We had wanted to go to Salzburg for a long time, but it never quite worked out. This year, we set off for Sicily in our camper van, and we finally managed to get to Salzburg. We expected busy streets and lots of tourists, but instead, we discovered a beautiful, peaceful Austrian city where we could spend several days and still not get bored. In this guide I will share Salzburg, Austria: 23 Best Things to Do and See.
In fact, I was surprised how easily you can walk through all of Salzburg. We traveled with two dogs and our one-year-old son, Jonáš, and it was one of the best stops on our road trip.
By the way, Salzburg is a great starting point for excursions to the surrounding area, including the famous Hallstatt. So if you keep missing Salzburg, you shouldn’t. It’s definitely a city you’ll want to return to.
TL;DR
- You can walk through the center: Compact Salzburg can be explored on foot, even with a stroller, and is ideal for a long weekend (or a week with excursions to the surroundings) in any season.
- Stay in the center at Gentle Hide Designhotel, Boutiquehotel am Dom, or Hotel Wolf.
- With children, visit the interactive Toy Museum (suitable from 6 months), the natural history museum Haus der Natur with dinosaurs, or Hellbrunn Palace with its trick fountains.
- What you must see: Hohensalzburg Fortress (with the funicular), Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace in Getreidegasse, and the baroque Mirabell Gardens (where the famous “Do-Re-Mi” scene was filmed).
- Taste authentic Mozartkugeln at Café Konditorei Fürst (only the ones in blue wrappers!), visit Austria’s oldest café, Café Tomaselli, and treat yourself to Salzburger Nockerl – a fluffy soufflé resembling the Salzburg mountains.
- Save with the Salzburg Card: For €29/24h, you get free entry to most attractions + unlimited public transport – an investment that quickly pays off.
When to Visit Salzburg
You can visit Salzburg essentially any time of the year. Each season has its charm. I prefer spring or early autumn because I don’t want to walk through cities in the heat or in terrible cold, but you know how it is, even in winter the weather can be perfect.
How to get around Salzburg
Salzburg is great for walking; we parked our camper van outside the center and took the bus in. The historic center (Altstadt) is compact, and most major sights are within a fairly short distance of each other. For places further from the center, you can use:
- Public transport – the “Obus” bus system is ecological (trolleybuses) and quite reliable. Tickets cost around €2.50 for a single ride or €5.70 for a 24-hour card.
- Bikes – Salzburg is extremely cyclist-friendly with over 170 km of bike paths. Bike rentals can be found throughout the city, with prices starting around €15 per day. Bikes with child seats are also available for families.
- Taxi – Uber works here as usual, so if you need it, you can conveniently use a taxi. Of course, it’s much more expensive than public transport or bike rental.
Accommodation Salzburg: Tips for the Best Hotels
We are quite demanding when it comes to accommodation, and I don’t mean it has to be the most expensive or luxurious, but it should be worth the price. We like quiet places with great breakfast (if we don’t want to visit cafes) and ideally, it should be in the center (because moving around with a child is challenging).
Fortunately, there’s quite a selection in Salzburg. For me, the best is Gentle Hide Designhotel, which is right in the center, or Boutiquehotel am Dom or Hotel Wolf.
And how long should you go for? One day is not enough; I recommend at least a long weekend, but if you want to explore the surroundings, then even a week.
Salzburg: Sights, Interesting Places, and Tips for What to Do with Children
Let’s now look at what you should see in Salzburg. You should be able to do everything in 2-3 days.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
The majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress has towered over the city for more than 900 years and is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You can reach the fortress either on foot (the walk takes about 20 minutes and is quite steep) or by the FestungsBahn funicular, which takes you up in less than a minute.
Practical tips:
- The funicular runs every 10 minutes from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter and until 9:00 PM in summer.
- Admission to the fortress with a funicular ticket costs around €13.30 for adults, and €7.60 for children aged 6-14.
- The fortress is partially accessible for strollers, but some parts simply cannot be reached without folding the stroller.
- At the top, there’s a cafe with a terrace and breathtaking views.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens (Schloss Mirabell)
The Baroque Mirabell Palace was built in 1606 by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress Salome Alt. It is surrounded by magnificent gardens, which are among the most beautiful in Europe and are accessible free of charge.
This is where the famous scene from the movie “The Sound of Music” was filmed, where Julie Andrews sings “Do-Re-Mi” with the children. You might not know this musical, as it’s from 1965, but it won so many awards that you should watch it before visiting Salzburg.
What you’ll see here:
- Marble Hall (Marmorsaal) – considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world
- Angel Staircase (Engelsstiege)
- Dwarf Garden (Zwergerlgarten) with baroque dwarf statues from the 18th century
- Large fountain surrounded by statues representing the four elements
- Pegasus Fountain, which provides an iconic view of Hohensalzburg Fortress
Getreidegasse and Mozart’s Birthplace
Getreidegasse is the most famous street in Salzburg. You’ll recognize it by the metal guild signs hanging above the shops. At house number 9, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 and you’ll find a museum dedicated to his life here.
Since we were traveling with one-year-old Jonáš, we peeked in, but ultimately decided he wouldn’t enjoy it. If you go, I’d love for you to comment on how you liked it and if it’s worth it.
What awaits you at Mozart’s birthplace:
- Mozart’s original childhood violin
- Portraits of the Mozart family
- Letters and original scores
- Interactive exhibition about his life and work
There is a special tour route for older children. .
For completeness – Mozart later lived with his family in the so-called Mozart Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus) on Makartplatz, which is also open to the public. This museum is more extensive and less visited than his birthplace.
Old Town (Altstadt)
Salzburg’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved historic centers in Central Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. It consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets, squares, and courtyards.
Most interesting places in the Old Town:
- Residenzplatz – the main square with the famous baroque Residenzbrunnen fountain
- Kapitelplatz – a square with a giant chess piece and a fountain
- Domplatz – the square in front of the cathedral, where Christmas markets are held
- Alter Markt – with the historic Café Tomaselli
- Judengasse – the former Jewish quarter with shops and cafes
- Steingasse – a medieval street with charming nooks and historic houses
Even with a stroller, you can easily navigate the historic center; of course, there are stairs in some places, but we had no problems anywhere.
Baroque Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)
This monumental Baroque cathedral is the heart of the old town. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized in this cathedral and later served as court organist here. The interior is dazzling – marble columns, frescoes, five organs, and 4000 pipes.
Highlights:
- The cathedral was completely rebuilt after a fire in 1598.
- The capacity of the cathedral is 10,000 people.
- On Sundays at 10:00 AM, masses with musical accompaniment are held here.
I recommend also looking into the adjacent museum (DomQuartier), where the treasures of the archbishops are exhibited.
St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery
St. Peter’s Abbey is the oldest monastery in German-speaking countries, founded in 696. The complex includes a Romanesque-Gothic church, a stunning library with 100,000 volumes (some over 1000 years old), and the Petersfriedhof cemetery with catacombs carved into the rock.
Why visit:
- Ossuary with skulls and bones of ancient monks and nobles
- Europe’s oldest restaurant – St. Peter Stiftskulinarium (founded in 803)
- Crypts and chapels with tombstones of important Salzburg families
- Early morning mass in the church to the sound of Gregorian chant (starts at 6:45 AM)
- It is also one of the places featured in the movie “The Sound of Music”.
Schloss Hellbrunn and Wasserspiele
The archbishop’s summer residence from the early 17th century, Hellbrunn Palace, is particularly known for its “trick fountains” – an ingenious system of fountains, spouting statues, and hidden nozzles designed to surprise and drench visitors.
What awaits you here:
- Guided tour of the Wasserspiele (takes about 40 minutes)
- Mechanical theatre powered by water depicting life in a baroque city
- Spacious park ideal for picnics and relaxation
- Pavilion where the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” scene from “The Sound of Music” was filmed
- Salzburg Zoo
Children will enjoy it, even if you expect to get wet! I recommend bringing a change of clothes, but in summer, it’s actually a pleasant refreshment.
Practical tips:
- Admission is around €13.50 for adults, €6 for children aged 6-18.
- You cannot reserve a time for tours; they proceed sequentially.
- Easily accessible by bus no. 25 from the main station.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours for your visit.
Haus Der Natur
This natural history museum will entertain not only adults but also children. Across 7000 m², you’ll find an interactive exhibition on nature, space, the human body, and many other topics. It also includes an aquarium, terrariums with reptiles, and a science show. And yes, there are dinosaurs too.
Most interesting exhibits:
- Space hall with a planetarium
- Dinosaur exhibition with life-sized moving models
- Aquarium with a coral reef
- Ice world with penguins and a polar exhibition
- “Science Center” with experiments children can try themselves
Kapuzinerberg and Steingasse
Kapuzinerberg hill on the right bank of the Salzach River offers beautiful forest walks and breathtaking views of the old town. At the top is a Capuchin monastery and several viewpoints. The ascent begins at Steingasse – the oldest and most charming street in Salzburg, which served as a main trade route in the Middle Ages.
What you’ll see here:
- Sebastianskirche (St. Sebastian’s Church) at the foot of the hill
- Military fortifications from the Napoleonic Wars
- Mozart’s Viewpoint with panoramic views
- Way of the Cross with statues
- Places where, according to legend, a hermit resided
The ascent with a stroller is more challenging, but there are alternative, gentler paths. There are several picnic and rest spots on the hill.
Interesting fact: Josef Mohr, the author of the lyrics to the carol “Silent Night, Holy Night”, lived in house no. 9 on Steingasse.
Mönchstein Castle and Museum of Modern Art
At the top of Mönchsberg hill, you’ll find the luxurious Schloss Mönchstein hotel and, nearby, the Museum of Modern Art (Museum der Moderne). From the top, there are beautiful views of the city, and it’s accessible either on foot or by the Mönchsbergaufzug elevator.
Why visit:
- Museum of Modern Art with changing exhibitions of contemporary art
- Terrace of the M32 museum cafe with panoramic views
- Walk along the ramparts with views of the old town
- Access to unusual views of Festung Hohensalzburg
The Mönchsberg elevator runs every 10 minutes and costs €2.50 for a single ride. The museum is open daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and until 8:00 PM on Wednesdays.
Red Bull Hangar-7
Most of all, we were disappointed that the Red Bull Hangar was undergoing renovation. If you’re also an F1 fan, you must visit Hangar-7 at Salzburg Airport. This architecturally unique, wing-shaped building is home to historical aircraft, helicopters, and Formula 1 cars from the Red Bull collection. The futuristic glass and steel structure is a work of art in itself.
What you’ll see here:
- Collection of historical aircraft including WWII fighter planes
- Red Bull Racing Formula 1 cars
- Art installations and exhibitions
- Gourmet restaurant Ikarus with internationally acclaimed chefs
- Outdoor Flying Bulls Lounge with runway views
Entry to Hangar-7 is free, and it’s open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can get here by bus no. 10 or 27 from the main station.
Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)
If you have small children, the interactive toy museum will be an absolute hit. This museum is suitable even for the youngest ones, with an entire floor dedicated to them. So if your children are at least crawling, you can head here.
Practical Information
- Suitable for children from 6 months old
- Open from 9 AM to 5 PM
- Price for a family (2 adults + 2 children) is 10 euros
- Price for a child is 2-2.5 euros depending on the child’s age
Salzburger Marionettentheater
The Salzburg Marionette Theatre has a long tradition since 1913 and is known for its elaborate marionettes and performances. Classical operas, fairy tales, and of course, “The Sound of Music” are performed here. UNESCO recognized this theatre as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Why visit:
- Unique performance – the puppets are controlled with such precision that you almost forget you’re watching marionettes
- Engaging even for audiences who don’t understand German (performances often have English subtitles or are wordless)
- Opportunity for backstage tours and puppet making (on designated days)
- Special children’s performances in the afternoon
Tickets range from €26 to €42 depending on the seat category. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season.
Walk along the Salzach River
The Salzach River, which flows through Salzburg, offers a beautiful promenade on both banks. It’s an ideal place for a peaceful stroll, observing local life, or a picnic. You can cross from one bank to the other via several bridges, the most famous of which is Makartsteg – the love lock bridge.
What to do by the river:
- Rent a boat and go for a ride on the river
- Visit one of the cafes with a terrace by the water
- Cycle along the bike paths along the banks
- Sunbathe on the grass in Lehener Park in summer
You’ll also find playgrounds here and sometimes street performances in the summer months.
Stift Nonnberg (Nonnberg Abbey)
And now we come to lesser-known places. This Benedictine nun’s abbey is the oldest in the German-speaking world and was founded around 714. This is where director Robert Wise set the story of novice Maria in “The Sound of Music”.
The abbey church is open to the public, and you can listen to the nuns singing Gregorian chants here at 6:45 AM or in the early evening.
Interesting fact: The Gothic church has magnificent fresco-decorated vaults and a unique altar. The monastery itself is not open to the public, but it’s still worth climbing up here for the views and atmosphere. The best way is via the Nonnbergstiege stairs from Kaigasse.
St. Peter’s Catacombs (St. Peter Katakomben)
These catacombs carved into the Mönchsberg are often overlooked by tourists, which is a shame. They are much older than the cemetery itself and likely served as a refuge for early Christians.
Practical Information:
- Admission is €2
- Opening hours are daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 6:00 PM from May to September)
- The catacombs are not accessible for strollers, but they are relatively short.
Café Tomaselli
This is the oldest café in Austria, operating since 1700. Mozart reportedly often sat here. The interior has retained its historical charm, and you can feel the atmosphere of old times. The café is known for its traditional service – waiters in black suits and ladies in black dresses with white aprons offering desserts from mobile carts.
What to try:
- Mozart Almond Coffee (Mozartkaffee), it’s a house specialty
- Homemade strudel served with whipped cream
- Traditional Sachertorte
- Coffee served on a silver tray with its own caramel and a glass of water
You can find the café at Alter Markt 9, and it’s open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Untersberg
For an escape from the city and impressive views, head to Untersberg mountain (1973 m) on the German border. There’s a cable car here, and the views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps are breathtaking.
Tips:
- The cable car runs every 30 minutes
- A round-trip ticket costs about €25 for adults
- There’s a restaurant with a terrace at the top
- In winter, there are cross-country skiing trails and ski options here
- For more experienced hikers, there are several marked trails up or down
The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes, and the summit is often shrouded in clouds, so check the weather beforehand.
Franziskanerkirche
This Franciscan church is one of the oldest in Salzburg. It has a Romanesque core and a Gothic nave with impressive ribbed vaulting. This sanctuary is less visited than the dominant cathedral but offers a peaceful place for contemplation and admiring historical architecture.
Highlights:
- Main altar designed by the famous Fischer von Erlach
- Baroque chapel Capella Gabrieli
- Impressive organ and acoustics
- Evening concerts during the festival
The church is open daily from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and admission is free.
Day Trip Tips from Salzburg
Hallstatt is also a great starting point for exploring the surroundings.
Hallstatt
Just an hour and a half drive from Salzburg lies the very popular town of Hallstatt, which is considered one of the most photogenic places in Austria. The town is located on the shore of Lake Hallstätter See and is surrounded by high mountains.
Liechtensteinklamm
This impressive gorge is located near St. Johann im Pongau, about an hour’s drive from Salzburg. Wooden walkways lead you along the wild Großarler Ache river, between steep rock walls up to 300 meters high.
Practical Information:
- Admission is around €10 for adults
- The gorge is open from April to October, weather permitting
- The walk takes about 1-1.5 hours
- You’ll need sturdy shoes and a jacket in cooler weather (it’s cold in the gorge)
- Entry is difficult with very young children and strollers
At the end of the path, an breathtaking 50-meter waterfall awaits you, providing a dramatic climax to the entire experience.
Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest
Just a short distance across the German border, about a 30-minute drive from Salzburg, lies Berchtesgaden with the beautiful Königssee lake and Hitler’s former mountain retreat, known as the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus).
Highlights:
- Ride special buses and the rock-carved elevator to the Eagle’s Nest (open from May to October)
- Boat trip on the emerald green Königssee lake with an echo from the cliffs
- St. Bartholomew’s Church, which is only accessible by boat
- Salzbergwerk salt mine with a ride on mine slides and a boat trip on an underground lake
- Obersalzberg Documentation Center on the area’s Nazi past
This area offers a combination of history, natural beauty, and active experiences, making it ideal for a day trip.
Lake Wolfgangsee and Schafberg
You’ll love Lake Wolfgangsee, located about a 30-minute drive from Salzburg. It’s relatively calm even in July, it’s not terribly hot, and you’ll find beautiful picturesque villages and mountain scenery there.
What to do here:
- Ascend Schafberg mountain (1783 m) by historical cogwheel railway
- Visit the pilgrimage church in St. Wolfgang with its Gothic altar
- Swim in the lake (in summer, water temperature reaches up to 25 °C)
- Take a boat ride on the lake
- Discover the towns of St. Gilgen (Mozart’s mother’s birthplace) and Strobl
What to Try in Salzburg
As vegetarians, we couldn’t taste all the traditional specialties, but we still enjoyed many delicacies.
Typical Dishes
- Salzburger Nockerl – a fluffy sweet soufflé that looks like three snow-capped mountain peaks symbolizing Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, and Rainberg. The best place to try it is at Bärenwirt restaurant.
- Knödel – dumplings of various kinds, including vegetarian ones filled with spinach (Spinatknödel) or cheese. Perfect as a main course or a side dish.
- Kasnockén – a special type of small cheese dumplings, often served with caramelized onions. A vegetarian alternative to traditional Austrian dishes.
- Strudel – apple (Apfelstrudel) or quark strudel with whipped cream.
- Pretzels (Brezeln) – soft salty pretzels that are a perfect snack for on the go. You’ll find the best ones at the Original 1. Salzburger Brez’lstand stall on Kapitelplatz.
For meat lovers, Salzburg is a paradise:
- Schnitzel – a thin, breaded cutlet, traditionally made from veal
- Tafelspitz – boiled beef in a rich broth
- Backhendl – fried chicken, a specialty of Bärenwirt restaurant
- Goulash – similar to the Czech Republic, it’s a soup/stew with meat, served with dumplings
Everywhere in the city, you’ll come across Mozart Balls (Mozartkugeln) – chocolate pralines with marzipan and nougat. The original Fürst Mozart Balls are sold in blue packaging at Café Konditorei Fürst on Brodgasse 13.
They were created in 1890 by confectioner Paul Fürst, and only this confectionery can use the name “Original Salzburger Mozartkugel”. The “tourist” ones in red packaging are more widely available, but they don’t match the original in taste.
Other sweets worth trying:
- Sachertorte – chocolate cake with apricot jam
- Kaiserschmarrn – shredded sweet pancake with raisins and plum compote
- Mozart-Bonbons – Mozart-inspired candies, often with pistachio flavor
- Sheep’s milk ice cream from Eisl Eisl – an unusual but very tasty specialty
What to Drink
- Mozart Almond Milk – a specialty of Café Tomaselli, almond coffee inspired by Mozart
- Bier – local beer, especially from Stiegl brewery or Augustiner Bräu (the oldest brewery in Austria)
- Sturm – partially fermented wine, sold seasonally in autumn
- Apfelmost – apple must, often slightly alcoholic
- Almdudler – a non-alcoholic herbal drink, popular among locals
Tip for Cheaper Admission to Sights and Skipping Lines
If you plan to visit multiple sights, it’s worth purchasing the Salzburg Card, which includes admission to most museums and attractions, including Hohensalzburg Fortress, Hellbrunn Palace, and the zoo, as well as free public transport.
Benefits of the Salzburg Card:
- The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours (€29, €38, or €44 for adults)
- Children aged 6 to 15 pay half price
- Includes over 30 tourist attractions
- No need to queue for tickets
- Free public transport throughout the city
FAQ
How many days to spend in Salzburg?
3-4 days are ideal, a week if you want to combine it with trips to the Austrian lakes.
What to do with kids in Salzburg?
With kids, head straight to the interactive Toy Museum, Hellbrunn Palace with its tricky water features, and finally, let them run wild among the dinosaurs at Haus der Natur or among the planes and F1 cars at the free Hangar-7.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!