Salzburg Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Salzburg packs music, baroque architecture and alpine views into a compact, walkable centre.

• Hohensalzburg Fortress — Ride the funicular up to one of Europe’s largest medieval castles for panoramic views.
• Mozart’s Birthplace — Visit the house on Getreidegasse where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born.
• Getreidegasse — Stroll the famous shopping street with its wrought-iron guild signs.
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens — Wander the formal baroque gardens with views of the fortress.
• Salzburg Cathedral — Admire the grand baroque cathedral where Mozart was baptised.
• Hellbrunn Palace — Explore the palace and its playful trick fountains on the southern edge of the city.
• Salzkammergut lakes — Take a day trip to lakeside villages such as Hallstatt, St Wolfgang and St Gilgen.

Salzburg has a mild continental climate with warm summers, cold winters and rainfall spread throughout the year. May to September is the best time for sightseeing, lake trips and alpine hikes, with long days and green landscapes. The Salzburg Festival, held each summer since 1920, brings world-class opera, theatre and concerts.

Winters are cold and often snowy, but the city’s Advent and Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere, and ski resorts are within easy reach. Salzburg is known for frequent rain, so pack an umbrella in any season.

Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart is located only about 4 kilometres west of the city centre, making it one of the most convenient airports in Europe. The drive into the old town usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

City trolleybuses run frequently between the airport, the main railway station and the old town, and taxis are available outside the terminal. Car hire is also available for travellers heading into the Alps or the Salzkammergut lakes.

Salzburg is compact, and most visitors stay within walking distance of the old town.

• Altstadt (Old Town) — Ideal for first-time visitors who want the cathedral, Mozart sites and cafés on the doorstep.
• Neustadt (right bank) — Suits travellers who want easy access to the Mirabell Gardens, the station and good-value hotels.
• Nonntal — A quieter area below the fortress, with a village feel and easy walks into town.
• Mülln — A charming district near the river, known for its traditional monastery brewery and beer garden.

• Payments: Cards are widely accepted, but some traditional cafés and market stalls prefer cash.
• Getting around: The old town is best explored on foot; trolleybuses cover the rest of the city.
• Sightseeing pass: A city pass can include public transport and entry to many attractions, which can be good value if you plan several visits.
• Weather: Carry an umbrella and wear layers, as the weather can change quickly near the mountains.
• Language: German is the main language; English is widely spoken in hotels, shops and restaurants.