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Are you planning a trip to the most beautiful city in Austria? If so, here are the best things to do in Salzburg you don’t want to miss out on.
Salzburg’s highlights include the Salzburg Festival, Mozart, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Hellbrunn Palace.
However, there is much more to discover and experience in Salzburg’s Old Town and its surroundings.
It’s no wonder Salzburg is my favorite city in my home country of Austria.
In this Salzburg guide, I’ll introduce you to the most famous and important attractions, the best Salzburg tips and highlights, a special hotel tip, and how to save a lot of money on admission fees.
So, absolute insider tips for Salzburg.
Be sure to read the whole article.
At the end of it, I will give you my favorite list of the best things to do in Salzburg. You don’t want to miss out on these tips.
Contents
The Best Things To Do In Salzburg Austria
The sights of Salzburg, especially in the Old Town, are the highlights of a visit.
Since the attractions in the historic city center are close to each other, Salzburg can be comfortably explored on foot. If you’re short on time, you can comfortably explore Salzburg in one day.
But also outside the Old Town, there are further buildings, museums, and activities worth visiting.
Many of these attractions can also be discovered on foot or reached by public transport.
Salzburg Tips / Tip #1: Public transport, except for the S-Bahn, is included in the Salzburg Card. If you purchase the city card here, you can use the public transportation free of charge.
1. Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress sits prominently above the Old Town of Salzburg.
It was built in the 11th century and is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. Due to its location and having one of the best views in Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the most popular attractions in Salzburg.
Moreover, the fortress is also the landmark of the Mozart city. You can easily reach the fortress by funicular. This cable car, dating back to 1892, is Austria’s oldest.
In the past, this funicular, also known as the ‘Tröpferlbahn,’ operated on water power. Today, of course, the system is much more modern and faster.
It can now transport up to 1,800 people per hour. You can reach Hohensalzburg from Festungsgasse 4 in about one minute.
The footpath to Hohensalzburg Fortress is also beautiful. Near the funicular, the path leading up to the fortress begins and is well-signposted.
Salzburg Tips / Tip #2: I find it most beautiful to take the cable car to the fortress and then walk back down to the city. On the way down to the Old Town, there are a few more beautiful viewpoints.
Highlights of Hohensalzburg Fortress include the view of Salzburg, but also the Prince’s Chambers. However, the Prince’s Chambers are included with the Salzburg Card only until 11 a.m.
So if you want to visit them, you should be there early. Those who do not have a tourist card or want to come later must book entry to the Prince’s Chambers separately.
Address Hohensalzburg Fortress: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg Address Fortress Cable Car: Festungsgasse 4, 5020 Salzburg Website: Hohensalzburg Fortress; Fortress Cable Car
Salzburg Tips / Tip #3: A charming and special experience is the Christmas market at Hohensalzburg Fortress during the pre-Christmas season.
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2. Mozart’s Birthplace
The yellow facade of Mozart’s birthplace (Hagenauer House) in Getreidegasse is not only one of the most popular attractions but also one of the most photographed buildings in Salzburg.
The entrance to Mozart’s birthplace is located at Getreidegasse 9.
The house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, is now a museum.
On three floors, the museum shows original instruments, documents, and memorabilia of the Mozart family.
An absolute must for every Salzburg visitor and Mozart fan.
Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., July/August from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission: €12.00 adults, €3.50 children (6-14 years), free with the tourist card. Address: Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg Website: Mozart’s Birthplace
Salzburg Tips / Tip #4: If you want to learn more about Mozart and his life, you should also visit Mozart’s Residence on Makartplatz.
Personally, I enjoyed Mozart’s Birthhouse more, but if you are interested in the genius and his life, you should definitely visit both places. The entrance fee is also included in the Salzburg Card.
3. Mirabell Palace And Mirabell Gardens
The baroque palace with its magnificent gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must for every Salzburg visitor.
The marble hall of Mirabell Palace is considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. Many couples from all over the world come to Salzburg to get married.
But also as a visitor to Salzburg, you should not miss the Mirabell Gardens.
The view of Hohensalzburg Fortress from the gardens is unique. At the Rosenhügel (Rose Hill) you find the famous photography spot. This is one of the reasons why Salzburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and among the best cities to visit in Austria.
Opening hours: The palace and gardens are open daily. The exact opening hours can be found on the city of Salzburg’s website. Admission: Free Address: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg
Salzburg Tips / Tip #5: Don’t miss walking through the gardens to the Dwarf Garden. The Dwarf Garden is one of the oldest parts of Mirabell Gardens and contains a collection of baroque dwarf statues that are well worth seeing.
4. Salzburg Cathedral And DomQuartier Salzburg With The State Rooms
History enthusiasts should not miss the DomQuartier Salzburg.
In addition to the opulent state rooms of the Residence, you can also explore the Residence Gallery, the St. Peter’s Museum, and the Cathedral Museum.
A highlight is the Cathedral Arch Terrace, which connects the staterooms with the Salzburg Cathedral.
This terrace offers a splendid view of Mozartplatz, Domplatz, and the Old Town of Salzburg—a view that alone is worth the visit of the DomQuartier Salzburg.
The terrace leads directly to the organ loft inside Salzburg Cathedral, from where the entire cathedral can be wonderfully surveyed.
The Cathedral Museum, located on the same level as the organ loft, primarily displays art from the Archdiocese of Salzburg dating from the 8th to the 18th centuries.
The St. Peter’s Museum, part of the oldest monastery in the German-speaking area (Archabbey St. Peter), houses ecclesiastical treasures, as well as collections of prints, paintings, musical instruments, and coins.
The Residence Gallery in the DomQuartier Museum focuses on European painting from the 16th to the 19th century, with regular special exhibitions also featured in the Residence Gallery Salzburg.
DomQuartier Opening Hours: Daily (except Tuesday) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; last admission at 4:00 p.m.; closed on December 24th. Admission is included with the Salzburg Card. Address: Residenzplatz 1 / Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg.
5. Getreidegasse
Getreidegasse in Salzburg is one of the most famous streets in the city, home to luxury shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores. It was once the site of prominent designer labels.
Some, such as Louis Vuitton, have now relocated from Getreidegasse to “Alter Markt.” Nevertheless, a stroll through Getreidegasse is still a worthwhile part of any city walk.
6. Hellbrunn Palace And Trick Fountains
Hellbrunn Palace is a little outside the city center of Salzburg but is easily accessible by public transport or bicycle. The pleasure palace was built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus von Hohenems.
Hellbrunn was only intended as a day residence, which is why there are no bedrooms here.
The trick fountains are a special highlight and unique in the world. The visit is not only refreshing on hot summer days but also offers a lot of fun and surprises.
Opening hours: The palace and fountains are open from April to October. The exact opening hours can be found on the Hellbrunn website. Admission: free with the Salzburg Card. Address: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg Website
Salzburg Tips / Tip #6: In the pre-Christmas season, there is a beautiful Christmas market at Hellbrunn Palace. You can read more about the Hellbrunner Adventzauber here: The Best Christmas Markets In Salzburg
7. Salzburg Zoo
The Salzburg Zoo is located directly at Hellbrunn and is home to 140 animal species from all over the world. The zoo is beautifully landscaped and offers a successful mix of walking experience and animal observation.
The zoo is open 365 days a year and is always worth a visit.
Opening hours: January to March and November to December from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April to October from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission: €12.00 adults, €5.50 children (4-14 years), free with the City Card. Address: Hellbrunnerstraße 60, 5020 Salzburg
Salzburg Tips / Tip #7: The combination ticket for Hellbrunn Palace, the fountains, and the Salzburg Zoo is particularly practical and inexpensive.
8. Salzburg Festival And Festival Houses
The Salzburg Festival enjoys worldwide fame.
Those who can’t visit Salzburg during the festival but are interested in the subject, particularly the Festival Houses, can learn more through a guided tour.
The tour covers the Large Festival House, the House for Mozart, the Foyers, audience halls, as well as the Felsenreitschule.
Tours: January to June at 2 PM; July and August at 9:30 AM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM; from September to December at 2 PM; closed on January 1, and from December 24 to 26. Meeting Point: Festival Shop
Admission is included with the Salzburg Card.
9. Mönchsberg
The Mönchsberg looms behind Salzburg’s Old Town, with the Hohensalzburg Fortress prominently perched on top.
Mönchsberg offers some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Salzburg and has much more to offer. There are many paths to Mönchsberg.
The quickest and easiest way to reach it is via the lift, located at Gstättengasse 13 at Anton-Neumayr-Platz. The Mönchsberg can also be reached on foot from Salzburg’s Old Town quite quickly.
By the way, a sunset on Mönchsberg, overlooking the Old Town of Salzburg, is one of the highlights of a trip to Salzburg.
Salzburg Tips / Tip #6: Hiking on Mönchsberg
10. Museum Of Modern Art On Mönchsberg
The Museum of Modern Art is located on Mönchsberg and is most quickly accessed via the Mönchsberg Lift (Gstättengasse 13 at Anton-Neumayr-Platz).
In addition to the Museum of Modern Art on Mönchsberg, there is also the Rupertinum at Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse 9.
In addition to the permanent collections, there are always changing exhibitions and events in both museums.
Therefore, it’s worth taking a look at the website.
After visiting the museum, you can make a short stop at the M32. The café/restaurant is located in the same building.
Salzburg Tips / Tip #7: In front of the Museum of Modern Art, there is a beautiful view of the city of Salzburg.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and during festival periods additionally Monday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission: €8.00 for adults, €6.00 for children, admission included with the Salzburg Card Address: Mönchsberg 32, 5020 Salzburg
11. Christmas Museum – Christmas 365 Days A Year
The Christmas Museum, located at Mozartplatz, is open almost all year round.
For fans of the Christmas season, this small museum is a must-see. Displayed are cribs, figurines, and everything related to Advent and Christmas from the years 1840 to 1940. I enjoyed it a lot, even during summer time. I’m just a Christmas lover.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM; open daily during the Christmas season and the festival; closed from February 1 to mid-March. Admission: €6.00 for adults, €3.00 for children, admission included with the Salzburg Card Address: Mozartplatz 2, 5020 Salzburg
12. Abbey St. Peter With Insider Tip Catacombs
The catacombs are located in the cemetery of the Archabbey St. Peter and were built into Mönchsberg.
Stairs have been carved into the rock, leading up to an old chapel set into the stone.
The catacombs are of early Christian origin and are worth a visit.
Within the catacombs, there is also a viewpoint from which the beautifully laid out cemetery and the Abbey St. Peter can be seen.
Catacombs Opening Hours: May to September from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, October to April daily from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Catacombs Cost: Adults €2.00, Children €1.50 (included with the Salzburg Card) Address: St.-Peter-Bezirk 1, 5020 Salzburg
13. Through The Alm Canal (Almkanal)
Every year in September, it is possible to discover Salzburg in a special way: by taking a walk through the Alm Canal. This canal runs through Mönchsberg and is only accessible for three weeks in September.
Rubber boots, a flashlight, and warm clothing are necessary for a booked tour. Rubber boots and flashlights can be borrowed for the occasion.
The best way to learn more about it and to book this adventure is by getting in contact with the locals here.
14. House Of Nature (Haus der Natur)
The House of Nature offers exhibitions on several floors on topics such as space travel, underwater worlds, dinosaurs, rare reptiles of the world, and themes like our bodies and crystals.
Those who find a tour of the House of Nature insufficient can then enjoy the Science Center.
Here, topics such as energy and lifting, acoustics and music, physics, and technology, as well as the body and fitness can be discovered and experimented with.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM; closed on December 25. Admission: €5.00 for adults; €3.00 for youths and students; included with the Salzburg Card Address: Museumsplatz 5, 5020 Salzburg
15. Mozart’s Residence
Mozart’s Residence is an 8-room apartment where the Mozart family lived from 1773 to 1778.
It is also known as the “Dance Master’s House” and now houses a museum.
In addition to original documents and portraits, Mozart’s fortepiano is also on display. The museum also covers the life of the family in Salzburg.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM; December 24 from 9 AM to 3 PM Admission: €12.00 for adults; €3.50 for children from 6 years; included with the Salzburg Card; there is also a combined ticket for Mozart’s Residence and Mozart’s Birthplace Address: Makartplatz 8, 5020 Salzburg
16. Enjoy Beer In A Beer Garden In Austria’s Beer Capital Salzburg
Did you know that Salzburg is Austria’s beer capital?
In Austria and Germany, we enjoy drinking a cold beer. Especially in the warm months, you can sit at one of the beer gardens with a cold glass of beer.
Or you can join a guided beer tour like I did.
You can find restaurants with beer gardens spread around Salzburg.
If you want to go to one of the most famous ones, including great views over the city center, go to Stigl beer garden at Festungsgasse 10.
17. Cruise Along The Salzach River
Want to see the city from a different perspective? You can join a boat tour along the Salzach River.
The tour starts at the Franz Josef Kai 1a.
The boat trip takes 40 minutes and you will see the historical city center, as well as beautiful villas. You can book the boat ride here.
You can also join a cruise along the Salzach River and combine it with a visit to Hellbrunn Palace.
This tour is 2.5 hours long and includes fast-track tickets for the Hellbrunn Palace and the famous fountains. You can book the tour here.
18. Sample Original Mozartkugeln In The Salzburg Old Town
Do you love chocolate? If so, you can’t miss the original Mozartkugeln from Fürst.
These aren’t just sweets. The Mozartkugeln are part of Salzburg’s history.
The original ones are handmade and covered with signature silver and blue foil wrapping.
The chocolate balls date back to 1890. Mozart was an inspiration for it and you can find his face on the foil. You can try them at the Café Fürst in the city center.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the Mozartkugeln with a hot coffee or cocoa.
Fürst’s Mozartkugeln makes for an excellent souvenir. You can bring a piece of Salzburg’s heritage back home.
You find the Fürst Café opposite the famous Café Tomaselli at Alter Markt/Brodgasse 13.
19. The Sound Of Music Tour
Despite being a global sensation, it’s a fun fact that “The Sound of Music” is not widely known in my home country Austria.
The Sound of Music Tour in Austria offers a unique experience, especially for those who are fans of the iconic movie.
The half-day tour usually starts at the Mirabell Gardens, known for the “Do-Re-Mi” scene.
One of the most notable stops is the Leopoldskron Palace, which is also a hotel.
I was lucky enough to stay there and it’s amazing.
You have breakfast in the marble room and you can wander around the castle whenever you want.
The hotel, the castle, and the gardens are by the way only accessible to hotel guests.
Book your stay at the Hotel Castle Leopoldskron or read my review about the Schloss Leopoldskron hotel here.
This location is significant as it served as the backdrop for the Trapp family home in the movie.
The palace’s stunning facade and the picturesque lake Leopoldskroner Weiher in front create a scene straight out of the film.
Other highlights of the tour include the Nonnberg Abbey, where the real Maria was a novice.
You will also visit the village of Mondsee near Salzburg. It is home to the Basilica St. Michael. This is where the movie’s wedding scene was filmed.
You can book The Sound of Music Tour here.
Tips For Salzburg – 3 Personal Highlights And Insider Tips
Here you’ll find my personal tips for Salzburg. Additionally, at the end of the article, you will find more insider tips and attractions for Salzburg, the surroundings of Salzburg, and the Salzburg city center.
20. Apfelstrudel Baking Course
Apfelstrudel is my favorite Austrian dessert. Honestly, it’s the only dessert I bake.
I love a warm apple strudel and besides using my Granny’s recipe, I also took part in the Apfelstrudel and Salzburger Nockerln Baking Course in Salzburg.
It’s a fun activity. You not only learn how to create this dish, but you can taste it afterward.
If you want to try it yourself you can book this baking workshop here.
21. Get Up To Untersberg Mountain
The Untersberg is a fascination on the outskirts of Salzburg. It’s a mystical place and many legends are talking about this massive mountain.
You can take the bus to get to Gröding and from there use the gondola to get up to the Untersberg. You have a fantastic view of Salzburg and the country of Salzburg, the Salzburger Land.
It’s one of the places in Salzburg that are worth visiting.
If you have the Salzburg City Card, the gondola is included, as well as the bus.
22. View A Sunset From Gaisberg Mountain
There are some incredible viewpoints in Salzburg. The Gaisberg mountain on the outskirts of the city is a great viewpoint at sunset. You can see the whole city from atop.
The best part is that you can take the bus from the city center. The bus ticket is included in the City Card as well.
Besides the viewpoints in Salzburg itself, this is my favorite place to get an incredible view from atop.
Salzburg Hotel Tip: Hotel Castle Leopoldskron
The historic Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron is exceptional in many ways. Karl Lagerfeld hosted his Métiers d’Art 2014/15 Chanel show here and stayed in the suite at the palace.
Additionally, Bill Gates celebrated his birthday here with friends. And “The Sound of Music,” a globally famous film (except in Austria 🙂 ), was partially filmed here.
The palace is not open to the public and can only be visited as a guest at Schloss Leopoldskron. Moreover, the palace can be visited during a wedding celebration, the event Shakespeare in the Park, or during exclusive events.
Guests stay directly in the palace in the suites or in the hotel rooms of the adjacent Meierhof, which also houses the reception and the Meierhof Café.
Breakfast is served in style in the palace’s Marble Hall.
Book your stay at the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron
Find other hotels and accommodations for Salzburg here:
The Salzburg Card (Is the City Card Worth It?)
Salzburg offers a tourist card, and the question with such cards is whether they’re worth the cost. The answer for the city card is simple: it definitely is worth it.
Not only does it grant free entry to tourist attractions and museums, but it also covers public transportation, offers discounts at many excursion destinations, and includes additional reductions.
The tourist card is available for 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours.
Where Can You Buy The Salzburg Card?
The Salzburg Card can be purchased at hotels, the train station, tourist information centers, the P+R Salzburg Süd, Salzburg Airport, ticket offices, online at Salzburg.info, and also here online.
How To Get To Salzburg
Traveling to Salzburg from within Europe is straightforward. Direct flights are available from major cities such as Frankfurt, London, and Zurich.
If you’re traveling internationally, the nearest airports are Munich and Vienna International Airport. Both are approximately 2 to 3 hours away from Salzburg.
From Munich or Vienna, you have several travel options to get to Salzburg:
- By Bus: Flixbus offers an affordable, comfortable journey directly to Salzburg. Book your bus tickets here.
- By Train: Experience the stunning Austrian countryside by train. Trainline provides all necessary timetables and ticketing for a seamless trip. Check train schedules and book tickets here.
- By Car: Traveling from Austria and Germany to Salzburg by car is convenient due to well-connected roads. Find and book a rental car through DiscoverCars here.
To optimize your travel plans, consider using comparison tools like Omio to identify the best flights to Salzburg, Vienna, or Munich.
Final Thoughts About The Top Things To See In Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, as well as the Austrian Alps. No matter if you stay in Salzburg for one day or more, there is plenty to explore and do.
Read more about Salzburg here:
→ The Best Viewpoints In Salzburg
→ Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary (Local’s Guide)
→ Winter in Salzburg: Local’s Guide for The Best Things To Do
→ The Best Christmas Markets In Salzburg (Local’s Guide)
→ Salzburg to Hallstatt Day Trip – Comprehensive Guide for Visiting The Most Beautiful Village in Austria
About the Author
Christina Leutner is a travel expert and author from Austria. She writes about European destinations, especially Austria and Germany. She loves road trips, city trips, luxury travel, and outdoor adventures.
Christina has been sharing her travel experiences on CitySeaCountry for over 10 years.
zuletzt aktualisiert am February 4, 2026