Things to do in Salzburg

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic castle on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and a mountain range in the background.
A town with historic buildings, a river, and a hill with trees.
A historic square with a fountain, a clock tower, and a building with a dome.
A person riding a green train in a tunnel with wooden walls and metal pillars.
A historic church with a pointed steeple, surrounded by residential buildings and lush greenery.

Things to do

Hop-On Hop-Off: including special Sound of Music Channel

Hop-On Hop-Off: Salzburg City

€31
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Hop-On Hop-Off: Salzburg City
Salzburg Cathedral: Organ Concert at Midday

Salzburg Cathedral: Organ Concert at Midday

€12
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Salzburg Cathedral: Organ Concert at Midday
Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket

Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket

€19
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket
Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert

Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert

€48
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert
Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting

Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting

€15
per adult
Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting
Luggage Storage Salzburg

Luggage Storage Salzburg

€7
per adult
Luggage Storage Salzburg
Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting

Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting

€25
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
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Top places to visit

1. Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace offers a romantic history as well as an excellent example of baroque architecture. In 1606, Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, had this splendid palace built for his mistress Salome Alt. Another prince archbishop had the palace redesigned by prominent baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hilterbrandt in the 1700s. Today, it’s the official seat of Salzburg’s mayor and is famous for its pristine gardens.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, a well-maintained garden with geometric flower beds, and a castle in the background.

2. Salzburg Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is famous for its long and dramatic history. Mozart was baptised here and later became the cathedral’s organist.
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An ornate church interior with a high ceiling, intricate carvings, and a central altar.

3. Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse (also known as Grain Lane) offers upmarket boutiques set amongst medieval streets and picturesque courtyards, musicians and performers. This is a great outing whether you’re a serious buyer or just window shopping for a few hours. During the late 1500s and early 1600s, this area was a main thoroughfare leading to Bavaria. It was popular with wealthy merchants and was one of the city’s most desired neighborhoods. Today, the stylish fashion and jewelry boutiques help to preserve the exclusive aura — but everyone is welcome.
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A street lined with buildings adorned with ornate signs and decorations.

4. Hellbrunn Palace

The Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) draws visitors from around the world for its beautiful gardens dotted with intricate and surprising Trick Fountains. Children and adults alike will marvel at this amusing water display.
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A large yellow building with a central entrance, surrounded by a courtyard with potted plants and outdoor seating.

5. Mozart's Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburthaus) is the childhood home of one of the world’s most famous and prodigious composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Following his birth in 1756, Mozart lived here with his family until 1773. Mozart’s Birthplace became a museum in 1880 and has acquired numerous original artifacts from the composer’s widow and children. It presents a fascinating insight into the upbringing, life and talent of a musical genius.
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A room with wooden furniture, including a piano, chairs, and a table.

6. Fortress Hohensalzburg

Just a short cable car ride from the city you’ll find the impressive Festung Hohensalzburg, a name which translates to “High Salzburg Fortress.” Visit this walled castle to browse art exhibitions and museums and shop at the outdoor market. If you’re lucky there may be a concert on during your visit. This is a great family outing for an afternoon.
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A castle on a hill with a tower, surrounded by lush greenery and a field in the foreground.

7. Mozartplatz Square

Mozart Square (Mozartplatz) is dedicated to the world-renowned Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg in 1756. The square is centered around a statue of Mozart by German sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler. This impressive statue was unveiled in 1842, some 50 years after the composer of The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute and many other classic works of music died. Today, the square is one of the most popular sights in Salzburg and an ideal place to begin a tour of the Old Town.
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The Salzburg Museum and a historic church with green domes and towers.

8. Old City Hall

The Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) is a stunning medieval building in Salzburg’s historic center. Visit this historic site where the city council’s court of justice and watchtower were once located. The building features an ornate Rococo façade and a tall bell tower, which has served as a landmark in the city for centuries.
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A narrow street with a clock tower, a hotel, and a building with a 'B' sign.

What to do in Salzburg

Stay near popular Salzburg attractions

A festive market square with a large Christmas tree, illuminated buildings, and a prominent tower.

Salzburg Christmas Market

9.4/10 (358 reviews)
Stroll through one of the world's oldest Advent markets, dating back to the 15th century in Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Evening visits showcase magical atmosphere with choral concerts and traditional tower music.
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Where to stay in Salzburg

Find the best Salzburg areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salzburg
Learn more about Salzburg
A historic city with a river, a castle on a hill, and several churches with domes.

Altstadt Salzburg

Historical sites, museums and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Old City Hall while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A formal garden with geometric flower beds, a central fountain, and a historic building in the background.
Photo by Carson Hanks
Open Photo by Carson Hanks

Schallmoos

Schallmoos is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Kartworld, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

A cityscape with a river, a prominent hill, and a castle-like structure.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.

A row of colorful houses by a calm river with swans, a snow-capped mountain in the background, and a clear blue sky.

Lehen

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Lehen. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Augustiner Brewery and Messezentrum Salzburg Exhibition Center are a few top places to visit.

A garden with statues and a castle in the background.

City Centre Salzburg

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Linzer Gasse to Old City Hall – discover City Centre Salzburg, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A panoramic view of a snow-covered landscape with mountains in the background, a town in the foreground, and a railway track.

Anif

A panoramic view of a city with a river, historic buildings, and a bridge.

Wals-Siezenheim

Frequently asked questions

Is Salzburg worth visiting?
With a blend of watersports and cycling, there's no shortage of things to do in Salzburg. While you're here, head to Mirabell Gardens, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Salzburg?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Mirabell Gardens and Salzburg Zoo, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Salzburg.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salzburg?
You can't leave without visiting Mirabell Gardens, rated the top tourist attraction in Salzburg.
Is three days enough to stay in Salzburg?
Three days in Salzburg is plenty of time to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Mirabell Gardens, Untersberg Cable Car and Salzburg Zoo are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Salzkammergut.
Is Salzburg a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Salzburg. Several key attractions, such as Mirabell Gardens and Salzburger Landestheater, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Salzburg's neighbourhoods, City Centre Salzburg is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Elisabeth-Vorstadt is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Salzburg with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all ages, we've got some excellent ideas for what to do in Salzburg with kids.

What to do in Salzburg for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Salzburg, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Hofbrau Kaltenhausen Brewery or Stiegl's World of Brewing.
Are there free things to do in Salzburg?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Salzburg is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Mirabell Gardens is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

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