Things to do in Salzburg: travel guide

If you’re planning a trip to Salzburg, Austria, then you definitely need to read this comprehensive local’s guide to Salzburg. In it, you’ll discover the best things to do in Salzburg, where to stay in Salzburg, great restaurants in Salzburg, and numerous off-the-beaten-path attractions in Salzburg.

This Salzburg city guide is presented by Nicoletta Habsudova from Voices of Travel and includes both famous places to visit in Salzburg as well as hidden gems ready to be discovered.

Things to do in Salzburg: Salzburg travel guide - photo by Voices of Travel

All the places recommended will allow you to learn more about the city, its past and its present, while also discovering the local culture and food. You’ll find included many outdoor and indoor things to see and do so that you can experience all the city has to offer.

You can use this travel guide to Salzburg to create your ultimate Salzburg bucket list and, eventually, your Salzburg itinerary.

Things to do in Salzburg: Salzburg travel guide

Welcome to Salzburg, the medieval city full of classical music, rich history, and elegance.

If you cannot decide what to see in Austria, I will convince you that Salzburg is the right place to visit. Even if you are hesitant between Vienna or Salzburg, the latter would be my choice without any doubt.

This beautiful city will blow your mind for several reasons, and my Salzburg travel guide will introduce you to all the things to do in Salzburg during your stay.

Salzburg has also been named as the world’s top city to visit by Lonely Planet, which already says a lot about its beauty and the reasons why you need to check it out.

This Austrian city lies in the western part of the country, very close to the German border. In fact, its perfect location enables you to visit this charming city from every single corner.

You will get there within 2 hours from Munich (Germany), and only 2 hours from Vienna, the capital of Austria, approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes from Prague, 5 hours from Venice and Zurich.

As with all European cities, Salzburg is well connected, so you can get there from anywhere by train, bus, or car.

Let’s get round to our Salzburg guide and see all the top things to do in Salzburg.

Included in this Salzburg travel guide:

  • Salzburg weather – The best time to visit Salzburg
  • Facts about Salzburg
  • Famous Salzburg attractions – things to do in Salzburg

    • Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress)
    • Salzburg Old Town – Getreidegasse
    • Mozart Birthplace
    • University Square & Grünmarkt
    • Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral)
    • Kapitelplatz (Chapter Square)
    • Residenzplatz (Residence Square)
    • Salzburg Museum
    • Mirabell Garden
    • Sky Space & Mönchsberg Aufzug (lift to the old town)
    • Salzburger Festspielhaus (Salzburg Festival Hall)
    • Fürst Confectionery – get the traditional Mozartkügel (Mozart praline balls)
    • Amadeus Cruise on the River Salzach
    • Schloss Leopoldskron – Chateau Leopoldskron
    • Hellbrunn Palace
  • Salzburg off the beaten path – unique things to do in Salzburg
    • Capuchin Hill with stunning views of Salzburg
    • Stay on the Mönchsberg mountain
  • Where to eat in Salzburg – the top 25 restaurants in Salzburg
  • Where to stay in Salzburg- hotels in Salzburg for all budgets
  • Tips for visiting Salzburg

When to visit Salzburg? Here’s the best time to visit Salzburg

As with almost any Central European city, Salzburg will show you its beauty mostly in summertime. Its beautiful gardens are shining across the city, creating a special atmosphere.

Late spring, summer, and autumn are generally the best time to come to the city, starting in May and finishing in October. You can do more things, it is much more spectacular, and you have more possibilities for day trips than in winter.

If you are around in wintertime, you can plan your visit to Salzburg after the skiing holiday in one of the regions around.

Summer is generally quite hot, and the temperatures are around 25°C. We are here close to the mountains, and it rains a lot in Salzburg, so make sure you pack something waterproof and carry a jacket with you.

Umbrella also comes in very handy in Salzburg. In winter, it is usually around 0°C, can be even negative degrees, and it snows as well, so bring warm clothes.

When to visit Salzburg? Here's the best time to visit Salzburg - photo by Voices of Travel

Interesting facts about Salzburg

Before we go to the actual sightseeing points and things to do in Salzburg, I have some fun and interesting facts for you. You can associate the city with many famous things from history and even today’s world:

  • Salzburg has one of the largest fortresses in Europe that has never been captured by foreign troops.
  • Salzburg is the birthplace of Amadeus Mozart, the famous composer of classical music.
  • The River Salzach was used for trading and transporting salt, thanks to which Salzburg also became wealthy – The German word ‘Salz’ – means ‘salt’ in English.
  • The Red Bull drink was first produced in Salzburg, and the company’s headquarters is in Salzburg.
  • The text for the famous Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’ was created near Salzburg – by Joseph Mohr in 1816 – in a small village called Oberndorf bei Salzburg.
  • Salzburg is the place of the famous Sound of Music movie. However, Austrians find the film very kitschy and say that it doesn’t reflect the environment and history, so they don’t really like it and are not proud of it.
  • Traditional Mozartkügel (Mozart praline balls) is the silver-blue one, not the red-gold-green one. These are fake. The traditional silver-blue Mozartkügeln are handmade and were first produced in the Confectionery Fürst, which you will be visiting on this walking tour.

Interesting facts about Salzburg - photo by Voices of Travel

What to see in Salzburg: Top 15 landmarks & things to do in Salzburg

Let’s see the best things to see and do in Salzburg.

1. Fortress Hohensalzburg

Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress) is one of the largest fortresses in Europe, built to protect Salzburg’s principality and Archbishop, and one of the best places to visit in Salzburg. What is interesting is the fact that foreign troops have never captured Salzburg Fortress.

It was built in 1077 for the local Archbishop and gained its importance in 1500 under the reign of Archbishop Leonhard von Kreutschach.

What will you see at the Fortress Salzburg:

  • Fortress museum – weapons and history of the Fortress
  • Torture chamber
  • Tower at the top of Fortress with amazing views of the Austrian Alps
  • Salzburg Bull – the wheel-driven barrel organ, plays daily at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm, and you can hear it playing even from the old town (from Kapitelplatz).
  • Marionette Museum
  • Golden Hall & Magical Theatre – learn about Salzburg’s history and the life of Archbishop Leonhard von Kreutschach in the magical theatre in Golden Hall, and see the chambers of the archbishop.
What will you see at the Fortress Salzburg - photo by Voices of Travel
Fortress Salzburg – photo by Voices of Travel

Personal recommendation:

Go to the Terrace for stunning views of Salzburg and the River Salzach.

Visiting Fortress Hohensalzburg is worth it. You will receive an audio guide at the entrance, guiding you through all the Fortress’s highlights and history.

Visiting the Golden Hall with the magical theatre is at an extra cost. If you skip it, you will still have a fantastic experience only with the regular audio guide tour.

Prices

You can either take a funicular from Kapitel Square up to the Fortress or walk.

Adult Ticket: 13,30 EUR / Child (6 – 14 years old): 7,60 EUR – including funicular ride and audio tour of the Fortress
Adult Ticket: 10,30 EUR / Child: 5,90 EUR – excluding funicular ride, if you walk up

Tickets including Magical Theatre and Golden Hall:

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Adult Ticket: 16,60 EUR / Child: 9,50 EUR – including funicular ride as well
Adult Ticket: 12,60 EUR / Child: 7,20 EUR – excluding funicular, if you walk up.

Location: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg

2. Salzburg Old Town – Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse is the main street in Salzburg’s old town. In the past, it was the most crucial street, a place of trade and wealth, where locals built their taverns, breweries, and craft shops.

Nowadays, it is a famous shopping street in Salzburg with some luxury goods and delicacies. Even though there are always tourist masses, this adorable street will take you back to medieval times.

You will spot many tiny streets from the Getreidegasse on both sides, leading to other squares.

Location: Getreidegasse, 5020 Salzburg

Salzburg Old Town – Getreidegasse - photo by Voices of Travel
Salzburg Old Town – Getreidegasse – photo by Voices of Travel

3. Mozart Birthplace

Mozart, the famous musician of Classical music, was born here in Salzburg in the house at the Getreidegasse in 1756. He lived in the house with his family for 26 years. This house is one of the must-sees in Salzburg.

After, they moved to the so-called Mozart Residence house, located on the other side of the River Salzach, on the Makartplatz square.

Prices

Adult Ticket: 12,00 EUR / Child: 3,50 EUR
Combi Ticket: Mozart Birthplace + Mozart Residence
Adult Ticket: 18,50 EUR / Child: 5,00 EUR

Location: Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg

Mozart Birthplace, Sazlburg - photo by Voices of Travel
Mozart Birthplace, Sazlburg – photo by Voices of Travel

4. University Square & Grünmarkt

When you take any side street leading from the Getreidegasse, you will get to the University square with the Market Fountain and the so-called Grünmarkt.

The Grünmarkt is a red stall selling local products such as cheese, meat, sweets, and pretzels (with various flavors).

In the past, University square was a place for farm markets. This tradition has been kept until nowadays.

Every Saturday morning, people build their stalls on this square, offering fresh products such as vegetables, fruits, bread, meat, and cheese.

Location: Universitätsplatz, 5020 Salzburg (University Square)

University Square & Grünmarkt - photo by Voices of Travel
University Square & Grünmarkt – photo by Voices of Travel

5. Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral)

The Salzburg Cathedral is a Baroque-style Roman Catholic Cathedral founded in 774 and one of the Salzburg landmarks. You already know that Salzburg is famous for Amadeus Mozart, a musician and composer of Classical Music.

Interestingly, Mozart was baptized in this Cathedral. Also, he had his first concert here, playing piano only at the age of 6. This concert was held right in one of the rooms of the Dom Quarter around the Cathedral.

Entrance to the Cathedral is free of charge.

Location: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg

Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral) is one of the best things to see in Salzburg- photo by Voices of Travel
Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral) – photo by Voices of Travel

6. Kapitelplatz (Chapter Square)

What might draw your attention to this square is the golden ball with a ‘man without emotions’ standing at the top.

However, besides being contemporary art, this sculpture actually doesn’t have any other purpose or explanation. It only represents a man without emotions.

At the corner of this square, there is an entrance to St. Peter’s cemetery. Go through and see a little bakery on the left-hand side after the entrance (Stiftsbäkerei St. Peter in German) with an old watermill.

INTERESTING FACT: Salzburg is home to the oldest water pipe tunnel in Central Europe. This pipe has been artificially created to supply water from the nearby Lake Könnigsee (close to Berchtesgaden and its salt mines) to Salzburg city.

The watermill next to the little bakery is where you can see the water from Könnigsee Lake. The bakery alone is exciting. It has a traditional atmosphere, and you can see the process of bread making.

Location: Kapitelplatz, 5020 Salzburg

Kapitelplatz (Chapter Square) - photo by Voices of Travel
Kapitelplatz (Chapter Square) – photo by Voices of Travel

7. Residenzplatz (Residence Square)

Residence Square hosts the largest Baroque fountain in Central Europe.

In summer, you will spot horse carriages, which you can also take and enjoy a Salzburg tour with a different experience.

In the Advent period before Christmas time, it has one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets. You shouldn’t miss them. They are amazing and always bring you into the Christmas mood.

After seeing Residence Square, check out the Mozart Platz (Mozart Square) on your right-hand side with the statue of Mozart and give honour to this brilliant musician and composer. 

Location: Residenzplatz, 5020 Salzburg (Residence Square)

8. Salzburg Museum

If you want to know more about Salzburg and get to know the city more in-depth, visit Salzburg Museum.

It has precious objects, art, architecture, and painting with multimedia presentations telling you interesting facts about the city. It will show you the happening of the city from its history until modern times.

This museum was created back in 2007 to showcase valuable things that reflect what Salzburg is today for residents and its visitors.

Price

Adult Ticket: 9,00 EUR / Child: 3,00 EUR

Location: Mozartplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg

Salzburg Museum is one of the top attractions in Salzburg- photo by Voices of Travel
Salzburg Museum – photo by Voices of Travel

9. Mirabell Garden

Mirabell Garden belongs to the top things to do in Salzburg.

This picturesque Baroque park was created in the 18th century. It was also one of the places where Sound of Music movies was shot – the scene where Maria with children were singing the song “Do-Re-Mi” while dancing around the fountain.

Take some coffee with snacks and enjoy the stunning views of the Salzburg Fortress and its unique atmosphere. 

Entrance to the Mirabell Garden is free of charge and this is definitely one fo the best sights in Salzburg so make sure to include it on your Salzburg itinerary.

Location: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg

Mirabell Garden is one of the best sights in Salzburg - photo by Voices of Travel
Mirabell Garden, Salzburg – photo by Voices of Travel

10. Sky Space & Mönchsberg Aufzug (lift to the old town)

The Sky Space is a terrace, where you will get amazing views of the Fortress and the entire old town of Salzburg.

It is part of the Museum of Modern Salzburg. You can access this terrace by taking a lift inside the museum (the lift is called Mönchsberg Aufzug).

After, take the lift back down to the old town or follow the Fortress road, which will take you to the Fortress and show you the beauty of the Austrian Alps around.

Price

One-way ticket:
Adult: 2,70 EUR / Child: 1,30 EUR

Both ways ticket:
Adult: 4,00 EUR / Child: 2,00 EUR

Location: Gstättengasse 13, 5020 Salzburg

Sky Space & Mönchsberg Aufzug (lift to the old town) - photo by Voices of Travel
Sky Space & Mönchsberg Aufzug (lift to the old town) – photo by Voices of Travel

11. Salzburger Festspielhaus (Salzburg Festival Hall)

What a Salzburg tour would it be without visiting the famous Salzburger Festspielhaus?

The place of Salzburg music and one of the most important things to do in Salzburg, especially in summer. Since 1925, they organize the Salzburg festival in this building every year, performing the best from European drama and music.

The first play showcased at this festival was called ‘Jedermann’ (‘Everyman’), for which the festival became famous.

Story of Jedermann: Jedermann is a wealthy guy who lives an extravagant life. He has a huge house with many servants whom he treats with contempt. He doesn’t listen to his mother telling him to get married. Instead, he prefers to have a young girl, treat her with presents and constantly show off.

Location: Hofstallgasse 1, 5020 Salzburg

12. Fürst Confectionery – get the traditional Mozartkügel (Mozart praline balls)

Fürst Confectionery is one of the top attractions in Salzburg and your next essential stop, where you can have a little rest from your Salzburg walking tour.

It is near the Residence Square, and you have to go there and take the traditional Mozartkügel.

Don’t get confused. When you walk through Salzburg, you will see thousands of shops selling Mozartkügel. However, these are usually red, gold and green, or any other colour. But the original and traditional ones, the real Mozartkügeln, are actually silver and blue.

And Fürst Confectionary is the place to get them. They still make them according to the traditional recipe as it was created here in the past. It is one of the few places where they make Mozartkügel still by hand in a traditional way.

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Location: Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg

Fürst Confectionery – get the traditional Mozartkügel (Mozart praline balls) - photo by Voices of Travel
Fürst Confectionery – get the traditional Mozartkügel (Mozart praline balls) – photo by Voices of Travel

13. Amadeus Cruise on the River Salzach (optional – touristy stuff)

Hop on the Amadeus cruise on the River Salzach. It is quite touristy but still one of the most interesting things to do in Salzburg.

You will see the city from another perspective and also learn more about its history and highlights on the way. It is also a great way to get to know the history of Salzburg more as they will tell you several stories and facts during the cruise when sightseeing the landmarks from the River.

Interesting Fact: In the past, the River Salzach was used to transport salt from the nearby Salt Mines in the Dürnberg hill, where they had a large-scale salt production. The salt was traded on the River Salzach to Salzburg, which significantly contributed to the city’s wealth.

Price
Adult Ticket: 16,00 EUR / Child: 7,50 EUR

Location: Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz, 5020 Salzburg

Amadeus Cruise on the River Salzach - photo by Voices of Travel
Amadeus Cruise on the River Salzach – photo by Voices of Travel

14. Schloss Leopoldskron – Chateau Leopoldskron

Schloss Leopoldskron, pictured in the movie sound of Music, is located 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of the city.

Unfortunately, they don’t organize any sightseeing tours inside the Palace anymore. It has been converted to a hotel and is only accessible to hotel guests. So, if you really want to see its interior, book a room and enjoy the royal night in one of Salzburg’s most famous landmarks.

The Palace was designed by architect Pater Bernhard and is famous for its stucco work. Famous personalities such as Bavaria’s King Luis I or Max Reinhard (co-founder of Salzburg Festival) used to own it.

If you don’t want to book a room, check out the exterior with its beautiful lakeside and admire the Palace from the outside. It is a lovely walk.

Location: Leopoldskronstraße 56-58, 5020 Salzburg

Schloss Leopoldskron is one of the best things to do near Salzburg– Chateau Leopoldskron - photo by Voices of Travel
Schloss Leopoldskron – Chateau Leopoldskron – photo by Voices of Travel

15. Hellbrunn Palace

This Renaissance-style palace is located 40 minutes from Salzburg. It was also a residence of the archbishop Markus Sittikus, but only on special occasions in summer. This guy had a great sense of humor, so he installed some exciting things around the palace (which you have to experience on your own).

The highlights are trick fountains and water games that you shouldn’t miss and the spectacular park with lakes next to the palace.

How to get to Hellbrunn Palace

Take the bus n. 25 from Rathaus bus stop right in the old town in Salzburg directly to Hellbrunn Palace. You can also go there by car if you have one.

Price
Adult Ticket: 10,50 EUR, Child: 4,50 EUR – including water games and magic fountains

Location: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg

Salzburg guide - Hellbrunn Palace - photo by Voices of Travel
Hellbrunn Palace – photo by Voices of Travel

Off the Beaten Path Things to do in Salzburg

If you don’t like crowded places and want to check out some offbeat things to do in Salzburg – and want to spend some time in nature -, I highly recommend you visit the following two sites:

Capuchin Hill with stunning views of Salzburg

If you are not fed up with walking yet, you can walk up to the Capuchin hill with the monastery.

Cross the river from the old town and go to Linzergasse. Then turn right to the street called Kapuzinberg. Follow the road, and you will get up next to the monastery.

The road is steeper, but the views of Salzburg from the hill are spectacular. It is a nice quiet place, which you have to see.  After, you can walk the opposite way, down the historical stairs back to Linzergasse street.

Location: Kapuzinerberg, 5020 Salzburg

Capuchin Hill with stunning views of Salzburg - best off the beaten path things to do in Salzburg - photo by Voices of Travel
Capuchin Hill with stunning views of Salzburg – photo by Voices of Travel

Stay on the Mönchsberg mountain

After the enriching experience at Fortress Hohensalzburg, I suggest you stay on this hill before you go down to explore the old town of Salzburg. The mountain on which Fortress has been built is called ‘Mönchsberg.’ It translates to ‘the monks’ hill.’

Once you leave the Fortress, there will be a road with a left curve (the regular fortress road has a right turn towards the city centre). Take the road on your left-hand side towards the gate. You can walk on the Mönchsberg hill until you reach the Bürgerwehr (the medieval fortress walls). Enjoy the spectacular views of the Austrian Alps.

Location: Mönchsberg 19, 5020 Salzburg

Where to eat in Salzburg

Besides all the exciting things to do in Salzburg, the city has some great restaurants to try. Austrian food is delicious, and you should definitely try some dishes on your trip to Salzburg.

I have a selection of fast food, Austrian cuisine, and a traditional Austrian beer hall with food for you. Below are the top places to eat and try local specialties as part of this guide to Salzburg.

Traditional Austrian Beer Hall: AUGUSTINER BRÄU

Experience the beer culture in Salzburg and the traditional atmosphere of Augustiner Bräu. This belongs to one of the best places to visit and things to do in Salzburg.

You will take your own giant beer mug, and they will draught the beer directly from wooden barrels for you. There are many stalls where you can get various food. Take what you like and enjoy the evening in the beer garden or one of the Braustübl (taverna room).

The best time to visit Augustiner Bräu is in the evening.

Location: Lindhofstraße 7, 5020 Salzburg

STERNBRÄU

Enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine in the modern settings of the Sternbräu restaurant.

Located near Getreidegasse in Salzburg’s old town, you can get typical dishes like Schnitzel, cheese dumplings, and drink delicious beer with local cocktails.

Location: Griesgasse 23, 5020 Salzburg

LEMONCHILLI URBAN RESTAURANT & BAR

Lemonchilli is a fantastic restaurant offering Mexican cuisine. This is one of my favourite restaurants in Salzburg.

If you like Mexican food, you need to check it out.

Location: Nonntaler Hauptstraße 24, 5020 Salzburg

L’OSTERIA PIZZERIA

The Italian restaurant L’osteria Pizzeria has the best pizza in Salzburg for sure and one of the best I have ever eaten in my life (not kidding).

I suggest you skip breakfast if you plan to eat the pizza there (because it’s giant). You can also get other Italian dishes such as pasta, salads and more.

Location: Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 10, 5020 Salzburg

POMMES BOUTIQUE

If you are in a hurry and want to see the most from Salzburg, Pommes Boutique is a good choice.

Get some nice French fries and burgers for quick refreshment during your Salzburg walking tour at Pommes Boutique. It is at the following 3 locations here in Salzburg:

Location: Mirabellplatz 7, Alpenstrasse 107, Itzlinger Hauptstrasse 7

BURGERISTA

Similar to Pommer Boutique, Burgerista has delicious fast food in the centre of old town Salzburg. Grab something with your friends and family before going on the Salzach River Cruise.

Location: Griesgasse 15, 5020 Salzburg

AFRO CAFÉ

Afro café has a really great coffee and tea with various snacks. It is located near Getreidegasse in the old town, so you can make a quick coffee stop before checking out other things to do in Salzburg.

Location: Bürgerspitalpl. 5, 5020 Salzburg

FÜRST CONFECTIONERY – traditional Mozartkügel

As I mentioned above, Fürst Confectionery is the place to get the traditional Mozartkügel (silver & blue one).

Location: Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg

FÜRST CONFECTIONERY – traditional Mozartkügel - photo by Voices of Travel
FÜRST CONFECTIONERY – traditional Mozartkügel – photo by Voices of Travel

HOTEL SACHER – traditional Austrian chocolate cake

Visiting Austria and not trying Sacher Cake is like being in New York and not seeing the Statue of Liberty. If you still haven’t tried this typical Austrian chocolate cake (Sacher Torte), Hotel Sacher is the right choice. They make fresh ones in their patisserie.

Location: Schwarzstraße 5-7, 5020 Salzburg

HOTEL SACHER – traditional Austrian chocolate cake - photo by Voices of Travel
HOTEL SACHER – traditional Austrian chocolate cake – photo by Voices of Travel

TOMASSELI CAFÉ

Historical Tomasseli Café will bring you back in time and show you real Austrian coffee culture. It has been managed by the Tomasseli family for 150 years now. Great for breakfast or for a short coffee stop in the middle of Salzburg’s old town.

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Location: Alter Markt 9, 5020 Salzburg

Where to stay in Salzburg: Top Hotels in Salzburg

Next on this guide to Salzburg, Austria are the best places to stay in Salzburg 🙂

Hotel Motel One – Salzburg Mirabell – 3*

Great 3 start hotel near the old town Salzburg, on the banks of the River Salzach and a terrace overlooking the Fortress.
Average price: 97 EUR per night/ room (2 adults)

Location: 15-minutes’ walk to the old town Salzburg (following the River Salzach), the main train station is only 800m from the hotel

Elisabethkai 58-60, Elisabeth-Vorstadt, 5020 Salzburg

Neutor Hotel Salzburg Centre – 3*

The traveler’s choice Neutor Hotel is right in the old town of Salzburg, only a 6-minutes’ walk to the Getreidegasse and other landmarks.

Average price: 65 EUR per night/ room (2 adults)

Location: Salzburg old town, 6-minutes’ walk to Getreidegasse and 4 minutes to Fortress Salzburg on foot.
9 Neutorstraße, 5020 Salzburg 

IMLAUER Hotel PITTER Salzburg – 4*

Family-run 4* hotel in city centre, very close to Mirabell Garden and main train station. Enjoy evenings and the panoramic view of the city and Fortress at the IMLAUER Sky Bar & Restaurant.

Average price: 190 EUR per night/ room (2 adults)

Location: 10-minutes’ walk to the main train station, 3-minutes’ walk to Mirabell Garden, and 15-minutes to the old town Salzburg.

Rainerstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg

Hotel STEIN – 4*

A 4* historical hotel dating back to medieval times, facing Salzburg’s old town and its Fortress with a great rooftop terrace to enjoy the stunning views. It is located the closest to all things to do in Salzburg, on the banks of the River Salzach.

The hotel was fully renovated and reopened in 2018. They do not accept children; the hotel is only accessible for adults.

Average price: 160 EUR per night/ room (2 adults)

Location: 3-minutes’ walk to the old town Salzburg

Giselakai 3-5, Altstadt, 5020 Salzburg

Schloss Leopoldskron

If you are a real fan of Sound of Music and want to experience the atmosphere of the surroundings where the movie was shot, you have to stay in Schloss Leopoldskron.

Average price: 200 EUR per night/ room (2 adults)

Location: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) south of the old town Salzburg

Leopoldskronstraße 56-58, 5020 Salzburg

Where to stay in Salzburg: Top Hostels in Salzburg

MEININGER Salzburg City Centre

If you are looking for a clean and friendly hostel in almost any European city, Meininger is always a good choice. It is very close to the old town with amazing facilities and breakfast at an extra cost of 7 EUR per person.

Average price: 40 EUR per adult/night in a 6 bed room

Location: Fürbergstraße 18-20, 5020 Salzburg

A&O Salzburg Hauptbahnhof

This hostel has a very convenient location right near the train station in Salzburg if you are coming a bit too late and don’t want to look for a bus that will take you to the city or walk too far.

Average price: 30 EUR per adult/night in a 6 bed room

Location: Fanny-von-Lehnert-Straße 4, 5020 Salzburg

Extra Tips for Salzburg

Last on this list are some very useful tips for visiting Salzburg.

How to get around the city?

Salzburg is a beautiful city, and you will enjoy it the most on foot. Especially if you want to see and do all the things in the old town of Salzburg.

There are no other means of transportation available; it is mainly a pedestrian zone. On the other side of the River Salzach (left River Bank), it is still easy to walk everywhere.
If you want to get further, a bus is the best choice.

You can get a ticket for the entire day (24h), but buy it in the vending machines because if you buy directly with a driver, it costs a lot more.

Day Ticket Salzburg City: 4,30 EUR (at the vending machines or buy in advance in a stand), 6,40 EUR at the driver in the bus

Get Salzburg Card

If you want to explore all the things to do in Salzburg, you should get the Salzburg Card. It will significantly reduce your costs for the entire stay.

It is available either for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You will get access to all attractions mentioned in this article and a lot more, public transportation is included, and other excursions and performances are at a reduced price.

You can buy it online here: https://www.salzburg.info/en/hotels-offers/salzburg-card

Prices:
Salzburg Card for Adults: 29 EUR – 24 hours
Salzburg Card for Children: 14,50 EUR – 24 hours

Salzburg Card for Adults: 38 EUR – 48 hours
Salzburg Card for Children: 19,00 EUR – 48 hours

Salzburg Card for Adults: 44 EUR – 72 hours
Salzburg Card for Children: 22,00 EUR – 72 hours

How much time should you spend in Salzburg?

I highly recommend you to stay at least 2 days for all the things to do in Salzburg. The perfect time is 4 days if you want to visit Hellbrunn Palace and take some time in Mirabell Gardens to enjoy the special atmosphere of the city.

On the last day, you can do one of the excursions around Salzburg and make the most out of your stay in the Salzburg region. Check out this article to get inspiration for the best day trips from Salzburg.

How much time should you spend in Salzburg? - photo by Voices of Travel

I hope this guide with all the things to do in Salzburg will be helpful for your stay. I have spent 4 years in this city, studying at the university. Needless to say, it is one of my very favourite cities in entire Europe. It has a special charm and atmosphere you should experience.

The city will automatically take you back to medieval times. As I mentioned above, it is worth checking out some of the day trips from Salzburg. You can visit, for instance, salt mines (and do sliding inside them), Hallstatt with beautiful Austrian mountains, or the largest ice cave system in the world.

If you want to spend more time in Austria and see the country’s highlights, check out this Austrian itinerary. It covers everything from cities, history, and Austrian culture, beautiful mountain excursions, and unique places you will only find in Austria.

About author:

Nicoletta is a tour manager and a language enthusiast who likes to explore the world independently. She loves guiding groups of travelers through Europe, showing countries’ culture, history, and traditions, and teaching them a few words of languages. After learning 4 languages on her own, she has now developed her method to learn languages individually from the comfort of your home. Besides, she designs in-depth travel itineraries on her travel & language blog for travelers to get inspiration. She loves to explore less-known destinations and create itineraries to show people new corners of the world. Check out her blog Voices of Travel – Travel & Language Blog and follow her on Instagram and Pinterest.

Things to do in Salzburg: Salzburg travel guide. Discover the best places to visit in Salzburg, great Salzburg restaurants, and Salzburg accommodation options from this Salzburg guide. #salzburg #austria #salzburgguide #traveldestinations #europe #europetravel #earthsattractions

Things to see and in Salzburg, Austria. Use this insider's guide to Salzburg to discover Salzburg attractions worthy to be visited, Salzburg tips, Salzburg hotels, Salzburg hostels, Salzburg restaurants, and more. #salzburg #austria #salzburgguide #traveldestinations #europe #europetravel #earthsattractions

Discover the best things to do in Salzburg, Austria. When to visit Salzburg, how many days in Salzburg, Salzburg tips, and more are included. Create your Salzburg buckerlist and your Salzburg itinerary with this Salzburg guide. #salzburg #austria #salzburgguide #traveldestinations #europe #europetravel #earthsattractions

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