Whether you’re here for Mozart, mountain views, or magical holiday charm, Salzburg is packed with memorable experiences. This guide breaks down the best things to do in Salzburg, Austria so you can make the most of your trip.
Are you planning a trip to Salzburg and wondering what to do?
This charming Alpine city may be small, but it’s bursting with history, mountain views, cozy cafes, and unique experiences.
Whether you’re exploring for a weekend, chasing The Sound of Music locations, or adding Salzburg to a longer Europe itinerary, these are the best things to do in Salzburg for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike.
Our personal experience in Salzburg
I’ve been to Salzburg twice, and both visits left unforgettable memories.
My first trip was in 2009 with Ben while studying abroad—right in the middle of Christmas market season. The city was straight out of a winter postcard: twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the smell of gluhwein in the air.
Years later, I returned with my mom, and I’m happy to say it lived up to my very high expectations. Salzburg has a way of enchanting you no matter how many times you visit.
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
We always do a walking tour when we arrive in a new city, and Salzburg’s is especially helpful for understanding the Old Town layout.
It’s an easy way to get oriented, learn the city’s history, and pick up insider tips from a local guide.
2. Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress
If you only have time for one attraction, make it Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views over the Old Town and the Alps just beyond the city.
My personal opinion: The rooms are pretty small, but the real draw here is the views and wandering the fortress courtyard.
- Built in the 11th century
- One of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe
- Offers some of the best views in Salzburg
Tip: For the best lighting, go in the morning or around golden hour.
Getting there: Take the funicular to the top or walk up if you want a bit of exercise. Arrive early or around sunset for the best photos.
Visit the official website for prices and hours.
Visiting in the winter? During the holiday season, this is home to one of Salzburg’s smallest (but very charming!) Christmas markets. I’ve visited twice and love the selection of jams and handmade items here all with a laidback atmosphere.
3. Wine & charcuterie
If you love a cozy spot with great ambiance, Coquette Weinbar will be right up your alley.
Grab a glass of Austrian wine and pair it with a delicious charcuterie board. It’s the perfect place to unwind after sightseeing.
4. Take (or DIY) a Sound of Music Tour
The Sound of Music Tour is one of Salzburg’s most famous attractions. Whether it’s worth it depends on your travel style.
Great for fans, effortless planning, and scenic countryside views. But you may want to give it a miss if big-group bus tours aren’t your thing
Our personal experience: When we did the tour back in 2009, we really enjoyed it!
Who will enjoy it? If you’re a fan of the movie or don’t mind guided tours, you’ll likely really enjoy it. You’ll be taken into the countryside, visit charming towns, and see several filming locations without having to plan a thing.
And no — you don’t need to be a huge fan to enjoy the tour. I hadn’t even seen the movie (gasp!) when I did the tour and I still really enjoyed it.
But if big-group buses give you the heebie-jeebies: Totally get it. You can visit many of the major filming spots—like Mirabell Gardens and Leopoldskron Palace—on your own with a DIY route.
Fun Fact: Despite its global fame, many Austrians have never seen the movie! As one guide put it: “It’s great for Salzburg’s economy, but that’s about it.”
5. Wander Mirabell Gardens & Zwergelgarten
The Mirabell Gardens are one of the most iconic places to visit in Salzburg. Arrive early to enjoy the fountains, flower-lined pathways, and classic views without the crowds.
Just steps from Mirabell Gardens, the quirky Zwergelgarten features a collection of whimsical dwarf statues. It’s fun, quick, and perfect for photos.
Note: The statues are covered in winter to protect them from snow and ice.
6. Cross the Love Locks Bridge
The Makartsteg Bridge, known locally as the “Love Locks Bridge,” crosses the Salzach River and offers beautiful city views.
It is most famous for the thousands of locks attached by couples over the years.
Come twice:
- Daytime for mountain and Old Town views
- Dusk when the city lights reflect beautifully over the river (my personal favorite!)
7. Slow down with a coffee
Austrian cafe culture is all about taking your time. Here are two (very different spots) worth a visit:
- Cafe Bazar: Classic, elegant, local favorite
- 220 Grad: Trendy, specialty coffee done right (with 3 locations in the city)
Feel free to linger long after your last sip — that’s how locals do it.
Or if you want something a little different, pop by nur coffee Salzburg for coffee served in chocolate lined waffle cones!
8. Visit the Salzburg Salt Mines
“Salzburg” literally means “Salt Fortress”, and salt mining shaped the region for centuries.
The Salzburg salt mine tours include underground slides, rail rides, and exploring a fascinating history.
9. Have a traditional Austrian dinner
No trip to Salzburg is complete without tasting classic Austrian dishes.
Foods to try:
- Wiener Schnitzel: Breaded, fried veal or pork cutlet
- Käsespätzle: Austrian version of mac & cheese with soft noodles and melted cheese
- Tafelspitz: Boiled beef with vegetables and horseradish
- Apple Strudel: Flaky pastry with spiced apples and raisins
- Sachertorte: Chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze
Good to know: Most restaurants in Salzburg require reservations, especially on weekends. Book ahead for dinner or brunch.
10. Tour Mozart’s birthplace and residence
Music lovers will enjoy visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (in Getreidegasse) and the Mozart Residence across the river.
Both museums offer insight into his early life and compositions.
If you’re short on time, you can always just view it from the outside to see where Mozart was born!
11. Visit St. Peter’s Cemetery
Peaceful, ornate, and framed by dramatic cliffside catacombs, St. Peter’s Cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe.
It’s a must-see, even if cemeteries aren’t usually your thing.
12. Explore Hellbrunn Palace and gardens
Famous for its trick fountains and playful atmosphere, Hellbrunn Palace is a fun half-day trip from central Salzburg.
The grounds are spacious, scenic, and great for wandering.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the holiday season, be sure to visit the Christmas Market here, as it is one of our all-time favorites. I have been twice!
13. Enjoy Brunch
Some of the best brunch spots in Salzburg include:
- Afro Café: vibrant décor, global flavors (our top pick!)
- 220 Grad: popular weekend brunch
- Humboldt: organic brunch & bar
Again, reservations are recommended!
14. Spend an evening at Augustiner Brewery
This massive traditional beer hall feels like stepping into local Austrian culture—communal tables, hearty food stalls, and beer poured straight from wooden barrels.
And even if you’re not a big Austrian/German beer person (I’m more of an IPA girl myself), the atmosphere is worth it.
Important things to know before you go:
- it’s cash-only
- you grab your mug from the shelf, rinse it, and take it to be filled
- seating is first-come, first-served, so wander until you find a spot
My personal thoughts: This is one of my absolute favorite spots in Salzburg, and a must in my opinion.
15. Take an apple strudel cooking class
We love cooking classes around the world, so I brought my mom to the apple strudel making class at Edelweiss Cooking School.
It’s not necessarily a deep-dive cooking lesson, but it’s still fun; and you’ll leave with a warm apple strudel and some great memories.
16. Try Mozart Balls
You’ll see Mozart Balls everywhere, but there’s a difference:
- Silver-wrapped originals → from Cafe Fürst (the creator), about €1 each
- Gold-wrapped versions → popular, mass-produced, sold all over Europe
Do a taste test and decide for yourself… but the originals are my favorite.
17. Explore Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt)
The Altstadt is one of Europe’s prettiest old towns.
Get lost in the narrow alleys, peek into courtyards, shop along Getreidegasse, and spend time in Mozartplatz.
18. Visit Salzburg Cathedral & University Church
These Baroque masterpieces are two of Salzburg’s most photogenic churches.
Step inside for soaring ceilings, frescoes, and a peaceful reprieve from the busy streets.
Locations:
19. Stop by the Grünmarkt Farmer’s Market
Located near University Square, the Grünmarkt runs daily except Sunday and features:
- regional cheeses
- fresh produce
- pastries
- perfect snacks for a picnic
20. Visit the Salzburg Christmas markets (seasonal)
If you’re visiting in winter, you’re in luck—Salzburg has multiple Christmas markets and they’re some of my favorites I’ve been to in all of Europe.
Salzburg Christmas Markets:
- Salzburg Christkindlmarkt: biggest
- Hellbrunner Adventzauber: our personal favorite!
- Advent Market at Salzburg Fortress: tiny market in a fortress courtyard
Tip: Don’t forget to sip gluhwein from the stand at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.
Bonus! Take a day trip
Salzburg is perfectly located for several incredible day trips:
- Hallstatt: Alpine village straight out of a fairytale
- Berchtesgaden: Bavarian mountains and Lake Königssee
- Werfen: Home to Eisriesenwelt, the world’s largest ice cave
Is Salzburg worth visiting?
Absolutely. Salzburg is the perfect combination of history, mountain scenery, cozy cafés, and timeless European charm.
Whether you come for the music, the food, the views, or the Christmas Markets, you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even left. Trust me – I’ve been there!
Tips for Visiting Salzburg
- Make restaurant and brunch reservations. Popular spots fill up fast.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the Old Town has cobblestones and hills.
- Buy fortress tickets in advance to skip lines.
- Bring cash for Augustiner Bräu and markets.
Staying connected
We recommend using Airalo to download a local eSIM to stay connected while traveling abroad. We used ours for our most recent 3-week Euro trip and had great connection.
→ We have an entire article on how to get cell service abroad that walks you through how to use Airalo and other options to consider.
Insider tip: We always download an offline version of Google Maps before we take a road trip anywhere in the world.
Where to stay in Salzburg
- Airbnb: I personally stayed here with my mom and think it’s a great choice
- master Linzergasse: sleek design, excellent reviews, and a great location
- master Mirabell: highly-rated modern apartments with a communal rooftop terrace
You might also like…
- Check out our round up of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe.
- While you’re at it, we’ve got the perfect winter in Europe itinerary planned for you.
- Traveling on a budget? Here are the best free (and cheap!) things to do in Prague.
- We’ve also got a round up of the best things to do in Budapest on a budget.
Visiting in winter?
Don’t miss your chance to grab our winter in Europe packing list!
We’ve organized everything you’ll need to pack for a winter trip to Europe into a handy, printable checklist.
Just enter your email and get a FREE printable PDF of this checklist sent right to your inbox!
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these fun things to do in Salzburg will you be putting on your itinerary? Is there anything you think we’re missing from this list? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!