Salzburg is a city that dances to a different tune. Mozart was born, raised and tasted his first success in this beautiful, historic city, perched on the banks of the Salzach river. Not content with having the snow-capped drama of the Alps as a backdrop, Salzburg is rippled by five small mountains of its own. And the perfect combination of Alpine beauty, magnificent palaces and history-steeped streets have earned it the rare title of 'World Heritage Site'—and a supporting role in the world's favourite musical, The Sound of Music.
Throughout its history Salzburg has gone its own way. It wasn't kings or queens, dukes or duchesses that ruled this city. For most of its past it was the Prince Archbishops who held sway here. They ploughed the riches Salzburg earned from trade into a series of ever more extravagant palaces. It was the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg who first employed Mozart as his court musician, even if it was under the bright lights of Paris and Vienna where he made his name.
The heart of the city is the Altstadt, the medieval Old Town pinched tightly to the river by Salzburg's two tallest peaks – the Festungberg and the Kapuzinerberg. Many have called Salzburg the 'Rome of North'. Take a stroll around its tightly-packed narrow streets, wide open plazas, and dome-topped churches and you'll see why. The best place to start is Residenzplatz, the main square where a gorgeous Baroque fountain is surrounded by the Salzburg Cathedral, and the palaces of the Neue and Salzburg Residenz.These are just two of the Prince Archbishops' many palaces, which include the elegant gardens of Mirabell Palace and the water-filled antics of Hellbrunn Palace. Or capture a piece of Hollywood history at the Leopoldskron Palace, where the The Sound of Music was filmed in 1965.
The musical epicentre of town runs from the aptly named Mozartplatz, where the great man once lived, and now stands cast in bronze, to the Getreidegasse, where merchants have plied their trade for 1000 years, and where Mozart was born. The high culture continues at the Museum Der Moderne Moenchsberg, up on the hill above the Getreidegasse, where modern art meets fabulous views. And if you want to savour the best view in town, the Festung Hohensalzburg looms over all else in Salzburg, laying the city out for you, right at your feet. To unwind after a busy day’s sight-seeing, head to the Augustiner Brewery and sample some local drinks in traditional surroundings.
Salzburg
Where to stay in Salzburg
City Centre Salzburg
City Centre Salzburg is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Mirabell Palace and Gardens and Mirabell Gardens.
Altstadt Salzburg
Historic sites, museums, and live music are some highlights of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Residenzplatz Square while you're exploring.
Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Historic sites, shopping, and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace and Gardens or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.
Schallmoos
Get to know Schallmoos by checking out its shopping, restaurants, and historic sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Linzer Gasse or Mirabell Palace and Gardens during your time in the area.
Nonntal
Nonntal is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nonnberg Abbey and Domkirche.
Riedenburg
Unique features of Riedenburg include the shopping and historic sites. Make a stop by Leopoldskron Palace or Stiegl's World of Brewing while you're exploring the area.
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024
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Popular places to visit
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Conceived as a palace for a mistress, the Mirabell Palace remains a splendid setting for love matches, its elegant lawns often decked with brides and grooms.
Salzburg Cathedral
The spiritual heart of Catholic Salzburg has had its fair share of turbulence—and of genius—throughout its 1200-year history.
Mozart's Birthplace
Learn about the life, family and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart via exhibitions in the rooms of the house where he was born.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
The medieval fortress that stepped out of the fairy-tale and onto one of Salzburg's brooding forested mountains.
Hellbrunn Palace
The summer-time 'pleasure garden' for the Prince Archbishops, where nothing is quite as it seems.
Mirabell Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Mirabell Gardens, a lovely green space in Salzburg. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.
Things to do
Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner
Salzburg Cathedral: Organ Concert at Midday
Reviews of Salzburg
3/5 - Okay
Kind a small place but sound of music tour was great Antonio the Spanish tour guide was clear and funny.