20 Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg unfolds like a scene from a storybook, nestled against the Austrian Alps with the Salzach River flowing through its baroque heart. Famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for The Sound of Music, this city offers stunning architecture and breathtaking scenery, along with plenty of enjoyable free things to do in Salzburg, like wandering its charming old town or soaking in mountain views. Its blend of history, music, and alpine beauty creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
This guide points you towards 20 distinct experiences that capture the essence of Salzburg. From exploring historic fortresses and magnificent palaces to following musical trails and enjoying scenic vistas, these suggestions will help you discover the magic of this Austrian jewel. Prepare to be enchanted by its elegance and alpine setting.
Exploring the Historic Old Town (Altstadt)
Stroll Getreidegasse: Wander down Salzburg’s most famous shopping street, known for its charming wrought-iron guild signs hanging above high-end boutiques and traditional shops. It’s a lively street perfect for browsing and soaking up the historic atmosphere.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom): Visit the magnificent baroque cathedral where Mozart was baptized, dominating the Domplatz square. Step inside to admire its impressive dome, ornate stucco work, and the grandeur of its architecture.
Residenzplatz: Relax in one of Salzburg’s largest squares, flanked by the Residenz Palace and the Salzburg Cathedral. Admire the large baroque fountain and enjoy the open space often used for markets and events.
St. Peter’s Abbey, Cemetery & Catacombs: Explore one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, visit the picturesque cemetery featured in The Sound of Music, and climb into the early Christian catacombs carved into the Mönchsberg cliff. The unique atmosphere of the cemetery is particularly memorable.
Kapitelplatz & Sphaera Sculpture: See the large golden sphere sculpture (“Sphaera”) topped with a figure in this square near the cathedral. Enjoy the views towards the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the oversized chessboard often in use.
Linzer Gasse Exploration: Discover the bustling street on the right bank of the river, offering a more local feel with diverse shops, restaurants, and access to the Kapuzinerberg. Explore St. Sebastian’s Church and its peaceful cemetery nearby for a quieter historical perspective.
Musical Legacy: Mozart & More
Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus): Visit the house on Getreidegasse where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756, now a museum. Explore rooms displaying instruments, documents, and portraits related to his early life and family.
Mozart Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus): Discover the residence where the Mozart family lived later, located on Makartplatz across the river. See original documents and learn about Mozart’s life and work in Salzburg through multimedia exhibits.
Salzburg Marionette Theatre: Experience a unique performance featuring incredibly detailed marionettes bringing operas like The Magic Flute or The Sound of Music to life. It’s a traditional art form offering charming entertainment for all ages.
Fortress Views & Alpine Vistas
Hohensalzburg Fortress: Ride the funicular or walk up to this massive medieval fortress perched high above the city, one of the largest fully preserved castles in Central Europe. Explore its courtyards, museums, and enjoy absolutely stunning panoramic views of Salzburg and the Alps.
Mönchsberg Lift & Views: Take the elevator up the Mönchsberg cliff for elevated city views and access to the Museum der Moderne. Enjoy walking paths along the clifftop offering different perspectives of the Old Town below.
Kapuzinerberg Hike: Climb the steps or hike the trails up the Kapuzinerberg hill on the right bank of the river for excellent views back towards the Old Town and fortress. Discover the Capuchin monastery and enjoy a nature escape close to the city center.
Palaces, Gardens & Green Escapes
Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Stroll through the stunning baroque gardens featured prominently in The Sound of Music, known for their geometric designs, fountains, and mythological statues. The palace itself hosts concerts and serves as municipal offices.
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains: Visit the charming early baroque pleasure palace just south of the city, famous for its ingenious trick fountains (Wasserspiele) that surprise visitors with hidden water jets. The playful water features are especially fun on a warm day (seasonal).
Walk Along the Salzach River: Enjoy a pleasant stroll or bike ride along the pathways bordering the Salzach River. Admire views of the city skyline, bridges, and surrounding hills for a relaxing outdoor activity.
Unique Salzburg Experiences
Augustiner Bräu Beer Garden: Experience a traditional Austrian beer garden at this monastery brewery in the Mülln district. Grab a stone mug (Steinkrug), rinse it out, get it filled with Märzenbier directly from the wooden barrel, and find a spot in the vast halls or chestnut garden.
Try Mozartkugel: Sample Salzburg’s famous chocolate marzipan confection, created by Paul Fürst in 1890. Look for the original silver and blue foil wrapping from Fürst for the authentic handmade treat.
St. Sebastian’s Cemetery (Sebastiansfriedhof): Visit this peaceful arcade cemetery near Linzer Gasse, the final resting place of Mozart’s wife Constanze and his father Leopold. Admire the unique architecture and find a moment of quiet reflection.
Salzburg Museum: Discover the art and cultural history of the city and region housed in the Neue Residenz palace on Residenzplatz. Explore exhibits covering archaeology, art, music, and local traditions for a comprehensive city overview.
Hangar-7: Visit the unique glass hangar at Salzburg Airport owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, housing a collection of historic airplanes, helicopters, and Formula One cars. Enjoy the sleek architecture and the impressive vehicles on display (free entry).
