Destination guide

Salzburg

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Salzburg is a small baroque city beneath the Alps, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music. A fortress rises above the old town, and the river runs through the middle.

It is compact, pretty and easy to see in a couple of days. It is also a good base for the lakes and mountains of the surrounding region.

How many days: 2

Two days covers the old town, the fortress and a music evening. Add a third day for a trip to the lakes or the salt mines.

The Salzkammergut lake district and the mountain town of Hallstatt are popular day trips. Check train and bus times.

What to do in Salzburg

Walk through the old town
A baroque centre with narrow lanes, squares and church spires. It is a World Heritage site.
Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress
One of the largest medieval castles in Europe, on a hill above the city. A funicular runs up, or you can walk.
See Mozart's birthplace
The house where the composer was born is now a museum. Check the official site for visiting details.
Walk in Mirabell Gardens
Formal gardens with fountains, flowerbeds and a view of the fortress. Scenes from The Sound of Music were shot here.
Take a boat or walk along the river
The Salzach river runs through the centre, with walkways and bridges. A pleasant place for an evening stroll.
Go to a concert
Salzburg is a music city with concerts in historic halls. Check the programme and book ahead.
Take a day trip to the lakes
The lakes and mountain villages of the Salzkammergut are an hour away. Scenic and good for a swim in summer.
Visit the Salzburg Cathedral
A grand baroque cathedral where Mozart was baptised. The dome and the square outside are among the finest in the city.
Walk to the Kapuzinerberg
A wooded hill on the right bank with trails and viewpoints over the old town. A calm alternative to the fortress.
Visit the Hellbrunn Palace and its trick fountains
A short ride from the centre, with a baroque palace and gardens. Hidden water jets surprise visitors on guided tours.
Explore the salt mines nearby
The region was once rich thanks to salt, and tours run in the mines just across the border. Check opening and booking details online.

What to eat and drink

Salzburger Nockerl
A sweet soufflé, light and fluffy, traditionally served warm. A local speciality.
Mozartkugel
A chocolate ball filled with pistachio marzipan. Sold in gift boxes all over town.
Austrian classics
Look for schnitzel, dumplings and goulash in traditional inns.
Strudel and coffee houses
Salzburg has a strong cafe tradition, with pastries and cake.
Local beer
A brewery in the city serves beer in a large beer hall. A very local experience.
Coffee and cake at a traditional cafe
Salzburg has historic cafes where waiters bring cake to the table. A good way to rest between sights.

Getting around

The old town is compact and car-free. You will walk everywhere.

Buses and trains connect the city to the lakes and nearby towns. Check regional passes.

Cycling is popular along the river.

Good to know

  • The weather is often rainy, even in summer. Bring a waterproof.
  • The Salzburg Festival in summer is famous and very busy. Book accommodation early.
  • Winter has Christmas markets, and snow on the surrounding mountains.
  • Austria uses the euro. Cards are accepted in most places, but carry a little cash for small places.
  • The city is small and busy with day-trippers around midday. Early morning and evening are the quietest times.
  • The Sound of Music tours are popular, but the film is less known to Austrians than to visitors. Treat them as a light-hearted extra.

Where to stay in Salzburg

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Altstadt

Salzburg's UNESCO-listed old town contains baroque squares, Mozart-related sights, churches, restaurants and the city's most famous landmarks beneath Hohensalzburg Fortress. It is the best base for first-time visitors and romantic stays, though prices are high and daytime crowds are common.

Neustadt

Neustadt sits across the Salzach from the old town and includes Mirabell Palace, restaurants, shops and excellent transport links. It offers slightly better value and easier access to the railway station while remaining within walking distance of the historic centre.

Nonntal

Nonntal lies immediately south of the old town beneath the fortress, with residential streets, parks and a quieter atmosphere. It is particularly suitable for families and couples wanting easy historic access without staying amid the busiest tourist areas.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Elisabeth-Vorstadt surrounds Salzburg Hauptbahnhof and offers practical hotels, international restaurants and excellent transport connections. It is ideal for short stays and day trips, though the neighbourhood is less attractive than the old town.

Leopoldskron

Leopoldskron is a green residential area south-west of the centre around the picturesque palace and lake, with mountain views and a tranquil atmosphere. It is excellent for romantic and relaxing stays, but central nightlife and restaurants require a short journey.

Maxglan

Maxglan is a residential district west of central Salzburg close to the airport, with local restaurants and generally lower accommodation prices. It is convenient for road trips and early flights, though sightseeing requires a bus or taxi into the centre.

What it costs

A typical day in Salzburg, per person, in pounds.

£65

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£157

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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