Salzburg, Austria is often a top destination on most people’s bucket list! As the 4th largest city in Austria, Salzburg was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. When you visit, it is easy to understand why as you seem to get lost in this magical city. Whether it’s exploring the birthplace of Mozart or seeing where Maria of Sound of Music fame had her adventures, you will find a plethora of things to do in Salzburg.

From Mozart to Maria Von Trapp, there are so many things to do in Salzburg that it is easy to see why it is a bucket list destination! #VisitSalzburg #SalzburgAustria Click To Tweet

Explore Hohensalzburg Fortress

Dating from the 11th century, Hohensalzburg Fortress should definitely be added to your the things to do in Salzburg. As you take a guided tour around the structure, you learn about the storied city that was built around this “Salt Fortress.” Some of the highlights of the Hohensalzburg Fortress are the torture chamber and the views from the look out tower.

You can always take the steep walk up to Hohensalzburg Fortress but consider taking the Funicular. This cable car, built around 1892, is the oldest funicular in Austria. It is a fun ride as you ascend you to the top of the fortress in style!

Hot Tip: Snag yourself a Salzburg Card! Not only do you get admission into Hohensalburg Fortress, but you also get ascent and descent by Fortress funicular & guided tour all for FREE.

See where Mozart was Born and Lived

When visiting Salzburg, it is easy to find plenty of things to do that are inspired by the city’s favorite son. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg January 27, 1756. There are two different museums devoted to the musical prodigy.

1. Mozart’s Geburtshaus – This museum was the birthplace of Mozart. It houses many documents, portraits, and other Wolfgang memorabilia from his early life. One of the highlights is the second floor that houses his clavichord on which he composed The Magic Flute.
2. Mozart’s Wohnhaus – This museum was the former house of the Mozart family after Mozart turned 17. This museum showcases more about Wolfgang and his entire family. It presents more about everyday life of the family in Salzburg in the late 1700’s.
3. Mozartplatz – In 1842, Ludwig Schwanthaler erected a memorial to Mozart in the heart of Salzburg’s old town. The statue was presented to Mozart’s two sons at the opening of the memorial. Unfortunately, their mother, Constanze had died 6 months prior in Mozartplatz 8 overlooking the square.

Hot Tip: Snag yourself a Salzburg Card! You get admission into the Wohnhaus & the Geburtshaus for FREE!

Walk The Alter Markt (Old Market)

The Alter Markt also known as the Old Marketplace was once used as a weekly market and festival gatherings in Salzburg. With the St. Florian Fountain in the center, people would come for the many markets until the end of the 19th century when the markets moved to present-day University Square. However, there are still great sights to see in the Alter Markt.

1. St. Florian Fountain – Built in 1488, this beautiful octagonal fountain showcases statue of St. Florian von Lorch
2. The Smallest House in Salzburg – House No. 10A, boasts to be the smallest house in all of Salzburg. Located next to Tomaselli Coffeehouse, this tiny home built in the mid 1800’s measures a whopping 1.42 meters wide or 4.66 feet!
3. The Stadtverein Meteorological Pillar – Often missed is an amazing weather station known as the Stadtverein. This magnificent pillar was erected in 1888 and contains a thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer. It’s now the most popular geocache in Salzburg and the second most popular in all of Austria.

“Do-Re-Mi” at Mirabelli Gardens

The Mirabelli Gardens is one of the top things to do in Salzburg. Perhaps this is due to the film Sound of Music. The Gardens are the site where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi” while dancing around the horse fountain. In the middle of Mirabelli Gardens you will find Schloss Mirabelli (Mirabelli Palace). Now this former palace houses government offices.

Take a Sound of Music Tour

For those who love the Sound of Music, the Original Sound of Music tour from Panorama Tours is a must for your list of things to do in Salzburg. These 4 hour tours take you around Salzburg and into the mountains so that you can see the many locations used in the filming of the movie. You will get to see sites like the Nonnberg Abbey, the famous Gazebo, and the Mondsee Cathedral from the wedding scene among others.

Taking a Sound of Music tour is one of the things to do in Salzburg that is definitely on my bucket list! #VisitSalzburg #SoundofMusic #VisitAustria Click To Tweet

Explore the Beauty of the Churches

There is no shortage of churches or cathedrals in Salzburg, thus solidifying their title of “Rome of the North.”  Make sure to take the time to explore these amazing treasures and the beautiful art within them. Some of the churches that should be added to your things to do in Salzburg are:

1. Dom Salzburg – The Dom or Cathedral showcases beautiful Baroque architecture. Within you will find highlights like the relics of Salzburg’s two patron saints, Rupert and Virgil and the baptismal font that was used baptized Mozart
2. St. Peter’s Monastery & Graveyard – Though this church offers beautiful sights within its walls, make sure you walk the graveyard aside the church. Along the cliff side are catacombs where you can even find the likes of Mozart’s sister Nannerl and Michael Haydn.
3. Franziskanerkirche – The Franciscan Church is unique in that it offers more of a Romanesque style. When entering look for the “Hand of Asylum” at the lower right of the entrance door. It is said that, “Whosoever might touch it was granted admission to the church, regardless of their innocence or guilt.”

Discover the Secrets of Schloss Hellbrunn

Schloss Helbrunn (Helbrunn Palace), located in the south of Salzburg, is a beautiful spot that should definitely be added to your list of things to do in Salzburg. The palace grounds though are the major highlight of this area. Beware, you may get wet walking the manicured gardens. This is due to the famous “Trick Fountains” spewing water from hidden jets throughout the property.

Also, behind the palace walls is Hellbrunn Park. This park offers amazing flowers, ponds, and areas for children to play. Hidden in the park, is the gazebo from Sound of Music, where Liesl and Franz sing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” to each other.

Hot Tip: Snag yourself a Salzburg Card to get admission into the Palace, park and orangery all for FREE!

Eat Lots of Mozartkugel

If you love chocolate like Eric loves chocolate, Salzburg will be heaven for you! Throughout the city you will find many confectioneries selling a bounty of different chocolate treats. Paul Fürst originally created the mozartkugel in 1890. It is a bonbon made of marzipan, nougat and dark chocolate. You can find his original recipe through the city at the different Café Konditorei Fürst shops or try the ones at Josef Holzermayr in the Alter Markt.

Drink in the beer capital of Austria

With ten breweries in and around the city, you will definitely have your pick of fine Austrian beers to enjoy. However, without a doubt you should make time to explore Stiegl and Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln.

1. Stiegl – Started in 1492, this family owned brewery produces the most popular beer in all of Austria. When visiting the Stiegl Brewery enjoy a draft in one of their bars or take a tour to learn more about the history of brewing and how beer is produced. Make sure you bring your Salzburg Card for FREE Admission!
2. Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln – Founded by the Augustinian monks in 1621, Augustiner Brau continues to be brewed according to a traditional recipe by hand in compliance of purity laws. Definitely stop by to enjoy a great brew and food in their Bräustüberl within the monastery.

Book Your Stay in Salzburg Today

Have you ever been to Salzburg, Austria? Which of the Things to do in Salzburg is your favorite? Have we left out other things to do in Salzburg that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

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