Mozart’s birthplace and the setting of The Sound of Music. Advent markets fill the Baroque old town below the fortress, and many combine it with nearby Hallstatt.
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt The Advent market on Cathedral Square and Residence Square.
Hohensalzburg Fortress A huge medieval fortress above the city, reached by funicular, with sweeping views.
Mozart’s Birthplace The house on Getreidegasse where Mozart was born, now a museum.
Mirabell Gardens Gardens known as a filming location of The Sound of Music.
Where to stay in Salzburg
Altstadt / Neustadt
Walk to the markets and sights.
What to eat in Salzburg
Salzburger Nockerl — A light soufflé dessert shaped like Salzburg’s hills
Mozartkugel — Pistachio-marzipan chocolate sweet first made in 1890
Bosna — Curry-spiced sausage hot dog, a Salzburg street snack
Salzburg tips and things to watch out for
Best time to visit Salzburg
The Cathedral Square Christmas market runs from mid-November to around 1 January, and the summer Salzburg Festival (Jul–Aug) is busy; spring and autumn are quieter. Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Salzburg travel tips
Visit the memorial chapel in nearby Oberndorf, where “Silent Night” was first performed in 1818.
The old town is compact and walkable, and the Salzburg Card bundles many sights with transport.
Good to know in Austria
Shop opening on Sundays and public holidays is restricted in Austria, with exceptions such as some station and airport shops; check local hours. source
Tip by rounding up when you pay at the table. source
Watch out for in Austria
There are no gates, but inspectors check tickets and fines are steep. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Salzburg are still being collected, so food and transport use official prices from other cities in Austria (prices within one country do not differ much).
Salzburg attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.