Salzburg is a stunning Alpine city famous for its Baroque architecture, musical heritage as the birthplace of Mozart, and the iconic filming locations of The Sound of Music. It is best visited between May and September for pleasant weather or in December to experience its world-renowned, magical Christmas markets.
Top Things to Do in Salzburg
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Getting Around Salzburg
From the Airport
Bus. The O-Bus lines 2 and 10 connect the airport to the city center, taking about 20-25 minutes and costing roughly 3 euros. Rideshare. Uber and local taxi services like Taxi Salzburg are widely available at the airport terminal for a direct ride to the city center.
Once You're There
Walking. Salzburg's historic center is highly compact and almost entirely pedestrianized, making walking the absolute best way to explore. Bus. The Salzburg AG trolleybus system is efficient and extensive if you need to reach areas outside the immediate Old Town.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
Hotel picks for Salzburg are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Salzburg
Die Weisse★ 4.6 (4,596)Rupertgasse 10, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaKnown as the oldest wheat beer brewery in town, it is the perfect place to enjoy hearty Austrian pub fare.
Afro Cafe★ 4.6 (1,990)Bürgerspitalpl. 5, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaA vibrant, modern alternative to traditional fare, offering excellent specialty coffees and globally-inspired breakfast dishes.
Bärenwirt★ 4.5 (6,548)Müllner Hauptstraße 8, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaRenowned for serving some of the best traditional crispy fried chicken (Backhendl) in the entire city.
Augustiner Bräustübl★ 4.5 (5,803)Lindhofstraße 7, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaEnjoy a massive, rustic beer hall experience where you pour your own beer from wooden barrels into stone mugs.
Carpe Diem Finest Fingerfood★ 4.5 (931)Getreidegasse 50, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaExperience a unique culinary concept where sophisticated gourmet dishes are served in elegant, edible cones.
Gasthof Goldgasse★ 4.4 (1,567)Goldgasse 10, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaThis cozy spot is famous for its authentic Salzburger Nockerl, a fluffy, cloud-like soufflé that is the city's signature dessert.
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium★ 4.3 (3,750)Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaDine in what is widely considered the oldest restaurant in Europe, serving refined Austrian classics within historic monastery walls.
Meissl & Schadn★ 4.2 (3,193)Getreidegasse 50, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaVisit this elegant establishment specifically for their world-class Wiener Schnitzel, prepared exactly to your preference.
Triangel★ 4.1 (1,241)Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse 7, 5020 Salzburg, AustriaA favorite among locals and festival performers, this restaurant offers excellent seasonal dishes right across from the Festival Hall.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Salzburg
Old Town Treasures & Fortress Views
Morning. Start your Salzburg adventure by walking through the narrow, bustling Getreidegasse, the city's most famous shopping street, where you can admire the intricate wrought-iron guild signs. Make your way to Mozart's Birthplace to explore the life of the musical prodigy before the crowds arrive. From there, wander toward the Salzburg Cathedral, a masterpiece of early Baroque architecture that dominates the city skyline. Spend time admiring the stunning interior and the baptismal font where Mozart was once christened. Finally, walk through the Kapitelplatz to see the giant golden sphere art installation before preparing for your ascent.
Afternoon. Head to the base of the Festungsbahn funicular and ride it up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Spend at least two hours wandering through the ancient courtyards, the Golden Hall, and the fortress museum while soaking in the panoramic views of the city and the Alps. After descending, take a quiet walk through the cemetery at St. Peter's Abbey, which is famous for its catacombs carved directly into the Mönchsberg rock face. It is a peaceful, atmospheric contrast to the bustling city center below. Finish your afternoon by resting your feet in the nearby Stiftskulinarium garden area.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, cross the Salzach River via the Makartsteg bridge, which is adorned with thousands of love locks, to get the perfect photo of the fortress illuminated against the twilight sky. Wander over to the nearby Linzer Gasse for a more local, less touristy vibe compared to the main shopping streets. Find a cozy spot to enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local game or classic schnitzel. If you have energy left, take a short stroll along the riverbank to reflect on the day's history. It is the perfect way to conclude your first day in this musical city.
Gardens, Palaces & Brewing Traditions
Morning. Begin your day at the magnificent Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where you can walk through the rose gardens and see the Pegasus Fountain, famous for being a filming location for 'The Sound of Music'. Spend time wandering the manicured hedges and statues before heading toward the nearby Mozarteum to appreciate the city's deep-seated musical culture. The morning light is perfect for photography here, so bring your camera. After exploring the gardens, walk toward the river to enjoy the refreshing breeze. It is a relaxing start that captures the elegance of Salzburg's aristocratic past.
Afternoon. Take a short bus ride or a scenic drive out to Hellbrunn Palace, a beautiful villa known for its playful 'trick fountains' that have been surprising visitors for centuries. You will need to join a guided tour to experience the fountains, which is a hilarious and refreshing way to spend an afternoon. Return to the city and make your way to the Augustiner Bräustübl, a massive, historic beer hall operated by monks. Grab a stone mug, rinse it at the fountain, and fill it with beer directly from the wooden barrels in the vaulted cellar. It is an essential, authentic Salzburg experience that feels worlds away from the formal palace tours.
Evening. For your evening, head to the Müllner Steg for a beautiful view of the city skyline as the lights start to twinkle. Walk toward the area surrounding the Festival Hall to soak in the sophisticated atmosphere of the Salzburg Festival district. Find a restaurant with a terrace to enjoy a long, leisurely dinner while people-watching. If the weather is nice, a late-night stroll through the quiet, cobblestoned lanes of the Altstadt will reveal hidden courtyards and charming street lamps. It is the perfect, relaxed end to a day filled with water, beer, and music.
Alpine Heights & Hidden Gems
Morning. Start your final day by hiking or taking the elevator up to the Mönchsberg ridge, which offers the most iconic, sweeping views of Salzburg's spires and the fortress. Visit the Museum der Moderne, which is perched on the cliffside, to see contemporary art in a striking architectural setting. Walk along the ridge paths toward the Richterhöhe for a different perspective of the mountains. The fresh Alpine air and the quiet trails provide a wonderful escape from the urban core. Spend the morning getting lost in the nature that surrounds the city center.
Afternoon. Head back down and cross to the other side of the river to climb the Kapuzinerberg, a forested hill that offers a rugged, steep hike with rewarding vistas. Reach the Kapuzinerkloster monastery at the top, where you can enjoy a moment of silence and look down over the entire city grid. After your hike, descend back into the Linzer Gasse area to visit the smaller, boutique shops that sell traditional Austrian crafts and clothing. Grab a light lunch at a local deli or café to keep things casual. This afternoon is all about seeing the city from its natural, elevated boundaries.
Evening. Conclude your trip by visiting the Stiegl-Brauwelt, a massive brewery museum that showcases the history of Salzburg's most famous beer. Take the interactive tour to learn about the brewing process before settling into their restaurant for a final hearty Austrian meal. The atmosphere here is lively and welcoming, perfect for celebrating your final night. Afterward, take a final walk along the Salzach River to see the Hohensalzburg Fortress one last time as it dominates the night sky. It is a fitting end to a trip defined by history, beer, and stunning mountain scenery.
