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Salzburg is the famous Austrian birthplace of Mozart and is a city of Baroque architecture, alpine lakes, and green mountainous pastures. It is divided into two sections by the Salzach River:
Salzburg Old Town on the left and New Town to the right.
Both parts of Salzburg offer unique perspectives of this historic city and should not be missed.
Wondering what things you should prioritize while in Salzburg? We have a great list of 10 things you should do in Salzburg whether you are here for a day or a week.
Salzburg TourismOne thing we suggest you purchase before taking your trip to Salzburg, Austria is the Salzburg Card.
This pass gets you into over 30 attractions for free and free public transportation! In addition, you get some discounts to other things, a guide book and a map of the area.
You can choose as many days as you wish. It pays for itself and allows you to bypass a lot of ticket lines!
10 Things to do in Salzburg Austria
1. Hohensalzburg Fortress
While you can walk all the way from the street below to the top where the fortress is located, why not take the funicular? At the top, you will get an impressive view of the Old Town below.
Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best preserved medieval castles in Europe and will give you an idea of what life was life in the Salzburg court.
Admission is FREE with the Salzburg Card, otherwise:
Adults € 12.20
Children (6-14 years) € 7.00
Families € 27.10
Funicular is FREE with Salzburg Card, otherwise:
Ascent
*can be obtained from one hour before the closure of the fortress on, includes entrance to the fortress courtyards
Adults € 6.90
Children (6-14 years) € 3.70
Families (min. 1 adult + child) € 15.30
Ascent and descent
Adults € 8.60
Children (6-14 years) € 4.70
Families (min. 1 adult + child) € 18.70
2. Stiftsbaeckerei St. Peter
The funicular you took up to the top is powered on water from the wheel beneath. That wheel also served as a way to grind the flour for the baker whose shop is along side the wheel. This is Oldest Bakery in Austria and well-worth the visit to get a taste of this amazing bread!
3. St. Peter’s Monastery and Cemetery
One of the most beautiful cemeteries in the area, you will find both old and new graves side by side on this hilly area. What is most notable are the catacombs.
This cemetery was the inspiration for a scene from The Sound of Music. You will remember this as where the Von Trapp family hid while being pursued by the National Socialists.
Catacombs access is FREE with Salzburg Card; otherwise:
Adults € 2.00
Children/youths (6-18 years) € 1.50
Students, senior citizens, groups of 10 adults or more per person € 1.50
Handicapped persons € 1.50
4. Chapter Square
Once the site of the Cathedral Abbey, is now is a place of artistic interpretation. You will find an over-sized chess game, people selling trinkets and “Sphaera,” a work of art by Stephan Balkenhol.
5. Salzburg Cathedral
One of most important things to do in Salzburg Old City is tour the cathedral.
You will have no trouble finding it, just look for the twin-towered marble building with beautifully engraved bronze gates.
When you walk into this beautiful 17th century cathedral, you notice the elaborate Baroque style immediately.
The light bounces off the white marbled walls and gives light to the hand painted murals and alter.
You will also find an organ on which Mozart played and the the baptismal font in which he was baptized.
Admission to Salzburg Cathedral is free, but donation is required
Guided tour of Salzburg Cathedral:
Adults € 5.00
Chilrdren until 15 years free
6. Residence Square
In the center of the square, you will find a beautiful baroque fountain. Considered to be one of the most significant baroque monuments in Europe, it features horses, giants and dolphins.
You may remember it from The Sound of Music as Maria drives by it with the children.
Also located adjacent to Residence square is a 18th-century Glockenspiel. The clock plays at 7 and 11am, and 6pm daily.
7. Mozart’s Birthplace
Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the most visited museums in Austria. Inside you will find a museum. You can take a walk inside a middle-class apartment reconstructed with furniture from the 18th century, along with personal items like Mozart’s own violin and clavichord.
Access to Mozart’s Birthplace is FREE with Salzburg Card; otherwise:
Adults € 11.00
Children (6-14 years) € 3.50
Youths (15-18 years) € 4.00
Handicapped persons (handicapped ID) € 9.00 – accompanying person free, if indicated on the ID
Families (2 adults and children under 18) € 23.00
8. Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse
One of the oldest streets in Salzburg, here you will find quaint shops, restaurants, and galleries. Spend some time waling the cobblestone streets and checking out the storefronts and charm of this magical old town.
9. Mirabell Gardens
Mirabell Gardens dates back to 1690 when it was designed in a distinguished geometric style, which is typical for the Baroque period. In the garden,you will find beautiful fountains, sculptures and, of course, flowers.
Mirabell Gardens is one of the most important shooting locations from “The Sound of Music.” In the film, Maria and the children dance around the Pegasus Fountain singing the song “Do Re Mi.”
10. Salzburg Museum
Learn about the history of Salzburg in an interactive way. This museum focuses on many different aspects of Salzburg’s past including its musical impact.
Take time to experience this museum and you will gain some great knowledge about what makes Salzburg so magnificent.
Access is FREE with Salzburg Card; otherwise:
Adults € 8.50
Children (6-15 years) € 3.00
Youths (16-26 years) € 4.00
Families (2 adults and children) € 17.00
Groups (adults), senior citizens € 7.00
Guided tour per person € 2.50
Those considering visiting Salzburg will not be disappointed. One of the most beautiful parts of Bavaria, this city has the best of both worlds, with its new town and old town.
The city center best explored by foot and thankfully, it is one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in all of Europe. But if you want to visit the Alps and Lake regions, consider taking a Sound of Music tour which will show you parts of Salzburg you might otherwise miss.
Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria
This UNESCO building is located in Salzburg's Schallmoos neighborhood, Mercure Salzburg City is near a train station. Notable landmarks in the area include Mirabell Palace and Gardens and Mozart's Birthplace.
Arthotel Blaue Gans is in Salzburg's Altstadt Salzburg neighborhood, an area with great shopping. Salzburg Toy Museum and Festspielhaus Hall are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include St. Blasius Church and Pferdeschwemme Horse Well.
Villa Carlton is connected to a shopping center. Notable landmarks in the area include Mirabell Palace and Gardens and Mozart's Birthplace.
Have you visited Salzburg Austria? What was your favorite part?
Kaylene Isherwood says
Ahh this takes me back to my solo trip to Salzburg a couple years ago. I loved walking around the Old City and especially enjoyed exploring Hohensalzburg Fortress. Lovely photos!
Karen Keathley says
It has been years since I have been to Salzburg! I definitely need to return!
Vrithi Pushkar says
Salzburg looks and sounds so beautiful. It is very high on our bucket-list and your post just reaffirms that. Love your pictures. Thanks .
Linda says
I would love to see Salzburg, and Austria in general! It’s one of the European countries still on my bucket list. 🙂 That cathedral is breathtaking!