The essential guide to Salzburg
Mozart’s home city is known for its palace gardens, outdoor concerts and walled old town, all set beneath the striking backdrop of a castle fortress. Here are our favourite spots for a day or multi-centre stay in Salzburg.
DO
Hohensalzburg Castle and funicular
This sprawling medieval castle was built atop the Festungsberg mountain, a natural defence for its halls, arsenals and state apartments. Take the funicular railway up and spend an afternoon exploring or come in the early evening for the very best views over the city’s rooftops.
St Peter’s Abbey
Built in 696, this Benedictine monastery is one of the oldest in the German-speaking area. It’s now a much-loved city sight, for its Gothic architecture, fascinating catacombs and the multicoloured flowers and lush plants of its peaceful cemetery.
St Peter’s Abbey
SEE
Salzburg Cathedral
An architectural gem of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Gaze up at its green domed roof and proud façade from the cathedral square – host to eclectic outdoor concerts during Salzburg’s August music festival.
Mirabell Gardens
Do-re-mi your way through The Sound of Music’s most famous scene among fountains, blossoming beds and manicured lawns – bordered by the walls of the UNESCO-protected Mirabell Palace.
Mirabell Gardens
EAT
Stieglkeller
Take a brewery tour and sample all the varieties of Austria’s favourite beer. Or try some traditional Austrian classics like cheese dumplings, Wiener schnitzel and crisp apple strudel in the panoramic restaurant – a vine-covered veranda with glorious city views.
Café Sacher
One of Austria’s most famous cakes, sachertorte is made up of layers of chocolate sponge, filled with apricot jam, smothered in glossy chocolate ganache and served with whipped cream. Taste the original with a coffee on the leafy terrace of the Hotel Sacher, overlooking the Salzach river.
Sachertorte
WALK
Gold street
Once the home of goldsmiths and artisans, this historical shopping street runs through the old town. It’s where you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace and childhood home, now a fascinating museum dedicated to the composer.
Spend a day in Salzburg from any of our Austrian resorts, or split your time on a multi-centre holiday.