Things to Do in Salzburg, Österreich

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is a UNESCO World Heritage city that perfectly blends baroque architecture with alpine beauty. Nestled between the Salzach River and the dramatic peaks of the Austrian Alps, this enchanting city captivates visitors with its well-preserved medieval and baroque old town, crowned by the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress. The city's musical heritage permeates every cobblestone street, from Mozart's birthplace to the grand concert halls where classical performances echo through the centuries. Beyond its musical fame, Salzburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring magnificent palaces and gardens to savoring traditional Austrian cuisine in cozy beer gardens. The city gained additional international recognition as the filming location for 'The Sound of Music,' drawing fans from around the world to its picturesque landscapes. With the stunning Salzkammergut lake region just a short drive away and world-class skiing in winter, Salzburg serves as the perfect gateway to Austria's natural wonders while maintaining its status as one of Europe's most culturally significant cities.

Top Things to Do in Salzburg

Sound of Music Tour

Follow in the footsteps of the von Trapp family through Salzburg's most scenic locations featured in the beloved musical film. These tours typically include visits to Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the picturesque village of Mondsee where the wedding scene was filmed. You'll learn fascinating behind-the-scenes stories while enjoying some of Austria's most beautiful landscapes.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €40-55 and run year-round with multiple daily departures. Book half-day tours (4 hours) for the best value, and choose morning tours for better lighting and fewer crowds at photo spots.

Mozart Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through guided walks that visit his birthplace, family residence, and other significant locations throughout the old town. These tours provide deep insights into 18th-century Salzburg and the musical genius who shaped classical music forever. Many tours include visits to Mozart's actual living quarters and feature live musical demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Walking tours range from €15-25 and typically last 1.5-2 hours. Book tours that include entrance fees to Mozart's birthplace (€12) for better value, and choose morning tours when museums are less crowded.

Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit

Explore one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval castles, perched 120 meters above Salzburg's old town. The fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps, along with fascinating exhibitions about medieval life and Salzburg's history. The fortress houses historic state rooms, torture chambers, and an impressive collection of medieval weapons and armor.

Booking Tip: Fortress entry with funicular costs €16-19 for adults. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Combined tickets with audio guides provide excellent value at €20-23.

Salzburg Food Walking Tour

Discover authentic Austrian cuisine through guided food tours that visit traditional markets, historic cafes, and local eateries throughout Salzburg's old town. Sample regional specialties like schnitzel, apple strudel, and locally brewed beers while learning about culinary traditions and food culture. These tours often include visits to the historic Salzburg Christmas Market (seasonal) and traditional beer gardens.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost €60-80 and typically last 3-4 hours including multiple tastings. Book tours that include traditional beer garden visits, and choose afternoon tours when restaurants are fully operational.

Day Trip to Hallstatt

Journey to the fairy-tale lakeside village of Hallstatt, often called the world's most beautiful village, nestled between pristine Lake Hallstatt and towering alpine peaks. This UNESCO World Heritage site features charming 16th-century houses, ancient salt mine tours, and breathtaking mountain scenery that has inspired countless artists and photographers. The village offers opportunities for boat rides, cable car ascents, and exploring one of the world's oldest salt mines.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost €45-65 and include round-trip transportation (2.5 hours total travel time). Book small group tours for more personalized experiences, and choose tours that include boat rides or salt mine visits for added value.

Getting There

Salzburg is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods. Salzburg Airport (SZG) is just 4km from the city center and receives direct flights from major European cities, with airport buses running every 10 minutes to the main train station (€2.60). The city is excellently connected by rail, with direct trains from Vienna (2.5 hours), Munich (1.5 hours), and Zurich (5.5 hours). By car, Salzburg sits conveniently on the A1 autobahn, approximately 300km west of Vienna and 150km southeast of Munich, making it an ideal stop on any central European road trip.

Getting Around

Salzburg's compact old town is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The efficient public transportation system includes buses and trolleybuses that connect the city center with outlying areas, with single tickets costing €1.30 and day passes at €4.20. The Salzburg Card (€29-45 depending on duration) provides free public transport plus admission to most attractions and is excellent value for visitors planning to see multiple sites. Taxis are readily available but expensive, while bike rentals (€15-20/day) offer a pleasant way to explore the city and nearby countryside along well-maintained cycling paths.

Where to Stay

Altstadt (Old Town)

Neustadt (New Town)

Mirabell District

Riedenburg

Nonntal

Salzburg Airport Area

Food & Dining

Salzburg's dining scene beautifully balances traditional Austrian cuisine with modern culinary innovations. Traditional beer gardens and gasthäuses serve hearty local specialties like wiener schnitzel, salzburger nockerl, and tafelspitz, paired with excellent Austrian wines and locally brewed Augustiner beer. The old town features numerous historic cafes perfect for coffee and apple strudel, while the Getreidegasse and surrounding streets offer everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy wine bars. Don't miss visiting a traditional heuriger (wine tavern) or the famous Augustiner Bräu beer hall, one of Austria's oldest breweries, where locals and visitors gather in communal beer garden atmosphere.

When to Visit

Salzburg is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is late spring through early fall (May-September) when weather is warmest and all attractions are fully operational. Summer months offer the famous Salzburg Festival (July-August), featuring world-class classical music and opera performances, though this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds. Winter transforms the city into a magical wonderland, especially during the Christmas season (November-January) when traditional markets fill the squares with festive atmosphere, though some outdoor attractions may have limited hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Salzburg Card for significant savings on attractions and transport - it pays for itself after visiting just 2-3 major sites

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress via the walking path instead of the funicular for free access to the fortress grounds and equally stunning views

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (2:30-5:30 PM), so plan your meals accordingly or seek out cafes and international restaurants that stay open all day

Things to Do in Salzburg