Salzbourg : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Salzbourg

Visitors to Salzburg are enchanted by the city's blend of baroque style, musical heritage, and spectacular mountain and alpine views. Here are some essential things to do during your stay:

Take in views of the city and mountains at Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Visit Mozart's Birthplace to learn about the life of the world-famous composer from Salzburg.
Stroll through Mirabell Gardens and be amazed by the baroque sculptures and flower beds.
Walk the picturesque streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Go on a Sound of Music tour to visit filming locations made famous in the beloved movie.
Attend a classical concert in one of the historic venues in Salzburg.

Cruise along the Salzach River and take in the view of the city skyline from the river perspective.

Mozart's birthplace

Garden in Salzburg

Salzburg fortress

Activities

A thousand excursions around Salzburg invite you to explore picture-postcard landscapes, from sparkling lakes to picturesque Alpine villages and fairytale castles.

When to go to Salzbourg

May to September is the prime time to visit Salzburg, when the city is alive with flowers blooming in embrace of beautiful weather, perfect for festivals and gardens. Summer travel is very popular, especially with the renowned Salzburg Festival which includes immense crowds resulting in higher accommodation prices. If you like to avoid crowds but still enjoy the perfect weather, spring (May-June) and early fall (September) can be good options during this time, as it is comfortably warm, the countryside will still be green-ish, and prices are substantially lower than in summer. In winter months Salzburg becomes winter wonderland in Christmas market, concerts and wonderful light displays, which offer the warm, cozy experience of winter landscapes -- although generally more expensive, especially around the holidays. Of every season of the year taking a trip to Salzburg, exposes you to a different side of the city, yet the romantic and art atmospheres of Salzburg is truly unforgettable no matter the time of the year or your budget.

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Salzburg is a refined, adaptable city where everyone can choose his or her own tempo. As for lodging, Salzburg provides a very broad spectrum: from quaint family hotels that start around €76 per night, to upscale accommodations that flirt around €600, with spectacular views of the fortress and the Alps. Gastronomically, you could dive into a tradition in a convivial brasserie from €10 to €25, or indulge yourself for a refined dinner for two, at prices ranging from €58 to €100, perfect for a precursor to an evening of concerts or opera. If you want to toast with a local beer to signal a day well-spent on a terrace, you can expect to pay around €4 to €5. There are a variety of events, from a museum visit to a special concert (ranging from €9 to €300), so there will certainly be something you’ll enjoy. With a total price range of €64 to €753 per person per day, Salzburg has something for every style - from a budget get-a-way, to a high-priced experience.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

76€661€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

10€25€50€

Local beer (33cl)

4€5€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

58€100€200€

Bottle of water

2€5€

Public transport single ticket

2€3€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

4€

Visits and activities

9€300€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 64.00€ to 753.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Begin your day at the quaint square of Kapitelplatz, beside the imposing Hohensalzburg fortress. When you're ready, take the funicular up to this symbol of the city. Here you will be greeted with a stunning view of Baroque rooftops and the rest of the passing Alps. You'll then proceed down to the Salzburg Cathedral, full of imposing light-filled halls.

Continue to wander the narrow streets of Altstadt (Old Town); a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at the birthplace of Mozart and learn where the famous composer spent his formative years.

When you're ready for lunch, find a traditional cafe to have your meal, any classic Austrian fera (or dish); such as Wiener Schnitzel or creamy soup.

Later in the day walk across the Makartsteg bridge; famous for its lovers' padlocks, then take a stroll through the large and beautiful Mirabell gardens, which is perfect for relaxation and fairytale pictures.

If you're a lover of music, cap off the day with a classical concert in one of the city's historic palaces. Then grab a wine or a local beer in a lively bar and celebrate a memorable day.

Practical information about Salzbourg

Salzburg is a place where everything encourages you to wander around. However, it is good practice when deciding to travel to a city to know some tricks to fully enjoy your time there. For instance, the Salzburg Card would be a great investment--it gives access to free entrance to many sights including museums and the funicular, as well as unlimited public transport. The train connections are superb, particularly from Vienna and Munich, so you can easily reach Salzburg without using a car. If you are driving to Salzburg, parking in the inner-city is challenging and costly; it is probably better to leave your car at one of the peripheral parking lots and walk or ride the bus. The card payments in shops and restaurants are quite common, but it's always a good idea to have a small amount of cash in case you've decided to visit the markets or a traditional bakery. Salzburg can also be quite 'crowded' during festivals, so remember to book a place to stay and book concert tickets ahead of time. The city is always safe and pleasant to walk around during all seasons, but in any case, don't forget to bring clothing in case if the weather changes quickly, particularly if you plan a trip to the Alpine surroundings.