Salzburg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kapuzinerberg Hill featuring heritage elements, a city and heritage architecture
Kapuzinerberg Hill showing forest scenes and a city
Residenzplatz Square which includes a square or plaza, a city and a fountain
Salzburg showing interior views and railway items as well as an individual male
Salzburg featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Music and mountains thrill the soul of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart's genius and the gateway to the Austrian Alps.

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.

Where to stay in Salzburg

Mirabell Palace and Gardens showing a city, a castle and flowers

City Centre Salzburg

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Old City Hall to Mozartplatz Square – discover City Centre Salzburg, a destination also famous for its shopping.

City Centre Salzburg
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Altstadt Salzburg

5/5(35 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Old City Hall while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Altstadt Salzburg
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Neustadt

If you're spending some time in Neustadt, Mirabell Gardens and Linzer Gasse are top sights worth seeing.

Neustadt
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Elisabeth-Vorstadt

4/5(81 area reviews)

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt
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Schallmoos

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Schallmoos is well liked for many features, particularly its shopping, restaurants and historical sites. Though there may not be top sights in Schallmoos, consider stopping by Linzer Gasse or Mirabell Palace, located nearby.

Schallmoos
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Riedenburg

Unique features of Riedenburg include the shopping and historical sites. Make a stop by Stiegl's World of Brewing or Leopoldskron Swimming Pool while you're exploring the area.

Riedenburg
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
4.5 out of 5
Rainerstrasse 6-8, Salzburg, Salzburg
The price is ₹16,854 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
₹16,854
₹19,230 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Jun - 23 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Salzburg. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Room and Sky restaurant were lovely. Service at restaurant was great until several large parties arrived (tour groups?). At that point we could not get any servers to help us; inadequate staffing. Food was excellent!"

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
arte Hotel Salzburg
arte Hotel Salzburg
4 out of 5
Rainerstr. 28, Salzburg
The price is ₹12,918 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
₹12,918
₹14,894 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a nightclub and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (648 reviews)
"Loved the stay , clean property just rooftop bar might be a rip off .. rooms don’t have a coffee maker either"

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

arte Hotel Salzburg
Cocoon Salzburg
Cocoon Salzburg
4 out of 5
Rainerstraße 29, Salzburg, Salzburg
The price is ₹8,317 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹8,317
₹9,545 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Wonderful location close to the main train station with adorable decorating and comfortable room. Loved the ability to fill bottles with either sparkling or still water. Only complaint - would love to have either coffee in the rooms or a free coffee station in the am in the lobby. That would be ..."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Cocoon Salzburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Numa Salzburg Vogelweider
Numa Salzburg Vogelweider
3 out of 5
Vogelweiderstrasse 33, Salzburg, Salzburg
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mirabell Palace and Salzburg ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
"The property was very walkable to the city center. The room was new and in excellent condition. We reached out to the support team and had a response right away. I would rate this venue as an excellent value!"

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Numa Salzburg Vogelweider
master Mirabell
master Mirabell
3.5 out of 5
Rainerstraße 7, Salzburg
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Salzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (348 reviews)
"Great location. Nice room and shower. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

master Mirabell
Numa Salzburg Mozart
Numa Salzburg Mozart
3.5 out of 5
Franz-Josef-Straße 27, Salzburg, Salzburg
Stay at this aparthotel in Salzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Mirabell Palace and Salzburg Christmas ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (217 reviews)
"This is a great hotel. It’s fairy close to old town and tourist attractions. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2025

Numa Salzburg Mozart
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Salzburg

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
151
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
58
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fabulous place and surrounding areas. People very helpful and friendly. Went on a trip with Paramount to Hallstatt absolutely stunning, well worth the trip and the guide was excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Salzburg, such a beautiful small city. Definitely recommend!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A fantastic place for a City break. Clean, friendly and breathtaking scenery. Loved it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We have been to Salzburg before and love the city; our preferred hotel was not available hence our staying here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Salzburg is a beautiful city definitely a must see

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Probably better in summer months but things to do in Winter with a few markets.

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