The Best Things to Do in Salzburg

Nestled between the dramatic Alpine mountains and the flowing Salzach River, Salzburg captivates visitors with its baroque architecture, musical heritage, and fairytale charm. As the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for “The Sound of Music,” this Austrian gem offers a perfect blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to historical landmarks, musical experiences, or breathtaking landscapes, our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Salzburg will help you craft an unforgettable Austrian adventure.

Perched dramatically atop Festungsberg hill, the Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles. Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, this imposing structure offers spectacular panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. Inside, you’ll discover lavishly decorated princely chambers, an impressive collection of medieval weapons, and fascinating museum exhibits detailing the fortress’s 900-year history.

For the best experience, take the funicular railway up to the fortress or enjoy a 15-minute walk up the hill if you’re feeling energetic. The State Rooms with their Gothic wood carvings and ornate tile stoves are particularly impressive. Don’t miss the Marionette Museum and the Fortress Museum to fully appreciate this architectural marvel.

Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a baroque masterpiece that invites endless exploration. Stroll along the narrow, winding streets lined with colorful buildings, charming cafés, and boutique shops. The pedestrian-only Getreidegasse, with its ornate wrought-iron guild signs, stands as the most famous shopping street where you’ll find everything from international brands to traditional Austrian crafts.

Don’t miss Residenzplatz and Domplatz, two magnificent squares connected by arches, or the beautiful Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) with its impressive dome and façade. The Old Town’s compact nature makes it perfect for exploring on foot, with hidden courtyards and atmospheric alleyways revealing new treasures around every corner.

Step into the world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at his birthplace on Getreidegasse 9. The yellow building where the musical prodigy was born in 1756 now houses a fascinating museum spread across three floors. Explore the original rooms where the Mozart family lived, view Mozart’s childhood violin and clavichord, and discover personal letters and family portraits that offer intimate insights into the composer’s early life.

The museum provides an excellent audio guide that brings the exhibits to life, explaining how Mozart’s formative years in Salzburg shaped his musical genius. For the complete Mozart experience, you can also visit the Mozart Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus) on Makartplatz, where the family moved when Wolfgang was 17.

Experience the musical soul of Salzburg by attending a Mozart concert in one of the city’s historic venues. The Mirabell Palace offers intimate chamber music performances in the stunning Marble Hall, where Mozart himself once played. For a truly memorable evening, book tickets for a concert at the Salzburg Fortress, where the combination of baroque music and breathtaking views creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

For a unique experience, consider a dinner concert at St. Peter’s Abbey (Stiftskeller St. Peter), one of Europe’s oldest restaurants dating back to 803 AD. Here, performers in period costumes present Mozart’s most beloved compositions between courses of a traditional Austrian meal inspired by 18th-century recipes.

Relive the magic of the beloved musical “The Sound of Music” by visiting the iconic filming locations scattered throughout Salzburg and its surroundings. See the Mirabell Gardens where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi,” visit Leopoldskron Palace which served as the family’s home in the film, and explore the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace where “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was performed.

Other notable locations include Nonnberg Abbey, where the real Maria was a novice, and the picturesque church in Mondsee where the wedding scene was filmed. While you can visit many locations independently, joining a dedicated Sound of Music tour provides transportation to the more remote sites and enriches the experience with behind-the-scenes stories and film trivia.

The geometrically arranged Mirabell Gardens (Mirabellgarten) offer a perfect example of baroque landscape design, with mythological statues, ornamental flower beds, and perfectly manicured hedges. Created in 1606 for the prince-archbishop’s beloved, the gardens provide stunning views of Hohensalzburg Fortress and are particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the flower displays are at their peak.

Don’t miss the Pegasus Fountain, the Dwarf Garden with its unusual marble figures, and the grand staircase leading to the Mirabell Palace. Film enthusiasts will recognize the gardens from “The Sound of Music,” while classical music lovers can attend concerts in the palace’s magnificent Marble Hall, considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world.

Just a short drive from the city center, Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) offers a playful escape from conventional sightseeing. Built in the early 17th century as a summer day residence, this palace is famous for its “trick fountains” (Wasserspiele) – a series of water-powered attractions designed to surprise and sometimes soak unsuspecting visitors.

The palace grounds include beautiful gardens, a stone theater, and the gazebo featured in “The Sound of Music.” The guided tour of the trick fountains is a must – be prepared to get a little wet as hidden water jets spray from unexpected places! The palace itself showcases impressive baroque architecture and beautifully preserved ceremonial rooms.

Located in the magnificent Neue Residenz palace, the Salzburg Museum offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s artistic and cultural history. The museum’s innovative exhibitions combine traditional artifacts with multimedia presentations to tell the story of Salzburg from prehistoric times to the present day.

Highlights include the Panorama Passage with its 19th-century panoramic painting of the city, the White Hall with its stunning ceiling frescoes, and the collection of historical musical instruments. The museum also houses impressive archaeological finds, beautiful examples of Gothic art, and temporary exhibitions focusing on various aspects of Salzburg’s rich heritage.

Perched atop the Mönchsberg, the Museum der Moderne offers a striking contrast to Salzburg’s baroque architecture. This contemporary art museum is housed in a minimalist building with spectacular views over the Old Town. The museum’s collection focuses on 20th and 21st-century art, with an emphasis on photography and graphic arts.

The museum actually consists of two locations – the hilltop Mönchsberg building and the Rupertinum in the Old Town. Both venues host rotating exhibitions of international contemporary art. Even if modern art isn’t your primary interest, the panoramic terrace at the Mönchsberg location makes the visit worthwhile, offering some of the best views of Salzburg.

The DomQuartier is a unique cultural highlight that combines five museums in one extraordinary tour. This complex allows visitors to explore the former center of power where Salzburg’s prince-archbishops resided and ruled. The circuit includes the magnificent State Rooms of the Residence, the Residence Gallery with its impressive collection of European paintings, the Cathedral Museum, the Museum of St. Peter’s Abbey, and access to the Cathedral Organ Loft.

The connecting terraces and galleries offer unusual perspectives of the Cathedral Square and St. Peter’s district. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring this comprehensive complex that provides deep insights into Salzburg’s religious and political history.

For a spectacular Alpine experience just outside the city, take the cable car up to Untersberg, the northernmost massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps. In just 10 minutes, the Untersbergbahn transports you from the valley station to an altitude of 1,776 meters, where breathtaking panoramic views await. On clear days, you can see not only Salzburg but also the distant Chiemsee lake and the surrounding Alpine landscape.

Untersberg offers activities for all seasons – hiking trails of varying difficulty in summer and skiing opportunities in winter. The mountain is also steeped in legend, with tales of Emperor Charlemagne supposedly sleeping inside until his beard grows around a stone table three times. Even if you’re not hiking, the mountain restaurant offers traditional Austrian cuisine with incredible views.

The Salzach River flows through the heart of Salzburg, dividing the Old Town from the newer parts of the city. A leisurely walk along its banks offers beautiful views of the cityscape and the surrounding mountains. The Love Lock Bridge (Makartsteg) is particularly popular, where couples attach padlocks as symbols of their love.

For a different perspective of Salzburg, consider taking a river cruise. These range from short city tours to longer journeys that venture into the beautiful countryside. During summer months, the riverbanks come alive with outdoor cafés and bars where you can relax and watch the world go by.

Rising on the eastern bank of the Salzach River, Kapuzinerberg offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. This wooded hill is crisscrossed with walking paths that lead past the Stations of the Cross up to the Capuchin Monastery at the summit. The climb is rewarded with spectacular views of the Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress from a different angle than most tourists see.

The hill is also home to remnants of the old city walls and the 17th-century Hettwer Bastion. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot chamois (mountain goats) that inhabit the steeper slopes. The Franciscan stairs (Imbergstiege), also known as the “dark staircase,” provide a atmospheric route up the hill from Steingasse.

Salzburg offers numerous opportunities to sample authentic Austrian cuisine in settings ranging from historic beer halls to elegant restaurants. Don’t miss local specialties like Salzburger Nockerl (a sweet soufflé dessert), Kasnocken (cheese dumplings), and Tafelspitz (boiled beef with apple and horseradish sauce). For a truly traditional experience, visit Stiftskeller St. Peter, which claims to be Europe’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 803 AD.

Other notable dining establishments include the historic Sternbräu brewery restaurant with its 14 different dining rooms, and the elegant Goldener Hirsch in the heart of the Old Town. For a more casual meal, try the Augustiner Bräu, Austria’s largest beer hall, where you can enjoy freshly tapped beer and simple food in a convivial atmosphere.

Salzburg’s café culture rivals that of Vienna, with historic establishments serving excellent coffee and pastries in elegant surroundings. Café Tomaselli, dating back to 1705 and once frequented by Mozart, offers a traditional coffee house experience with waiters in formal attire serving coffee on silver trays. Their house specialties include excellent hot chocolate and a variety of traditional Austrian cakes.

Café Bazar, overlooking the Salzach River, was a meeting place for intellectuals and artists in the early 20th century. For chocolate lovers, Café-Konditorei Fürst is a must-visit as the birthplace of the original Mozartkugel – a delicious confection of marzipan, nougat, and dark chocolate that has become Salzburg’s sweet signature.

Just over an hour’s drive from Salzburg lies the picture-perfect village of Hallstatt, often described as the most beautiful lakeside village in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is nestled between the crystal-clear Lake Hallstatt and the towering Dachstein mountains, creating a fairytale setting that has made it one of Austria’s most photographed locations.

Visit the world’s oldest salt mine, explore the fascinating Bone House (Beinhaus) with its painted skulls, or simply wander the narrow streets lined with 16th-century Alpine houses. For the best views, take the funicular up to the Skywalk viewing platform. While Hallstatt can be visited independently, organized tours from Salzburg provide convenient transportation and informative commentary.

The Salzkammergut, with its 76 lakes nestled among rolling hills and Alpine peaks, offers some of Austria’s most beautiful landscapes. A day trip from Salzburg allows you to explore charming lakeside villages like St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Mondsee, each with its own distinct character and attractions.

Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) is particularly popular, with opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking. Don’t miss the historic Schafbergbahn, Europe’s steepest steam cog railway, which climbs to the summit of Schafberg mountain for panoramic views over the lake district. The church in Mondsee, featured in “The Sound of Music” wedding scene, is another highlight for film enthusiasts.

Located about 40 km south of Salzburg, the Eisriesenwelt in Werfen is the world’s largest accessible ice cave system, extending more than 42 km into the mountain. A guided tour takes visitors through the first kilometer of this natural wonder, showcasing spectacular ice formations that have developed over thousands of years.

The visit involves a cable car ride followed by a 20-minute uphill walk to the cave entrance, and then about 700 steps inside the cave itself. The temperature inside remains below freezing year-round, so warm clothing is essential even in summer. The caves are open from May to October, and the combination of natural beauty and physical adventure makes this a memorable excursion from Salzburg.

For visitors planning to see multiple attractions, the Salzburg Card offers excellent value. This all-inclusive card provides free admission to all of the city’s major attractions and museums, free use of public transportation (including the fortress funicular and Untersberg cable car), and discounts on many cultural events and tours.

Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, the card can be purchased online in advance or at tourist information offices, selected hotels, and many attractions throughout the city. For most visitors who plan to see at least three or four major sights, the Salzburg Card typically pays for itself while also saving time by allowing you to skip ticket lines at many attractions.

Salzburg is a compact city that’s easy to navigate on foot, especially in the Old Town where many streets are pedestrianized. For longer distances, the city has an efficient public transportation system of buses and trolleybuses that connect all major attractions and neighborhoods. Single tickets can be purchased from drivers or ticket machines, while day passes offer better value for multiple journeys.

Cycling is another popular option, with numerous bike rental shops and dedicated cycling paths throughout the city. For a unique perspective, consider taking the elevator up to the Museum der Moderne on Mönchsberg, which provides not only access to the museum but also a shortcut to the walking paths along the ridge with beautiful views over the city.

If you’re visiting Salzburg during the winter months, the city’s Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere that shouldn’t be missed. The main Christkindlmarkt in front of the Cathedral dates back to the 15th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. Rows of wooden stalls sell traditional handicrafts, festive decorations, and seasonal treats like lebkuchen (gingerbread), roasted chestnuts, and warming glühwein (mulled wine).

Additional markets can be found at Mirabell Square, Hellbrunn Palace, and Fortress Hohensalzburg, each with its own unique character. The markets typically open in mid-November and run until December 26th, with some continuing into early January. Evening visits are particularly atmospheric when the lights twinkle against the winter darkness.

The Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) is one of the world’s most prestigious summer festivals for opera, drama, and concerts. Founded in 1920, it transforms the city into a global stage for the performing arts each July and August. World-class performances take place in spectacular venues including the Felsenreitschule (a former riding school carved into the rock), the Great Festival Hall, and various historic churches and palaces throughout the city.

While tickets for the main performances can be expensive and should be booked months in advance, the festival atmosphere extends throughout the city with free outdoor concerts, public viewings of selected performances, and special exhibitions. Even if you’re not attending a performance, the festival brings an extra dimension of cultural vibrancy to summer visits.

Salzburg offers a perfect blend of cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty that rewards visitors in every season. Whether you’re tracing Mozart’s footsteps through baroque streets, hiking in the surrounding Alps, or simply savoring a slice of Sachertorte in a historic café, this Austrian gem delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Most visitors find that 2-3 days allows enough time to explore the city’s highlights, while adding an extra day or two opens up possibilities for day trips to the surrounding lakes and mountains. Whatever the length of your stay, Salzburg’s compact size, excellent public transportation, and well-organized tourism infrastructure make it an accessible and rewarding destination for travelers of all interests and ages.