What to do in Salzburg

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic castle on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and a mountain range in the background.
A town with historic buildings, a river, and a hill with trees.
A historic square with a fountain, a clock tower, and a building with a dome.
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A historic church with a pointed steeple, surrounded by residential buildings and lush greenery.

Salzburg Attractions

If you are looking for some excitement while touring Europe, you can find plenty of fun things to do in Salzburg, Austria. Famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here, and the city still remains a top cultural and arts capital to this day. While taking Salzburg tours, you can also see lovely waterways and cobblestone streets lined with vintage shops in many places throughout the city.

One of the must see places in Salzburg is the elaborate Mirabell Palace. The current main building of the palace was constructed during the 18th century. Beautiful gardens featuring manicured lawns and intricate floral arrangements surround the palace.

You can also visit the peaceful tourist resort area known as the Salzkammergut, if you are interested in seeing some of the natural beauty around the city. This area offers gorgeous views of the Traun River and nearby mountains. This area is also one of the most ideal spots to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and cycling.

If you are in the mood to check out some museums, you will definitely have no trouble finding them in Salzburg. You can even pick up a map to locate many of the best local museums. Modern art pieces created by some of today’s most acclaimed artists are on display inside the Rupertinum Museum of Modern Art. You can also observe extensive collections of antique toys inside the Spielzeugmuseum. The Mozart Museum celebrates the life and works of the famous composer and is one of the top attractions in Salzburg.

Salzburg excursions offer some of the most rewarding travel experiences. You can enjoy all of the wonderful Salzburg activities and save big on your travels when you book your hotel rooms and flights through Expedia

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace offers a romantic history as well as an excellent example of baroque architecture. In 1606, Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, had this splendid palace built for his mistress Salome Alt. Another prince archbishop had the palace redesigned by prominent baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hilterbrandt in the 1700s. Today, it’s the official seat of Salzburg’s mayor and is famous for its pristine gardens.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, a well-maintained garden with geometric flower beds, and a castle in the background.

2. Salzburg Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is famous for its long and dramatic history. Mozart was baptised here and later became the cathedral’s organist.
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An ornate church interior with a high ceiling, intricate carvings, and a central altar.

3. Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse (also known as Grain Lane) offers upmarket boutiques set amongst medieval streets and picturesque courtyards, musicians and performers. This is a great outing whether you’re a serious buyer or just window shopping for a few hours. During the late 1500s and early 1600s, this area was a main thoroughfare leading to Bavaria. It was popular with wealthy merchants and was one of the city’s most desired neighborhoods. Today, the stylish fashion and jewelry boutiques help to preserve the exclusive aura — but everyone is welcome.
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A street lined with buildings adorned with ornate signs and decorations.

4. Mozart's Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburthaus) is the childhood home of one of the world’s most famous and prodigious composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Following his birth in 1756, Mozart lived here with his family until 1773. Mozart’s Birthplace became a museum in 1880 and has acquired numerous original artifacts from the composer’s widow and children. It presents a fascinating insight into the upbringing, life and talent of a musical genius.
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A room with wooden furniture, including a piano, chairs, and a table.

5. Hellbrunn Palace

The Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) draws visitors from around the world for its beautiful gardens dotted with intricate and surprising Trick Fountains. Children and adults alike will marvel at this amusing water display.
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A large yellow building with a central entrance, surrounded by a courtyard with potted plants and outdoor seating.

6. Fortress Hohensalzburg

Just a short cable car ride from the city you’ll find the impressive Festung Hohensalzburg, a name which translates to “High Salzburg Fortress.” Visit this walled castle to browse art exhibitions and museums and shop at the outdoor market. If you’re lucky there may be a concert on during your visit. This is a great family outing for an afternoon.
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A castle on a hill with a tower, surrounded by lush greenery and a field in the foreground.

7. Mozartplatz Square

Mozart Square (Mozartplatz) is dedicated to the world-renowned Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg in 1756. The square is centered around a statue of Mozart by German sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler. This impressive statue was unveiled in 1842, some 50 years after the composer of The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute and many other classic works of music died. Today, the square is one of the most popular sights in Salzburg and an ideal place to begin a tour of the Old Town.
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The Salzburg Museum and a historic church with green domes and towers.

What to do in Salzburg


Stay near popular Salzburg attractions

Where to stay in Salzburg

Find the best Salzburg areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salzburg
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Altstadt Salzburg

Historic sites, museums, and live music are some highlights of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Salzburg Museum while you're exploring.

Schallmoos

Visitors highly recommend Schallmoos for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Kartworld while you're in town.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Historic sites, shopping, and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.

Lehen

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Lehen. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Augustiner Brewery and Messezentrum Salzburg Exhibition Center, a few notable attractions nearby.

City Centre Salzburg

City Centre Salzburg is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Linzer Gasse and Old City Hall.

 

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Day trip destinations from Salzburg

Frequently asked questions

Is Salzburg worth visiting?
With a blend of watersports and cycling, there's no shortage of things to do in Salzburg. While you're here, head to Mirabell Gardens, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Salzburg?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Mirabell Gardens and Salzburg Zoo, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Salzburg.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salzburg?
You can't leave without visiting Mirabell Gardens, rated the top tourist attraction in Salzburg.
Is three days enough to stay in Salzburg?
Three days in Salzburg is plenty of time to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Mirabell Gardens, Untersberg Cable Car and Salzburg Zoo are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Salzkammergut.
Is Salzburg a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Salzburg. Several key attractions, such as Mirabell Gardens and Salzburger Landestheater, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Salzburg's neighbourhoods, City Centre Salzburg is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Elisabeth-Vorstadt is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Salzburg with kids?
What to do in Salzburg for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Salzburg, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Hofbrau Kaltenhausen Brewery or Stiegl's World of Brewing.
Are there free things to do in Salzburg?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Salzburg is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Mirabell Gardens is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

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