Salzburg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kapuzinerberg Hill showing forest scenes and a city
Music and mountains thrill the soul of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart's genius and the gateway to the Austrian Alps.

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.

Where to stay in Salzburg

Mirabell Palace and Gardens showing a city, a castle and flowers

City Centre Salzburg

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

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.

City Centre Salzburg
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Altstadt Salzburg

5/5(35 area reviews)

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.

Altstadt Salzburg
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Elisabeth-Vorstadt

4/5(81 area reviews)

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.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Leopoldskron Palace which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and bird life

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.

Riedenburg
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Schallmoos

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

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.

Schallmoos
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Nonntal

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Nonntal is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nonnberg Abbey and Domkirche.

Nonntal
H+ Hotel Salzburg
H+ Hotel Salzburg
Südtiroler Platz 13, Salzburg, Salzburg
The price is ₹9,876 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
₹9,876
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

H+ Hotel Salzburg
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
4 out of 5
Rainerstrasse 6-8, Salzburg, Salzburg
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹17,494 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹17,494
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Salzburg. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a rooftop terrace and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (962 reviews)
"Not very friendly reception staff on arrival - laughing and joking with each other not interested in guest. No early check in and no call to confirm room was ready as requested. Nice garden deluxe room with nice view. Room was very clean but lacked extra touches such as coffee machine, shampoo, conditioner ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
Cocoon Salzburg
Cocoon Salzburg
4 out of 5
Rainerstraße 29, Salzburg, Salzburg
The price is ₹12,048 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
₹12,048
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (519 reviews)
"Lovely friendly hotel so conveniently placed"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Cocoon Salzburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Elisa
Villa Elisa
3 out of 5
Jahnstraße 14, Salzburg, Salzburg
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and valet parking. Popular attractions Mirabell Palace and Gardens and Mirabell Gardens ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"We had a great experience at Salzburg. Because the hotel was awesome."

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2024

Villa Elisa
master Mirabell
master Mirabell
3.5 out of 5
Rainerstraße 7, Salzburg
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Salzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, a terrace and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (158 reviews)
"Sehr zentral, zu Fuß erreichbar, modern, gut ausgestattet, im großen und ganzen sauber, das schlafsofa war nur etwas unbequem aber insgesamt gut"

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2024

master Mirabell
numa I Mozart
numa I Mozart
3.5 out of 5
Franz-Josef-Straße 27, Salzburg, Salzburg
Stay at this aparthotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a terrace. Popular attractions Mirabell Palace and Gardens and Mozart's Birthplace are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (194 reviews)
"First class boutique hotel. Excellent. Deco, comfort, amenities, quiet My third stay there in the past few months. Will return if price is right (very big flacuations)."

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2024

numa I Mozart
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Salzburg

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
151
" "5 - Excellent 71.9047619047619%
4 - Good
58
" "4 - Good 27.61904761904762%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.47619047619047616%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Mar 2020

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

Verified traveller
3 Mar 2020

Loved Salzburg, such a beautiful small city. Definitely recommend!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Feb 2020

A fantastic place for a City break. Clean, friendly and breathtaking scenery. Loved it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Feb 2020

We have been to Salzburg before and love the city; our preferred hotel was not available hence our staying here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

Salzburg is a beautiful city definitely a must see

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

Probably better in summer months but things to do in Winter with a few markets.

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