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
Historic sites, museums, and live music are some highlights of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Residenzplatz Square while you're exploring.
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 Apr 13, 2024
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
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Reviewed on Apr 13, 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.
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.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Hop on a cable car and climb up to this mountaintop fortress, one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.
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 family-friendly area.
Things to do
The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
Hallstatt Half-Day Tour from 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
Reviews of Salzburg
4/5 - Good
Easily navigable city with an abundance of charm and access to commanding outdoor activities. Enough activities to occupy a few days. Would definitely recommend combining Salzburg into a trip with areas in the Saltzkamergut
5/5 - Excellent
Lovely city with lots to see and do. Great history and easy to get around. The Salzburg travel pass is great value
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful little city with a lot of history and a lot to see. Also great to go out of town and check out the towns, mountains and lakes out of town in the vicinity of Salzburg region.
5/5 - Excellent
Nice medieval town. Cool castle and pleasant river. Enjoyed Monkeys cafe by the river. Couldn’t believe how nice the weather was in FEB.
5/5 - Excellent
Salzburg is a very charming little place with lots to see and enjoy.
5/5 - Excellent
City of music, military history, centuries old town, great cafe and restaurants, local brand stores, good Salzburg beers
- Mirabell Palace and Gardens
- Salzburg Cathedral
- Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Getreidegasse
- Leopoldskron Palace
- Mozartplatz Square
- Mozarteum University of Salzburg
- Residenzplatz Square
- Salzburg Congress Convention Center
- Mozarts Wohnhaus Museum
- Salzburg Residenz Palace
- Salzburg Zoo
- Salzburg Museum
- Salzburg Glockenspiel
- Moenchsberg Museum of Modern Art