of the original 28 gnome statues in the park, and they are all said to have been modeled after real royal court dwarfs.  All of the dwarfs are carved out of local marble ( actually chalky limestone ) from Untersberg Mountain whose small ice cave is fabled to hold the resting spirit of Charlemagne The Great.  Each sculpture is fun and unique, but the dwarf with the glasses on was the one all the Von Trapp kids patted on the head during The Sound of Music movie.  Near the Dwarf Garden is a long pergola vine tunnel and hedge maze  which was also featured in the film.  To learn more about the nearby movie sights see our  Sound Of Music Movie Tour .

Getting Here :  You can easily walk from the main city center or take the bus, pretty much every bus line will have a Mirabell stop.   Cost :  The Gardens & Palace are free.   Garden Hours :  Main gardens open all year from Dawn to Dusk; the Hedge Maze and Dwarf Garden close each Winter.    Photos :  ( Pegasus Fountain  |  Entrance  |  Garden View  |  Pergola  |  SOM Gnome ).

Featured On : Sound of Music Movie Tour

5. Mirabell Palace :

About Mirabell Palace :  Overshadowed by the sprawling gardens, the Mirabell Palace itself was built in 1606 by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau  for his mistress Salome Alt  whom he had 12 children with.  Originally called Altenau Palace in her honor, the mansion was outside of the original city walls at the time and was considered a country escape for the not-so-secret couple.  The Archbishop was expelled from office in 1612 his replacement tried to erase his memory by renaming the palace Mirabell  after its beautiful views  of Old Town.  It is one of the top five viewpoints on our free Salzburg walking tour map.

If you go inside Mirabell Palace, make sure to check out the 3-level staircase  adorned with angel statues , in addition to the historic Marble Ball Room.  In the Marble Ball Room, which is now used for weddings,  Mozart performed piano concerts as a child.  During Salzburg’s short modern stint as part of Bavaria ( 1810-15, was also Bavaria in the 700s ), Prince Otto was born in Mirabell Palace in 1815 and later went on to become the King of Greece.  The Palace has been owned by the city since 1866 and is used as offices including the Mayor of Salzburg.

Palace Angel Staircase Hours :  Daily 8am-6pm.   Palace Marble Hall Hours :  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-4pm; Tuesday & Friday 1-4pm.   Photos :  ( Front of Palace  |  Palace Interior – Staircase Angels ).

6. Saint Sebastian Church & Cemetery :

About The Cemetery :  The Saint Sebastian Cemetery ( Sebastianskirche Friedhof ) is home to the graves of  Mozart’s wife Constanze  and his father, Leopold.  While the family graves are small, it is easy to find them near the giant Mausoleum.  We love the outdoor corridors lined with statues and headstones.  The entrance to Saint Sebastian Church ( built in 1505 ) is a favorite among photographers as it has a very photogenic group of playful angel statues on a gate added in 1752.  The church was also the parish that the Mozart family attended for most of Wolfgang’s time in Salzburg.

If you aren’t into Mozart or are short on time feel free to skip the cemetery and go right to the next stop, but if you’re a history or classical music lover it’s only a block or so out of your way to get here.  Visitors often say that this cemetery is one of the most peaceful places on our free Salzburg walking tour.

Visiting Hours :  Daily 9am-4pm; Summer stays open until 6:30pm.   Photos :  ( Grave of Mozart’s Wife & Father  |  Mausoleum  |  Church Interior  |  Church Exterior  |  Angels ).   Church Website :   Here .

7. Capuchin Monastery ( Kapuzinerkloster ):

About Kapuzinerberg Monastery :  Isolated on the Northside of the Salzach River, the Capuchin Hill ( Kapuzinerberg ) is the  highest point in Salzburg  and has some very rewarding views of Old Town.  In 1594 the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg established a monastery here for devoted Capuchin Order of Franciscan Monks inside the remains of the former Trumpeter Castle ( Trompeterschlössel ) .  The original building dates back to the 1200s ( Fortified in 1405 ) to protect what was the town’s only bridge below and has almost eye-level views of the mighty Salzburg High Fortress perched above Old Town.

A mild, winding stroll ( or steep steps ) will bring you up to the Capuchin Monastery ( Kapuzinerkloster ), located 1/4 of the way up the 2081 foot tall Kapuzinerberg Hill.  During your hike up you’ll pass by a lot of interesting parts of the Medieval city wall and even scenes from the Passion of Christ in a small chapel built into the wall.  During normal daytime hours, you are free to check out the monastery and learn more about the Monks’ way of life.  As you can imagine being up so high, the  stunning views of Old Town  and the colorful buildings lining the Salzach River make it worth the short hike up.  Sadly most tourists don’t go through the effort to get up the Hill and miss out and an unbelievable experience which is one of the best on our free Salzburg walking tour.  In addition to the great views, and peaceful brown cloaked monks, you’ll love the decorative Gothic oak door at the monastery, which is a relic old Salzburg Cathedral after it was rebuilt in the early-1600s.

The monastery is a good jump-off point if you are hiking further up the hill ( 0.8 miles ) to Saint Francis Fortress ( Franziskischlössl ) .  In the 1600s, Franziskischlössl was built as a watchtower for the city wall and is now a restaurant.  On your wooded hike to the top of the Kapuzinerberg Hill, you will cross multiple parts of the old Medieval city wall and hidden city viewpoints.  The walls were re-enforced for protection following The 30 Years War which Salzburg managed to stay out of by basically paying their way out of the conflict.  If you hike even closer to the top of the hill they have discovered two settlements from the Neolithic Period that date back to around 1,000 BC.  These settlements are far older than even the Celtic findings and the Roman village of Luvaum ( 15BC-488 AD ) which once covered Old Town Salzburg below.

Terrace Hours :  Daily from Dawn-Dusk.   Monastery Hours :  Monday-Saturday 6am-6pm;  Sunday 8am-6 pm; Closed during Mass.   Photos :  ( Monastery on Hillside  |  View From Monastery  |  Wall Carving ).   Monastery Website :   Here .

Featured On : Best Viewpoints In Salzburg

8. Stone Alley ( Steingasse ):

About Steingasse :  Although it is a block off the water today, the Salzach River once butted up again the cobbled Stone Alley ( Steingasse ) until its flow was redirected in 1862-66.  From Roman times through the Middle Ages, this created a natural fortification  for the narrow roadway wedged between the river and the cliff of Kapuzinerberg Hill.  The protection was vital as Steingasse was the main road into Salzburg from the South including the salt mines in Hallein.  This route continued through Werfen and over the Alps onto Italy which helped Salzburg ( Salt Castle ) become very a dominant trading center.  Wagons full of salt would pour into Salzburg following the river along the regulated Stone Alley before turning into Old Town along the Roman Bridge.  This also made it easy to charge tolls along the way.

As you stroll down the cobblestone lane, it almost feels like you are walking inside of a city wall.  Our favorite feature of the Steingasse is the fortified  Inner Stone Gate ( Innere Steintor ) which dates to 1280 ( rebuilt in 1634 ) and had a drawbridge all the way until 1900.  No wider than an alleyway, through Medieval times the street was home to many of Salzburg’s craftsmen whos trade required water access like potters, dyers, and tanners.

The most notable people to live on the cobblestone Steingasse was the Joseph Mohr  ( #31 ) who wrote the lyrics to the timeless holiday song  ‘Silent Night’  which premiered on Christmas Eve in 1818.  You’ll see a plaque near the door in Mohr’s honor which is important for a city that prides itself on its Christmas traditions.  The marker for Mohr’s home had been incorrectly placed at house #9 in 1968 due to an error in the 1794 Census, but was later moved to the correct house #31 in 2017.

Across the street from Mohr’s home, you’ll notice a large chunk of stone is missing from the corner of another building.  Local folklore says that this gash happened when a drunken American soldier  tried to drive his tank  down the narrow Steingasse on his way a brothel in WWII and got stuck.  The historic House of Pleasure Brothel ( Maison de Plaisir, #24 ) dates back to 1513 ( same name since 1794 ) and is still open today.  There is no doorknob, just a buzzer, a peephole, plus an eerie green light at night.

The Violin Maker’s House ( Geigenmacher, #25 ) across the street from the brothel was once a shop where Andreas Ferdinand Mayr made Mozart’s childhood violin in 1746, six years before the musician was even born.  This violin can be seen on display at Mozart’s birth house later on this free Salzburg walking tour.

As you wander through the pedestrian street, you’ll come across a lot of unusual doorways that are fun to photograph.  Some of the doors have Medieval armor-like embellishments, a few have a door within a door, and others like house #2 have a charming coat of aged blue paint.

You’ll also notice that many entries will also have chalk markings on them saying  20+C+M+B+18 .  These markings are a Catholic tradition usually put above one’s door to bless visitors on the 12th night of Christmas, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany.  In Salzburg, they take this spirit to a new level and use the chalk marks to bless visitors all year.  The 20 & 18 represent the current year, and the C, M, & B are the initials of the traditional names of the three wise men from the Bible known as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.  The initials also have a second meaning as they represent the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat which translates to May Christ Bless This Home.  The + signs are meant to be crosses that represent the protection of Christ.

Photos :  ( Narrow Streets  |  Joseph Mohr’s Home Sign ).

9. Mozart Footbridge ( Mozartsteg ):

About The Mozart Footbridge :  The pedestrian-only Mozart Footbridge ( Mozartsteg ) is named after Salzburg’s most famous resident and opened in 1903.  From the Northern bank of the Salzach River, you will great some of High Fortress gleaming over the steel arches of the Mozart footbridge.  The riverbank near the bridge is also a popular place both either fish or relax in the grass.

The Mozart Bridge was only the third built over the river into the heart of Old Town which is remarkable since Salzburg was started as the Roman village of Juvavum ( 15BC-488AD ).  From 15BC, the old Roman Bridge ( römische brücke ) was the only one to span the river and became covered in Medieval market stalls until it was replaced by the State Bridge ( staatbrücke ) in 1599AD.  A second bridge wasn’t opened until 1859 when the first Caroline Bridge ( Karolinenbrücke ) was completed and was followed later in 1903 by the Mozart Footbridge.  The Love Lock Bridge from earlier in this free Salzburg walking tour was the fourth to open in 1905.

In the movie The Sound of Music, the Mozart Footbridge is where Maria and the kids skip across the river while pointing during the instrumental end to the song  ‘My Favorite Things’ .  Along the bridge’s grassy riverbank, the children also skip along during the film scene.  To learn more about the nearby film sights see our  Sound Of Music Movie Tour .

10. Mozart Square ( Mozartplatz ):

About Mozartplatz :  With a giant statue of the city’s number one son, Mozart Square is the coolest place to enter Old Town Salzburg.  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart made Salzburg his home for the first 25 years of his life ( 1756-1781 ) before moving to Vienna, and the  Mozart statue  dominates the center of the square.

When the statue was being added in 1841, the city found the foundations of two Roman Villas complete with 3 magnificent mosaic floors below the square.  The top layer of mosaics had an inscription that read “Here lives the luck, nothing evil should be allowed” in Latin.  Due to poor initial preservation, only 9 sections of the floors and an original color drawing of the findings remain today and can be viewed at the Salzburg Museum.

The real highlight of Mozartplatz may be the exterior of the beautiful pink  Church of Saint Michael  which dates back almost 1,000 years before Mozart to 813AD.  The inside of the church is a little bland to be worth your time, but the outside pop of color is excellent.  During WWII, an air raid bomb blasted a hole just steps from the Mozart statue, but luckily both it and the church were unharmed.

If you need to refuel for the rest of the free Salzburg walking tour, we suggest stopping for a coffee and pastries at the sprawling  Café Glockenspiel .   The cafe has a nice outdoor seating in the square plus a covered balcony area which are perfect both for people watching.  From the balcony, we especially love watching all of the  horse carriages  that line up in Mozartplatz.

11. New Residenz & Panorama 1829 :

About The New Residenz :  Starting in 1587, the Archbishop started began opening up a new main square for Salzburg including the building of  New Residenz ( Neugebäude )  on the square’s Eastside. The mansion-sized New Residenz replaced a tight grouping of Medieval homes, served as the Archbishop’s guest house, and today holds museum space.  Notice the huge  Glockenspiel Bell Tower  sitting on top of the New Residenz.  If you are lucky enough to be there when it chimes ( 7am, 11am, & 6pm ) you will hear the Glockenspiel’s 35 bells from the 1600s ring out a tune set to match the current month.  At the top of the Tower is a depiction of an upside down flaming heart surrounding the solar system is meant to symbolize God’s love for all of creation.

Inside the New Residenz, there are a few different things to do that make it worth a stop.  If you are looking for great local knickknacks and handcrafted items make sure to stop by the  New Residenz’s Heimatwerk Shop .  If it is a rainy day, consider checking out both the workshop and the Salzburg Museum of History and Art ( website ) inside the complex. There you can find many of the  Roman artifacts that have been discovered from Salzburg’s early days at the as the settlement of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD ).

The one thing you really shouldn’t miss, which is attached to the New Residenz, is the  Salzburg Panorama 1929  ( website ) painted by Johann Michael Sattler.   The Panorama boasts a series of stunning 360-degree panoramic paintings of how many European cities looked in the early 1800s.  The mural of Salzburg is pretty straightforward, however, figuring out what European cities are in the others paintings is set up as a fun game.  They even give you a cheat sheet so you can verify your answers after you’ve investigated the murals.

Salzburg Museum Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm; Closed Mondays.   Salzburg Museum Cost :  Adults 8.50€; Kids 4€; Family pass 17€.   Panorama Hours :  Daily 9am-5pm.   Panorama Cost :  Adults 3€; Kids 1€.    Glockenspiel Tower Hours :  Carillon plays music Daily at 7 am, 11 am and 6 pm.   Glockenspiel Tower Tours :  March-October Thursday 5:30 pm, Friday 10:30 am and by prior arrangement.   Glockenspiel Tower Cost :  Adults 4€; Kids 2€.  Panorama Website :   Here .   Museum Website :   Here .

12. Residenz Square & Fountain :

About Residenz Square :  Before modern Salzburg, the Residenz Square was once  part of an ancient Roman Forum  with an altar to Jupiter and a Pantheon Temple dedicated to all the gods.  While the Forum was largely built over in the centuries after the Romans left in 488, modern excavations of Residenz Square have revealed a lot.  Beneath the square, they found blocks from the time of Emperor Septimius Severus ( 193-211 ), ruins of Roman buildings, walls, a road, and a Weihealtar with inscriptions of the river god Iuvavus.  A 4-foot-tall part of the Jupiter Altar ( 2nd or 3rd century AD ) was found during renovations of the square in 2008.

In 1587, the Archbishop of Salzburg leveled many Medieval homes that had been built over the Forum as well as a cemetery so he could expand his palace and open the area up into a large square with  Italian style architecture .  Originally called Main Square ( Hauptplatz ), this new space was lined with Baroque buildings as it became the heart of town and today still shows off the Archbishop’s Italian ambitions.  Circling the square clockwise is pink Saint Micheal’s Church to the North, the  New Residenz  ( Neugebäude )  to the East, the  Salzburg Cathedral ( Dom )  to the South, and the  Old Residenz ( Alte Residenz )  to the West.

The vast Residenz Square is well known to movie lovers as the place where the Von Trapp family performs  ‘I Have Confidence in Me’  in the movie The Sound of Music.  Maria enters through the Domplatz arches on the Southwest corner of the Residenz Square and splashes in the 45 foot tall  Horse Fountain ( Residenzbrunnen ) .  The Horse Fountain is the focal point of the busy Square and is complete with a Triton which matches Bernini’s famous Triton Fountain in Rome.  Completed in 1661, the Horse Fountain is considered the largest Baroque fountain located outside of Italy.

The people watching in Residenz Square is fantastic as it if the center of everything Salzburg.  There have been local painters setting up in Residenzplatz forever, and many of them even take on fake Italian last names so they can charge higher rates for their work.

13. Gold Lane ( Goldgasse ):

About Goldgasse :  The curved and narrow Goldgasse alleyway gains its name from the goldsmiths that once had their shops here in Medieval times.  While the prestigious shops along Goldgasse are still a little upscale today, this will be your first look at Salzburg’s picture perfect back lanes.  For us, the highlight of the alley is the beautiful  Gasthof Goldgasse Restaurant  ( website ) which resembles an Alpine lodge inside.  The restaurant has excellent meals and is one of our favorite place of this free Salzburg walking tour to get traditional Austrian food.  They have lunch specials daily ranging from 11-19€ including a meal and dessert.

Gasthof Restaurant Hours :  Daily Noon-11pm; kitchen open until 10 pm; reservations suggested during lunch and dinner.   Gasthof Restaurant Website :   Here .

14. Old Market Square ( Alter Markt ):

About Old Market :  The city gained grain market rights in 996AD ( when Austria was formed ), but it wasn’t until after Salzburg was granted political sovereignty from Bavaria in 1297AD that the Old Market Square really took shape.  While it may seem tucked away today, the long Old Market ( Alter Markt ) served as  Medieval Salzburg’s main marketplace .  The location of the square was a vital gateway going back to Roman times as it directly lined up with the only bridge crossing the river into town from 15AD until 1859AD.  We love the square’s Saint Florian Fountain which goes back to 1488 and has a statue of the Saint added in the 1700s.

The weekly fresh produce market moved to University Square in 1857, but the Old Market ( Alter Markt ) is still great to visit as there are tons of shops and stands selling  excellent tourist souvenirs .  Some buildings of note around the square are Salzburg’s smallest house ( #10a ), and the  old Royal pharmacy  called the Hofapotheke ( #6,  website ).  The former Royal pharmacy dates back to 1591, has a beautiful Rococo facade which as added in 1777, and is fun to photograph.

You will also want to check out the Café Konditorei Fürst (#13,  website ) where confectioner Paul Furst created the now world-famous  Mozart Chocolate Balls  known as Mozartkugel in 1890.  We like to sit down at Cafe Furst for a coffee with our chocolate, but they have perfect sized mini-gift boxes of Mozartkugel available for sale if you are on the go.  You can wash your chocolate down with an uplifting cup of coffee or a fancy ice cream drink from Cafe Tomaselli ( #7,  website ) which is the  oldest cafe in Austria .  Frenchmen Johann Fontaine opened the first cafe in Salzburg on nearby Goldgasse in the year 1700, which was moved to the present location in 1764 and acquired by Carl Tomaselli in 1852.  Cafe Tomaselli was a favorite of Mozart who would come here for their almond milk.

Just off the Northwest corner of the Old Market is the slightly hidden  Old Town Hall ( Alter Rathaus ) .  Built in the 1300s as a Citizen’s Hall, the city bought the building to use as the Town Hall in 1407 and added the bell/clock tower.  The tower served as the lookout for the nightwatchman in Medieval times, and its clock also has a timeless moon dial.  In 1618, the marble statue of Justinian was added above the door to represent the justice of the court inside.  The Old Town Hall was given a Rocco-style facade in 1772, and the government offices later moved to Mirabell Palace in 1947.

15. Old Residenz Palace :

About Old Residenz Palace :  When they call it the Old Residenz Palace, they aren’t kidding.  There has been a mansion here for Salzburg’s Archbishop  since 1120AD  including the current one which was rebuilt in 1596 as part of an Italianate makeover.  To enlarge the Old Residenz Palace and open up a new town square, the Archbishop had to tear down a bunch of Medieval homes and a cemetery which themselves had been built over an ancient Roman forum.

Today you can tour 15 of the Palace’s  elegant staterooms  which are lavishly decorated plus a classic art gallery that has Rembrandt and Ruben paintings.  Film lovers may remember that in the Sound of Music movie, the palace had a giant Nazi flag draped on the facade of the Old Residenz Palace facing the square.

Hours :  Wednesday-Monday 10am-5pm; Closed Tuesdays.   Time Required :  It takes about 30 minutes for the Staterooms and 45 minutes for the art gallery.   Cost :  Adults 12€; Kids 5€; Family Pass 22€.   Guided Tours :  90-120 minute guided tours for large groups; audio guides are also available for smaller groups and individuals.   Website :   Here .

16. Salzburg Cathedral ( Salzburger Dom ):

About Salzburg Cathedral :  The Salzburg Cathedral ( Dom ) is by far the  biggest church in Old Town , faces 3 town squares at once, and is where Mozart was baptized.  The original Christian parish on the grounds was completed by Saint Virgil ( Bishop from 767-84 ) and was about half the size of the current Cathedral.  This first parish was consecrated on September 24th, 774 when the remains of  Saint Rupert  were moved here and an annual festival still marks the day.  Saint Rupert was the Bishop of Worms who came here in 696 to establish a new center to spread Christianity in the region.  Rupert spent the next 20 years building churches and a convent in what remained from the then sparsely occupied Roman town of Juvavum which once filled all of today’s Old Town.  While Saint Rupert’s work is considered the  founding of modern town , the name Salzburg wasn’t used until after Bishop Virgil ( from Ireland ) took over the church building work of his predecessors and was in honor of the ancient fort that was on the site of Nonnberg Abbey.

Bishop Virgil’s parish was subject many fires and expansions over the centuries and grew into a large complex including a choir, clergy house, a crypt, and cemetery.  After a 10 year rebuild from a fire in 1167, the Virgil Dom become the  mightiest Romanesque Cathedral  North of the Alps.  Another huge fire in 1598 led to church’s 8th re-build and the magnificent Baroque style Salzburg Cathedral you see today.  The new cathedral was planned by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau who was already in the midst of revamping the neighboring Residenz Palace and new square with help from an Italian architect.  Some say he may have even been involved in the fire as an excuse to clear more room for his other building projects.  Although he was anti-Protestant, Bishop Raitenau was expelled by Bavarian forces and imprisoned for life after refusing to join the Reformation’s Catholic League.  The next Bishop was both a relative and nemesis of Raitenau, but also stayed out of the Catholic League and laid the cornerstone for the Cathedral in 1614 ( opened 1628 ).  It is a miracle that the new Salzburg Cathedral was built at all as most of Austria got swept up in Europe’s Catholic versus Protestant  30 Years’ War  during the construction.  While other cities were in the middle of this turmoil, Salzburg was able to rely on its rich salt production to have enough money to  remain independent  from the War.  Because of their independence, Salzburg was able to build this massive Church while most other cities had to scale back on their building projects.

Before entering the Salzburg Cathedral it is hard to miss the beautiful  Virgin Mary ( Madonna ) Statue  in Dom Square in front of the doors.  While it appears odd that the Mary statue is looking away from the church, further inspection reviles that the statue is actually interacting with the Church’s facade.  The two angels on the front of the Church are holding a crown and as you walk closer their relation to the Mary Statue give the appearance that they are actually placing the crown on her head.  Moving closer to the Cathedral’s entrance you’ll notice large scene with the  Statues of Four Saints  ( 1600s ) and three towering bronze gates ( 1900s ).  The 4 statues are of Saint Rupert holding a salt barrel, Saint Virgil with a church, Saint Peter with keys, and Saint Paul holding a sword.  Statues of apostles as well as Moses and Elijah are further up the facade.  The three gates are made to represent the  Three Virtues  ( Göttliche Tugenden ) and go from left to right: The  Gate of Faith  ( Tor des Glaubens ) the  Gate of Love  ( Tor der Liebe ), and the  Gate of Hope  ( Tor der Hoffnung ).

Inside the entrance look for the bronze baptismal font ( 1311 ) with lion statues ( 1200 )  where Mozart was baptized .  The most impressive part of the interior is the  huge 233 foot tall dome  which is painted into two eight piece sections depicting scenes from the Old Testament to go with murals of Passion of the Christ along the nave.  During WWII a bomb crashed right through the dome, but luckily didn’t explode.  Also awaiting the curious traveler is the working organ from 1703 that Mozart played during two years as the Church’s organist, an old tomb filled crypt with exposed pieces of the old Romanesques foundations from both 774 and 1167, plus an interesting Cathedral museum ( website ) covering 1300 years of history.  While the modern 4,000-pipe organs impressive, the 7 huge tower bells ( 2 from the 1600s ) are a real treat.  The group of bells is considered the finest sounding in Austria and among them, the  Salvator Bell , is the second largest in Austria weighing 14 tons.

Hours : Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm & Sundays 1pm-6pm; Summer months open until 7pm; Winter Mondays closes at 5pm.   Cost : Free, however donations requested.   Mass : Sunday 10am.   Organ Performance : June-Sept Wed & Sat 11:15am for one hour.   Museum Hours : Wednesday-Monday 10am-5pm ( last entrance 4pm, closed Tuesdays ); Open daily in December; July & August also open daily until 8pm.   Museum Cost :  Adults 10€, Kids Free.

17. Chapter Square ( Kapitelplatz ):

About Kapitelplatz :  The vast Chapter Square ( Kapitelplatz ) is named after the high clergy of Salzburg Cathedral who lived here in the Cathedral Monastery ( Domkloster ) through Medieval times.  When the monastery was disbanded in 1803, it and the rest of the square was opened up revealing glorious wide-angle views of the High Fortress above .  Today Chapter square is very festive hosting music and artist events, a huge beer tent during some holidays, outdoor movies in the Summer, and has a number of very interesting sights.  The Chapter Square is also where Maria catches the bus from Salzburg to visit the Von Trapp Family for the first time during the hit 1965 film The Sound of Music  while singing “I Have Confidence”.

The first two things to check out in Chapter Square are the giant  over-sized chess board  with two-foot-tall pieces and a 30-foot-tall yellow orb sculpture topped with a man standing on top.  Called Sphaera, the orb was made in 2007 by artist Stephan Balkenhol as part of a series of works with the same male figure across Europe ( Mann on Giraffe ,  Mann on Stump ,  Mann on Elk ).  If you’ve been to Munich Germany’s city center, you may have noticed the same male figure from this Salzburg sculpture walking off a steel beam in another of the Balkenhol’s works.  Locally the work is called Mann auf Mozartkugel after the famous round local treats made out of chocolate you may remember from earlier in this free Salzburg walking tour.

Continuing through Kapitelplatz Square, you’ll run into a medieval  Horse Bath Fountain ( Kapitelschwemme )  from 1732 AD which is framed by two lovely trees.  Nowadays the Horse Bath is more of a well and pond, but back in the 1700s it served as the equivalent of a full-blown car wash for your horse.  The area around the fountain is also an excellent spot for photos of the High Fortress on the hilltop above you.

If you have been looking for a bathroom, there is a public restroom under the archways separating Kapitelplatz from Cathedral Square.  Also under the archways, opposite the bathrooms, is the  Coat of Peace copper statue by artist Anna Chromý which is one of our favorite hidden gems of Salzburg.

Photos : ( Chess Board  |  Horse Bath ).

18. Stieglkeller Beer Hall & Restaurant :

About Stieglkeller :  The Beer Hall that locals recommend the most to us is the historic  Stieglkeller  which is elevated 1/4 the way up the side of Mönchstein Hill.  Partially shaded by trees, the multi-leveled beer garden has room for over 1000 guests and almost every outdoor table has a great view of Old Town Salzburg.  It is a perfect place to rest your feet and grab a beer on a warm summer afternoon.  The inside of the Beer Hall is decorated to look like an old hunting lodge and has good traditional food.

One of the main reason locals love Stiegl so much is that they opened their brewery in Salzburg in 1492 and are the largest brewery in Austria that is still privately owned.  Located on the South of Mönchstein Hill, you can visit the Stiegl Brewery and museum for daily tours.  There are two other very popular beer halls and beer gardens in Salzburg.  The  Sternbraeu  off of Getreidegasse Street, but it does not have the same commanding view as StiegKeller.  There is also the classic 1,000 seat  Bräustübl Tavern  attached to a monk’s brewery from 1621, which is our overall favorite and where we will end this Old Town Salzburg walking tour.

StieglKeller Hours :  Daily 11am-10pm; open until 11pm in Summer.   Website :   Here .

19. Fortress Funicular ( Festungsbahn ):

About The Funicular : There has been a lift up Mönchsberg Mountain to Hohensalzburg Fortress since at least two decades before 1515AD and a modern funicular since 1892.  It is by far the easiest way to get up the cliff side as it turns a very steep hike into an easy 54 second ride.  The glass enclosed cars can carry 55 people per trip and service 1.7 million visitors a year.

Hours : Varies but usually 8am-Midnight.   Cost : 2-4€.  Your ride will be added onto your ticket for Hohensalzburg Fortress.   Website :   Here .

20. High Salzburg Fortress ( Hohensalzburg ):

About High Salzburg Fortress :  Since 1077 AD, this castle-like High Salzburg Fortress ( Hohensalzburg ) has been towering over Salzburg from Mönchstein Hill offering an ever steady sense of protection. Thanks to an expansion around 1500 AD, Hohensalzburg is one of the largest fortifications in Europe and one of the only ones never over taken by force.

With views grand enough to match The High Fortress’ massive scale, the castle has easily become Salzburg’s number one tourist attraction.  Hohensalzburg holds a decent  Fortress Museum and  Medieval Prince Apartments  which are worth a visit, but the best room is the gilded,  Golden Fortress Room .  Even if you are short on time at least stop to take in the 360 degree views which let you see all over Salzburg and even all the way to the Alps toward the South.

Hours : May-September 9am-7pm; October-April 9:30am-5pm; last admission 30 minutes before close.   Cost : With Staterooms and funicular Adults are 15.50€ and Kids 8.70€.  You can save a couple euros by hiking up and a couple more by visiting by 10am during peak season.   Website :   Here .

21. Saint Peter’s Cemetery ( Petersfriedhof ):

About Saint Peter’s Cemetery :  The beautiful Saint Peter’s Cemetery has been in use since before 700 AD, and its cliff-side catacombs go back even  further to 215 AD .  With wrought -iron headstones, this beautiful flower-filled cemetery may be the most peaceful stop on our free Salzburg walking tour.  You can even get some get vantage points in of the Salzburg castle high above you as you stroll among the tombs.

In the beginning, Saint Peter’s Cemetery was reserved only for the burials of monks living in the neighboring monastery until it was opened to the public in 1454.  The oldest surviving headstone is from 1288 AD, and the cemetery is also where Mozart’s sister Maria Anna and composer Michael Haydn are buried.  You can find their graves in the entrance to the catacombs explained next on their free Salzburg walking tour map.  There is even an American buried in the cemetery as Major General Harry Collins, who was the commander that liberated Dachau Concentration Camp in 1945, met his second wife in Salzburg and moved here after the war.

Our favorite graves are the 7 tightly clustered iron cross headstones from the 1700s for the Stumpfegger family.  Local folklore save that Sebastian Stumpfegger murdered his 6 wives and they are all buried there together.  In reality, the graves are for the stonemason Stumpfegger, his parents, and his 4 wives.  None of the wives were murdered and 3 of the 4 died in childbirth which was very common at the time, even more so since Stumpfegger had 21 kids.

The most interesting thing about Saint Peter’s, unlike most cemeteries around the world, is that you do not buy the plots but instead rent them.  Relatives of the dead must pay rent for each plot every 10 years and must also be the caretakers.  If your family doesn’t pay your rent, the church tosses your body out.

In the center of the cemetery is the Gothic-style stone chapel which was dedicated to Saint Margaret in 1170.  Now used as a mausoleum, the church was originally built as Amandus Chapel around 700AD by Saint Rupert before being rebuilt in 1170 and again in 1491.

In the mid-1600s, iron-gated arcades holding private family tombs were added ringing the cemetery.   In the 1965 movie ( and 1959 play ) The Sound of Music, these archways and headstones were depicted as where the Von Trapps hid from Nazis  during their escape, although the actual scene was filmed in Hollywood.  Behind the arcades on the Eastern side of the cemetery is the Saint Peter’s Bakery which is the oldest in town going back to 700 and is famous for its sweetbread.

Cemetery Hours : April-September 6:30am-7pm; October-March 6:30am-5:30pm.   Cemetery Cost : Free.

22. Saint Peter’s Catacombs :

About The Catacombs :  While touring the cemetery, you may also notice a number of window-like holes along the Southern cliffside in the cemetery which are the now empty catacombs.  As the Roman’s carved away stone to build their city of Luvaum ( 15BC-488AD ) part of the cliff-side started to be used by early-Christians for assembly and hermitage as early as 215AD.  Because the Pagan Romans used cremation and didn’t allow burials inside of town ( except for Emperors ), the catacombs likely weren’t used for the dead much or at all until after the Empire adopted Christianity in the 300s.

Near the entrance to the catacombs are the graves of Mozart’s sister Nannerl and composer Michael Haydn.  After climbing stone 48 steps you find chapel of Saint Gertrude ( died 659 ) dating back to 1178 and 36 steps further up is the chapel for Christian martyr Maximus ( died 250 ).  both of the cliffside chapels were dedicated by Archbishop Conrad of Wittelsbach in the 1170s.  Seeing the mainly bare underground catacombs requires hiking up a lot of stone steps carved inside the cliff, but the views of the cemetery below are stunning.

Catacombs Hours : May-September Daily 10am-6pm; October-April Daily 10am-5pm; Closed on holidays.   Catacombs Cost : Adults 2€; Kids 1.50€.

23. Saint Peter’s Abbey :

About Saint Peter’s Abbey :  Saint Peter’s Abbey was established by Saint Rupert, who is considered the founder of modern Salzburg , in 696AD.  Saint Rupert ( Frankish missionary & Bishop of Worms ) was given this control of this former Roman town of Juvavum ( 15BC-476AD ) by the Duke of Bavaria ( Theodo ) to revive it into a Christian stronghold.  This spot was chosen for his church as there had already been an abbey for monks established here by  Severinus of Noricum ( 410-482 ) in as early as 450AD.

Officially established in 696, Saint Peter’s Abbey is the  oldest church in Salzburg and is also the oldest continuous monastery in the German-speaking world.  Before his death in 710, Saint Rupert also started a second small abbey on the site of today’s Salzburg Cathedral ( Dom, established in 774 ), Amandus chapel ( now called Saint Margaret s) in the Saint Peter Cemetery, and other churches in the region which earned him the title of Patron Saint of the Salt Miners.  Rupert’s own sister Erentrudis was inspired to build Nonnberg nunnery on the towns original fort in 711 which is world’s oldest continuous Christian women convent.  Two of the sons of the Duke of Bavaria ( Theodo ) who sent Rupert to establish churches ruled Bavaria out of Salzburg ( 702-725 ) instead of Regensburg to see the work be sustained.  From 739- 987, the abbot of Saint Peter’s Church was automatically Bishop of Salzburg and even after that changed the monastery remained the residence of the Bishop until 1110.

Today’s Romanesque version of Saint Peter’s Church was built in 1130 ( dedicated in 1147 ) before getting its iconic steeple onion dome and Rococo-style interior in the mid-1700s.  The interior is the real treat of any visit to Saint Peter’s and the narrow nave is lined with Goliath-sized painted canvases under a muraled ceiling.  There is also a painting museum area from the 1600s known as the Long Gallery, but the impressive walls of the main nave are more interesting.  Next to the altar where Saint Rupert is entombed are the tombs of Mozart’s sister Maria Anna Mozart and famous composer Johann Michael Haydn.  The monastery’s 10,000 book library is the oldest in Austria including over the 800 old-world manuscripts with the most precious being the  Verbrüderungsbuch , brought here in 784 by Bishop Virgil.

In the square facing the entrance to the abbey is a central statue of Saint Peter looking up to the steeple while praying.  Along the north side of Saint Peter’s Square, you can see an excellent vertical sundial on the archway leading to the Franciscan Church which we will visit soon on our free Salzburg walking tour.

360 Degree Tour :  Amazing virtual tour  here .   Church Hours :  Daily 8am-Noon and 2:30-6:30pm; No visits during mass.   Church Website :   Here .

24. Saint Peter’s Restaurant ( Stiftskulinarium ):

About Saint Peter’s Restaurant :  In addition to the historic bakery from 700AD, Saint Peter’s Abbey is also a destination for food lovers with their Stiftskulinarium Restaurant.  Widely considered  Europe’s oldest restaurant ,  Alcuin of York, an English scholar attendant ( liegeman ) of Emperor Charlemagne ate here first documenting the restaurant in 803AD.  The restaurant was later heavily written about starting in the 1300s and began extremely popular with nobility, the bourgeoisie, and the clergy by the 1700s.  Over time Saint Peter’s Restaurant has grown to have multiple dining rooms throughout numerous rooms of the former Benedictine monastery.

There are 11 dining rooms inside Saint Peter’s Restaurant and we have three favorite spaces.  The amazing Felsenstube Room is one of the oldest in the restaurant, is chiseled out of the cliffside hundreds of years ago, and is used for wine tastings.  Our other favorites are the exposed brick vaulted Rardstube Hall which was the wine cellar 1200 years ago and the Gothic-arched Innenhof Courtyard is one of the most timeless spaces you’ll find in Salzburg.  During the Christmas season, the Innenhof Courtyard is beautifully decorated like a wonderland to celebrate Advent complete with a gluhwein ( hot mulled wine ) stand.

Micheal Haydn, who was one Mozarts friends, the creator of the modern string quartet, and the little brother of famous composer Joseph Haydn also lived on the restaurant’s second floor ( 1760-63 ).   A dining hall named after him now takes up Haydn’s former room.  In 1809 French troops were even housed in the restaurant during Napoleon’s invasion.

The Saint Peter’s Restaurant is world-renowned for its nightly  Mozart Dinner Concerts  ( more info ) in their Baroque Ballroom which have been taking place since 1996.  Having seen the wonderful concert ourselves, we feel that it’s a splurge that is easy to justify with the highly talented singers & musicians, authentic 1700s-style costumes, and the perfect ballroom setting.  It’s hard to come to the city of Mozart and not want to hear some authentic performers doing his music.

Restaurant Hours :  Daily 11:30am-11pm ( reservations highly recommended ).  Restaurant Website :   Here .   Mozart Concert Time :  Night at 7:30pm; lasts 2.5 hours; doors open one hour early.   Mozart Concert Cost :   63-73€ with a 3-course meal ( drinks not included ).   Mozart Concert Website :   Here .

25. Franciscan Church ( Franziskanerkirche‎ ):

About Franziskanerkirche‎ :  There has been a church here since 1139, but it is the current Gothic-style one that will make your jaw drop.  You’ll enjoy trying to wrap your head around the scale of the forest of columns holding up the uniquely designed  vaulted canopy of a ceiling .  The breathtaking beauty is impossible to get into one photo unless you have a fish eye lens.  The interior is pretty bare as all of the color and attention is meant to be drawn to the gilded Virgin Mary alter in the center of the Church which dates back to 1709.

In addition to the goliath-sized pillars and stunning interior, you’ll also want to pay attention to the front door of the Franciscan Church.  There is a special element at the entrance known as the Asylum Hand which you should touch as you enter.  It is said that anyone who touches the hand is granted entrance regardless if they are guilty or pure.  This is significant as historically the Franciscan Church has been considered modest the church of the people while the mighty Salzburg Cathedral was the showpiece of the Prince-Archbishop.

Church Hours :  Daily 6:30am-7:30pm; No visits during mass.   Church Website : Here .

26. Festival Hall Complex :

About The Festival Hall :  The three-block-long Festival Hall complex is home to three performance theater and was the site of some of the best scenes filmed for The Sound of Music.  After the Saint Peter’s Benedictine Convent was closed ( 1125-1583 ) the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, had the Royal Horse Stables ( Hofmarstall ) built on the Western end of today’s complex over ten years starting in 1599.  The stables held over 150 horses and were later expanded Eastward with an indoor Winter Riding School in 1662 and an open-air Summer Riding School carved into the cliffside in 1693.  The riding school quickly became important to Salzburg’s upper class for horse training and riding competitions similar to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

For the 5th annual Salzburg Festival in 1925, a section of the former horse stables complex was re-built as the  Small Festival Hall Theater ( Kleines Festspielhaus ) and became the new home for the event.  The following year the former open-air Summer Riding School area was turned into a second performance space for the Salzburg Festival.  Originally carved out of the stone cliffside in 1693 in a former quarry, the space has an impressive 3-level, 96-box viewing gallery and is well-nicknamed the  Rock Riding School ( Felsenreitschule ).   We love how the arched portal stone wall looks like a gladiator arena especially since Salzburg was originally a Roman town called Luvaum ( u-va-voom ) established in 15BC.  Now serving as the lobby for the Rock Riding School Theater, the massive Karl Böhm Hall was the original indoor winter riding school built in 1662.  This vast space is highlighted by a 600 square meter ceiling mural painted in 1690 depicting Turkish military exercises on horseback.

The open-air Rock Riding School theater gained a partial roof ( now fully retractable ) in the 1930s and is where the real-life Von Trapp Family Choir won the singing competition in 1936.  Although the family had left Salzburg before the first Salzburg Festival under Nazi occupation in 1938, the Festival Hall was used in the filming of some key scenes in the 1965 movie The Sound of Music.  In the film, the Von Trapps perform a melody mashup on the stage before then Captain sings  ‘Edelweiss’  with help from the audience followed by the family joining in  ‘So Long, Farewell’  before they exit and make their escape.

During their conversion into theaters, the Small Festival Hall and the Rock Riding School were connected with a large foyer completed  covered in beautiful frescoes .  While the Nazis covered up the frescoes during their WW2 occupation of Salzburg, they were thankfully brought back to life in 1956.  After a lot of work, the painted lobby and original indoor theater ( Small Festival Hall ) were renovated as the new House for Mozart ( Haus für Mozart ) in 2006, celebrating  250 years since Mozart was born  in Salzburg.

A third theater was added onto the complex in 1960 known as the Large Festival Hall ( Großes Festspielhaus ) which has one of the largest stages in the world at 100 meters wide with steel plate backdrop.  You can still see some of the original entrance arches on the outer walls in the foyer leading to the Large Festival Hall Theater as well as on the Western exterior of the complex.

Address :  Hofstallgasse 1.   Guided Tour Cost :  Adults 7€; Kids 4€.   Guided Tour Hours :  50 minute guided tours are at 2pm daily ( also 9:30am, 2pm & 3:30pm in July & August ).   Photo :  ( Exterior from the West ).   Website :   Here .

Featured On : Sound of Music Movie Tour .

27. University Square ( Universitätsplatz ):

About University Square :  Salzburg’s main open-air market sits in the vast University Square with growers from all over the region selling delicious produce.  Known as the Green Market ( Grünmarkt ), it was established in 1857 and is still open daily.  We recommend recharging here by buying some fruit and taking a short break to do some people watching.

On the Southside of University Square is the massive Collegiate Church which was started in 1694, but took over 70 years to fully complete as the original  builder went blind  a few years into the project.  This cathedral was where Mozart premiered “Mass in D minor” on February 5th, 1769 which is one of his prettiest arrangements.  While the size of the white Church is awesome, the interior is fairly bland.

Tucked away along the West side of the Church is a large grassy square called Prince′s Park ( Furtwänglerpark ) which was once part of a Franciscan Monastery then by the 1600s the University of Salzburg.  With most of Salzburg’s squares paved over since Medieval times, there aren’t many huge green spaces like this in the heart of Old Town.

Turning around to the Northside of University Square, you’ll see numerous windows on the backside of Mozart’s Birth Place House ( Universitätspl #14 ).  We will visit Mozart’s house next on this free Salzburg walking tour and it gives you some great elevated vantage points to admire the scale of Collegiate Church towering over the square.  We love to exit University Square toward Grain Lane ( Getreidegasse ) through the narrow Medieval pathways connecting the two streets called Through House Alleys ( Durchaus ).  There are more than ten covered alleyways all filled with shops, but our favorite is Roittner-Passage which connects Universitätsplatz #15 through to Getreidegasse #7 via a gorgeous courtyard.

Outdoor Market Hours : Monday-Friday 7am-7pm; Saturday 6am-3pm; Sunday Closed.   Church Website :   Here .

28. Mozart’s Birthplace ( Geburtshaus ):

About Mozart’s Birth Place :  On January 27th, 1756 one of the true pioneers of Classical music was  born in this very home , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  You simply can’t miss the home with its bright yellow facade and large groups of tourists milling around the entrance.  This museum is by far the most visited Mozart landmark in Salzburg.

The three stories of interesting exhibits are labeled in multiple languages and take about 90 minutes to get through.  Everything starts on the 3rd floor where you are introduced to the different members of the family and even get to check out the room Mozart for born in.  The 2nd floor primarily focuses on Mozart as a composer of operas.  There are a ton of set models and costumes from his operas, plus excerpts from Mozart’s most famous operas for you to listen to.  We especially love the different  musical instruments  that are on display including one of the famous violins Mozart performed with.  The 1st floor and final floor is dedicated to everyday life of the family both while at home and while traveling.  The collections included 18th-century travel utensils, original documents, and paintings telling the Mozart family’s story in Salzburg and abroad.  A few of the rooms are staged with period furniture to help give you the atmosphere of the age.

Hours :  Daily 9am-5:30pm; in July & August open until 7pm; last entry 30 minutes before closing.   Cost : 10€ for Adults; 3.50€ for kids; 21€ for a family ticket.  Combo ticket available with his adult home.   Guided Tours :  While the Museum is mainly self-guided and takes 90 minutes, you can book a staff-guided tour as well for 66€ per group.  All staff tours must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.   Website :   Here .

29. Grain Lane ( Getreidegasse ):

About Getreidegassee :  Grain Lane, or Getreidegasse ( pronounced Ga-try-Da-gah-sa ), is the main shopping street in Salzburg since Medieval times.  It is complete with high-end stores like Louis Vuitton, many jewelry stores ( schmuck ), and even a very  fancy McDonald’s  which has silverware and outdoor seating.  You can really see the Medieval roots of this compact pedestrian street by the signage that hangs above each shop.  In the Middle Ages  almost no one could read  so instead of having signs with business names on them, the shops would hang an icon for their trade or craft.  Notice how the signs for the hat maker, locksmith, umbrella shop and many more have kept this signage tradition alive.  One of the best parts of this free Salzburg walking tour is getting lost among the shops on Getreidegasse for a good hour and it’s even better if you stop by any of the roadside gelato stands for a delicious treat.

At the beginning of Getreidegasse Street is a very inviting bar known for its schnapps drinks called the  Sporer Schnapps Pit Stop  ( No 39,  website ).  Sporer has located in the building since 1905 and their staff very English-language friendly.  If you like what they have to offer you can even buy an eighth of a liter ( achtel ) of schnapps to bring with you.  It’s crazy to think that there have been homes documented on the site of the Sporer shop going back to Roman times in 174AD with the current house dating to 1407.

Even if you aren’t shopping make sure to stop into the  active Wieber Blacksmith Shop  ( No 28,  Facebook )   to get a real life look into the trade as local craftsmen hammer their red-hot creations into an anvil.  They make everything from custom keys, modern works, and the decorative outdoor signs that adorn the street’s shops.  There has been a blacksmith here  since 1415AD  and the current shop is on its 4th generation of owners.  Make sure to also check out the Sound of Music World Museum at the western end of the lane ( No 47, website ) which is run by the same group that manages the Von Trapps family’s real-life home in Salzburg.

Sporer Shop Hours :  Monday-Friday 9:30am-7pm; Saturday 8:30am-5pm; Closed Sundays.   Blacksmith Hours :  Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm; Closed Saturday & Sundays.   Sound Of Music World Hours :  Daily 10am-6pm.

30. Horse Bath ( Pferdeschwemme ):

About The Horse Bath : Hugging the side of Mönchsberg Hill is Salzburg’s largest Medieval horse bath ( Pferdeschwemme ) which in the Middle Ages were like car washes for horses.  Because this horse bath was part of the neighboring Royal Stables ( Hofmarstall ), the Prince-Archbishop had the mural backdrop and statue of a horse being tamed added to the sprawling fountain in 1693.  In the movie The Sound of Music this was where Maria and the kids danced around while singing  ‘My Favorite Things’ .

There are actually two of these Medieval horse baths remaining in old town Salzburg with the larger painted one located here which was part of the Royal Stables ( Marstallschwemme ) and a smaller one in Chapter Square ( Kapitelschwemme ) from earlier in this free Salzburg walking tour with a beautiful fountain drooping trees.  Like all of the fountains in Salzburg, this one is fed by a series of underground water canals said to go back to Roman times which were later revamped in both the 700s and the 1200s, long before most of today’s Baroque structures were built.

31. Winkler Terrace :

About Winkler Terrace :  High above the West side of Salzburg on Monks’ Hill ( Mönchsberg ), the breath-taking Winkler Terrace has stunning panoramic views of Old Town.  The amazing view from the stone terrace was highlighted in the movie The Sound of Music during a number of scenes including the song  Do Re Mi .  The neighboring M32 Cafe ( website ) was once Cafe Winkler before the Modern Art Museum ( website ) was built here, but the terrace has been preserved.

Overall our experience visiting the cafe has been very negative as it is the only place in Salzburg we have ever got really bad service and it has happened to us three times here.  That being said, we suggest going up for the city views on the sprawling terrace which is free but if you want coffee or food then visit either the nearby Stadt Cafe next to the Militia Wall which also has amazing views or check out the fancy Schloss Mönchstein Hotel.  Both of these alternatives are explained next on our free Salzburg walking tour.

Getting Up To Winkler Terrace :  The most accessible way up is the  Mönchsberg Elevator  which sits behind the Salzburg Museum and takes you directly to Winkler Terrace.  Look for the pink row house along the cliff with a large MdM above the entrance.  The elevator is fully inside the cliff while the tube-like tower on the side is actually the Gstätten Tower.  Alternatively, can take a taxi to up the backside of the cliff to M32 Cafe or the stairs at Toscaninihof ( behind the Festival Hall ) to the top of Mönchsberg and reach the terrace with a 15-minute walk.

Elevator Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 8am-9pm; Monday 8am-7pm.  July & August Daily 8am-11pm.   Elevator Cost :  Adults 2.30€ one way or 3.60€ round trip; kids half off.   Modern Art Museum Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; Wednesday 10am-8pm; Closed Mondays.   Museum Cost :  8€.   Photos : ( View From Terrace  |  View From Cafe at Night  |  Schloss Mönchstein  |  Johannesschlössl ).

Other Nearby Sights:

32. militia city wall ( bürgerwehr ):.

About Bürgerwehr :  Near the Winkler Terrace is the amazing the timeless fortified Militia Wall ( Bürgerwehr ) which was built on the hilltop from 1465-80 to protect the West side of Salzburg.  This is the only place in Salzburg with the remnants of the Medieval city wall really feels mighty as it is over forty feet tall .  Other defensive structures on top of the cliff top include the Mülleggertor Gate ( 1280 ), Frey Palace red tower ( Roter Turm-1278 ), and eventually wraps around to the High Fortress from earlier on this free Salzburg walking tour.

While you stroll along the ramparts of the Burgerwehr wall, the small Stadt Alm Cafe ( website ) is one of our favorite places to get coffee in Salzburg.  Located inside a small hostel, Stadt Alm still has decent views with plenty of seating, but less crowded and less expensive than the M32 Cafe ( horrible service ) on Winkler Terrace.

33. Castle Mönchstein Hotel :

About Castle Mönchstein Hotel :  The beautiful Castle Mönchstein ( Schloss Mönchstein ) was first documented 1350AD as the Tetelheimer Tower ( Tetelheimer Turm ).  For the most part, the tower served as a home and fort until Saint Peter’s Monastery acquired the property in 1654 as a retreat for its professors.  During this period the tower was expanded and called the  Professors Castle .  What is now the tower room on the castle was then used as an astronomical observatory. Castle Mönchstein was turned into a luxury hotel in 1948 and has gone on to win countless castle hotel and restaurant awards.  It is one of our favorite castle hotels in the world and a great place to stay in Salzburg.  Even if you can’t stay here, walking past the castle and the grounds are pretty impressive.

Hotel Website :   Here .

34. Augustiner Monks Beer Hall :

About The Augustiner Beer Hall :  There is no better place to end a long Salzburg walking tour than an amazing Augustiner Beer Hall ( Bräustübl ) that has been open since 1621 AD.  The  beer is even older  as before coming to Salzburg, the Augustiner monks opened a brewery in Munich in 1328.  Over the centuries the monks perfected brewing and their light beer ( Helles ) is our favorite.  Out of the beer hall’s 1500 seats, we like hanging out in the outdoor beer garden section the most.

When choosing where to sit there  two types of service , Waiter Service ( bedienung ) and Self-service ( schank ) where you wash your own cup at the cleaning fountain ( krüglwasch brunnen ) before getting your beer.  The mugs themselves are a great throw back as it is one of the only places still serving beer in traditional  ceramic beer steins .  Waiters do not serve food, but as long as you purchase a drink mug you can bring any food you want with you.  You can either bring your own food with you picnic-style or hit up the deli upstairs for a great selection of pizza, deli meat, and cheese.

Depending on how early arrive, consider  touring the brewery  to see what happens behind the scenes and get an exclusive tasting.  Tours run Monday-Friday afternoons with advanced booking for 13.90€ per person.  They require a minimum of 10 people, but you may be able to join an existing group, online booking here .  From the tavern you can easily walk up the back side of the Monchsberg Cliff to get a great night time view of Salzburg.  The Mönchstein elevator closes after midnight, so if you are trying to get into Old Town from the cliff viewpoint late at night you will need to back track to the Bräustübl Tavern and follow the river back.

Hours :  Monday-Friday 3-11pm; Saturdays-Sundays and public holiday 2:30-11pm.   Photos :  ( Traditional Stein  |  Wooden Kegs  |  Slideshow from Brewery ).   Website :   Here .

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

Tourist Map of Salzburg

Beautiful Salzburg, whose name means salt castle, is the fourth largest city in Austria and the birthplace of the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. We elaborated this tourist guide specially to give you to know the palaces and castles, the summer musical festivals, the natural landscapes at the foot of the Alps, places that make the place a romantic and calm option to discover during a trip to Austrian lands. It is said that, just walking its streets is like visiting an open-air museum. This is a metropolis where art, literature and gastronomy fairs abound.

• 1 Tourist Map of Salzburg
• 2 Tourist Guide to Salzburg
• 3 What to see in Salzburg
• 4 Salzburg Hotel Map

Salzburg is truly a tourist city, a baroque jewel with a deep-rooted mountain character. Bordered by the river Salzach, a few meters from the Alps, this small city is located 300 kilometers from Vienna, the capital of Austria and is the capital of the federal state of Bundesland. The land of the Mozartkugel, a pistachio cake, wrapped in praline and covered with dark chocolate, has a long history dating back to the Bronze Age, when Celtic peoples inhabited these slopes. It later belonged to the Roman Empire and was an important commercial and political centre at this time, which fell into decline shortly afterwards, until Saint Rupert founded a new town governed by archbishop princes until the nineteenth century. Salzburg’s tourist attractions cater for all tastes, both refined and simple.

While it is true that people can enjoy the majesty of palaces and an old historic centre, which was declared a world heritage site under the protection of UNESCO and whose streets demonstrate the true charm of a multicultural city, they can also find fun in visiting peaceful and unique places to eat peacefully and enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes, as well as participate in the more than eleven festivals that take place in the city, especially in the summer season and whose themes include film, literature, poetry, among others. The best time to visit Salzburg is in the summer, as the temperature is usually friendlier to visitors and stays between 17 and 25 degrees on average during the day and drops to ten or eleven degrees at night. Winters are generally cold, with temperatures dropping to zero degrees and, in the event of snow, down to -7 degrees. It is capable of shining by itself and delighting its visitors with the magnificence of its gastronomy, especially in terms of pastries, since it is the place of origin of delicious cakes, which have no equal in the rest of Europe.

Tourist Guide to Salzburg

To travel to Salzburg, a city connected both to Vienna, the capital of Austria, as well as close to Munich, an impressive city in Germany, is to walk through narrow streets that, at certain times of the year such as Christmas, are filled with a unique charm that they acquire with the first snowflakes that fall on the city. But it is not only at this time that you can enjoy the city, but also in summer with its festivals, which are famous throughout the world and in the rest of the year with the large number of restaurants, bars and places to taste the best of the cuisine. The museums, palaces such as Hellbrunn, the number of squares, Mozart’s House and the option of walking or cycling tours make it a charming and peaceful tourist destination, full of cultural experience and good food. Walking through the historical centre is like being on the stage of a fairy tale, with structures that preserve the best of the Middle Ages, between the Baroque and the Romantic.

What to see in Salzburg

Mirabell palace.

The Mirabell Palace is the first option if you want to tour a beautiful baroque infrastructure, with luxurious rooms as well as beautiful and spacious gardens. Currently, part of this building houses the city council offices, that is, the office of the mayor and the city councilors. Also, some of its halls, such as the Marble Hall, are used to give the best parties and serve as a stage for majestic weddings and concerts. The gardens, whose design dates back to 1690, feature baroque-style geometric shapes and are aligned with the cathedral and other buildings.

Mozart’s Birthplace

Mozart’s Birth House is one of the highlights of the tour of Salzburg. The 9th house on Getreidegasse Street was the place where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s most illustrious son, was born, 27 January 1756. Mozart lived with his parents Leopold and Anna Maria and his sister Nannerl for twenty-six years. In 1773 they moved to the Mozart Residence at the “Makartplatz”. Today, the residence is one of the most visited museums in the city and a true place of worship for fans of the world-famous artist and composer.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress is the best-preserved castle in Central Europe and is the annual visitor centre for thousands of tourists who choose Salzburg as their holiday destination. The structure is located on the Festungsberg mountain and from its location you can see an impressive view over the baroque rooftops of the city. Its objective was to be the place from where the monarchy and the principality were offered protection from the attacks of enemies, with this intention it was built in the year 1077, but five hundred years later it was managed to finish its infrastructure until achieving the appearance that it has at the moment.

Hellbrunn Palace

There are over four hundred years of history at Hellbrunn Palace. It was designed and built as a palace of rest and recreation for the royalty and impacts both locals and visitors with so-called water games. This summer residence was built quickly, between 1612 and 1615. The builder Santino Solari was responsible for its construction, who also built the Salzburg Cathedral. With Hellbrunn Palace, Solari created one of the most ostentatious buildings of the late Renaissance north of the Alps. Being located on the slopes of the HellbrunnerBerg mountain, water became part of the palace architecture and from there games were designed with which the princes offered entertainment to their guests.

Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in the small Austrian city. It’s a question of a baroque building constructed in the 17th century in honor to Rupert of Salzburg, founder of the city. It’s decorated with a front, which constitutes one of his principal attributes, as well as a huge dome of Italian style. The Salzburg Cathedral is the most emblematic religious building in the city. It is also the most important monument of baroque art in the northern Alps. Its structure is a symbol of resistance to adversity as it remains unscathed and impeccable despite a large number of fires that could devastate it.

Salzburg Zoo

The Salzburg Zoo has 140 species of animals and 1,200 specimens on some fourteen hectares of land, divided into environments according to the continent from which the animals come. There are exotic species such as the white rhino or the red panda, there are also spaces according to the area of the world. For example, there are jungle environments and a lion’s den, there are areas that represent Eurasia and animals very typical of countries like India and Australia. All the animals are kept in environments that are as close as possible to their natural habitat. That is why, besides being a family outing, this is an ideal excursion to learn about natural history and world fauna.

Salzburg Museum

The Salzburg museum has a number of features that make it a great choice for visitors. In addition to impressive collections, works of art and objects of interest, it has a multimedia interaction section that is a very valuable and educational source of information. The museum is located in the NeueResidenz or New Residence, a building belonging to the royal family of Salzburg. The exhibits cover themes that highlight the enrichment and development of the city and the contributions of its rulers. There are samples covering areas of literature, poetry, science, architecture, photography, music, among others. Another room shows the development of life in the principality, in the areas of art, culture and history and everything is displayed in the exhibition “MythosSalzburg”. These are two of the main attractions of a museum that will make knowledge an enjoyment for every visitor.

Getreidegasse

The Getreidegasse, or Grain Street, is the most important area in the historic centre of Salzburg, it is the place where the traditional and the modern are perfectly blended, for the enjoyment of the visitor. In this area you can visit Mozart’s Birthplace, walking through these streets is a walk where you can appreciate traditional places and places where users can enjoy and acquire the latest in fashion and international avant-garde brands. Besides, the inns that are settled in the place are really historical places. The architecture is really beautiful, magnificent portals, decorated with works of art and places where the best of Salzburg’s gastronomy is offered.

DomQuartier

Salzburg’s DomQuartier is also known as the “Cathedral Quarter”. It was the power center of the monarchy-archbishopric that ruled the principality for centuries. This street forms a trilogy in which the cathedral, the library and the palace stand out, as well as a network of museums that are worth visiting and touring. With just one entrance, visitors can marvel at five different museums that show the history and evolution of Salzburg. There are several examples of the most representative baroque art in the city on display. Although this route was unjustly closed for years, today justice has been done and locals and visitors alike can finally visit what was once the centre of power in Salzburg.

Salzburg Puppet Theatre

The Salzburg Puppet Theatre is considered one of the best in the world and the most representative in this area. It is a show with a well-achieved performance, with a unique artistic and aesthetic rigor. In the Puppet Theatre the audience can watch ballets, storytelling, operas and operettas, musicals and all kinds of shows in which puppets can come to life and delight with unique movements. They are a century old and, despite being puppets, they present works from the universal classical repertoire such as Mozart’s The Magic Flute, the Salzburg classic, The Sound of Music, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream or Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince.

Salzburg Hotel Map

The best option for travelers who want to visit Salzburg is to stay in hotels that are located in the central area of the city. This will give them better access to the most recommended sights and help them to get around more easily. There are 37 five-star and 224 four-star hotels in the city. Prices range from $17 per night for the cheap ones to $90 or $100 per night for the more expensive ones, which include first class services. The Hotel Sacher is one of the first options, which stands out on the list of recommendations because it has good facilities, the most comfortable and an impeccable service. In addition, they highlight the attention to their personality. It is a five-star hotel. Another good option is the Lasserhoff Salzburg, especially because of its location in the city centre, which gives access to the train stations and the historic city centre.  But, if you are looking for more options, there are also guest houses and rental apartments available.

Video of Salzburg’s most impressive sights

World Map » Austria » City » Salzburg » Salzburg Tourist Attractions Map

Salzburg tourist attractions map

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Pride Festival 2024: Pride Parade/CSD

Route: Südtiroler Platz, Central Station – Rainerstrasse – Markus-Sittikus-Straße  – Schwarzstrasse – Auerspergstrasse – Rainerstrasse – Mirabellplatz Schloss Mirabell – Dreifaltigkeitsgasse – Makartplatz – Schwarzstraße – Staatsbrücke – Rudolfskai – Nonntaler Hauptstrasse – Josef-Preis-Allee – Ulrike-Gschwandtner-Straße ARGE KULTUR – final rally 7pm

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Impressions

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Mozart in the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace

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