Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by Soumya
Looking for the best things to do in Salzburg, Austria? You’re in the right place.
Salzburg is a charming Austrian town known for its beautiful baroque architecture, world-class museums, and lush gardens.
But there are two things that Salzburg is most famous for: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and The Sound of Music. Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart and the cinematic backdrop for the 1965 American musical, The Sound of Music. I love both; therefore, Salzburg was like a pilgrimage trip for me.
Even if you’re not a fan of either, there are many amazing things to do in Salzburg, which we cover in our travel guide here. From musical marvels to architectural wonders, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing what the magical city of Salzburg offers.
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Top 12 Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria
Before we begin, let’s discuss the basics – accommodation, transport, and tickets.
I recommend staying in the Old Town, especially if you’re visiting for a day or two, so you can easily access all of Salzburg’s attractions by walking. Radisson Blu Hotel and Gasthaus Hinterbrühl are two great hotel options in the old town.
If you stay in the Old Town, you don’t have to use taxis and cars. A short ride on the eco-friendly trolley bus (covered by the Salzburg Card) can get you anywhere you want.
Get a Salzburg Card because this one’s good value for money. It covers many attractions, including DomQuartier, Hohensalzburg, Hellbrunn, the Toy Museum, Mozart Residence, and many more.
If this is your first time in Salzburg, I recommend taking this highly rated 2.5-hour Salzburg Walking Tour with a local guide to get initiated into this beautiful Austrian city.
Now, let’s get back to the best things to do in Salzburg, Austria.
Explore Salzburg’s Old Town & Getreidgasse
Walking through Altstadt Salzburg, or the Old Town, is like stepping into a fairy tale. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Altstadt is chock-full of historic buildings, numerous baroque churches, and quaint streets like the Getreidegasse.
Getreidegasse, lined with beautiful doorways and artistic wrought iron signs, is Salzburg’s most famous shopping street. This street is home to international fashion chains and retains traditional inns and boutique stores that still ooze an old-world charm.
This street also has unique, hidden passageways through buildings that lead visitors to other streets. These passageways are called through-houses and drill right through private homes! Walking through them to cross over to the next street is like strolling through Austria’s medieval history.
The old town also has several squares, bustling with energy. Two notable ones are Residenzplatz, a grand square perfect for people-watching, and Mozartplatz, featuring a striking statue of the musician himself.
Getreidegasse is also home to Mozart’s birthplace, the next exciting thing to do on our Salzburg bucket list.
Visit Mozart’s Birthplace
When visiting Salzburg, drop into Mozart’s Geburtshaus (Mozart’s Birthplace), where you can learn about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, often called “Salzburg’s most famous son.”
Mozart was born in a burgher house at 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg in 1756. Today, this house is a museum filled with fascinating exhibits and personal items of Mozart, such as furniture, letters, his violins, and other instruments.
See Mozart-Wohnhaus/Residence
Want to see more of Mozart? Head to Mozart-Wohnhaus (Mozart Residence), located across the Salzach River from Mozart’s birthplace.
When the Geburtshaus began to feel cramped, Mozart relocated to the spacious Wohnhaus and lived there with his family from 1773 to 1780. The house is now a museum with many original documents and memorabilia on display alongside Mozart’s old pianoforte (pictured).
A small garden cottage called the Magic Flute House is also part of the Mozart Residence. This house is where Mozart is believed to have composed parts of “The Magic Flute.”
Watch a live performance at the Salzburg Marionette Theater
Enjoy a live performance at the Salzburg Marionette Theater, only a few minutes from the Mozart Residenz. This special theater has been delighting audiences for the past 110 years now.
Here are the two most popular performances at the Marionette Theater.
Explore DomQuartier and Salzburg Cathedral
Dive into Salzburg’s ecclesiastical history with a visit to DomQuartier, a cultural complex connecting the city’s baroque cathedral, including St. Peter’s Monastery, Residenz Palace, and an art gallery.
Join this guided tour to discover the opulently furnished state rooms of the Residenz, check out the collection of European paintings (especially the 17th-century Dutch paintings) at the Residenz Gallery, see the artworks and liturgical utensils of the Cathedral Museum, and view the monastic collection of St. Peter’s Museum.
Adjacent is the 17th-century Salzburg Cathedral, a stunning baroque building with a monumental dome and double towers.
✦ Pro Tip: Get your DomQuartier Day Ticket here.
Go up to Hohensalzburg Fortress
Crown your Salzburg visit with an unforgettable trip to Hohensalzburg Fortress, a historic castle high above the city.
Accessible via a scenic funicular ride, this fortress offers panoramic views of Salzburg and rich insights into the city’s military past. Built in the 11th century, Hohensalzburg is one of Central Europe’s oldest and largest castle complexes.
Be prepared to spend a few hours exploring its museums, armoury, and the breathtaking interiors of the Gothic princely rooms.
✦ Pro Tip: Book your Hohensalzburg Fortress admission ticket here.
See Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Do not miss the magnificent Mirabell Palace and Gardens, one of Salzburg’s most-loved attractions that wows visitors with its Baroque architecture and beautifully maintained gardens.
Stroll through the beautiful Baroque Marble Hall of the palace, and make sure not to miss the iconic Pegasus Fountain and geometrical flowerbeds outside. If you’re a Sound of Music fan, you may recognize this spot as the backdrop where Maria and the children danced to “Do-Re-Mi.”
Visit early in the morning to enjoy the gardens without the crowds.
✦ Pro Tip: Enjoy the splendor of the Marble Hall with this melodious Mozart concert in the evening.
Stroll through the Love Locks Bridge
Take a short walk from Mirabell Gardens and find Salzburg’s Makartsteg Bridge, famously adorned with love locks. This pedestrian bridge provides stunning views of the Salzach River and a romantic spot to add your lock if you’re visiting with a loved one.
Visit Hellbrunn Palace
A trip to Salzburg wouldn’t be complete without visiting Hellbrunn Palace, a 17th-century royal residence built for pleasure and entertainment. While exploring the palace, wander through its sprawling grounds and enchanting gardens.
The highlight at Hellbrunn is undoubtedly the Trick Fountains – whimsical water automats, fountains, and grottos designed to delight and surprise visitors. Some fountains are designed to spray water unexpectedly, so prepare to get a little wet!
✦ Pro Tip: Reserve this Salzburg Boat Ride and Hellbrunn Palace Visit for a fun day.
Join a Sound of Music Tour
For fans of the beloved classic, a Sound of Music tour is an absolute must-do in Salzburg. These guided tours bring you to all the iconic filming locations, from the Mirabell Gardens to the hills where Julie Andrews famously twirled.
One of the main reasons I visited Salzburg was to experience and relive the magic of the movie. I booked the Original Sound of Music Tour on GetYourGuide, which allowed me to do all that while also helping me learn more about Salzburg’s stunning countryside.
✦ Pro Tip: Find out all the amazing Sound of Music locations you’ll visit on the tour.
Discover Salzburg’s Toy Museum
Salzburg’s Toy Museum is a delightful destination for families or anyone wishing to enter a world of nostalgia and play.
Located further from the Old Town, in the historic Bürgerspital, the Toy Museum has a wonderful collection of vintage toys and interactive exhibits. From intricately designed dollhouses to classic wooden trains, the museum offers a glimpse into the different eras of toys in Austria.
The hands-on play areas, perfect for families traveling with children, make it even more special.
Enjoy Christmas in Salzburg
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss experiencing Salzburg’s Christmas markets.
The Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, traditional crafts, and delicious treats like hot mulled wine and roasted almonds. The festive atmosphere adds an extra layer of magic to this enchanting city.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
I recommend staying in the Old Town to fully enjoy all the Salzburg attractions. This lets you easily access major landmarks while immersing yourself in the city’s historical charm.
Hotel Goldener Hirsch (Luxury)
Radisson Blu Hotel (Midrange)
Gasthaus Hinterbrühl (Budget)
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