Tour
4,3 km
1h45
25 audios
Text version
Welcome to Austria’s fourth-largest city, Salzburg! And trust us, it’s more than worth the trip. This is a dream destination for history lovers, with remarkable landmarks around every corner that have earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You’ll find lively squares filled with locals and street performers, breathtaking scenery shaped by salt mines, lakes, and mountains, and above all, a rich legacy left by one of the greatest composers of all time, Mozart, who was born and raised right here. Once a Celtic settlement, then a Roman town, and later ruled for centuries by powerful prince-archbishops, Salzburg has preserved a rare sense of authenticity, enhanced by the stunning landscapes that surround it and a deep-rooted passion for the arts. It’s also home to one of the world’s most prestigious classical music festivals, where theater, concerts, and opera take center stage, revealing the city’s spirit to thousands of visitors each year. Romantic, historic, and full of charm, Salzburg is a gateway to one of Austria’s most beautiful regions.
One of the highlights of Getreidegasse, beyond its unmistakable charm and irresistible boutiques, is this striking yellow house that’s nearly impossible to miss. And lucky you, because this is the birthplace of Salzburg’s most famous prodigy: Mozart. Read more
Now we’re on the other side of Residenzplatz, where several buildings come into view. First, on your left, is the Weihnachtsmuseum, pardon my German, which translates to the Christmas Museum. Read more
You simply can’t visit Salzburg without talking about its most iconic figure, and no, it’s not a landmark, an animal, or an object, but a person: the one and only Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Read more
In front of you is a beautiful view of Salzburg’s iconic riverside houses lining the Salzach River. Their soft pastel tones brighten the riverbanks and give the city its unmistakable charm. Read more
Right in front of the large statue of Pegasus, you’ll see the magnificent Mirabell Palace. It was originally built in 1606 at the request of Salzburg’s prince-archbishop, Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, who wanted to offer a beautiful residence to his beloved and their children. Read more
Standing here on this bridge over the Salzach River, you’ve got a picture-perfect view of one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks: Hohensalzburg Fortress. Read more
Here you're strolling along the Salzach River, which cuts right through the heart of Salzburg. Read more
As you continue walking along the Salzach, let me tell you an old story that earned the people of Salzburg the nickname "bull washers." Read more
Here we are again in Salzburg’s historic center, entirely listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You're now in the Getreidegasse, arguably one of the most beautiful streets in the city. Read more
This is the stunning Kollegienkirche, a magnificent Baroque church designed by Fischer von Erlach, one of Austria’s most renowned architects of the time. He’s also the creative mind behind several of Salzburg’s churches and the iconic Mirabell Gardens. Read more
Here’s a little break in the tour to delve into the history of the city often nicknamed the “Rome of the Alps.” Salzburg, a major Austrian city and capital of the state bearing the same name, has a rich and eventful past. Read more
You’ve just stepped into a courtyard that holds real significance in Salzburg. The long walls surrounding you belong to St. Peter’s Abbey, the oldest monastery in the entire German-speaking world, covering Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Read more
In front of you stands the beautiful church connected to St. Peter’s Abbey. Originally built in the Romanesque style in the 7th century, it now features a Baroque design, much like the rest of the abbey complex. Read more
It might be an unusual stop, I’ll admit, but you’re now standing in one of the oldest cemeteries in the world. And beyond its incredible historical value, it’s truly striking in its own unique way. Read more
Here we are in front of one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks, St. Rupert’s Cathedral! This is the city’s most important religious building and one of its oldest. The first cathedral on this site was built way back in 774. Read more
You’re now standing in what’s known as the DomQuartier, a remarkable space that has stood the test of time and offers a journey through centuries of Salzburg’s history. Read more
You’ve just arrived at Residenzplatz, the main square of Salzburg. From here, you get a perfect view of the cathedral’s striking architecture, especially its massive dome, but there’s a lot more to see than just that. Read more
This is one square you simply can’t miss while exploring Salzburg, Kapitelplatz! And there’s one thing here that’s impossible not to notice: the towering Hohensalzburg Fortress, which looms high above the square. Read more
Now turn around… standing before you is one of the greatest figures in music history, Mozart. This statue, located right here in Mozartplatz, is a true symbol of the city. Read more
Calling all shopping lovers, you’ve just arrived in one of Salzburg’s main commercial streets. With its mix of boutiques, bars, and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere. Read more
You’re now standing in what was once Salzburg’s main marketplace. This lively square has been a central gathering spot since the 13th century, originally designed to welcome merchants from across the city. It’s full of life year-round, during the summer, its wide terraces fill with locals and visitors enjoying drinks, dining al fresco, and soaking up the atmosphere. Read more
On your right stands Salzburg’s former City Hall. The city built this grand structure in the 14th century to house its municipal offices, at a time when having a town hall was a symbol of power and prestige. Read more
The Landestheater is one of Salzburg’s most historic performance venues. Built in 1775 on the site of a former ballroom, it was commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Colloredo. Shortly after its opening, a young Mozart performed here for the first time, eventually becoming a regular at the theatre. Read more
On Makartplatz, you’ll spot the striking Trinity Church, the largest church in Salzburg’s historic center. Built between 1694 and 1702, its design was inspired by Rome’s Sant’Agnese in Agone. Read more
You’re now stepping into one of Salzburg’s most beautiful green spaces, the Mirabell Gardens. Unsurprisingly, they belong to the nearby Mirabell Palace. Read more
Discover Salzburg with app
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
25 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Immerse yourself in Mozart’s world in Salzburg with an unforgettable evening of music.
Still have some time left in Salzburg? Take the opportunity to explore other parts of Austria, such as Vienna or Innsbruck, which also promise unforgettable experiences.
An incredible 11th-century relic, Hohensalzburg Fortress is an absolute must-see! Perched atop its hill overlooking the city, it’s wonderfully well preserved and offers a real journey back in time, letting you imagine life as one of the many princes and archbishops who lived there during the Middle Ages. To get there, you have two options: take the funicular—the oldest in the country—or hike up on foot. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from St. Peter’s Church, but be warned, it’s a bit of a climb!
At the foot of Hohensalzburg Fortress lies the beautiful Nonnberg Abbey. Known for its stunning frescoes,
Calling all aviation and car enthusiasts! Head west of the city to Hangar-7, a futuristic building housing an impressive collection of race cars and Formula 1 vehicles, along with historic airplanes from the Flying Bulls, part of Austria’s famous Red Bull brand. This ultramodern venue also features art exhibitions, bars, and one of Austria’s best restaurants, Ikarus.
Located south of Salzburg, this 17th-century palace was built in just three years and stands as one of the country’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture. The visit is complemented by exploring its unique gardens, adorned with fountains, grottos, and playful water features. The park also hosts the Salzburg Museum of Folk Art and Traditions, offering a great introduction to the culture of this beautiful Austrian city where Mozart was born!
If you have access to a car, don’t hesitate to explore the surroundings of Salzburg, which reveal must-see castles, lakes, and villages! First up, I highly recommend visiting Hohenwerfen Castle. Perched on a hill amid the mountains, it offers breathtaking views and a fascinating tour of this 11th-century fortress. Wander through the walls of a castle once owned by the famous Habsburg dynasty, visit the history museum, check out the weapon collections, and enjoy impressive falconry demonstrations. This historic site is just a 40-minute drive from Salzburg and sure to amaze! Closer to town and just as interesting, the Hallein Salt Mine offers a fun and educational experience to discover salt extraction techniques. You’ll board a train that takes you through tunnels and across an underground lake for a full immersion in one of the world’s oldest salt mines! For those wishing to visit a different city, the beautiful village of Hallstatt awaits just 1 hour and 15 minutes away by car. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a picturesque setting with mountains, a lake, and streets that have preserved their authentic charm, making it a magical, history-rich destination. Further east of Salzburg, Lake Wolfgang is a true natural jewel. Whether you want to stroll along its shores, enjoy water sports, or simply swim surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, this lake offers a perfect break to soak in Austria’s stunning landscapes!
Salzburg offers a wide range of fascinating activities, cultural visits, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Here is our selection!
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Did you know? Salzburg is Austria’s chocolate capital! You’ll find all kinds of sweet treats here, but the undisputed favorite is the famous “Mozart Ball,” made with pistachio and praline marzipan. We can’t get enough of it! That’s exactly why we thought you couldn’t visit Salzburg without trying a chocolate tasting workshop. We did a bit of research among the region’s finest chocolatiers, and our search led us to…
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The Goldener Hirsch Hotel feels as though it has stepped out of another world, blending refined luxury with a timeless, traditional charm…
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Location: Getreidegasse 37, Salzburg 5020, Austria
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Step into the world of this prodigy who, despite a short life, left an indelible mark on the history of music.
Salzburg is best explored on foot. It’s a compact, walkable city perfect for strolling. If you’re driving, it’s advisable to park in a peripheral park-and-ride lot. The city is well connected by trolleybuses, a hybrid of bus and tram, with 11 lines available for easy travel.
You might not know it, but Salzburg is the birthplace of none other than Mozart! Visiting Salzburg is a chance to explore his childhood home, now a museum. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also well worth a visit. Its striking architecture leaves a lasting impression. Don’t miss the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched atop Festungsberg Hill, accessible directly from the city via a funicular.
Salzburg is Austria’s fourth-largest city by population.
The most convenient way to park in Salzburg is at park-and-ride lots. Located on the outskirts near public transport, they spare you the hassle of city-center parking. It’s also more economical and environmentally friendly.
Austria is a top winter destination. Snow-covered alpine landscapes are simply breathtaking. For a city experience, Vienna or Salzburg are ideal, especially during the Christmas season when the magic is in full swing. For nature and winter sports, head to Austrian ski resorts like Kühtai in the Sellrain Valley, near Innsbruck in the west of the country.
There’s no perfect season to visit Salzburg—it depends on what you’re looking for. In winter, the city is adorned with festive Christmas decorations, snow adds to the charm, and activities like skiing are available. In summer, mild temperatures make it ideal for hiking in the Alps and exploring the surroundings under clear blue skies.
Salzburg’s must-try culinary specialty is the Salzburger Nockerl. This airy soufflé dessert is made from whipped egg whites, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and flour. Simple, yet utterly delicious.
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