A truly stunning city with a lot to see and on offer. It is Known worldwide as the birthplace of Mozart and the iconic backdrop of The Sound of Music, this charming city is a living testament to Austria’s rich heritage. Its well-preserved baroque architecture, UNESCO-listed Old Town, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains make Salzburg a dream destination for travelers.

Where to stay:

Accommodation options in Salzburg range from modern hotels, bed & breakfasts to campgrounds and even farms. We opted for a comfortable hotel and booked and stayed at:

Aldstadthotel Wolf is a family-run hotel situated in the heart of Salzburg's historic center. First documented in 1429, the building has been meticulously renovated over the years, blending its rich history with modern amenities.

Another recommended option which is centrally located is Weisse Taube.

What to eat and where to dine:

The cuisine in Salzburg is a delightful blend of traditional Austrian flavors, hearty alpine dishes, and regional specialties, often influenced by both Bavarian and Austrian culinary traditions.

Popular Austrian delights to try include:

Wienerschnitzel (breaded and fried veal or pork cutlets) and Tafelspitz (tender boiled beef served with vegetables and horseradish). Very classical Austrian dishes include Knödel (dumplings) which come in many varieties, Goulash (a hearty beef stew spiced with paprika) and Kaiserschmarn (a fluffy shredded pancake served with fruit compote).

Specific to Salzburg:

Salzburg is known for its desserts, particularly the famous Salzburger Nockerl—a light, sweet soufflé that resembles the snow-capped mountains surrounding the city. Another favorite is Apfelstrudel, the iconic Austrian apple pastry dusted with powdered sugar. The city is also home to the world-famous Mozartkugel, a chocolate praline filled with marzipan and pistachio, named after the city’s most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Salzburg also has a rich café culture, where you can enjoy elegant coffeehouses that serve a range of cakes, pastries, and expertly brewed coffee. Historic establishments like Café Tomaselli (one of Europe’s oldest coffeehouses) is a perfect spots to relax and indulge.

Augustiner Bräustübl is located within a historic monastery brewery and offers a classic Salzburg beer garden experience. It’s perfect for a casual lunch with hearty Austrian dishes like roast pork, sausages, and dumplings, paired with locally brewed beer.

Just a short drive outside the city is Stiegl Brewery, located in the Maxglan district. It has been in existence since 1492 and is Austria’s largest private brewery! In addition to learning about the world of beer at their museum, you can also dine at their restaurant called Paracelsusstube and enjoy upscale gourmet cuisine.

Triangel is located near the Festspielhaus, and is a cozy bistro serving traditional Austrian fare made with high-quality, local ingredients. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors for lunch or a casual dinner, with popular dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, fish from nearby lakes, and seasonal salads.

Meissl & Schadn is a great restaurant to experience traditional Austrian cuisine. It is well known for serving Austria’s favorite dish, the Wiener Schnitzel.

Serving traditional delights such as horseradish meat, Fiaker goulash, bratwurst, or Salzburger Nockerl – visit Sternbraü restaurant.

The Imlauer Sky Bar and Restaurant is part of the Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg. The restaurant is known for offering panoramic views and a relaxing culinary experience.

M32 (or Mönchsberg 32) is a modern restaurant located atop the Mönchsberg, one of Salzburg's iconic city mountains. It offers a unique dining experience with stunning panoramic views over the city’s historic Old Town, including the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzach River.

Restaurant Goldener Hirsch is located within the Hotel Goldener Hirsch and is a fine-dining restaurant, considered one of Salzburg’s best. Offering traditional Austrian cuisine with a sophisticated touch, the menu includes dishes like venison, fish, and dumplings, all served in a charming, historic setting. Perfect for a special occasion dinner.

In summertime, not to miss is Fabi's Frozen Yoghurt. They offer homemade frozen organic yogurt complemented by a variety of toppings, including fresh fruits, berries, chocolates, and nuts.

If you feel like something non-traditional:

A great Asian restaurant to try is East Salzburg, while Hana’s Rasio and Lakhi’s Indian Kitchen are great options for Indian cuisine.

What to see:

Hohensalzburg is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses and offers incredible views of the city and the Alps. You can explore the fortress's historical rooms, exhibits on medieval life, and the Marionette Museum. The journey to the fortress via the funicular is also a highlight.

If you enjoy different architecture, the Salzburg Cathedral is a stunning example of a baroque-style building and is one of the city’s most important landmarks. The cathedral's grand architecture, with its beautiful interior and impressive dome, makes it a must-see. It's also where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized.

Also a baroque masterpiece, Mirabell Palace is known for its beautiful, symmetrical gardens adorned with statues, fountains, and flower beds. The gardens are a key filming location from The Sound of Music. For fans of the classic film, The Sound of Music, this guided tour takes you to key filming locations around Salzburg and the surrounding countryside. Highlights include the Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace.

Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburthaus) is located on Getreidegasse. This museum is housed in the building where Mozart was born in 1756. It contains original instruments, letters, portraits, and family memorabilia, offering insights into the life of the world-famous composer.

For shopping, visit Getreidegasse – Salzburg’s famous historic and picturesque shopping street. This street is home to many shops and restaurants.

Hellbrunn palace (Schloss Hellbrunn): Built as a summer palace for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Hellbrunn is famous for its playful trick fountains that unexpectedly spray water at visitors. The expansive park grounds are perfect for a stroll, and the palace itself offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Salzburg’s rulers.

Salzburg museum: Located in the Neue Residenz, this museum offers an in-depth look at Salzburg’s history, culture, and art. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from archaeological finds to baroque art and the city’s role in the arts.

Around Salzburg

Berchtesgaden in Germany is around a 30 minutes drive from Salzburg – home to Berchtesgaden National Park, the Konigssee (King’s Lake) and the historic Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest)

About an hour’s drive from Salzburg you can visit Hallstatt. It has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times, particularly due to its association with the salt mining industry. The Hallstatt Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world, and salt mining has been central to the town’s economy for over 7,000 years. The village even lends its name to the Hallstatt Culture, an early Iron Age civilization known for its salt trade. It is one of Austria’s most picturesque and iconic villages, renowned for its stunning setting between the Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) and the towering Dachstein Alps.