Salzburg was our second stop in Austria after Vienna, and it immediately felt like a completely different side of the country, even though it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour train ride away. With its historic Old Town, mountain views, colorful buildings, and, of course, its connection to The Sound of Music and Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg has a lot packed into a relatively small area.
I had 3 full days here, and this is exactly how I would recommend spending them, including all the things you need to know to prepare for your trip here and the best things to do in Salzburg, Austria, of course!
A Little History About Salzburg
Before Salzburg became the picturesque Austrian city we know today, it was an important settlement long before Austria even existed as a modern country.
The story goes back to the Romans, who established a city here called Iuvavum around the 1st century AD. Its location was strategic, sitting at the intersection of important Roman roads and close to the Salzach River. The area was also rich in natural resources, particularly salt, which would become an important part of Salzburg’s wealth for centuries.
After the Roman era, Salzburg became an important Christian center. After 696, Bishop Rupert arrived and founded St. Peter’s Abbey, which still exists today and is considered the oldest continuously operating monastery in the German-speaking world. By 798, Salzburg had become an archbishopric. And this is where Salzburg’s history starts to get really interesting.
For more than 1,000 years, Salzburg was its own independent territory within the Holy Roman Empire, ruled by powerful prince-archbishops. They weren’t just religious leaders – they also controlled the government, making Salzburg a small but surprisingly powerful church state.
Much of the Salzburg we see today was shaped during this time. The prince-archbishops became wealthy from resources including salt, gold, and silver, and used that to turn Salzburg into a grand Baroque city. Italian architects and artists were brought in, which is why parts of Salzburg can feel almost more Italian than Austrian. The city even became known as the “Rome of the North”.
In 1756, Salzburg became the birthplace of one of its most famous residents, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He spent much of his childhood and early career here before leaving for Vienna after a falling out with an archbishop.
Salzburg eventually lost its independence during the Napoleonic Wars and, after changing hands several times, officially became part of the Austrian Empire in 1816. Today, you can still see this history throughout the city. In 1996, Salzburg’s historic center was designed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving one of Europe’s best examples of a medieval and Baroque city.
Best Time To Visit Salzburg
Spring: April To May
Spring is a great time to visit if you want milder weather and fewer crowds. The gardens are starting to bloom, and the surrounding mountains make a beautiful backdrop.
Summer: June To August
Summer is Salzburg’s busiest season, but it also brings long days, warm weather, and plenty of outdoor events. The famous Salzburg Festival takes place during the summer, bringing music and performances throughout the city.
I visited at the end of August and it was still really hot, especially when walking around the city during the day. If you’re sensitive to heat, I’d keep that in mind when planning a summer trip. There isn’t much shade in a lot of the main sightseeing areas, and you’ll also be doing a lot of walking. Having a portable fan definitely helped with staying cool and getting some relief from the heat.
Autumn: September to October
Early autumn is a good balance of comfortable weather and fewer summer crowds. September can still be warm, while October brings cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors.
Winter: November to March
Winter gives Salzburg a completely different atmosphere. Late November and December are especially popular for the Christmas markets, with the historic Old Town covered in festive decorations and market stalls. January and February are much quieter, making them a good option if you want to experience a quieter Salzburg. Just be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter days.
How To Get To Salzburg And Getting Around
Salzburg is usually part of a larger Austria itinerary and thankfully, it’s really easy to get to and around.
How To Get To Salzburg
Train – If you’re traveling around Austria, I highly recommend taking the train. Salzburg is well connected to other major cities, making it an easy stop between destinations. I used ÖBB, Austria’s national railway, and found the train to be an easy and comfortable way to travel. Tip: Book ahead when possible, as discounted Sparschiene fares can be considerably cheaper when booked in advance.
Plane – Salzburg Airport is just a short distance from the city center, so flying in is also an option. That said, if you’re already traveling through Austria or nearby European cities, I’d look at the train first. It’s often much more convenient than dealing with airport transfers.
Getting Around Salzburg
The good news is that you don’t need a car in Salzburg. The historic center is compact and very walkable, and many of the main sights are close enough to reach on foot. For attractions farther away, Salzburg has buses, trolleybuses, and trains.
Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket – Since May 2025, overnight guests staying in Salzburg can receive a Guest Mobility Ticket, which gives you unlimited use of public transportation throughout the province for the duration of your stay. That includes the city buses, regional buses, S-Bahn trains, regional trains, and long-distance trains within the Salzburg province. The ticket is normally provided by your accommodation at check-in, although some hotels can issue it in advance via PDF or digitally. If your accommodations don’t offer it to you, be sure to ask, as sometimes they’ll forget! This is separate from the Salzburg Card (which covers sightseeing and admission to attractions as well as other benefits).
Best Places To Stay In Salzburg
Salzburg is a relatively small and very walkable city, so you don’t necessarily need to stay right in the Old Town to be close to everything. The Salzach River divides the city, with the historic Altstadt on one side and the Neustadt and Mirabell area on the other. Most of the main sights are within a 10-to-20-minute walking distance of each other. For a visit, I would personally focus on the Old Town or the Mirabell area. The Old Town gives you the full Salzburg experience right outside your door, while Mirabell is a little quieter and usually easier when you’re traveling with luggage.
Altstadt: Best For First-Time Visitors And Atmosphere
If this is your first time in Salzburg, and you want to wake up surrounded by the city’s beautiful historic architecture, the Altstadt is the obvious choice. You’ll be right in the middle of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, close to Salzburg Cathedral, Getreidegasse, Mozart’s Birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress and many of the city’s restaurants and cafés. But keep in mind that some streets are pedestrian-only, so getting a taxi directly to your hotel can be difficult. You’ll also be dealing with cobblestones and potentially stairs depending on the hotel. But for a short three-day trip, I think the location is worth it.
Hotel Recommendations: Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Hotel Goldgasse, Boutiquehotel am Dom
Mirabell And Neustadt: Best Overall
The Neustadt is across the river from the Old Town and is home to Mirabell Palace and Gardens. You can walk across the Salzach and reach the Old Town in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, while Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is also much easier to reach from here. The streets are generally wider and flatter than the Old Town, and the area feels quieter once the daytime crowds disappear.
This is also the area I’d recommend if you’re arriving by train or traveling with larger luggage. You get almost all the convenience of the Old Town without having to drag your suitcase over cobblestones.
Hotel Recommendations: Sheraton Grand Salzburg, Hotel Bristol Salzburg, Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof: Best For Train Travel And Convenience
If Salzburg is a quick stop on a larger Austria or European itinerary, don’t overlook the area around Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. It isn’t the prettiest part of the city, but it’s extremely practical. The main station is here, there are plenty of buses, and you can walk into the historic center or take public transportation. It’s particularly useful if you’re arriving late, leaving early, or planning several day trips by train.
Hotel Recommendations: Cocoon Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, arte Hotel Salzburg, Design Hotel zum Hirschen Salzburg
Where I Stayed In Salzburg
I stayed at the Dorint City-Hotel Salzburg, just north of Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. The hotel itself was decent and the location is convenient if you’re arriving by train or using public transportation. However, for sightseeing, I found it a little farther from the main attractions than I would have liked. Most of Salzburg’s major sights are concentrated around the Old Town and from the Dorint, you’re looking at a walk of roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on where you’re headed, which isn’t terrible, but it does add up when you’re sightseeing all day.
Foods To Try In Salzburg
Since I already covered the classic Austrian foods you should try in my Vienna guide, I’m focusing this list specifically on the foods and specialties that are associated with Salzburg.
Salzburger Nockerl
If you try only one dessert in Salzburg, make it Salzburger Nockerl. This light, fluffy souffle-like dessert is one of Salzburg’s most famous culinary specialties. It’s traditionally served as three large golden peaks dusted with powdered sugar, said to represent the three mountains surrounding the city: Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, and Gaisberg. It’s much lighter and airier than you might expect, but it’s also quite large so this is one I’d recommend sharing between two to three people. It’s also best eaten fresh rather than something to grab and take with you.
Bosna
Bosna is probably the most unique Salzburg food on this list. Think of it as Salzburg’s answer to a hot dog: two grilled pork sausages tucked into a long, toasted white bread roll with onions, parsley, and a secret spice mixture that includes curry powder. It was created in Salzburg in 1949 by Bulgarian-born Zanko Todoroff and eventually became one of the city’s signature street foods. For the classic experience, head to Balkan Grill in the Old Town. The tiny stand is tucked inside a passageway – don’t expect a fancy restaurant experience. You order it from a small window, grab your Bosna and eat it while you’re exploring the Old Town. I personally really enjoyed it and would’ve liked to have it more than once on this trip to Salzburg.
Original Salzburger Mozartkugel
If you’re in Austria, you’ll likely have seen Mozartkugel all over the souvenir shops and grocery stores. These small chocolate-covered confections are made with pistachio marzipan and nougat and were actually invented here by Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst in 1890. There are now plenty of versions available, but if you want to try the original, look for the Original Salzburger Mozartkugel from Fürst. The original is handmade and comes in the recognizable silver-and-blue wrapping, and they’re one of the few Salzburg specialties that actually make sense to bring home.
Salzburger Bierfleisch
If you’re looking for something more substantial, Salzburger Bierfleisch is another regional traditional specialty worth looking for. It’s a traditional meat dish prepared with beer and is one of the more regional dishes you’ll come across in Salzburg’s traditional restaurants.
Salzburg Beer
Salzburg has a long brewing tradition, so if you enjoy beer, trying a local brew is definitely worth adding to your Salzburg itinerary. You’ll find everything from traditional Märzen and Zwickl to Bockbier. And one of the beoldst places to experience that tradition is Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln, Salzburg’s oldest brewery. It dates back to 1621 and is still housed in the former Mülln monastery. It’s known for its traditional beer hall atmosphere, where beer is served in large ceramic steins and you can grab food from the surrounding stalls. You grab your stein, get your beer from the wooden barrels, and find a table in the beer hall or beer garden. But beware, it gets extremely busy!
The Best Things To Do In Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is one of those cities where you can see a lot in a short amount of time. The historic center is compact and most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other, which makes it easy to explore without constantly jumping on public transportation.
1 – Wander Through Salzburg’s Old Town
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Salzburg’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved medieval and Baroque city centers in Europe. Start around Residenzplatz, Mozartplatz, and Domplatz, then wander through the smaller streets and passageways around them. Don’t just stick to the main tourist streets as you’ll come across many churches, fountains, courtyards, and hidden gems almost everywhere you turn. The Old Town is the kind of place where you’d leave some time with no specific plan. It’s not really an attraction to cross off – it’s more like a backdrop for most of your Salzburg experience.
2 – Take A Sound Of Music Tour
Time Spent – 4 hours for most tours, or half a day to a full day if exploring independently
If you’re a Sound of Music fan, visiting the filming locations is one of the most fun ways to experience Salzburg beyond its historic sights. The 1965 film was shot in and around Salzburg, with recognizable locations including Mirabell Gardens, Nonnberg Abbey, Residenzplatz, Hellbrunn Palace, and more. Seeing these places in person is a fun way to revisit scenes from the movie while discovering different parts of the city and its surroundings.
You don’t necessarily need to book a tour, though if you don’t want to. I visited several filming locations myself with my mom on our own, as she wasn’t interested in taking an organized tour. I put together the route and managed to see many of the spots from the film at our own pace, and many of the time, without other people around. I shared the locations in my Sound of Music filming locations reel, comparing scenes from the 1965 film with what the locations look like today.
That said, if you’d rather have someone else handle the logistics, a guided tour is still worth considering. The locations are spread out across Salzburg and the surrounding countryside, so transportation makes it easier to visit several in one outing. You’ll also get stories and background about the filming that you might miss when exploring independently.
3 – See Mirabell Palace And Gardens
Time Spent – 45 minutes to 1 hour
Mirabell is one of those Salzburg sights that looks almost too perfect – the palace was originally built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress and their many children. It was later renamed Mirabell and rebuilt in the Baroque style. Today, the palace is part of Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed heritage. The Mirabell Gardens are the real highlight for visitors – they were redesigned around 1690 as a formal Baroque garden, with fountains, sculptures, the Pegasus fountain, and the famous Dwarf Garden. This is also one of the most recognizable Sound of Music filming locations where Maria and the children dance around the fountain while singing “Do-Re-Mi”. The gardens are free to visit, so there’s really no reason to skip them. Go earlier in the day if you want a better chance of enjoying the gardens without quite as many people.
4 – Visit Hohsenzalburg Fortress
Time Spent – 1.5 to 2 hours
Sitting high above the Old Town, Hohensalzburg is probably Salzburg’s most recognizable landmark. Construction began in 1077 during a period of conflict between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. Over the centuries, successive prince-archbishops expanded the fortress, eventually creating the enormous complex you see today. It was never successfully conquered by an attacking army, and it remains one of the best-preserved castles in Central Europe.
The fortress wasn’t simply a royal residence; it was also a symbol of the power and independence of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops and served as a defensive stronghold. Today, the biggest reason to visit is arguably the view. From the fortress, you can see the entire Old Town, the Salzach River, and the surrounding mountains. And don’t worry – you don’t need to walk up here, you can take the FestungsBahn funicular and save your legs for the rest of Salzburg. Inside, most of the rooms are used as a museum, and there are sections where you can walk outside as well. It’s like a little city all in one, once you reach the top.
5 – Explore Getreidegasse
Time Spent – 45 to 60 minutes (or more if you like shopping)
Getreidegasse is Salzburg’s most famous shopping street, but don’t come here only to shop. The narrow historic street is known for its distinctive wrought-iron guild signs hanging above the shops. Look beyond the storefronts and you’ll notice that many of the buildings have hidden courtyards and passageways connecting the street to other parts of the Old Town. And then there’s No. 9 Getreidegasse – where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756. His family lived in the building for years, and today it houses Mozart’s birthplace museum. Even if you aren’t interested in shopping, this street is worth walking through because it provides a really good example of Salzburg’s historic architecture.
6 – Step Inside Salzburg’s Baroque Cathedral
Time Spent – 30 to 45 minutes
Salzburg Cathedral sits at the heart of the Old Town and is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. The cathedral you see today was consecrated in 1628 and was built during Salzburg’s transformation into a grand Baroque city. Its enormous dome and twin-towered façade were heavily influenced by Italian Baroque architecture, which helps explain why Salzburg can sometimes feel surprisingly Italian. The cathedral also has an important connection to Mozart – he was baptized here and later worked as the cathedral’s organist. Even if you’re not particularly fond of churches, I’d still step inside as the scale of the interior is very different from the rest of the city’s architectural offerings.
7 – Walk Through St. Peter’s Abbey And Cemetery
Time Spent – 45 minutes to 1 hour
St. Peter’s Abbey dates back to around 696, when Saint Rupert founded the monastery. It is considered the oldest continuously operating monastery in the German-speaking world. The adjacent cemetery is equally atmospheric, with ornate graves tucked against the Mönchsberg rock face. Look for the small chapels and the catacombs carved directly into the rock above the cemetery. Also consider booking a table at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, located within the complex. The restaurant’s history dates back to 803 AD and is widely promoted as one of Europe’s oldest restaurants, though the title depends on how you define historical records and continuous operation. For an even more memorable evening, look into its Mozart Dinner Concert, which combines a multi-course dinner with live classical music in a historic setting. It is a splurge-worthy experience if you enjoy historic restaurants or want to plan a particularly memorable dinner in Salzburg.
8 – Explore Hellbrunn Palace And The Trick Fountains
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
About 4 kilometers south of Salzburg’s Old Town, Hellbrunn Palace is worth making the trip for. Unlike many grand European palaces, Hellbrunn wasn’t designed as a permanent residence. Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus commissioned it as a “villa suburbana”, essentially a pleasure palace, with construction beginning in 1613 and the main complex completed by 1615.
The palace is famous for its trick fountains, which use water-powered mechanisms to create moving figures and unexpected jets of water. The idea was essentially to entertain guests and show off the archbishop’s wealth and sense of humor. This is only open seasonally as there’s a high possibility of getting wet. But don’t worry, we were able to avoid getting sprayed with water – you just need to be alert and aware as there are people who control when the streams come out.
The gardens also house the famous gazebo in Sound of Music, where Liesl and Rolf sing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”. However, the gazebo wasn’t originally at Hellbrunn during filming – it was located at Schloss Leopoldskron before being moved to Hellbrunnn later. The gazebo’s interior dance sequence was filmed on a studio set, so the structure you see today is a recognizable piece of the film’s legacy rather than the location of every part of the scene. It is one of the film’s most recognizable remaining sets in Salzburg. The gardens are free, but you will need to pay to see the trick fountains, which also gives you admission to a small part of the palace (which in all honestly, wasn’t worth it but you do get access to it).
9 – Pass By Nonnberg Abbey For A Quick Visit
Time Spent – 20 to 30 minutes
Founded around 712, Nonnberg Abbey is considered the oldest continuously existing women’s religious community north of the Alps. It is another filming location from The Sound of Music, where Maria was introduced as a novice. However, I would say this isn’t absolutely worth visiting if you aren’t that interested in the movie.
10 – Take In The View From Mönchsberg
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
This is the one I’d add to your itinerary if you want something beyond churches, palaces, and museums. It is the wooded mountain ridge that rises directly above Salzburg’s Old Town. You can take the Mönchsberg Lift up and then walk along the ridge, or hike up yourself. The payoff is the view: Salzburg’s rooftops, church towers, the Salzach River, and Hohensalzburg Fortress all spread out below you, with the Alps in the distance. It’s also a nice break from the crowds in Old Town. You don’t have to commit to a serious hike, even going up for the viewpoint and taking a short walk is worthwhile if you have time.
11 – Discover DomQuartier Salzburg
Time Spent – 1.5 to 2 hours
If you want to understand why Salzburg looks the way it does, DomQuartier is one of the best additions to your itinerary. This museum complex brings together several historic sites associated with Salzburg’s prince-archbishops. Rather than visiting each building as an isolated attraction, you follow a connected route through the center of Salzburg’s former religious and political power. One highlight is the chance to see the city’s architecture from a different angle, including views from the cathedral terrace over the historic center. You can also explore state rooms, historical artworks, and religious treasures that reflect more than 1,300 years of Salzburg’s history.
12 – Step Into Salzburg’s History At St. Sebastian’s Cemetery
Time Spent – 30 minutes to 1 hour
If you’re interested in Mozart’s life and family, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of several notable figures, including Leopold Mozart, Mozart’s father, and Constanze Mozart, his wife. Constanze’s second husband, Georg Nikolaus von Nissen, is also buried here. But an important detail worth knowing is that Leopold and Constanze aren’t buried in the same grave: Constanze’s remains are in the Mozart family grave while Leopold was buried in a communal crypt within the cemetery. This cemetery dates back to the early 17th century and its arcaded walkways and Italian-inspired design make it feel quite different from a typical cemetery. Tip: Combine this stop with a walk through Linzer Gasse, the historic shopping street nearby.
13 – Stop For Coffee And Pastries At Café Tomaselli
Time Spent – 1 hour
For a traditional Salzburg coffeehouse experience, stop at Café Tomaselli, right on Alter Markt in the Old Town. Its history dates back to 1700, when Frenchman Johann Fontaine received permission to serve coffee, tea, and chocolate in Salzburg. The café moved to its current location in 1764, and the Tomaselli family took ownership in 1852. Today, it is recognized as Austria’s oldest coffeehouse. Expect marble tables, traditional wooden interiors, silver trays, and a pastry selection that feels distinctly old-fashioned in the best way. The café is also connected to Salzburg’s musical history. Mozart is said to have frequented its predecessor, and the Tomaselli family later had connections to the Mozart family through singer Giuseppe Tomaselli. Come for a coffee and their iconic Mozart cake, or make it a mid-afternoon break while exploring the surrounding squares.
14 – Relax And Enjoy The Views at Schloss Leopoldskron
Time Spent – 45 min to 1 hour, or more if you’re having lunch
Even if you’re not visiting Salzburg because of The Sound of Music, Schloss Leopoldskron is one of the locations worth knowing about. The Rococo palace was commissioned in 1736, and it later became famous internationally through its association with the 1965 film. The palace and its grounds were used as visual inspiration and filming locations for the von Trapp family home, particularly scenes involving the lake and terrace. Today, Schloss Leopoldskron operates as a hotel and event venue. Its lakeside setting, with reflections of the palace and views towards the fortress and surrounding mountains, makes it one of Salzburg’s most picturesque locations. It was certainly one of my favorite views of my time in Salzburg.
If you’re planning a bigger trip around Austria, stayed tuned for more Austria itineraries and destination guides. And if you’re looking for inspiration for your next getaway, check out Destinations.