Salzburg is a city that dances to a different tune. Mozart was born, raised and tasted his first success in this beautiful, historic city, perched on the banks of the Salzach river. Not content with having the snow-capped drama of the Alps as a backdrop, Salzburg is rippled by five small mountains of its own. And the perfect combination of Alpine beauty, magnificent palaces and history-steeped streets have earned it the rare title of 'World Heritage Site'—and a supporting role in the world's favourite musical, The Sound of Music.
Throughout its history Salzburg has gone its own way. It wasn't kings or queens, dukes or duchesses that ruled this city. For most of its past it was the Prince Archbishops who held sway here. They ploughed the riches Salzburg earned from trade into a series of ever more extravagant palaces. It was the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg who first employed Mozart as his court musician, even if it was under the bright lights of Paris and Vienna where he made his name.
The heart of the city is the Altstadt, the medieval Old Town pinched tightly to the river by Salzburg's two tallest peaks – the Festungberg and the Kapuzinerberg. Many have called Salzburg the 'Rome of North'. Take a stroll around its tightly-packed narrow streets, wide open plazas, and dome-topped churches and you'll see why. The best place to start is Residenzplatz, the main square where a gorgeous Baroque fountain is surrounded by the Salzburg Cathedral, and the palaces of the Neue and Salzburg Residenz.These are just two of the Prince Archbishops' many palaces, which include the elegant gardens of Mirabell Palace and the water-filled antics of Hellbrunn Palace. Or capture a piece of Hollywood history at the Leopoldskron Palace, where the The Sound of Music was filmed in 1965.
The musical epicentre of town runs from the aptly named Mozartplatz, where the great man once lived, and now stands cast in bronze, to the Getreidegasse, where merchants have plied their trade for 1000 years, and where Mozart was born. The high culture continues at the Museum Der Moderne Moenchsberg, up on the hill above the Getreidegasse, where modern art meets fabulous views. And if you want to savour the best view in town, the Festung Hohensalzburg looms over all else in Salzburg, laying the city out for you, right at your feet. To unwind after a busy day’s sight-seeing, head to the Augustiner Brewery and sample some local drinks in traditional surroundings.
Salzburg Travel Guide
Where to stay in Salzburg
City Centre Salzburg
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Mirabell Palace and Gardens to Mirabell Gardens – discover City Centre Salzburg, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Altstadt Salzburg
Historical sites, museums and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Residenzplatz Square while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Historical sites, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace and Gardens or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.
Schallmoos
Schallmoos is well liked for many features, particularly its shopping, restaurants and historical sites. Though there may not be top sights in Schallmoos, consider stopping by Linzer Gasse or Mirabell Palace and Gardens, located nearby.
Nonntal
Nonntal is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nonnberg Abbey and Domkirche.
Riedenburg
Unique features of Riedenburg include the shopping and historical sites. Make a stop by Leopoldskron Palace or Stiegl's World of Brewing while you're exploring the area.
Reviewed on 30 May 2024
Reviewed on 29 May 2024
Reviewed on 18 May 2024
Reviewed on 26 May 2024
Reviewed on 24 May 2024
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024
Popular places to visit
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Conceived as a palace for a mistress, the Mirabell Palace remains a splendid setting for love matches, its elegant lawns often decked with brides and grooms.
Salzburg Cathedral
The spiritual heart of Catholic Salzburg has had its fair share of turbulence—and of genius—throughout its 1200-year history.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
The medieval fortress that stepped out of the fairy-tale and onto one of Salzburg's brooding forested mountains.
Mozart's Birthplace
Learn about the life, family and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart via exhibitions in the rooms of the house where he was born.
Hellbrunn Palace
The summer-time 'pleasure garden' for the Prince Archbishops, where nothing is quite as it seems.
Mirabell Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Mirabell Gardens, a lovely green space in Salzburg. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.
Reviews of Salzburg
5/5 - Excellent
Fabulous place and surrounding areas. People very helpful and friendly. Went on a trip with Paramount to Hallstatt absolutely stunning, well worth the trip and the guide was excellent.
5/5 - Excellent
Loved Salzburg, such a beautiful small city. Definitely recommend!
5/5 - Excellent
A fantastic place for a City break. Clean, friendly and breathtaking scenery. Loved it.
5/5 - Excellent
We have been to Salzburg before and love the city; our preferred hotel was not available hence our staying here.
5/5 - Excellent
Salzburg is a beautiful city definitely a must see
4/5 - Good
Probably better in summer months but things to do in Winter with a few markets.