Visit Salzburg to enjoy medieval architecture, music festivals and a sophisticated food scene. This scenic city sits on the banks of the Salzach River. Take a cruise on the water to get your bearings. Walk along the shores on the weekends to experience the Salzach Galleries (Salzachgalerien), a fabulous open-air market.
On the Salzach’s western bank is Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt), a World Heritage Site where building is strictly regulated in order to preserve the area’s original flavour. You’ll find many historic attractions, including the Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) and Mozart Square (Mozartplatz). Overlooking the stately square of Residenzplatz, is the Residenz palace where the rulers of Salzburg lived in the 1500s. Visit this ornate building to see grand chambers and works by Rembrandt and other European masters. On the medieval street of Getreidegasse you can shop for high-end clothing and traditional souvenirs, and visit Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus).
Bordering the Old Town is the towering Mönchsberg mountain. Ride the cable railway to the top of the mountain to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), among the largest and most impressive castles in Europe.
Cross to the eastern banks of the river to walk up Salzburg’s tallest city peak, Kapuzinerberg. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic city views that are especially grand at sunset.
Beyond the city, visit the Baroque villa of Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn). It’s famed for beautiful gardens and whimsical Trick Fountains. Kids will love dodging the water shot from sculptures and hidden wall fountains.
Music plays a major part in Salzburg’s cultural scene. Hear the work of the city’s celebrated native son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart during the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), held in summer. Take a guided tour around some of the locations used in one of the world’s most beloved musical movies, The Sound of Music. Any tour is sure to take you to Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell), where there are impressive monuments and gardens.
Salzburg’s food scene is as diverse as its other attractions, with coffee houses, beer halls and award-winning restaurants. Sample homemade cakes and strudels at Café Tomaselli, Austria’s oldest café. Beer drinkers will enjoy a variety of traditional breweries, including the famous Augustiner Brewery.
Salzburg Travel Guide
Where to stay in Salzburg
City Centre Salzburg
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Mirabell Palace and Gardens to Mirabell Gardens – discover City Centre Salzburg, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Altstadt Salzburg
Historical sites, museums and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Residenzplatz Square while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Historical sites, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace and Gardens or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.
Schallmoos
Schallmoos is well liked for many features, particularly its shopping, restaurants and historical sites. Though there may not be top sights in Schallmoos, consider stopping by Linzer Gasse or Mirabell Palace and Gardens, located nearby.
Nonntal
Nonntal is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nonnberg Abbey and Domkirche.
Riedenburg
Unique features of Riedenburg include the shopping and historical sites. Make a stop by Leopoldskron Palace or Stiegl's World of Brewing while you're exploring the area.
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Popular places to visit
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
See one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world at this magnificent palace, originally built as a grand gesture of love.
Salzburg Cathedral
Step back in time to the eighth century at one of Salzburg’s most important historic sites and one of Europe’s most beautiful churches.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Hop on a cable car and climb up to this mountaintop fortress, one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.
Mozart's Birthplace
Learn about the life, family and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart via exhibitions in the rooms of the house where he was born.
Hellbrunn Palace
This palace, originally a summer residence for the archbishops of Salzburg, is famous for the whimsical water games of the Trick Fountains.
Mirabell Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Mirabell Gardens, a lovely green space in Salzburg. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.
Things to do
The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner
Salzburg: Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna
Salzburg: Mozart Concert at Mirabell Palace
Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert
Hop-On Hop-Off: Salzburg City
Reviews of Salzburg
5/5 - Excellent
Fabulous place and surrounding areas. People very helpful and friendly. Went on a trip with Paramount to Hallstatt absolutely stunning, well worth the trip and the guide was excellent.
5/5 - Excellent
Loved Salzburg, such a beautiful small city. Definitely recommend!
5/5 - Excellent
A fantastic place for a City break. Clean, friendly and breathtaking scenery. Loved it.
5/5 - Excellent
We have been to Salzburg before and love the city; our preferred hotel was not available hence our staying here.
5/5 - Excellent
Salzburg is a beautiful city definitely a must see
4/5 - Good
Probably better in summer months but things to do in Winter with a few markets.