Salzburg is an Austrian city on the border of Germany, with views of the Eastern Alps. The city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right. The Altstadt birthplace of famed composer Mozart is preserved as a museum displaying his childhood instruments.
May to September: Lush greenery, perfect for sightseeing & festivals
December: Magical Christmas markets & snow-covered old town ❄️🎄
March-April or October: Fewer crowds, mild weather
From Vienna:
High-speed train (Railjet): ~2.5 hours
Buses or rental cars also available (3-hour drive)
By Air:
Salzburg Airport (SZG) – Small but connects to major cities
15-20 mins to city center by bus or taxi
Hohensalzburg Fortress – One of Europe’s largest medieval castles with panoramic views 🏰
Mirabell Palace & Gardens – Baroque beauty, Sound of Music filming spot 🌸
Mozart’s Birthplace – Now a museum on Getreidegasse
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom) – Grand baroque cathedral
Getreidegasse – Historic shopping street with charming signs 🛍️
St. Peter's Abbey & Cemetery – Peaceful and picturesque
Hellbrunn Palace – Fun trick fountains and lovely park
Untersberg Mountain – Take the cable car for stunning views 🏔️
Museum of Modern Art – Great art and terrace views
Sound of Music Tour – Visit filming locations like Leopoldskron Palace & Nonnberg Abbey 🎶
Classical music concerts in castles or churches 🎼
River cruise on the Salzach
Hiking or cable car ride up the mountains
Visit Salt Mines in nearby Hallstatt or Hallein
Take a Sound of Music bike tour
Attend Salzburg Festival (July-August) – Music & drama performances
Luxury:
Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Historic 5-star by the river
Bristol Hotel – Old-world charm, prime location
Mid-range:
Hotel Elefant – Cozy and central
Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu – Walkable to all sights
Budget:
Meininger Hotel – Clean and modern
YoHo Hostel – Social and fun for backpackers
Alpine feel: Stay in a mountain guesthouse near Untersberg or in a lakeside village like Fuschl or Mondsee
Must-try dishes:
Salzburger Nockerl – Fluffy dessert soufflé
Kasnocken – Cheese spaetzle 🧀
Bosna – Austrian street food (spiced sausage in a bun) 🌭
Schnitzel, Gulasch, Rindsgulasch, etc.
Mozartkugeln – Chocolate-marzipan balls 🍫
Top places to eat:
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – Oldest restaurant in Europe! 🍽️
Bärenwirt – Hearty Austrian food
Zum Zirkelwirt – Cozy and traditional
Café Tomaselli – Historic café for coffee & cake
Augustiner Bräustuben – Large beer garden with food stalls 🍻
Salzburg is deeply tied to music, baroque architecture, and Catholic heritage
The city’s rhythm is slow, elegant, and steeped in tradition
Locals are proud of Mozart, The Sound of Music, and their festivals
People dress up for concerts and festivals – you might even spot locals in dirndls and lederhosen 🎻