Visit Salzburg to enjoy medieval architecture, music festivals and a sophisticated food scene. This scenic city sits on the banks of the Salzach River. Take a cruise on the water to get your bearings. Walk along the shores on the weekends to experience the Salzach Galleries (Salzachgalerien), a fabulous open-air market.
On the Salzach’s western bank is Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt), a World Heritage Site where building is strictly regulated in order to preserve the area’s original flavor. You’ll find many historic attractions, including the Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) and Mozart Square (Mozartplatz). Overlooking the stately square of Residenzplatz, is the Residenz palace where the rulers of Salzburg lived in the 1500s. Visit this ornate building to see grand chambers and works by Rembrandt and other European masters. On the medieval street of Getreidegasse you can shop for high-end clothing and traditional souvenirs, and visit Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus).
Bordering the Old Town is the towering Mönchsberg mountain. Ride the cable railway to the top of the mountain to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), among the largest and most impressive castles in Europe.
Cross to the eastern banks of the river to walk up Salzburg’s tallest city peak, Kapuzinerberg. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic city views that are especially grand at sunset.
Beyond the city, visit the Baroque villa of Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn). It’s famed for beautiful gardens and whimsical Trick Fountains. Kids will love dodging the water shot from sculptures and hidden wall fountains.
Music plays a major part in Salzburg’s cultural scene. Hear the work of the city’s celebrated native son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart during the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), held in summer. Take a guided tour around some of the locations used in one of the world’s most beloved musical movies, The Sound of Music. Any tour is sure to take you to Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell), where there are impressive monuments and gardens.
Salzburg’s food scene is as diverse as its other attractions, with coffee houses, beer halls and award-winning restaurants. Sample homemade cakes and strudels at Café Tomaselli, Austria’s oldest café. Beer drinkers will enjoy a variety of traditional breweries, including the famous Augustiner Brewery.
Salzburg
Where to stay in Salzburg
City Centre Salzburg
City Centre Salzburg is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Mirabell Palace and Gardens and Mirabell Gardens.
Altstadt Salzburg
Preserving a rich urban fabric, the UNESCO-listed Historic Center boasts sites like Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mozart's birthplace. Stroll along Getreidegasse, a bustling narrow shopping street lined with high townhouses.
Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Historic sites, shopping, and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace and Gardens or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.
Schallmoos
Get to know Schallmoos by checking out its shopping, restaurants, and historic sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Linzer Gasse or Mirabell Palace and Gardens during your time in the area.
Nonntal
Nonntal is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nonnberg Abbey and Domkirche.
Riedenburg
Unique features of Riedenburg include the shopping and historic sites. Make a stop by Leopoldskron Palace or Stiegl's World of Brewing while you're exploring the area.
Reviewed on May 11, 2024
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Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024
Popular places to visit
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
See one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world at this magnificent palace, originally built as a grand gesture of love.
Salzburg Cathedral
Step back in time to the eighth century at one of Salzburg’s most important historic sites and one of Europe’s most beautiful churches.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Hop on a cable car and climb up to this mountaintop fortress, one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.
Mozart's Birthplace
Learn about the life, family and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart via exhibitions in the rooms of the house where he was born.
Hellbrunn Palace
This palace, originally a summer residence for the archbishops of Salzburg, is famous for the whimsical water games of the Trick Fountains.
Mirabell Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Mirabell Gardens, a lovely green space in Salzburg. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.
Things to do
The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner
Salzburg Day Trip from Vienna
Salzburg: Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace
Salzburg Cathedral: Organ Concert at Midday
Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket
Reviews of Salzburg
5/5 - Excellent
In touring Christmas markets, we found Salzburg's had the most unique selection of crafts and food.
5/5 - Excellent
A fun city, good options for hiking and seeing sound of music filming locations
3/5 - Okay
We had been trying for weeks to get tickets to go to music festival events while in Salzburg, but it seems that in watching who was attending the music concerts, it was only local Austrians who were attending. They obviously had easier access.
5/5 - Excellent
We found the people very helpful and so many spoke very good English. Prices here were reasonable as well.
4/5 - Good
Salzburg is beautiful being surrounded by the Alps. It’s has charm and had many outdoor musicians. The fortress is a gorgeous focal point.
5/5 - Excellent
Lovely place; this was my second time in Salzburg and I’ll hopefully be coming back again.