Salzburg, Austria Travel Guide

Discover Salzburg, Austria's enchanting city of music, history, and stunning alpine views, where Mozart's legacy and baroque beauty come alive in every corner.

Nestled along the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is a city that charms visitors with its baroque architecture, rich musical heritage, and stunning alpine scenery. Known as the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a city where history and culture blend seamlessly, offering a vibrant experience for tourists. A visit to Salzburg is incomplete without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Here, you'll find the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress, which provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully preserved medieval and baroque buildings, including the stunning Salzburg Cathedral and the opulent Mirabell Palace, with its meticulously landscaped gardens. Salzburg's musical legacy is celebrated throughout the city, from the annual Salzburg Festival to the numerous concerts and performances held year-round. Fans of 'The Sound of Music' will delight in visiting the film's iconic locations, such as the Mirabell Gardens, Nonnberg Abbey, and the picturesque Lake District. Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Salzburg offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and skiing in the nearby Alps.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Salzburg.

Purchase a Salzburg Card for free entry to many attractions and unlimited public transport.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds at popular sites like Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Try the local specialty, Salzburger Nockerl, a light and fluffy dessert.
Wear comfortable shoes as the Old Town's streets are cobblestone and can be uneven.
Take a day trip to the nearby Lake District for stunning scenery and outdoor activities.

Neighbourhoods in Salzburg

Altstadt

Riedenburg

Maxglan

Nonntal

Leopoldskron-Moos

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Salzburg

Explore Salzburg: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Salzburg

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Fortress Hohensalzburg

Explore Fortress Hohensalzburg, a magnificent historical landmark in Salzburg offering stunning views, rich history, and engaging exhibitions.

4.6

Mirabell Palace

Explore the stunning Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, a historic site featuring breathtaking gardens and rich cultural heritage.

4.6

Mozart's Birthplace

Discover the birthplace of Mozart in Salzburg, a museum celebrating the life and legacy of the world-renowned composer.

4.3

Schloss Hellbrunn

Explore the whimsical wonders of Schloss Hellbrunn, a baroque palace in Salzburg with stunning gardens and enchanting trick fountains.

4.6

Best landmarks in Salzburg

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Schloss Hellbrunn

Explore the magical fountains and serene gardens of Schloss Hellbrunn, a stunning Baroque palace in Salzburg, where history meets nature.

4.6

Mirabellgarten

Explore the stunning Mirabellgarten in Salzburg, a historical gem filled with vibrant flowers, fountains, and picturesque pathways that enchant every visitor.

4.7

Mozart Residence

Discover the life and legacy of Mozart at his residence in Salzburg, where music history comes alive in an immersive museum experience.

4.1

Franziskanerkirche

Explore the stunning Franziskanerkirche in Salzburg, a breathtaking Catholic church that embodies the city's rich history and artistic heritage.

4.6

Best restaurants in Salzburg

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Sternbräu

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Sternbräu in Salzburg - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

4.2

L'Osteria Salzburg

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at L'Osteria Salzburg - where every dish is a celebration of flavor amidst stunning city views.

3.9

Bärenwirt

Discover the heart of Austrian cuisine at Bärenwirt in Salzburg—where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

4.5

Zwettler's Wirtshaus

Discover authentic Austrian flavors at Zwettler's Wirtshaus in Salzburg - a must-visit for food lovers seeking local delicacies.

4.5

Best bars in Salzburg

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Shamrock

Discover Shamrock, Salzburg's beloved Irish pub, offering authentic cuisine, a lively atmosphere, and a taste of Ireland in the heart of Austria.

4.3

Monkeys cafe bar cityoasis

Discover Monkeys Cafe Bar Cityoasis, a vibrant bar and garden lounge in Salzburg offering delightful drinks and a lively atmosphere for all.

4.4

Darwin's Cafe Bar

Discover the perfect blend of cocktails, coffee, and garden tranquility at Darwin's Cafe Bar in the heart of Salzburg.

4.5

Murphy's Law Irish Pub

Discover the heart of Irish culture at Murphy's Law Irish Pub in Salzburg, where hearty dishes and a lively atmosphere await.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Salzburg

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City Beats

Experience the electrifying nightlife at City Beats, Salzburg's ultimate disco club, where every night is a celebration filled with music and dance.

3.7

Jazzit

Experience vibrant live jazz performances at Jazzit, Salzburg's premier jazz club offering an unforgettable musical journey.

4.5

Half Moon Club

Discover the nightlife at Half Moon Club, Salzburg's premier disco club, where vibrant music and a stylish atmosphere unite for an unforgettable night out.

3.7

Bricks Music Bar Salzburg - Billard, Darts & Rockmusic - Livemusic

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Bricks Music Bar in Salzburg, where live rock music, billiards, and darts come together for an unforgettable evening.

4.6

Best shops in Salzburg

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EUROPARK - Salzburg

Experience the ultimate shopping adventure at Europark, Salzburg's vibrant shopping mall with diverse shops and delicious dining options.

4.5

Designer Outlet Salzburg

Discover incredible deals and designer brands at the Designer Outlet Salzburg, a shopper's paradise near the stunning city of Salzburg.

4.3

Forum 1

Explore Forum 1 in Salzburg: A vibrant shopping mall with diverse stores, delicious dining, and a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

4.2

Shopping Arena Alpenstraße

Discover a world of shopping at the Shopping Arena Alpenstraße, Salzburg's premier mall featuring top brands, delicious dining, and exciting events.

4.3

Explore Salzburg on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Salzburg, mapped for you.

Salzburg Essentials

Salzburg is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest international airport is Salzburg Airport W.A. Mozart, located just 4 kilometers from the city center. It offers flights to and from major European cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Munich Airport and take a train or bus to Salzburg, which takes about 2 hours. Salzburg's main train station, Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, is a major hub with frequent connections to Vienna, Munich, and other European cities. For those driving, Salzburg is accessible via the A1, A8, and A10 motorways.
Salzburg has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trolleybuses, and trains. The Obus trolleybus system is particularly extensive, making it easy to get around the city. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, online, or directly from the driver (at a higher price). Taxis are also readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in the city. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle; Salzburg is very bike-friendly with numerous cycling paths. Car rentals are available, but parking can be challenging in the city center.
The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or in more remote areas. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. Ensure that your card is compatible with European ATMs, and inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.
Salzburg is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, it is wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and near major attractions. Pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid flashing valuables. Areas such as the main train station and its surroundings can be less safe at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and use common sense to ensure your safety.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. For non-emergency medical issues, you can visit one of the local hospitals or clinics. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are also available for minor health concerns and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The main hospital in Salzburg is the University Hospital Salzburg, located at Müllner Hauptstraße 48.
Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially when dining out or attending cultural events. Casual wear is fine for sightseeing, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and remain quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. A polite 'Grüß Gott' (Hello) is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and drinks, and always say 'Prost' (Cheers) when clinking glasses. Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the server.
To experience Salzburg like a local, consider visiting the weekly markets such as the Grünmarkt at Universitätsplatz for fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a stroll along the Salzach River and enjoy a coffee at a traditional café like Café Tomaselli. Attend a classical music concert or a performance at the Salzburg Festival for an authentic cultural experience. For a unique outing, visit the Hellbrunn Palace and its trick fountains. Engaging with locals and learning a few basic German phrases can also enhance your experience.

When is the best time to visit Salzburg?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Salzburg

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Salzburg. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloGriaß di
  [Gree-ahss dee]
- GoodbyeServus
  [Ser-voos]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNein
  [Nine]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
- Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-gung]
- How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gates]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oond deer]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Spreck-en zee Eng-leesh]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ick fair-shtay-eh nickt]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [Ick ha-tuh gehr-neh dee Shpy-suh-kahr-teh, bit-teh]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ick ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [Ick muhsh-teh bit-teh tsah-len]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-feh]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [Geh vehg]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen zee dee Po-li-tsy]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen zee igh-nen artsht]
- I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [Ick hah-buh meesh fair-irt]
- I'm illMir ist schlecht
  [Meer ist shlecht]
- I'd like to buy...Ich würde gerne kaufen...
  [Ick vur-deh gehr-neh cow-fen]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ick show-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel kos-tet es]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Kannst du den Preis senken?
  [Kah-nst doo den prise zehn-ken]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpayt ist es]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ighn oor]
- Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [Halb tsayn]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-guhn]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahk-mit-tahg]
- EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
- YesterdayGestern
  [Geh-shtern]
- TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-guhn]
- 1Eins
  [I-ns]
- 2Zwei
  [Tz-vey]
- 3Drei
  [Dr-eye]
- 4Vier
  [Feer]
- 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zeks]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Ahkt]
- 9Neun
  [Noy-n]
- 10Zehn
  [Tsayn]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Voh ist iyn/der]
- What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [Vahs ist dee Ah-dres-eh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kannst du mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Kah-nst doo meer das tsee-gen (owf der Kar-teh)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kommt der nayk-steh (Boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [Iy-nuh Fahr-kahr-teh (nahk)]

History of Salzburg

Salzburg's history dates back to its founding as a Roman settlement called 'Iuvavum' around 15 BC. The town flourished as an important administrative center of the Roman province of Noricum. Archaeological findings, including remnants of villas, baths, and a forum, provide a glimpse into its prosperous past.
The modern city of Salzburg was established in the 8th century when Saint Rupert founded the abbey of St. Peter and the Nonnberg Convent. He named the city 'Salzburg' (Salt Castle) due to the salt mines in the nearby mountains, which were a major source of wealth and power for the region.
During the Middle Ages, Salzburg became a significant religious and commercial hub. Its archbishops wielded considerable power, both spiritually and politically. The construction of the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the 11th century served as a testament to the city's strategic importance and the might of its archbishops.
The 17th century marked a period of Baroque transformation under the rule of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. Influenced by Italian architecture, he initiated the construction of grand churches, palaces, and public squares, including the iconic Salzburg Cathedral. This era left an indelible mark on the city's architectural landscape.
One of Salzburg's most famous sons, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born here in 1756. His birthplace, now a museum, attracts thousands of visitors annually. The city celebrates its musical heritage with numerous festivals and concerts, ensuring Mozart's legacy continues to thrive.
The Napoleonic Wars brought significant changes to Salzburg. In 1803, the archbishopric was secularized, and the city became part of the Austrian Empire. This period saw a decline in ecclesiastical power and a shift towards a more secular administration.
Salzburg faced challenges during World War II, including bombing raids that damaged parts of the city. Despite this, many of its historic buildings survived. After the war, Salzburg became an important center for refugees and displaced persons, reflecting the broader European post-war recovery.
In 1997, Salzburg's historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscores the city's cultural and architectural significance, preserving its rich history for future generations. The designation has also bolstered Salzburg's status as a premier travel destination.
The 1965 film 'The Sound of Music' immortalized Salzburg's picturesque landscapes and historic sites. Visitors flock to see locations featured in the film, such as the Mirabell Gardens and Leopoldskron Palace, intertwining Hollywood magic with the city's real-life charm.