In this article, read about the ultimate things to do in Salzburg tour – an excellent Salzburg Itinerary Tour guide. Read about the best places to visit in Salzburg Austria when you visit Vienna for the Salzburg day trip.
Read Detailed Austria Itinerary 7 Days by clicking here with Vegan food options.
Salzburg, the fourth biggest city in Austria, is one of the most beautiful cities in the north of the Alps. Salzburg lies in the scenic Alpine surroundings, have well-preserved ancient city centers, and baroque-medieval-styled architectural buildings, and is the birthplace of a famous composer – MOZART. Salzburg city was set for a very famous musical Hollywood film – “The Sound of Music.”
👉🏼Best Christmas Markets In Salzburg – Salzburg In Winter
Salzburg has an artistic lifestyle with music in the air, and ancient cobbled streets surrounded by the Austrian style of restaurants, cafes, and marketplaces. Take a virtual tour of Musical City Salzburg tour.
Let’s take a tour of the Musical City – Salzburg which has all things to do, from the Alps mountains and countrysides to churches and ancient architecture.
I stayed in Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, a historic building in Old Town’s main location and a few steps away from major tourist attractions. Check here to book this perfect stay in Salzburg.
Ultimate Things To Do In Salzburg Tour
SALZBURG FORTRESS
It is also known as Hohensalburg Castle, located on the hilltop of Festungsberg Hill. It is a 900-year-old, well-preserved fortress with enchanting views of the city’s spires, the Salzach river, and the Alps countryside. This fortress can be reached by hike or by speedy glass funicular. Read more info on this castle at their official site. This fortress is the number one attraction of Salzburg, with a beautiful and rich history. It has been said that nobody overtook this castle.
View from top of hilltop Salzburg fortress –
GETREDIEGASSE
It is a well-preserved ancient-styled shopping street. In medieval times, as not all people could read or write, business names were displayed by specific symbols and pictures. So these trade icons are still seen in the shops on this street.
These symbols or icons are made up of wrought iron in vintage patterns. Even modern shops like McDonald’s or other brands display their name similarly. This street is the most famous street in Salzburg and is always filled with tourists on late nights too.
As this street is always so lively and beautiful, many shops of trendy stuff, jewelry, antiques, perfumes, leather goods, and toys offer a wide range of dining opportunities.
MOZART’S BIRTHPLACE
Number – 9, the house in Getreidegasse, is the peculiar attraction of Salzburg, as a famous music composer, W.A. Mozart, was born here. His family lived here for 26 years.
This house is now a museum depicting Mozart’s early life and belongings. Discover the well-preserved home with everyday items and furniture from the 19th century. It is also a pilgrimage for musicians and music lovers.
If you love to attend Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg then read this.
HELLBRUNN PALACE
This famous Palace is located on idyllic hilly perch about 5 miles south of Salzburg. As you know, “The Sound of Music” has been shot in many places in Salzburg, but “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was filmed here.
In this 17th century, the royal palace has well-maintained, manicured spacious gardens, trick fountains, and a marvelous place to play around.
DOMQUARTIER SALZBURG (RESIDENZ SQUARE)
It is a cultural highlight and ancient times center, the residence of the Prince-Archbishop’s power. DomQuartier has the cathedral and Residenz. Until 1806, Salzburg was the second biggest church-state after Rome.
Prince-Archbishop was also referred to as “Half-Pope.” Therefore, Salzburg was also known as Rome of the North. Salzburg has many cathedrals, churches, spires, bell towers, and historic plazas, for which it is also known as the city of churches/cathedrals.
SALZBURG CATHEDRAL
Baroque-styled cathedral, located next to Salzburg Residenz. This cathedral was built first time in 774 A.D. but was demolished and rebuilt many times. It is a splendid piece of architecture and historic beauty if Salzburg.
ALTSTADT (OLD TOWN)
This area is a UNESCO world heritage site full of historic architectural gems, ancient courtyards, market squares, traditional markets, Palaces, forgotten corners, and frescoed buildings. This old town can be explored on foot, and you can easily spend a whole day here.
Just walk down the old town’s narrow streets to discover medieval and Baroque architectural wonders. All places like the entrance to the fortress, Residenz square, Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace, and famous walking streets are in the old town area of Salzburg. It can be done through walking tours.
GAISBERG MOUNTAINS AND AUSTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE TOUR
On the eastern side of Salzburg lies the Alps, and if you love nature, hikes, mountain biking, and paragliding, then this Gaisberg mountain is the perfect place for outdoor mountain activities. Also, you can drive the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria.
Around Gaisberg mountain, in the valleys, there are many small towns and villages. Wander around and explore the Austrian style of countryside life. Big wooden houses/villas with lots of front and back space.
Go for a Hallein salt mine tour near Salzburg as very few people must know that Salzburg means Sal Fortress because of rock salt mines. Check the Best Places to Ski near Salzburg in Austria.
MIRABELLE PALACE AND GARDENS
This palace has a beautiful garden with a collection of flowers, fountains, green grass, a winding path, and Angel staircase.
The famous song “DO – RE – MI” in “The Sound of Music” has been shot here. Summer is the best time to visit this place. As we did our tour of Salzburg in winter, we could not find all flowers blooming.
KAPUZINERBERG – Things to do in Salzburg Tour
History buffs love this place as it has many prehistoric sites and castles on the hill overlooking the Salzach river. This place is on the other side of the river from Old Town. These historic sites are considered to be of the Neolithic age.
CHAPTER SQUARE – Best Places to Visit in Salzburg
You will pass through Chapter Square when you climb to the Salzburg fortress or towards the funicular entrance. On this square is a beautiful fountain with Neptune – the God of Sea, holding a trident and crown.
Also, you will see a statue of a man wearing a white shirt and black pent holding a giant golden ball. This place is an activity center in an old town with giant-sized chess on the ground.
Salzburg offers many other things like delicious gingerbread, bakery, and heritage beer. Salzburg has a 500-year-old history of beer. Salzburg is also home to the largest store of Amber- a precious stone.
As Austrian spas are world famous and house the best spas worldwide, check out some spa getaways nearby Salzburg or Innsbruck.
Europe’s largest AMBER store
I stayed in Salzburg for 2 days and 3 nights. But if you have only 1 day, read how to spend 24 hours in Salzburg. This musical city of Salzburg lies close to the border with the Bavarian state of Germany.
Salzburg Itinerary
Day 1 – Salzburg Itinerary 2 days
After breakfast – The Sound of Music tour (see availability here).
After Lunch proceed to
After Lunch – Mirabell Palace & Gardens.
Early evening – Mozart Residence.
Evening tea time – Views from Kapuzinerberg.
Evening – River cruise.
After Cruise – Stroll across Altstdat Old town.
Day 2 – Salzburg Itinerary 2 days
- After Breakfast – go on nearby day trips to Heffbrunn Palace, Innsbruck, or Tyrol.
- Lunch at Innsbruck and return back to Salzburg
- After lunch, take a stroll across the Old town – Getreideigasse.
Now you know some of the best places to visit in Salzburg and now can plan your Salzburg itinerary.
DAY TRIPS FROM SALZBURG AUSTRIA – Salzburg Tour Guide
- Hallstatt Village & Salt Mine – Click here to book a Hallstatt day tour from Salzburg.
- Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves – Click here to know why you should book these Ice caves tour which is world’s largest ice cave.
- Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest – Click here to know why you should book Hitler’s Eagle Nest tour in advance.
- King’s Lake – The most prettiest lake in Bavarian regions and click here to book day trip to King’s Lake.
- Berchtesgaden village & Salt mine – Book your Berchtesgaden village tour in advance.
- Werfen Ice Caves & Fortress
- Wolfgangsee Lake
- Kaprun town & Kitzsteinhorn mountains – Click here to book this trip in advance.
- Innsbruck Town
- Read about best some ideas for day trips from Salzburg.
Salzburg can be reached through – Things to do in Salzburg Tour
- Munich (capital of Bavaria) is approximately 3.5 hour train ride
- Vienna (the capital city of Austria) is 2.5 hour train ride. You can also do Vienna to Salzburg day trip in your Austrian holidays.
- Prague (located in the Czech Republic) – 4.5-hour train ride.
As Salzburg lies in eastern Europe, people visit Austria, Prague, and Hungary in the Far East Europe tour.
Where to stay in Salzburg? Musical Salzburg City Tour
Stay in the hotel that overlooks the Salzach river or the lively street of Getreidegasse. I stayed in Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt.
Read this to learn about Where to eat in Salzburg with various Alpine cuisine options in some of the Michelin star restaurants.
Check more on Salzburg at their official website and more on Austria’s official website for information. Also, you can check for many Alternative European city breaks.
So, till then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………
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I love Salzburg. It’s such a gorgeous city. Enjoyed reading about it again via your post and photos.
Thanks for finding this post beautiful
I was in Salzburg this summer and fell in love with all the iron signs. I regret not taking the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria and visiting the salt mine. I have heard such good things about it and the ice caves, I didn’t realize there are two ice cave locations
I too loved those iron sign boards as they made the whole city very rustic and quirky too.
Oh I chose to read this article as I have never quite done an indepth Salzburg tour yet but will do so very soon. Thanks for the detailed info. I loved Getrediegasse the shopping mile there. I look forward to visiting Hellbrun and the Fortress.
Adele I hope you would truly love that authentic quirky style of shopping street and other places too.
Just returned from Salzburg few weeks ago and this has brought back loads of memories. Wish I had read this before so I could see some more places. The old town walk was my favourite. The mirabell garden is another place I liked and took me back to my childhood with the sound of music. Great post thanks for sharing.
Thanks Amar!
Would love to come to Austria and Salzburg someday. It looks like such a charming city and I would love to do that countryside tour. I’ve also never really payed attention to the musical aspect of cities so it would be so cool to experience that
Salzburg is famous for its music and you would really enjoy The Sound of Music Tour.
This is the most beautiful city I have ever been to. You represent it honestly and depict its charm well.
Thanks Jamie… I love these kind of small cities with lovely culture
Ahhh.. Birthplace of Mozart – this truly is the most important city for the lovers of music and its history. The city, like most others is this part of europe, has some amazing pieces of architecture.
Salzburg is indeed a lovely place. I’ve visited the city twice already and still would love to see it again. I just can’t get enough of the amazing views and of course the Sound of Music. 🙂
Liz Gen
Salzburg was my favorite city in Austria. I really enjoyed the Hohensalzburg castle and Altstadt the most when there. We also took a hop on hop off tour of all the sound of music sites which wife dear really enjoyed given she is a die hard fan of the movie.
I love Austria and its relationship with music. My short time in Vienna was Amazing, and Salzburg has been on my bucket list for a while, especially Mozart’s house. I also loved the street signs, I wasn’t expecting McDonald’s to have one too! Hahaha
I had no idea that they filmed The sound of music in Salzburg! I always wanted to see the Mozart birthplace tho, it looks like the city always had some hidden music potential 🙂 I wonder if you can see how they make the amber jewelry?
Wow, knowing that Salzburg has almost everything made me really excited to traipse my feet here and climb to the Alps mountains and amble around the countrysides to churches and ancient architectures. I love all those intricately designed buildings, with so much history and beauty.
I have been to SALZBURG and this is truly a musical town, also birth place of Mozart. Too bad I was not able to visit the museum of the Mozart birthplace but only see it from the outside. There are two things that you have mentioned that I was not aware of are the amber stones and 500 years history of beer. Love your cute beanie cap!!
You have given me all the reasons to visit Salzburg. This is absolutely a fairy-tale destination for me. From the Hohensalburg Castle, HELLBRUNN PALACE, to ALTSTADT , I would like get lost in those tiny alleys and explore it. Its a beautiful place. I can imagine how beautiful it will look in winter with snow. I have already listed it on my list. Thanks
I’ve always wanted to visit Salzburg! It looks so beautiful. My husband’s grandfather was baptized at the Salzburg Cathedral, so that would be one of the first stops for us. Love the idea of a tour of the countryside as well–the Austrian mountains look absolutely gorgeous.
Austria is not often the first country in mind when talking about places to visit in Europe. But I do think that it has plenty to offer here. Salzburg has many great sights to explore, especially the fortress and the palace. I would love the chance to explore these sights someday. They seem to bring you back in time!
I never realised that Salzburg was the fourth biggest city of Austria that is an interesting fact. It is one of those places I have always wanted to visit and been close but never have gotten there yet. This post has definitely made me want to go even more now especially to see Hohensalburg Castle and explore inside. I like the sound of Music too.
While reading your article I could hear the music of this musical city the way you put it together. I visited Austria last year but missed going to Salzburg. I actually have to go back as I miss seeing this beautiful city. Your article is so detailed that its perfect guide. I specially loved the Alstadt which is one of the reason I will visit this musical city. Thanks for sharing
Getreidegasse looks amazing! I love the wrought iron signage, that is such a wonderful feature. And admittedly I would love to see the Sound of Music filming location too. 🙂
Oh cool you listed all the great places in the city for sightseeing. I remember when I was there last year I also went to a rooftop bar in the heart of the city. It had great view and drinking a coffee there was nice. I loved the vibe and the narrow streets. Great list of places! Thanks.
looks colorful and quaint place in Austria.Love all your pics and detailed info here
I would love to combine this with my visit to Vienna. Maybe even stay here for there is so much to cover. Palaces and museums for sure but that shopping street… It seems so colorful and quaint. Definitely need to stroll down this one.
I was in Salzburg two years ago and I thought it was one of the prettiest places I’d ever seen.I’m impressed that you went in winter. I went in summer and got to take part in a classical music festival. I did almost everything on your list but my favorite was the fortress.
Salzburg really is the stuff of fairy tales, it’s such a beautiful little city. I had forgotten it’s where the Sound of Music was filmed and loved your tour of the movie through the city. And those views from the castle are worth it just to see them! Just another reason to get to Austria!
Wow, this is an amazing post, I didn’t know much about this city and your post has given so much in depth detail that I feel like travelling right away. The cathedral and old town has me mesmerised and looks picturesque.
I am going to Austria with my boyfriend for the first time and I literally just booked marked this page on my browser! so happy I found your blog post. Such great information and spots to take gorgeous photos.
I have yet to visit this beautiful city but it is high on my list since my grandmother was born in Austria. I love all the music connections the city has and of course the history and beautiful architecture. Fantastic idea to incorporate a side rip to the country side. It looks so picturesque.
The Sound of Music was my grandfather’s favorite movie, and I began watching it every year on his birthday after he died. I would love to visit Salzburg one day and take the Sound of Music filming locations tour. There are so many beautiful buildings and the architecture is so intricate! I would love to see the view from the fortress!
I haven’t yet been to Salzburg though one of my good friends is from there. It looks so pretty, what with the old town, and the gorgeous fortress. I’d love to walk down that shopping street and see the McDonalds sign in the style of writing you mentioned, how cool! Definitely one city I’d love to see one day.
Travel With Me 24/7, what a great detailed article! I’ve been to Salzburg before, so it was like stepping back in time as I read through your article, “Best of Musical City – Salzburg.” My favorite spot was climbing up the the fortress from the back side and viewing all of the green rooftops from above! Thank you for sharing your insight and I can’t wait to visit again.