Travel and Tinsel contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.
When I visited Salzburg last year, I instantly fell in love with the city. It was the perfect introduction to Austria. While the Sound of Music tour initially brought me there, I quickly discovered that Salzburg had so much more to offer.
Salzburg, also known as the City of Mozart, is an easily walkable city. It is best known for The Sound Of Music being filmed here and Mozart’s Birthplace. It’s also home to the Red Bull headquarters! It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
This city is rich in food, culture, and music, and has many different festivals throughout the year, including a magical Christmas market in December.
Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? Yes, it is!
Are you planning a trip to Austria and wondering, “Is Salzburg worth visiting”? Salzburg is definitely worth a visit!
You can walk in the footsteps of Mozart, eat at the oldest restaurant in Europe, and recreate the scenes from the Sound of Music. I did all these myself during my time in Salzburg, so you’re getting firsthand recommendations you can trust.
Salzburg is easily reachable by air, car, or train. It’s located 1.5 hours by train from Munich, Germany. From Vienna, it’s about 2.5 hours. Arriving by train, it’s about a 15 minute easy walk to the old town or Altstadt in German. Salzburg has the 2nd largest airport in Austria and many hotels will offer a transfer from the airport.
💡Pro Tip – Get the Salzburg Card for convenient public transportation on the city’s buses and its environmentally friendly trolleybuses. The card also offers free or discounted admission to many of the city’s most popular sites!
20 Things to Know Before You Visit
In this post, we will explore what you should know about Salzburg; from the must-sees to the practical tips, and everything in between! Whether you are a Sound of Music fan, classical music aficionado, or history lover, Salzburg might just be the perfect addition to your trip. Plus, I’ll share some personal experiences to help you plan the perfect Salzburg itinerary.
1. Some of the Best Attractions are Free
Mirabell Palace and Garden are beautifully maintained and peaceful gardens were originally built in 1606 for the mistress of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau and their children.
Today, it houses the mayor and municipal offices. Admission is free to enter the gardens and to see the marble columns and ‘angels’ staircase inside.
The palace is open most days except Sunday. Times vary since these are working offices. The gardens are open 6am to dusk, with parts of the gardens closed in winter.
The marble hall is a beautiful setting to experience a Mozart and friends concert. To enjoy this extra experience, a ticket purchase is required. This one is highly rated!
I enjoyed wandering the gardens and recreating the scenes from the Sound of Music filmed here.
The hedge tunnel and the dwarf garden from the movie are also located here!
2. The City is Full of History
Hohensalzburg Fortress sits high above the city and to this day has never been taken by enemy invaders since it was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard. It is the largest, fully preserved castle in Europe, and the iconic symbol of Salzburg.
The fortress is open year round and can be reached both by foot and the Fortress Funicular. The museum is free with the Salzburg card but the funicular does require a ticket.
Every Sunday at 11:45am, brass trumpeters play from trumpet tower for all of old town to hear.
The fortress is also well known for its concerts, including Mozart dinners.
3. The Birthplace of Mozart
Mozart was born in 1756 at No. 9 Getreidegasse, Salzburg Austria. Today it is a museum and a must see for Mozart and classical music fans. The family lived here for 26 years before moving to what is now called the Mozart Residence.
This museum offers an in-depth look at Mozart’s life; his childhood, friendships, passion for opera, family relationships, and, of course, his early beginnings in music.
The museum is open daily and entry is free with the Salzburg Card!
4. Mozart’s Second Salzburg Home Is Now a Museum
Mozart and his family moved to this residence in 1773 and resided here for 14 years. The home is now a museum housing many original documents and portraits.
In the courtyard of the Mozart Residence is a small wooden shed where Mozart composed one of his most famous works, The Magic Flute. That shed was originally in Vienna but was moved to Salzburg in 1873. It is a permanent exhibit of the museum.
Entrace is free with the Salzburg Card!
5. Get Lost (and Found) in Getreidegasse’s Hidden Passages
Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s Most Famous Shopping Street, is famous for its narrow passageways that allow you to take shortcuts between streets. It almost seems like Salzburgers can simply disappear and then reappear somewhere else, but it’s really the architectural design of the through-houses.
This quaint and picturesque street is lined with shops and eateries.
Are you thinking this street name sounds familiar? That’s because it’s the same street as Mozart’s birthplace!
In one stop, you can shop, dine, explore Mozart’s legacy, and stroll hidden passageways like a local.
6. Don’t Miss Hellbrunn Palace and Its Famous Trick Fountains
Hellburnn Palace is located about 20 minutes south of the city. It was originally built in the 17th century for entertainment and recreation by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus.
The water features here are unlike anywhere else. Powered entirely by water, the grottos and mechanical theater showcase a marvel of early engineering.
Of course, there are traditional fountains, but the hidden spouts and clever designs make these far more fascinating.
Today Hellbrunn Palace is a popular wedding locale. It’s open daily from late March to early November and costs 15 Euro for adults.
The famous gazebo from the Sound of Music is located here. It’s free to visit the Gazebo. This isn’t its original spot for the Gazebo. It was relocated after fans began trespassing on private property just to see it.
Access to the inside of the Gazebo is restricted due to a safety incident involving a tourist a few years ago, however it remains one of my favorite stops on the Sound of Music tour!
7. The Heart of the Historic Old Town
Salzburg Cathedral is Salzburg’s most important Sacred Church; it’s located right in the middle of the city. For a small fee you can enter and see the beautiful early Baroque architecture of the Cathedral. The fee covers the preservation of this historical Cathedral and includes audio guides.
Mozart is very much a part of this cathedral. Visitors can listen to the organs he played on and see the baptismal font where he was christened.
The Salzburg Cathedral hosts mini orgain concerts most days at noon. Tickets are required for the concerts. All tickets can be purchased here!
The square just in front of the Salzburg Cathedral hosts some performances during the Salzburg Festival and is the location of the magical Salzburg Christmas Market. My trip to Salzburg was during December and the cathedral was a stunning backdrop for the Christmas Market!
8. Walk Through Salzburg’s Regal Baroque Past
The DomQuartier complex right outside the Salzburg Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the former residences of the Prince-Archbishops, the Cathedral, and St. Peter’s Abbey. The Residences hosted the first opera of the north Alps and Mozart’s first concert at age 7.
Entrance to the Residences is free with the Salzburg Card!
St. Peter’s Abbey was founded in the 7th century and is the oldest monastery still around in the German-speaking world. The cemetery and catacombs were built before the abbey and recognized by Sound of Music fans as a filming location.
Inside the Abbey is St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Europe.
9. Dine at the Oldest Restaurant in Europe
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Europe, was founded in 803 CE. This is an experience all in itself to think how many people have eaten here before me.
I had their signature Austrian dish – tafelspitz – boiled beef with minced apple and horseradish. The one thing I wish I would have done was get the Apple Strudel, so order one for me! Reservations are free and I highly recommend making one. There was a couple hour wait but we got right in with our reservation.
The Baroque and Romanesque Halls inside St. Peter Stiftskulinarium are used for the Mozart Concert Dinners.
10. Mozart Dinner: A Taste of History and Music
In a city so steeped in musical history, a classical music dinner is a one-of-a-kind way to spend an evening in Mozart’s birthplace.
The menu features dishes inspired by historical recipes from Mozart’s era, meals his own family might have enjoyed. With musicians and opera singers performing in authentic period costumes, it’s a truly immersive and memorable evening.
I personally did not have time to do one, but have heard good things. This one comes highly recommended and is located inside St. Peter’s Abbey, the oldest restaurant in Europe.
11. Do, Re, Mi – The Sound of Music in Salzburg
This was the main draw for me to Salzburg. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the movie, I felt it was worth the time and cost.
Several of the stops on the tour are main attractions in Salzburg; along with many places outside the city that would be difficult and time consuming to reach on your own. The guides are very knowledgeable the history of the movie and Salzburg.
If you want the full scoop, I dive deeper and review the Sound of Music Tour here.
12. Cafe Tomaselli – A Centuries-Old Place to See and Be Seen
Founded in 1700 and the oldest coffeehouse in Austria, Mozart was a frequent Patron of Cafe Tomaselli. It’s been run by the same family for over 150 years. The cafe offers a tempting array of pastries and delicious coffee.
The terrace of the cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet coffee al fresco, with views over Salzburg’s Old Town. Come early in the morning to soak up the peaceful atmosphere before the city wakes up, or relax during the day and watch the world go by away from the crowds.
Located in the heart of old town, this was and is the place to see and be seen for many of the rich and famous.
13. The Salzach River Splits the City
Salzburg is divided by the Salzach River into two main districts: the Old Town, Altstadt in German, and New Town. Salzburg’s Baroque-style Old Town is filled with cobblestone streets, ornate facades, and centuries-old charm. The Salzburg Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I thoroughly enjoyed wandering the charming streets of the Old Town. It felt a little like a storybook watching the horse drawn carriages in old town.
Like many cities, Salzburg has a love lock bridge where lovers come to attach a lock inscribed with their initials to the bridge. The lovers then toss the key into the river to symbolize their unbreakable love.
This footbridge spans the Salzach River, connecting the Old Town to the New Town. We found this a very easy stop to see either to or from the train station.
14. 100 Years of Puppetry at the Salzburg Marionette Theater
At the Salzburg Marionette Theater all the performances are performed by marionettes, whose movements are guided by the puppeteers! The technique used to guide the puppets, each on 12 strings, earned this theater a spot on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This mini-opera house has been around for more than 100 years. The list of performances include Mozart’s The Magic Flute, The Sound of Music, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and many other wide ranging performances.
15. Weather
The weather in Salzburg is seasonable; so the spring and fall are pleasant. Summer can have hot periods and thunderstorms, but temperatures average around 75F/24C; still making it for a good time to visit.
Winter can be cold and gray with snow and the average temperatures are around 45F/7C, getting as low as 25F/-3C average during the coldest months.
I visited in December and found the weather very manageable with the right clothing.
16. Salzburg at Christmas is Like a Winter Fairytale
The city transforms into a festive wonderland during Advent. The Salzburg Christmas Market in Residenzplatz is one of the oldest in Europe and absolutely enchanting with its lights, music, and traditional treats.
What I loved most was that it wasn’t as overwhelmingly crowded as in some larger cities, yet it still offered so much to enjoy. Beyond the main market, you’ll find several smaller Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, each with its own special charm.
Open from the end of November to January 1, the Christmas markets turn Salzburg in a fairytale winter wonderland. The markets also have special events almost everyday including festive music and visits from the Christ Child.
17. Getting Around
We walked everywhere as Salzburg is an easily walkable city so there isn’t a need for transportation. However the city does have convenient, reliable public transportation on the city’s buses and its environmentally friendly trolleybuses.
Purchase the Salzburg card for unlimited free public transportation for the duration purchased. The card also offers free or discounted admission to many of the city’s most popular sites! It’s available online, at most hotels, tourist information centers, and at the airport.
18. Salzburg is a Great Home Base for Day Trips
Salzburg’s central location, excellent transportation connections, and proximity to many attractions make it a great home base for day trips. Within 1-2 hours, you can visit lakes and mountains, UNESCO towns, castles, ice caves, and salt mines.
Hallstatt, Austria is a great half-day trip. A UNESCO town that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Nestled between the towering Alps and the serene waters of Lake Hallstätter, I can’t get over how cute this town looks!
One highly rated tour to the charming town of Hallstatt, Austria is this half day tour.
19. Salzburg Hosts a Variety of Festivals Year-Round
Salzburg dedicates and entire week to Mozart, the famous composer who grew up here. Mozart Week happens every year around Mozart’s birthday at the end of January. Concerts, operas, and chamber music fill many different venues around Salzburg.
The Salzburg Festival takes place each summer and usually lasts one month in late July and August. It features opera, classical music, and drama at venues all across the city performed by the best and most famous artists from all over the world.
Not all events require a ticket; taking a leisurely stroll through the city you might encounter open air stages and live streams in the squares.
20. Are There Any Cons to Visiting Salzburg?
Although Salzburg is a smaller town, and not visited as often as say Vienna or Munich, it can still get crowded in the summer tourist months and during the festivals. So booking in shoulder seasons would avoid some of the crowds.
If you’re looking for high-energy nightlife, Salzburg might feel a bit more low-key. While the city has its share of unique and charming pubs and bars, the night-life scene is more relaxed compared to Vienna or other larger cities.
Old town hotels can get a bit pricey especially during high tourist season or festivals. So be sure to book in advance if you are visiting then. Staying outside the Old Town is also a great option. Many areas remain within easy walking distance or a short bus ride away from many of the main attractions.
➡️This full guide on Where to stay in Salzburg will help you decide where to stay!⬅️
FAQs
Ready to start planning your trip to Austria and Salzburg? Let’s talk about some logistics to get you on your way to planning.
How many days should you visit Salzburg?
I would spend at least 2 days in Salzburg. This would give you time to see the city and do a couple more in depth experiences also. It’s doable in one day if you just wanted to see the highlights.
Is it better to visit Vienna or Salzburg?
Both Vienna and Salzburg are rich in music and cultural history. Vienna offers the art of Gustav Klimt; while Salzburg offers the Sound of Music we all grew up on.
Vienna, as a large city, is a lot more to take in than the quaint and compact city of Salzburg. Not to mention Salzburg, nestled in the alps, has some breathtaking views. Both offer a lot depending on what you are looking for! I picked Salzburg as my first stop in Austria!
What is the best month to visit Salzburg?
June to August are the best times to visit Salzburg when temperatures are moderate. If you are looking for lower crowds visit in the spring or fall when temperatures are still pleasant. I visited in December but found the weather then very manageable with the right attire. Snow capped Alps can make for beautiful vistas.
Final Thoughts
Nestled in the Alps, Salzburg has a lot to offer. It’s a great introduction to Austria with a small town feel. Plus it’s easy to get around by foot, bike, or bus. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage through old town.
Of course we all love the Sound of Music, but Salzburg offers a rich history of music, food, and culture. It’s very easy to feel like you are truly walking in the footsteps of history, like so many others before you. Yes, in my opinion, Salzburg is worth visiting!
I hope you found this Salzburg Things to Know Before You Go post helpful for planning your trip. Drop me an email if you have any questions. TravelandTinsel@gmail.com I love to hear from readers.
Check some of my other Salzburg posts!
Sound of Music Tour Salzburg – A Review
Salzburg Christmas Markets The Ultimate Guide
