25 Best Things to do In Salzburg Austria

by gregor

Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by gregor

As a travel blogger in Salzburg, Austria, I am excited to share with you the best activities and attractions in this charming city. Salzburg has much to offer visitors, from historical landmarks to natural wonders, museums, and cultural experiences.

In this quick guide, I will provide you with the top 25 things to do in Salzburg, Austria, ensuring that you make the most of your visit to this beautiful destination. So, whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Salzburg has something for everyone. Let’s get started!

If you are planning to visit Salzburg, please have a look at these related Salzburg blog posts, they provide you with valuable Salzburg Travel Information and Tips

Top 10 Must Things to Do in Salzburg

Half-Day Tour to Hallstatt:

Take a half-day tour to Hallstatt and explore the picturesque village situated on the banks of Lake Hallstatt. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its breathtaking views, historic salt mines, and beautiful Alpine scenery.

You’ll get to see the village’s iconic landmarks, such as the Hallstatt Skywalk and the Dachstein Ice Cave. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the lake and learn about the village’s history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

Book a Half-Day Tour of Hallstatt Here

Original Sound of Music Tour:

Join the Original Sound of Music Tour and discover the real-life locations used in the iconic movie. You’ll visit landmarks such as the Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the Nonnberg Abbey.

This tour will take you on a journey through the city of Salzburg and the surrounding countryside, where you’ll get to experience the stunning scenery that inspired the movie’s iconic songs. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, this tour is perfect for fans of the movie and anyone looking to explore the beauty of Salzburg.

Book  Original Sound of Music Tour Here

Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting

Take a tour of the Stiegl Brewery and learn about the history and production of Austria’s famous Stiegl beer. You’ll get to see the brewery’s facilities and taste a variety of the brewery’s famous beers, including some limited edition and seasonal brews.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the beer-making process, from brewing to bottling, and how Stiegl has become one of Austria’s most famous beer brands.

Book Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting Here

The Sound of Melody City Tour

Join the Sound of Melody City Tour and discover the musical heritage of Salzburg. You’ll visit landmarks such as the Mozart Birthplace, the Mozarteum, and the Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart served as a musician.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the history of Salzburg’s musical legacy and hear the stories of the city’s most famous musicians. This tour is perfect for anyone interested in classical music and the cultural heritage of Salzburg.

Book The Sound of Melody City Tour  Here

Guided City Walking Tour with Virtual Reality:

Take a walking tour of Salzburg and experience the city’s history and culture through virtual reality. You’ll get to see the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Salzburg Fortress and the Mirabell Palace, through a virtual reality headset.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the city’s history and see how it has evolved over time. This tour is perfect for anyone looking for a unique and immersive way to experience Salzburg.

Book  Guided City Walking Tour with Virtual Reality  Here

Life of Mozart Private Guided Walking Tour:

Explore the life and legacy of one of the world’s most famous musicians on the Life of Mozart Private Guided Walking Tour. You’ll visit landmarks such as the Mozart Residence, the Mozartplatz, and the Mozarteum, where Mozart studied music.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about Mozart’s life, his music, and his lasting impact on the world of classical music. This tour is perfect for fans of Mozart and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Salzburg.

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From Vienna: Melk, Hallstatt, and Salzburg Private Tour:

Take a private tour of Vienna and explore the beautiful cities of Melk, Hallstatt, and Salzburg. You’ll get to see the historic Melk Abbey, the picturesque village of Hallstatt, and the cultural heritage of Salzburg.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Austria’s most famous cities.

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Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour:

Discover the historic landmarks and cultural heritage of Salzburg’s Old Town on the Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour. You’ll visit landmarks such as the Salzburg Cathedral, the Mozartplatz, and the St. Peter

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From Vienna: Melk, Salzburg, & Hallstatt Private Tour:

Embark on a private tour from Vienna and explore the beautiful cities of Melk, Salzburg, and Hallstatt. You’ll visit the historic Melk Abbey, the cultural heritage of Salzburg, and the picturesque village of Hallstatt.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Austria’s most famous cities.

Private Tour of Hallstatt from Salzburg:

Take a private tour of the picturesque village of Hallstatt from Salzburg. You’ll get to experience the breathtaking Alpine scenery and explore the village’s historic salt mines and iconic landmarks, such as the Hallstatt Skywalk and the Dachstein Ice Cave.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to your interests and preferences. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Hallstatt at their own pace.

Book Now

From Vienna: Melk, Salzburg, & Hallstatt Private Tour:

Embark on a private tour from Vienna and explore the beautiful cities of Melk, Salzburg, and Hallstatt. You’ll visit the historic Melk Abbey, the cultural heritage of Salzburg, and the picturesque village of Hallstatt.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Austria’s most famous cities.

Book Now

Private Tour of Hallstatt from Salzburg:

Take a private tour of the picturesque village of Hallstatt from Salzburg. You’ll get to experience the breathtaking Alpine scenery and explore the village’s historic salt mines and iconic landmarks, such as the Hallstatt Skywalk and the Dachstein Ice Cave.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to your interests and preferences. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Hallstatt at their own pace.

Book Now

Historical landmarks and attractions

Salzburg boasts a rich history, with many famous landmarks and attractions to explore. Here are the top places to visit:

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress – a must-visit medieval fortress with breathtaking views of the city
  • Mirabell Palace and Gardens – beautiful Baroque palace and gardens featured in the Sound of Music
  • Mozart’s Birthplace – a museum dedicated to the famous composer’s life and works
  • Salzburg Cathedral – a stunning 17th-century cathedral with Baroque architecture and impressive artwork

Book Highly Recommended Activities In Salzburg

Outdoor activities and natural wonders

Salzburg is not just a city of history and culture but also offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploring natural wonders. Here are some top outdoor activities and natural sites to visit:

  • Untersberg – a mountain range with hiking trails and stunning views of the city and surrounding area
  • Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains – a palace with beautiful gardens and unique water features
  • Salzach River – a scenic river with boat tours and opportunities for kayaking and rafting
  • Gaisberg – a mountain with hiking trails and panoramic views of Salzburg
  • Mönchsberg – a hill in the city with hiking trails and a cable car offering stunning views of the city
  • Salzburg Zoo – a large zoo featuring over 1,200 animals from around the world
  • Krimml Waterfalls – the highest waterfall in Austria, located a short distance from Salzburg
  • Lake Wolfgangsee – a beautiful lake with swimming, boating, and hiking opportunities
  • Kapuzinerberg – a hill with hiking trails and a scenic lookout point
  • Salzburg Open-Air Museum – an open-air museum showcasing traditional Austrian rural life and architecture

With so many opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploring natural wonders, Salzburg is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Whether you choose to hike Untersberg or Gaisberg, take a boat tour on the Salzach River, or visit the Krimml Waterfalls, you’re sure to be amazed by the beauty of the Austrian countryside. And don’t forget to check out the Salzburg Zoo or the Salzburg Open-Air Museum for a unique experience.

Book Highly Recommended Outdoor Activities In Salzburg

Food and Drink

No visit to Salzburg is complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisine and beverages. Here are some top food and drink options to check out:

  • Salzburger Nockerl – a traditional Austrian dessert resembling a fluffy souffle, typically served with fruit or fruit sauce
  • Mozartkugel – a chocolate and marzipan candy named after the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg
  • Schnitzel – a popular Austrian dish consisting of breaded and fried meat, typically served with potatoes or vegetables
  • Beer – Salzburg is known for its beer, with local breweries offering a range of delicious options to try
  • Wine – Austria produces some excellent wines, and Salzburg is no exception, with local vineyards producing high-quality wines
  • Coffee – Salzburg has a rich coffee culture, with many cafes and coffeehouses offering delicious coffee and pastries

Whether you have a sweet tooth and want to try the Salzburger Nockerl or Mozartkugel, or prefer savory dishes like schnitzel, Salzburg has plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. And don’t forget to wash it down with a local beer or wine, or indulge in a cup of coffee at one of the city’s charming coffeehouses.

Taste Highly Recommended Austrian Food In Salzburg

Festivals and Events

Salzburg is known for its lively festivals and events, offering visitors a chance to experience the city’s culture and traditions. Here are some top festivals and events to check out:

  • Salzburg Festival – a world-renowned festival featuring opera, theater, and classical music performances
  • Mozart Week – a celebration of the famous composer’s music with concerts and events throughout the city
  • Advent Markets – a series of Christmas markets featuring local crafts, food, and drinks
  • Rupertikirtag – a traditional fair held in honor of Saint Rupert, featuring food, drinks, and entertainment
  • Salzburg Easter Festival – a festival celebrating Easter with music, opera, and theater performances
  • Sommerszene – a contemporary performing arts festival showcasing theater, dance, and music performances

Whether you’re a fan of classical music and theater or prefer a traditional fair or Christmas market, Salzburg has something for everyone. And with events like Mozart Week and the Salzburg Festival, the city is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Book Highly Recommended Activities In Salzburg

Day Trips

While there’s plenty to do in Salzburg, the surrounding area offers some beautiful and interesting day trip options. Here are some top day trips to consider:

  • Hallstatt – a picturesque village with beautiful lakes and mountains, known for its salt mines
  • Berchtesgaden – a town in Germany with stunning alpine scenery and a historic salt mine
  • Salzkammergut – a region known for its stunning lakes, hiking trails, and scenic drives
  • Königsee – a lake in Germany surrounded by mountains and accessible by boat
  • Eagle’s Nest – Hitler’s former mountain retreat, offering stunning views of the Alps
  • Hohenwerfen Castle – a medieval fortress with beautiful views and a falconry show

If you have extra time to explore, consider taking a day trip to one of these beautiful destinations, all located within easy reach of Salzburg. Whether you’re interested in hiking, history, or simply enjoying the natural scenery, these day trips will surely be a highlight of your trip to Austria.

Book a Highly Recommended Day Trip In Salzburg

Shopping

If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, Salzburg has plenty of options for you to explore. Here are some top shopping spots to check out:

  • Getreidegasse – a historic shopping street with plenty of local boutiques and international brands
  • Europark – a modern shopping mall with a range of shops, restaurants, and a cinema
  • Mirabellplatz Market – a weekly market with fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts
  • Designer Outlet Salzburg – an outlet mall featuring designer brands at discounted prices
  • Old Town Christmas Market – a festive market selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and local delicacies

From high-end designer stores to local markets selling fresh produce and crafts, there’s something for everyone in Salzburg. So why not indulge in a little shopping while you’re exploring this beautiful city?

Accommodation options

Salzburg offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some top choices:

  • Hotel Bristol – a luxury hotel in a historic building near the city center
  • Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt – a mid-range hotel with a traditional Austrian design and central location
  • Yoho International Youth Hostel – a budget-friendly hostel with a social atmosphere and modern amenities
  • Airbnb – a popular option for budget-conscious travelers, offering a range of apartments and rooms in Salzburg
  • Villa Trapp – a unique choice for fans of “The Sound of Music,” as it was once the home of the real von Trapp family

Whether you prefer a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, there are plenty of options to choose from in Salzburg. And for fans of “The Sound of Music,” a stay at Villa Trapp will surely be a highlight of your trip.

Book Here

Conclusion

Salzburg is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in music, and history, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, Salzburg is the perfect destination. With this quick guide to the top 25 things to do in Salzburg, you’ll be sure to make the most of your trip to Austria. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore this charming city!

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If you are planning to visit Salzburg, please have a look at these related Salzburg blog posts, they provide you with valuable Salzburg Travel Information and Tips