Things To Do
in Salzburg
Salzburg sits at the northern edge of the Alps along the Salzach River, famed for Baroque architecture, music heritage, and a romantic old town enclosed by fortress walls. The city is dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which overlooks terracotta rooftops, river bends, and the surrounding mountains. It is the birthplace of Mozart, with narrow lanes, pastry shops, and concert halls inviting visitors to step into a living music history.
Whether you wander the Getreidegasse, ride the funicular to castle viewpoints, or stroll along the Salzach at sunset, Salzburg blends culture with alpine scenery in a compact, walkable package.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at Café Tomaselli, one of the oldest coffee houses in Austria, savoring a slice of the famous Sachertorte. Afterward, stroll through the narrow streets of the Altstadt (Old Town), taking in the stunning baroque architecture and visiting the iconic Salzburg Cathedral. Make your way to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
For lunch, enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine at the St. Peter Stiftskeller, which claims to be the oldest restaurant in the country. Post-lunch, explore the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, famous for their intricate floral arrangements and beautifully manicured lawns. Take time to visit the nearby Mozart's Residence, where the musical genius lived and composed some of his greatest works.
As the sun sets, head to the Getreidegasse, known for its charming shops and boutiques, perfect for souvenir hunting. Indulge in dinner at the historic Restaurant Elefant, where you can enjoy regional delicacies in a cozy setting. Conclude your evening with a classical music concert at one of Salzburg's renowned venues, celebrating the city's rich musical heritage.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of key filming locations from 'The Sound of Music.' Visit the beautiful Nonnberg Abbey and the iconic Mirabell Gardens where the children sang 'Do-Re-Mi.' Capture photos at the picturesque gazebo in Hellbrunn Palace, where several memorable scenes were filmed.
After the morning tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the countryside, savoring fresh Austrian fare. Continue your exploration by visiting the charming village of St. Gilgen on the Wolfgangsee, where you can embrace the stunning lake views and the surrounding mountains. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake to soak in more of the breathtaking scenery.
Return to Salzburg in the evening and dine at a local heuriger (wine tavern), where you can taste regional wines and delicacies. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Salzach River, admiring the beautifully illuminated cityscape. End the night with a visit to a local pub or wine bar to experience Salzburg's nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $45-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆One-way ticket (local transit) | $2-3 |
| 🛏️Hotel room (mid-range) | $110-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact and walkable old town with dense heritage sites
- World-class music history and architecture
- Stunning nearby alpine scenery and lake districts
- Crowds can be heavy in peak season
- Prices for dining and accommodations are relatively high
- Winter weather can be cold and damp
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
- "Guten Tag" - Good day
- "Bitte" - Please
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like to have...
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The bill, please.
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Salzburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic narrow lane with elegant wrought-iron signs and the house where Mozart was born; a quintessential Salzburg shot.
Formal Baroque gardens with perfect lines, fountains, and dramatic perspective toward the old town.
Castle ramparts provide sweeping views over the city and the surrounding mountains.
Grand Baroque cathedral façade and expansive square for dramatic architectural photography.
Lush grounds and water features set in a palace garden; great for playful, dynamic shots.
A vantage point from the monastery with classic city panoramas and atmospheric light.
Food in Salzburg
Salzburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A light, fluffy egg-dairy dessert baked to a crisp exterior and soft interior; a signature Salzburg finale.
Must-Try!
Cheesy noodles topped with crispy onions; a beloved comfort dish found in many taverns.
Pan-fried potatoes with onions and meat (often beef or pork); hearty and perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Thin breaded cutlet, usually veal or pork, served with lemon and potatoes; widely available in all menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic farmers market offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties; great for sampling ingredients.
Seasonal stalls with crafts, Glühwein, roasted nuts, and festive bites during the colder months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Grüß Gott' in formal settings; 'Hallo' with friends. Address strangers as 'Sie' until invited to 'du'.
Punctuality is valued; arriving a few minutes early for appointments is appreciated.
Be quiet and respectful in churches and religious sites; photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Safety
Tipping in Salzburg
Ensure a smooth experience
In Austria, tipping of 5-10% is customary if service is not included; rounding up the bill at casual places is common.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly standard.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures rise gradually, flowers bloom, and outdoor cafés begin to open; carry a light layer for cool mornings.
Warm days with long daylight; enjoy outdoor concerts, lake trips, and scenic walks; stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Pleasant hiking conditions and autumn colors; air can be crisp; bring a light waterproof layer for showers.
Cold, often snowy, with festive markets and indoor cultural events; dress in layers and plan for shorter days.
Salzburg at Night
Hiking in Salzburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible summit hikes with expansive views over Salzburg and the surrounding Alps.
Popular hill with forest trails and sweeping city views; extended routes available for longer hikes.
City-edge hillside offering easy trails and dramatic city vistas near the old town.
Airports
How to reach Salzburg by plane.
A small, well-connected airport about 4-5 km from the city center; good for regional and seasonal international flights; accessible by bus or taxi.
Major international hub roughly 150 km away; fastest option usually by rail (Railjet/ICE) in about 1.5-2 hours to Salzburg.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 150,000-160,000 residents, predominantly Austrian with a growing international community of students and residents.
Year-round visitors drawn to music, culture, and alpine scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nearby Alpine resorts draw visitors for winter sports, often with day trips from Salzburg.
Gaisberg and Untersberg offer extensive trails with panoramic views of the city and mountains.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Salzburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for Kässpätzle, roasted vegetables, salads, and veggie mains; notify staff about any vegan requirements and preferences.