The city of Salzburg — the enchanting birthplace of Mozart and one of Europe’s most beautiful baroque cities — completely stole my heart this second time around. I spent a couple of sunny August days wandering its cobbled streets, admiring elegant architecture, blooming gardens, and the classical melodies that seem to echo everywhere. If you’re wondering what to do in Salzburg (Austria), this detailed travel guide covers the destination’s best attractions, what and where to eat, where to stay, how to get around, essential travel tips, and the top day trips from Salzburg. You’ll also find a handy map at the end featuring all the places mentioned here.

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Disclaimers:

• I had first visited this Austrian city in the summer of 2002 with our family recreational vehicle (RV). However, this post was written following my latest solo trip by train to Salzburg in August 2025. This time around, I loved exploring this destination at my own pace, admiring the elegant architecture, the endless churches and the colorful gardens while enjoying some glorious summer weather.
• You can check out my Instagram post about the couple of days I recently spent in Salzburg (Austria).
• Please note that this post includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Throughout the trip, I used this Austria country guide by Lonely Planet to plan my solo stay and make the most out of it. I hope you’ll find it helpful too!

Read these posts for more inspiration around Austria!

Austrian cities worth visiting (coming up soon)

Austria destination page

Discovering the Austrian Alps: Kaprun, Maria Alm, Saalfelden & Zell am See

Summer road trip of 2002: exploring central Europe with our recreational vehicle (coming up soon)

Things to do in Vienna, my ultimate travel guide to the Austrian capital (coming up soon)

🎭 Best things to do in Salzburg (Austria)

Herzlich willkommen (welcome)! 🙂 The Austrian city of Salzburg is compact enough to explore on foot, yet filled with historic sights, grand architecture, and postcard-perfect corners. Besides, each neighbourhood has its own distinct vibe—from the baroque Altstadt to the leafy hills of Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg that frame it on both sides of the Salzach River.

Originally founded as the Roman city of Juvavum in the first century AD, Salzburg flourished as a trading and administrative centre before falling into decline during the early Middle Ages.

Its revival came under the powerful Prince-Archbishops, who transformed it into a wealthy ecclesiastical state and one of Europe’s most dazzling baroque cities. The archbishops ruled Salzburg as both spiritual and political leaders, commissioning grand churches, palaces, and fortifications such as the Hohensalzburg fortress. Their influence, coupled with the city’s strategic position on the salt trade routes (from which Salzburg takes its name), shaped the city’s prosperity and cultural identity that endures to this day.

Wondering what to do in Salzburg? To make your visit easier to plan, below you’ll find the city’s highlights grouped by area, mixing well-known attractions with personal discoveries from my recent solo trip.

🇦🇹 The historic Old Town (Altstadt) & fortress Hohensalzburg

This is the heart of Salzburg—a maze of narrow alleys, pastel-hued squares, and elegant baroque facades that tell centuries of history. The city’s strategic location along the Salzach River, framed by two mountain ranges and surrounded by Alpine peaks, gives it a grandeur that feels both intimate and monumental.

The Old Town (Altstadt) -listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site – is compact and walkable, with horse-drawn fiakers clip-clopping through its cobbled streets that reminded me of Vienna and fountains glistening in the sunlight.

🎟 Practical info: 📍 Location: Altstadt Salzburg (around Residenzplatz & Getreidegasse) 🚶‍♀️ How to get there: 15-min walk from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, the city´s central train station 🕒 Best time: early morning before crowds take over or at sunset for golden views

Begin your stroll at Residenzplatz, the city’s monumental main square, and wander through DomQuartier, where the legacy of the powerful archbishops still lingers. Just a few steps away, Mozartplatz pays tribute to Salzburg’s most famous son with a bronze statue and pastel buildings that glow at sunset.

Nearby, Universitätsplatz bursts with life—flower stalls, market stands, and the scent of freshly baked pretzels fill the air. From here, lose yourself in the charming Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous shopping street, lined with wrought-iron signs, souvenir shops, and traditional boutiques selling folk clothing. Don’t miss the Alter Markt, Judengasse, and Altes Rathaus, which offer a glimpse into the city’s medieval past through their narrow lanes (gassen) and hidden courtyards.

Continue towards Erzabtei St. Peter and its atmospheric catacombs, or stop by the Festspielhäuser theatres, home to Salzburg’s world-renowned music festivals. End your visit with a climb (or funicular ride) up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, whose centuries-old walls offer unbeatable panoramic views of the Altstadt and surrounding peaks.

Now, let´s learn more about what to see in Old Town Salzburg.

🏰 Fortress Hohensalzburg

Perched high above the city, the fortress of Hohensalzburg (Festung Hohensalzburg in German) is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles and Salzburg’s most iconic monument. Built more than a thousand years ago, it originally served as a defensive stronghold and later became a powerful symbol of the Prince-Archbishops’ political and religious rule over the city. Its name itself evokes Salzburg’s heritage—literally the “salt fortress”—a nod to the mineral that brought the region wealth and independence for centuries.

I decided to climb up the steep cobbled road on foot (and reward myself with a funicular ride down later!), and joined what I thought would be a free quick tour. The website had mentioned complimentary visits at 9:30 and 19:00 during summer—but it turned out you still needed a basic ticket (€11.20) to join in. Thankfully, it was worth every cent: our cheerful guide led us through the inner castle (Inneres Schloss), the courtyards, and the Künburg Bastion, sharing quirky facts about the fortress’s long history. The short 30-minute tour ended with breathtaking views over the Old Town and the surrounding Alps.

Inside, visitors can explore small museums, climb to the panoramic tower, or even pay a little extra to visit the Gothic State Rooms—beautifully decorated, though I skipped them. The descent by Festungsbahn funicular is an experience in itself, offering postcard-perfect views of Salzburg at your feet.

During winter, the fortress hosts a charming Advent market, where wooden stalls line the courtyards with mulled wine, ornaments, and Christmas carols echoing against the ancient walls—another reason to visit during the festive season.

🎟 Practical info: 🎫 Tickets: from €11.20 (includes funicular ride back down) 🚇 Festungsbahn funicular from Festungsgasse 4 🕒 Allow 1.5–2 hours for the visit; check opening hours beforehand

🌄 Mönchsberg walk & viewpoints

If you’re in the Altstadt and feel like escaping the crowds for a bit, then Mönchsberg is the perfect green ridge to wander. Rising gently behind the Old Town, it offers a mix of forest trails, medieval fortifications, and some of Salzburg’s best panoramic terraces — all without leaving the city centre.

One of the easiest ways up is via the Clemens Holzmeister Stiege, a staircase tucked behind the Museum der Moderne (Rupertinum). From here, you can follow various hiking routes dotted with viewpoints to admire the baroque rooftops and the fortress Hohensalzburg. Alternatively, you can take the Mönchsberg elevator.

🎟 Practical info: 📍 Access via Mönchsberg elevator (Anton-Neumayr-Platz) or Clemens Holzmeister Stiege 🕒 Best time: late afternoon for golden-hour views 🚶‍♀️ Difficulty: easy–moderate paths, mostly shaded

⛪ Salzburg Cathedral (Dom), St. Peter’s Abbey and the Franciscan church

Surrounded by grand squares (Domplatz, Kapitelplatz, Mozartplatz and Residenzplatz), the Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is the city’s spiritual heart, featuring twin towers, a museum (Dommuseum) and a splendid baroque interior. Try to time your visit to the Cathedral around midday, when the bells chime, offering an insight into this beloved Austrian tradition. Or even better, pay attention to the famous Salzburg Glockenspiel, located in the tower of the New Residence (Neubau) in the city´s Old Town, as it delights visitors with its melodies three times a day (at 7 am, 11am and 6pm).

Nearby, St. Peter’s Abbey (Sankt Peter Erzabtei) and its ancient cemetery – Petersfriedhof (where Mozart’s sister Nannerl is buried) are among the oldest in Europe. Don’t miss St. Peter’s catacombs carved into the Mönchsberg cliff.

Just a few steps from the cathedral, Franziskanerkirche is a Gothic gem that contrasts beautifully with the baroque Dom. Its dramatic vaulted ceilings, dark stone pillars, and intimate chapels make it one of Salzburg’s most atmospheric churches.

🎟 Practical info: 🎫 Entry: free (donations welcome for St Peter); buy your tickets to visit the Salzburg Cathedral 🚇 Stop: Domplatz 🕒 Opening hours

🎬 Kloster Nonnberg & the Sound of Music

The Nonnberg convent (Kloster Nonnberg) is one of the oldest north of the Alps. A 15-min walk from Domplatz, head up via the stairs (Nonnbergstiege) for wonderful panoramic views over Salzburg. You may also wander around the church and the cemetery. Access is free, but opening hours may be limited.

Did you know that this religious site was actually featured in the iconic movie The Sound of Music? Whether you’re a fan of the film or not (I watched it for the first time shortly after this visit to Salzburg and loved it), there are plenty of companies offering Sound of Music tours. Or you can opt for a self-guided version using local transport and still get the cinematic feel.

In any case, this would be a fun way to see Salzburg’s surroundings – from the Mirabell Gardens (where the “Do-Re-Mi” scene was filmed) to the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace or the Nonnberg Convent (where the young Maria was a novice).

🎟 Practical info: browse these tour companies to see which one suits you best (Bob´s Special Tours, Panorama Tours or Salzburg Sightseeing).

🎻 Mozart and the Salzburg Festival

Music is everywhere in Salzburg, and the best place to trace Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s story is his birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus), located in Hagenauer Haus on Getreidegasse number 9. Now turned into a museum, his original home and musical relics will make you step back into the 18th century.

You can also visit the Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus), where he moved with his family across the Salzach river. These two are a must for classical music lovers.

🎟 Practical info: 🎫 Tickets: €15 each or €23 combo for both houses 🚇 Bus stops: Salzburg Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz (for Mozart´s birthplace) and Makartplatz (to reach Mozart´s residence) 🕒 Open daily 9am–5.30pm

In the city of Mozart, it is safe to say that music is always in the air! If you visit in summer as I did both times, you will experience how the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) fills this destination with opera, concerts, and open-air performances. As a matter of fact, Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan made it the major event on the classical music scene we know today, running in July and August every year.

Try attending Jedermann, the signature performance of the Salzburg Festival that transforms the elegant Domplatz into an open-air stage. Even without tickets, you can feel the cultural buzz in every square, although it´s better to book early for performances.

🌉 Along the Salzach River and the right bank

Crossing the Makartsteg Bridge, with its glimmering love locks, takes you into a calmer, more local side of Salzburg. This area is perfect for slow wandering: elegant gardens, quiet churches, and bohemian corners blend with some of the city’s best river views.

A stroll along the Salzach River is one of the loveliest ways to experience this destination. Its name comes from Salz (“salt” in German), as precious salt from the nearby mines was once shipped along this very waterway—a trade that helped Salzburg flourish for centuries. From the lively Staatsbrücke to the peaceful Müllnersteg near Augustiner Bräu, each bridge offers a different angle of the Altstadt and the Hohensalzburg fortress. Whether you prefer walking, biking along the riverside paths, or even joining a scenic river cruise, this stretch of Salzburg is made for slow, easy sightseeing.

On this side of the river, you’ll also find Mirabell Palace and gardens, the atmospheric lanes of Steingasse, and the Imberstiege staircase, which climbs to one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city. If you love photography, this neighbourhood is set to become your golden-hour paradise.

🎟 Practical info: 🚶‍♀️ Walking route: from Staatsbrücke to Müllnersteg 🕒 Best time: golden hour for photos 🛥️ Don’t miss: river cruise to Hellbrunn in summer (I booked Tour 3 with Salzburg Highlights and it was definitely one of best things of my entire trip!)

🪦 Dreifaltigkeitskirche, Loretokirche, St. Sebastian Church & cemetery

Just a few minutes’ walk from Mirabellplatz, this trio of elegant churches forms one of the most peaceful little pockets on the right bank of Salzburg. It’s a lovely area to slow down, wander between courtyards, and soak up a quieter side of the city.

Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Holy Trinity Church), designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach — one of the most important architects of the Austrian Baroque — is a beautiful example of refined proportions and soft light. Its creamy façades and oval dome create a calm atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy Getreidegasse.

Browse all the Austria prints for sale in my shop!

A short stroll away, St. Sebastian Church and Cemetery (Rektoratskirche and Friedhof) is one of Salzburg’s most evocative corners. Lined with arcades and blooming flowers, this cemetery holds the tombs of Mozart’s wife Constanze, his father Leopold, and other notable Salzburg families. It’s intimate, quiet, and deeply atmospheric without feeling morbid — more like a hidden garden full of stories.

Next door, the Loreto Church adds another layer of serenity. Its simple baroque interior and peaceful cloister make it a perfect stop if you enjoy visiting lesser-known sites and stepping briefly out of the crowds.

🎟 Practical info: 🎫 Free entry 🚇 Bus stop: Mirabellplatz

🌸 Mirabell Palace and gardens

One of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks, Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell) is a baroque jewel with a story as dramatic as the city itself. Built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his beloved Salome Alt, the palace was originally known as Altenau. After his downfall, his successor renamed it Mirabell – from the Italian mirabile (admirable) and bella (beautiful) – and later archbishops transformed it into the elegant complex you see today.

Inside, the highlight is the Marble Hall, once a princely banquet hall and now one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. Mozart himself performed here as a child. Don’t miss the Angel Staircase by sculptor Georg Raphael Donner, featuring ornate marble balustrades.

Outside, the Mirabell Gardens are a masterpiece of symmetry and baroque landscaping, complete with mythological statues, colourful flowerbeds, the Pegasus Fountain, the Hedge Theatre, the Orangery and even the quirky Dwarf Garden. It’s also one of the best spots for postcard-worthy views of fortress Hohensalzburg framed above the greenery.

🎟 Practical info: 🎫 Free entry to gardens; palace open weekdays 8am–6pm 🚇 Tram stop: Mirabellplatz 🕒 Best time: morning for soft light or sunset for photos

🏮 Steingasse, Imberstiege & the Kapuzinerberg lookouts

Once home to Salzburg’s red-light district, Steingasse is today one of the city’s most charming lanes. This narrow cobbled street winds beneath pastel façades and stone arches, dotted with cafés, boutiques and small wine bars. It feels worlds away from the busier Old Town, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens against the river.

From Steingasse, climb the Imberstiege, a small staircase that lifts you above the rooftops in just a few minutes. The views open quickly: the Salzach River winding beneath you, the Altstadt glowing across the water, and the silhouette of the Fortress Hohensalzburg commanding the skyline. I wandered up at sunset and absolutely loved how peaceful and golden everything felt!

If you continue upwards, the paths merge naturally into Kapuzinerberg, the wooded hill rising just above Steingasse and Linzergasse. The climb is steep but short, and the reward is instant tranquility. At the top stands the Kapuzinerkloster, a quiet 17th-century monastery surrounded by viewpoints overlooking Mirabell Gardens, the Altstadt and the river. It is one of the most peaceful places in the city.

Before or after visiting Kapuzinerberg, make a quick detour to Hettwer Bastei (Lodronsche Wehranlage), a quiet stone bastion perched right above the river. Once part of Salzburg’s 17th-century defensive system built under Prince-Archbishop Paris Lodron, it now offers one of the best unobstructed views of the Old Town and fortress — and it’s often completely empty. When I visited at sunset, there were only a handful of people.

🎟 Practical info: 📍 Access from Staatsbrücke → Steingasse → Imberstiege → Kapuzinerberg trails 🕒 Best time: sunset for warm views; sunrise for solitude 🚶‍♀️ Difficulty: moderate (some steep steps) 🍸 Tip: enjoy the view from Hotel Stein’s rooftop bar (Steinterrasse) nearby

📖 Salzburg travel tips

In case this is your very first time traveling to the Austrian city of Salzburg, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit. For further details, head to my Austria destination page.

• 🗓 Best time to visit: travel to Salzburg from May to September for warm weather and festivals, but book accommodation months in advance if visiting during the busy summer months. You could also go there during Advent, when the cozy Salzburg Christmas markets transform the historic squares into a festive winter wonderland.
• 📍 Itinerary: ideally, I would suggest that you spend 2–3 days to explore at a relaxed pace. This should give you sufficient time to enjoy most of the best things to do in Salzburg. Devote day 1 to explore the Old Town, day 2 to discover the right bank of the Salzach river and spend day 3 on a day trip from Salzburg (see a few ideas towards the end of this post).
• 🎄 Key events: without a doubt, the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) that runs annually from July to August is the city´s biggest highlight, celebrating opera, classical concerts, and theatre with world-class performers. If you can, try to catch Jedermann, an iconic open-air play performed in front of the Cathedral and one of the city’s most beloved cultural traditions. That being said, this Austrian town is lively year-round: Mozart Week in January honours the city’s most famous son with a programme of intimate concerts and recitals; while in spring, the Easter Festival (Osterfestspiele) brings a touch of refinement with orchestral and operatic performances.
• 💬 Language: note that German is the official language in the country, but luckily everyone speaks English, so getting around is a breeze. 🙂
• 🛟 Safety: in my own experience as a woman traveler, Salzburg is the perfect destination for a solo trip as it is safe and easy to navigate. For extra peace of mind when exploring abroad, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget below.

🍴 What & where to eat and drink in Salzburg

😋 What to eat in Salzburg

Austrian cuisine is hearty, comforting, and perfect after long walks through the city. Learn more about the traditional dishes you will find throughout the country in my section on food & drinks in Austria.

Salzburg’s food scene combines traditional fare with modern twists. Luckily, there is life beyond the famous Wiener Schnitzel that you will find not only in Vienna, but across Austria. So do yourself a favor and don’t leave Salzburg without trying these quintessential goodies:

• 🌭 Bosner Wurst (or Bosna): a spicy Austrian hot dog consisting of a sausage, onions, ketchup and curry. The most famous (and unpretentious) spot to try it is Balkan Grill Water, located in the arcaded passage connecting Getreidegasse and Universitätsplatz.
• 🍖 Leberkäse: this popular street food is a meatloaf (usually made from pork and beef) served hot in a bun with mustard or pickles. 
• 🍫 Mozartkugel: obviously named after the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, these round sugar confections are made of nougat, marzipan and pistachio. Cafe Konditorei Fürst is said to be the original pastry shop that first created them.
• 🎂 Salzburger Nockerl: sweet soufflé served as a dessert that symbolizes the snow-capped mountains of Salzburg.

🍽 Where to eat (and drink) in Salzburg

Based on my recent 2-day visit, my extensive research and some spots that I saw recommended, in this section you will find my favourite places to eat and drink in Salzburg — from classic bakeries and traditional beer gardens to scenic rooftop bars.

Note that, in Austria, you’ll often come across the terms Gasthaus or Gasthof — traditional inns serving hearty, home-style dishes. Many of these even offer a few simple guest rooms upstairs, making them a warm and budget-friendly alternative to classic hotels.

In the map below, you will see that the restaurants are color-coded in orange, while the ones I tried are in dark orange for ease of reference.

• 🍰 Bakeries (known as Konditorei): Bäckerei-Cafe-Konditorei Bauer, Bäckerei Holztrattner, Cafe Konditorei Fürst (the original creators of the Mozartkugel have stores in two locations, Brodgasse and Mirabellpatz), Schatz-Konditorei, Stranz & Scio (who invented the sweet Venus breasts or Venusbrüstchen).
• 🍺 Beer gardens (or Biergarten): Augustiner Bräu (located at the foot of the Mönchsberg, this is Austria´s largest beer garden since 1621), Die Weisse, Fuxn, Stern-Biergarten und Stöckl.
• ☕ Coffee shops: during my 2-day visit to Salzburg, I had much needed coffee breaks at Kaffeothek and Ma Makers Cafe. Located in the Old Town´s Alter Markt, Café Tomaselli is the oldest café in Austria, perfect for coffee and cake in an elegant setting (apparently even Mozart used to frequent it!). You may also try Carpe Diem Lounge-Café steps away from the Salzburg airport or the surprising Nur Coffee, where they serve your coffee in a cone.
• 🌭 Fast food: head to Balkan Grill Water to try the Bosner Wurst or to the food trucks at Universitätsplatz nearby.
• 🍸 Rooftop bars and panoramic restaurants: for drinks or lunch with a view, go to Buffet zur Richterhöhe, hu:goes14 (Arte Hotel), Imlauer Sky Bar (Hotel Pitter), Kowalski panoramabar, M32, Restaurant Stiegl-Keller, Sky Terrace (Cool Mama Hotel) or Steinterrasse at Hotel Stein.
• 🍴 Restaurants: Alter Fuchs, restaurant at Bloberger Hof, Restaurant Brandstätter (Hotel Brandstätter), Restaurant Goldener Hirsch, Restaurant Herzl, Restaurant Kohlpeter (Hotel Kohlpeter), Restaurant Meissl & Schadn (they have another location in Vienna), Restaurant Zum Mohren, Sternbräu, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, The Keep Garden Kitchen (great vegetarian andfriendly spot with garden terrace; I ordered a Radler and antipasto platter), Triangel, Urbankeller, Zum Eulenspiegel (I had a traditional Viennese-style roast beef –Alt Wiener Zwiebelrostbraten– opposite Mozart’s birthplace; the service was brisk, but the food, the atmosphere and the central location were authentic), Zum fidelen Affen, Zwettler’s Wirtshaus.

🏨 Where to stay in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg offers accommodation for every traveller. From baroque hotels in the heart of the Old Town to hostels and riverside guesthouses, you’ll find plenty of character. Many traditional taverns (known as Gasthäuser or Gasthöfe) also offer simple guest rooms upstairs, making them a cosy and budget-friendly alternative to standard hotels.

That being said, book accommodation months in advance if you´ll be visiting in the busy summer months of July or August.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Salzburg, here’s a selection of the best options sorted by budget:

• Luxury hotels in Salzburg (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): Hotel Bristol, Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Hotel Sacher, Hotel Schloss Mönchstein (has a spa & wellness), Hotel Stein (with rooftop views), Sheraton Grand Salzburg.
• Mid-range hotels in the Austrian city of Salzburg (⭐⭐⭐ or ⭐⭐⭐⭐): Bergland Hotel, Blaue Gans, Bloberger Hof (in the countryside near Salzburg), Boutique Hotel Amadeus, Cityhotel Trumer Stube, Gästehaus Steinerhof, Hotel Auerhahn, Hotel Elefant, Hotel Krone 1512, Hotel Markus Sittikus, Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron (lakeside palace used as the exterior of the von Trapp family home in the Sound of Music film), Hotel & Villa Auersperg, Hotel Wolf, Hotel Wolf Dietrich, Kasererbräu, or Weisse Taube.
• Budget accommodation in Salzburg (⭐⭐ or below): Haus Wartenberg, Institut St. Sebastian (bed & breakfast), Kolpinghaus Salzburg – Summer Hostel (marked in dark grey in the map below, I stayed here during my August 2025 trip, when finding anything central and reasonably priced was nearly impossible due to the summer season and the Salzburg Festival. The hostel sits slightly outside the city centre, but I loved the spacious and simple rooms, the hearty breakfast, and the easy 20-minute walk from the train station, perfect for a solo stay.), YoHo Youth Hostel.
• ⛺ For campers: in case you´re visiting Salzburg with your campervan or RV as we did in 2002, a few friendly campsites include Camping Aigen, Camping Nord-Sam or Panorama Camping.

For more accommodation options in Salzburg, feel free to check out Airbnb, Booking or Hostelworld, my go-to platforms wherever I travel.

🚕 How to get around Salzburg

The Austrian city of Salzburg is easy to navigate, making it ideal for solo travellers, families, or weekend visitors alike. Browse the list below to find out which way of getting around suits you best.

• 🚲 By bike: renting a bike is ideal to explore the Salzach River trail, pedalling down the leafy Hellbrunner Allee leading all the way to Hellbrunn Palace, or following the quiet paths along the historic Almkanal.
• 🛥️ By boat: a great way to explore Salzburg from a different perspective and to enjoy its city heritage is to go on a river cruise. When I visited this summer, I booked Tour 3 with Salzburg Highlights and it was definitely one of best things of my entire trip to Austria! Note that river cruises to Hellbrunn operate seasonally though.
• 🚌 By bus: city buses connect the train station (Hauptbahnhof) with Mirabellplatz, Hellbrunn, and other sites. The hop on-hop off buses are a good way to tour Salzburg as well.
• 🐴 By fiaker: since the Old Town of Salzburg (Altstadt) is a pedestrian zone closed to general traffic, you may take a horse-drawn carriage (known as fiaker) in Residenzplatz.
• 👣 By foot: as mentioned above, Altstadt Salzburg is a pedestrian zone, with most attractions within walking distance.
• ✈️ By plane: unsurprisingly, the Salzburg airport (Flughafen Salzburg; SZG) is named after our dear friend Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The airport is located 4km from the German border and Salzburg´s city center. On your way to or from the Salzburg airport, you may stop at Red Bull Hangar-7, a modern aircraft museum that is free of charge.
• 🚕 By taxi: traditional taxis are still widely used to get around Salzburg, but ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Uber are available too.
• 🚂 By train: Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) is well connected, and on my last trip I arrived from Zell am See in the Austrian Alps on a smooth 1h30 OBB ride. A few days later, I took an early-morning connection to Munich Airport via Mühldorf and München Ost—an easy, scenic journey that required two quick transfers. Trains in Austria and Germany are frequently checked, so always make sure you have a valid ticket before boarding.

Consider buying the Salzburg Card, available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. This city pass offers free admission to tourist attractions and museums, as well as free use of public transportation and many additional discounts.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa near Salzburg.

Action Rafting on the river Salzach in Schwarzach near Salzburg, Austria

Curling in the Austrian Alps, near Salzburg

Private Helicopter Tour and Lunch in the Eastern Alps from Salzburg

Snowshoe exploration in Salzkammergut

Tandem paragliding flight above Wolfgang Lake, near Salzburg

📍Salzburg map with the best things to do in the city of Mozart

For your ease of reference, below you will find a Salzburg map with all the spots mentioned throughout this blog post. They are color-coded by category (things to do, restaurants, hotels, day trip destinations). Use it to plan your next trip to this Austrian destination!

🧭 Day trips from the Austrian city of Salzburg

Salzburg makes a fantastic base for exploring central Austria and even neighbouring Bavaria in Germany (with Munich being just 1h30 away by car). Whether you’re after alpine scenery, lakes, adventure or culture, these easy day trips are all within quick reach from Mozart´s birthplace.

🧊 Eisriesenwelt ice caves & Hohenwerfen fortress

A 45-minute drive or train ride from Salzburg brings you to Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world — a spectacular half-day adventure (dress warmly!). Nearby, the 11th-century Hohenwerfen Fortress (Burg Hohenwerfen) rises dramatically above the valley and has appeared in several films. Combining both in a single day makes for a perfect nature and history pairing.

📸 Hallstatt

A fairytale village backed by mountains and mirrored in the lake below. Featured all over Instagram, it’s one of Austria’s most photographed destinations, which makes a beautiful — though popular — full-day trip from Mozart´s birthplace.

⛲ Hellbrunn Palace & trick fountains (Wasserspiele)

Just outside the city of Salzburg, many people visit Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) not only for its playful Wasserspiele (trick fountains) but also because it’s a key stop on most Sound of Music tours. The famous trick fountains were built in the 17th century to entertain (and occasionally drench!) noble guests. I laughed out loud as hidden jets of water suddenly shot up from benches, pathways and grottoes. It was such a refreshing surprise on a hot August day, which reminded me of La Granja de San Ildefonso Palace, one of the 6 destinations you can’t miss in the Segovia province (Spain). The gardens also hide a Roman Theatre, the Orpheus Grotto and a historic wine cellar. Located just beside Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg Zoo is a great optional stop, especially for families.

You can get to Hellbrunn by bus or even on a boat + bus combo tour: I took a 2.5-hour cruise down the Salzach river (Tour 3 with Salzburg Highlights for €43.5) and then got transferred to a bright red London-style double-decker bus, which felt oddly out of place in Austria.

On my way back from the palace of Hellbrunn, the bus drove past several elegant manor houses with alpine views. If you’re a Sound of Music fan, you might also recognise Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, the lakeside palace used as the exterior of the von Trapp family home now turned into a hotel.

🌊 Lakes near Salzburg: Attersee, Mondsee, Wolfgangsee and Zell am See

The Salzburg region is dotted with idyllic lakes (Sees in German) perfect for boating, cycling and swimming if you´re brave enough. Lake Attersee, Lake Mondsee, Lake Wolfgangsee, and Lake Zell are among the most picturesque. The latter – Zell am See– is precisely pure alpine perfection: a clear blue lake surrounded by soaring peaks, pretty walking paths and panoramic viewpoints that I visited right after my friend´s wedding in Maria Alm.

Read more >>> Discovering the Austrian Alps: Kaprun, Maria Alm, Saalfelden & Zell am See

🌿 Salzburger Freilichtmuseum

Salzburger Freilichtmuseum is an open-air museum showcasing traditional rural life through 100+ historic buildings, craft demonstrations and farmhouses spread across a large meadow-filled valley.

🧂 Salzwelten salt mines (Hallein & Hallstatt)

The historic salt mines of Salzwelten offer underground slides, miner tunnels and interactive exhibits — ideal for families or anyone curious about Salzburgerland’s mining heritage. The Hallein site is closest to Salzburg, while the one in Hallstatt is further away.

🎒 Final thoughts on Salzburg, Austria

The Austrian city of Salzburg may be compact, but it overflows with charm, music, and history. Whether you’re wandering the Getreidegasse, humming a Mozart tune, or sipping beer at a traditional biergarten, this city never fails to delight.

Having experienced it both as a wide-eyed child on a family road trip and as a solo traveler decades later, I can confidently say: Salzburg feels timeless.

Have you been to Salzburg? Let me know your favourite spots in the comments below, or show your support by loving this article!

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In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

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