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When I visited Salzburg, 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 compact and easy to explore on foot. It is best known for Mozart’s birthplace and as one of the main filming locations for The Sound of Music. Salzburg’s historic city center 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? At A Glance
Best for: History, music, architecture, and Sound of Music fans
How long to stay: 2–3 days, but one day is doable for the highlights
Getting there: ~1.5 hours by train from Munich and 2.5 hours from Vienna
Getting around: Salzburg is very walkable, with buses and trolleybuses available for attractions farther from Old Town
Don’t miss: Mirabell Gardens, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s Birthplace
My favorite experience: The Original Sound of Music Tour
Worth knowing: Consider the Salzburg Card if you plan to visit several attractions and use public transportation
Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?
Yes, Salzburg is definitely worth visiting, especially if you love history, music, beautiful architecture, or smaller European cities!
You can walk in the footsteps of Mozart, eat at one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, recreate the scenes from the Sound of Music, and enjoy incredible views of the Alps. I did all these myself during my time in Salzburg, and it ended up being one of my favorite stops on the trip.
It’s also compact enough that you can see quite a bit in one day, although I’d recommend at least two days if your itinerary allows.
Getting To Salzburg
Salzburg is easily reachable by air, car, or train. It’s about 1.5 hours by train from Munich, Germany, and about 2.5 hours from Vienna. If you’re arriving by train, it’s an easy 15-minute walk from the main train station to Old Town, or Altstadt in German.
Salzburg has the second-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 Gardens are beautifully maintained and peaceful. The palace was 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 11:45 a.m., brass trumpeters play from the 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.
Entrance 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
Hellbrunn 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 the gazebo’s original location. 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 sits in the heart of Old Town and is one of Salzburg’s most important churches. 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 church. Visitors can listen to the organs he played on and see the baptismal font where he was christened.
The Salzburg Cathedral hosts mini organ 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 sits in Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed historic center and includes the former residences of the Prince-Archbishops, the Cathedral, and areas connected with 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 continuously existing monastery 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.
9. Dine at the Oldest Restaurant in Europe
Inside the Abbey is St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Europe, 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! I highly recommend making a reservation. 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.
I didn’t have time to do a Mozart Dinner during my visit, but if you’re looking for a special evening experience, this is one I’d consider. The dinner is held inside St. Peter Stiftskulinarium and combines a historically inspired meal with musicians and opera singers performing Mozart’s music in period costumes. The historically inspired meal is based on dishes Mozart and his family may have enjoyed.
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 places outside the city that would be difficult and time-consuming to reach on your own. The guides are very knowledgeable about the history of the movie and Salzburg.
I loved this tour and gave it five stars. If you’re considering it, read my full Original Sound of Music Tour review, including all the stops, photos, and tips from my experience.
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 has long been 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.
You’ll also cross the Makartsteg footbridge, Salzburg’s famous love lock bridge, which connects Old Town with New Town. Couples toss the key into the river to symbolize their unbreakable love.
We found it an easy stop to see on our walk 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 includes Mozart’s The Magic Flute, The Sound of Music, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and many other wide-ranging performances.
15. Weather
Salzburg has four distinct seasons, so the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do. Summer brings warmer weather but also larger crowds, while spring and fall are generally cooler and quieter. Winter is cold, but it’s also when Salzburg’s Christmas markets transform the city.
I visited in December and found the weather very manageable with the right clothing. If you’re visiting in winter, layers, a warm coat, and comfortable waterproof shoes are key.
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.
I visited Salzburg during the Christmas market season, and this is when the city really stole my heart. Between the markets, lights, music, and Alpine backdrop, Salzburg feels like a winter fairytale.
What I loved most was that it wasn’t as overwhelmingly crowded as 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.
If you’re planning a December trip, I have a complete Salzburg Christmas Markets guide with the different markets, what to expect, and tips from my visit.
17. Getting Around
Salzburg is very walkable, and we walked almost everywhere during our visit. If you’re staying farther from Old Town or visiting attractions outside the center, the city’s buses and trolleybuses make getting around easy.
The Salzburg Card can also be a good value if you plan to visit several included attractions and use public transportation.
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 one of the most popular day trips from Salzburg and can be visited independently or on an organized half-day tour. Nestled between the towering Alps and the serene waters of Lake Hallstätter, Hallstatt sits within the UNESCO-listed Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape. It looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. 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 an 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, with internationally renowned 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?
Salzburg may be smaller than Vienna or Munich, but don’t mistake that for crowd-free. Old Town can get very busy during the summer, festival season, and the Christmas markets. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the spring or fall or exploring popular sights early in the day.
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 nightlife 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 Salzburg? Here are a few common questions to help with the details.
1. How many days should you visit Salzburg?
I recommend spending 2-3 days in Salzburg for a first visit. This would give you time to see the city, do a couple more in-depth experiences, or take a day trip.
It’s doable in one day if you just want to see the highlights. That’s what I did on my first visit, and I was surprised by how much we were able to fit in.
2. Is it better to visit Vienna or Salzburg?
Choose Salzburg if you want a smaller, walkable city with Alpine scenery, Mozart history, and Sound of Music sites. Choose Vienna if you want a larger city with grand palaces, museums, art, and more big-city attractions.
I chose Salzburg for my first visit to Austria, and I loved its smaller, storybook feel. If your itinerary allows, though, they’re different enough that both are worth visiting.
3. What is the best month to visit Salzburg?
There isn’t one best month to visit Salzburg. June through August offers warmer weather but also larger crowds. Spring and fall are good choices if you prefer milder weather and fewer visitors. And if you love Christmas markets like I do, December is hard to beat.
I visited in December and would happily visit Salzburg at Christmas again.
Final Thoughts
Salzburg ended up being one of those cities I liked even more than I expected. I originally went because of The Sound of Music, but I left loving the city itself.
It’s compact and walkable, surrounded by beautiful Alpine scenery, and packed with history, music, great food, and plenty to see without feeling overwhelming. Add in the Christmas markets during December, and Salzburg quickly became one of my favorite stops in Europe.
So, is Salzburg worth visiting? For me, absolutely. Whether you have one day or several, I think it’s an easy city to add to an Austria or Central Europe itinerary.
I hope you found this Salzburg Things to Know Before You Go guide helpful for planning your trip. Drop me an email if you have any questions at julie@travelandtinsel.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
