Salzburg, Austria is probably best known as the birthplace of Mozart. The area is home to several music and drama festivals throughout the year. The movie The Sound of Music has been shot in this city and is a popular tourist attraction. The alpine atmosphere of this town gives it a unique charm. It’s no wonder that there are a lot of sites to see and plenty of amazing things to do in Salzburg Austria!
Where is Salzburg?
Located in the North of the Alps and along the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is an Austrian city that lies about three hundred kilometers from Vienna. It boasts everything from charm and culture to history and beauty.
Salzburg is also only 150 kilometers east of Munich, so the city enjoys a convenient location with stunning scenery and landscapes. From sweeping mountain landscapes to beautiful buildings to the inner city, there are plenty of things to do in Salzburg. Admire the stunning architecture of the baroque towers and churches that adorn the city, visit the cathedral, and many other top attractions in Salzburg Austria.
Accommodation in Salzburg
With places to stay available throughout the area, locating accommodation ranging from welcoming bed & breakfasts to top-notch hotels will also be easy and convenient. Prices vary considerably from the budget-friendly hotels to luxury hotels with higher price tags. The internet is a good source of reviews for many hotels in the city. Before choosing your accommodation, you can view pictures, read the descriptions, and check out the reviews left by previous guests.
Vacation packages are available online or via a travel agent. Sometimes you can save money by getting a package deal instead of booking the plane and hotel separately. Do some research work before visiting a travel agent or booking online. Also, decide if you want to be in or out of the city.
Best things to do in Salzburg, Austria
1. Visit Salzburg’s Old City
The old town of Salzburg is the nucleus of the city and the most historic part of the city. It is considered one of the most aesthetically stunning places in Europe. The area has many old footbridges for walking and pedestrian areas for sightseeing. Horse and buggy tours in the area are also available. If you need a break from the crowd, consider walking the many pathways outside the city to relax and enjoy the harmony and beauty of nature. So you can see why the Old City is at the top of our list of things to do in Salzburg Austria!
2. Admire the old churches of Salzburg
Salzburg is home to many old churches, most of them in the Baroque style. The church in the center of the city dates back to the 17th century. The architecture of these old churches gives the city its own unique character. Some churches to visit in Salzburg include St. Sebastian’s, St. Michael’s, St. John’s and St. Peter’s Abbey.
3. Learn about Mozart
Mozart’s Birthplace has been restored to the original quarters of the family. The room in which he was born and the room in which he wrote most of his famous works are available for tours. This is the place where the composer lived until 1773. Mozart’s house is located nearby, where he lived from 1773 to 1780. There are galleries related to Mozart’s family and works.
Things to do in Salzburg extra tip
Guided tours to Mozart’s Birthplace are free on the first Sunday of each month.
4. Discover the Sound of Music
Sound of Music fans also love to visit Salzburg, because this is where the famous movie was filmed. You will visit sites all over the city that were featured in the renowned film. A tour bus playing the film’s soundtrack takes you to all the places in the movie, too.
5. Explore Mirabelle Palace
The Mirabelle Palace is open for an incredible visit. The ornate palace is also home to beautiful gardens featuring sculptures of mythical figures. Heckentheater on the West Side is the oldest Hedge Theater in the north of the Alps. It was designed as an outdoor theater in the 1700s. The Zivergegarten, which is a dwarf garden, is on the same site. You can see why Mirabelle Palace must be on your list of things to do in Salzburg Austria!
6. Uncover Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress is another popular tourist attraction in town. The fortress was first built in 1077 and was expanded in 1160 and again in the 15th and 16th centuries during the Hungarian War. This is the highest castle in Central Europe. It was very effective, and it was never conquered by enemy armies. The fortress is open for tours all year round. A visit here must be added to your list of things to do in Salzburg!
7. Attend festivals when visiting Salzburg
A variety of festivities and events take place in Salzburg throughout the year, which can add to your appreciation of the city and your overall experience, allowing you to sample the local lifestyle and culture as well as have fun and excitement. Some of the events and festivities that you can look forward to, depending on the time of year you visit, include the famous Salzburg Festival and the Easter Festival. There, too, you’ll find a great range of shops and restaurants, so you can enjoy a little retail therapy and everything from a light snack to a full meal.
The unique character and charm combined with the vibrant atmosphere and diverse culture that you will find in this city mean that you will enjoy a truly memorable and unique vacation as you experience all the things to do in Salzburg.
Who recommends these things to do in Salzburg
Cristina Popescu is a Romanian blogger who has been traveling since 2008. She has visited 100+ countries across all continents and accumulated firsthand knowledge about beautiful travel destinations. There is nothing she won’t try at least once in a lifetime and she wishes to encourage others to get out and see the world, too.
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