Ultimate Salzburg Travel Guide: Best Sights, Tours & Hidden Gems
Salzburg is one of those cities that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re humming a Mozart tune, the next you’re skipping through baroque gardens pretending to be Julie Andrews (don’t worry, we’ve all done it). Nestled between the Alps and the Salzach River, Salzburg is a city that blends music, mountains, and enough strudel to make your stretchy pants feel very necessary.
I’ve wandered its cobblestone lanes, climbed its fortress towers, and even dodged trick fountains that seemed personally offended by my dry clothes. So grab your imaginary lederhosen, and let’s dive into the best things to do in Salzburg—because this place is too good to rush.
Wander Through the Old Town (Altstadt)
The Old Town is Salzburg’s beating heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like it was designed by someone who really loved pastel colors and dramatic squares.
Start on Getreidegasse, the city’s famous shopping street. Even if you’re not in the market for a dirndl or hand-painted Easter egg, the wrought-iron shop signs are a delight. Plus, this is where you’ll find Mozart’s Birthplace. Yes, the bright yellow house where baby Wolfgang once lived. Inside, you can admire his childhood violin and manuscripts—and quietly wonder why your own childhood hobbies didn’t change the course of music history.
Over in Residenzplatz, you’ll be surrounded by the Salzburg Cathedral, horse-drawn carriages, and pretzels that are so big they could double as steering wheels.
Storm the Hohensalzburg Fortress
Okay, not literally. But the Hohensalzburg Fortress sits so high above the city that it practically begs to be explored. Take the funicular if you’re feeling civilized, or hike up if you want to feel like you’ve earned your next pastry.
Inside, you’ll find medieval rooms, weapons, and even a Marionette Museum (apparently 17th-century Netflix was all about puppets). But the real star is the view: Salzburg sprawled out below, framed by the Alps. It’s the kind of view that makes you think, “Wow, I could live here”—right up until you remember what Austrian winters are like.
Pretend You’re in The Sound of Music at Mirabell Gardens
If you’ve ever wanted to prance around singing “Do-Re-Mi,” Mirabell Gardens is your stage. Just don’t be surprised when other visitors join in—this is basically Salzburg’s unofficial karaoke spot.
Beyond the movie magic, the gardens are genuinely beautiful, with fountains, sculptures, and flowerbeds that look like they’ve been arranged with a ruler. Inside the palace, the Marble Hall is a stunner, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a Mozart concert that feels straight out of an imperial fairy tale.
Follow the Mozart Trail
You can’t escape Mozart in Salzburg—and honestly, why would you want to? His face is on chocolates, souvenirs, and even hotels. But behind the kitsch lies the real story of a genius.
Start at his Birthplace on Getreidegasse, then head to his Residence on Makartplatz. Both are museums filled with instruments, family portraits, and enough history to make you feel cultured.
For the ultimate experience, snag a ticket to a Mozart concert in a historic hall. Candlelight, violins, and a dash of 18th-century flair—it’s classy, romantic, and probably the fanciest way you’ll ever spend a Tuesday night.
Join the Sound of Music Fan Club
I’ll admit it: I hopped on one of those Sound of Music tours and sang along with strangers on a bus. Zero regrets. The tour takes you to iconic filming spots like Nonnberg Abbey, Hellbrunn Palace, and the famous gazebo where Liesl sang “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.”
If tours aren’t your style, visit Hellbrunn on your own—the trick fountains will keep you laughing (and slightly damp), and the palace grounds are lovely. Bonus: you can smugly tell people you “discovered” it without a tour guide.
Pop Into Salzburg’s Churches
Salzburg doesn’t do boring churches. The Cathedral is so grand it’ll make you whisper “wow” as soon as you walk in, and yes—Mozart actually played the organ here. St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery is serene, historic, and also makes a cameo in The Sound of Music. Then there’s Kollegienkirche, a baroque beauty so white and bright it could double as a minimalist Instagram backdrop.
Museums for Rainy Days (and Curious Minds)
If the weather decides to be dramatic (spoiler: it often does), Salzburg’s museums will keep you busy. The Salzburg Museum covers the city’s history, the DomQuartier is an art-and-history powerhouse, and the Haus der Natur is basically a playground for science nerds and kids alike. Where else can you learn about space, dinosaurs, and fish—all before lunch?
Step Into Nature
One of the best things about Salzburg is that nature is literally right at your doorstep. The Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg hills offer easy hikes and unbeatable views. Perfect for burning off a pretzel—or at least convincing yourself you did.
For something more epic, hop on the Untersberg Cable Car. Ten minutes later, you’re standing in the Alps with trails, caves, and a view so wide you’ll feel like an extra in a mountain commercial.
Eat, Drink and Be Very Merry
Austrians take food seriously, and Salzburg is no exception. Start with Wiener Schnitzel (crispy perfection), then save room for Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé so fluffy it could double as a pillow. Pretzels the size of your head are sold everywhere, so don’t fight it—embrace the carb life.
For drinks, head to Augustiner Bräu, a beer hall run by monks. Here’s the routine: grab a mug, rinse it, fill it with fresh beer, and enjoy. Add a sausage or roast pork, and you’ll fit right in.
Shop Like a Local (or Tourist—No Judgment)
Sure, there are souvenir shops, but Salzburg’s markets and boutiques are full of gems. Pick up Christmas ornaments (yes, even in July), hand-painted eggs, or the original Mozartkugel chocolates from Café Fürst. Pro tip: the mass-produced ones don’t compare to the real deal.
Festivals & Seasonal Fun
Salzburg knows how to party with class. The Salzburg Festival, held each summer, is basically the Oscars of classical music. Even if you don’t snag tickets, the energy around the city is contagious.
Winter? The Christmas markets turn the Old Town into a snow globe. Mulled wine, fairy lights, and roasted chestnuts—need I say more? Spring and Easter markets are equally charming, with stalls that’ll make you wish your suitcase had expandable sides.
Day Trips Worth the Effort
If you can tear yourself away from Salzburg, the surroundings are jaw-dropping. Hallstatt is basically a fairy tale town on a lake (and yes, it’s as pretty as Instagram makes it look). Cross into Germany to see Berchtesgaden and the Eagle’s Nest, or keep it chill with a day at Wolfgangsee, a lake perfect for swimming, boating, or just pretending you own a lakeside villa.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip
- When to Go: Summer is lively but crowded, winter is pure magic with markets, and spring/fall hit the sweet spot of fewer crowds + nice weather.
- Getting Around: Walking is the way to go—every corner feels like a photo op. But if your feet tap out, hop on a bus or grab a bike like a local.
- Pro Hack: Grab a Salzburg Card. It covers buses, attractions, and helps you feel smug about saving money.
Final Thoughts
Salzburg is one of those cities that just sticks with you. Between twirling through gardens, stuffing your face with schnitzel, and humming Mozart tunes, it’s impossible not to fall in love. It’s a city that feels both grand and cozy, where every corner looks like it was designed for a postcard.
So pack your appetite, your walking shoes, and maybe a few Sound of Music lyrics—you’ll need them. Just don’t blame me if you catch yourself singing “Edelweiss” on the plane home.
