A Complete Salzburg Guide

This Salzburg guide will reveal to you everything you need to know about this fantastic city, from the most appealing sites and events to helpful insider tips. So, if you want to learn more, please stay with us.

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Why you should visit Salzburg in Austria

Salzburg is a beautiful, vibrant city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich cultural foundation beyond being the birthplace of Mozart.

The city is also the gateway to the lovely Salzkammergut region, with its gorgeous lakes and mountains. More importantly, it also hosts one of the world’s most significant classical music festivals.

Here, in this Salzburg Guide, we will reveal to you some essential things every Salzburg local knows – and that first-time visitors should, too.

Note: If you are interested in a similar destination, you can read our related guide about Vienna.

Traveling to Salzburg

Mozart Airport is the main entry point for international visitors to Salzburg. It is just a few kilometers from the city center. The easiest way to reach downtown is by bus; numbers 2 and 8 run every 10-20 minutes, taking about 15-20 minutes. Taxis are also available, costing between 20 and 35 euros.

If arriving by train, you’ll come into Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, where you can take local buses (lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6) to the center. There’s also a taxi rank at Südtirolerplatz for easy access.

Additionally, the coach station at Hauptbahnhof offers services from Flixbus for travel around Austria and Europe. Public transport in Salzburg is primarily bus and tram services, with tickets costing around 2.50 euros, but many prefer to walk due to the city’s small size.

How to get around Salzburg

Salzburg has an environmentally friendly trolleybus system with electric trolleybuses and bus lines. So, take advantage of the well-developed public transport and support climate protection. Trolleybuses run during the day at intervals of 10, 15, or 20 minutes.

More importantly, Salzburg is a very walkable city. If you arrive by train, you can reach Mirabell Garden in about 10 minutes. This garden is a great starting point for sightseeing. It takes about 25 minutes to walk to the Fortress of Salzburg, which is at the other end of the old town. Starting from 1 May 2025, tourists in the Province of Salzburg get free regional public transport with the new ‘Guest Mobility Ticket.’

Ultimately, Salzburg also has over 180 km of bike lanes, making it known for eco-friendly travel. You can easily lock up your bike around town. Most bike routes go through parks and off-road areas, which makes it safe for beginner riders.

What to do and see in Salzburg

Salzburg is a small city with many attractions close together, but visiting can still become pricey. To save money, consider getting a Salzburg card. Salzburg offers free transportation, entry to most sites, and discounts on other attractions. You can choose from a twenty-four, forty-eight, or seventy-two-hour card.

One small warning: many attractions may be closed in winter, so planning your visit is essential. Key sights include Mozart’s Birth House, the DomQuartier, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The city itself, with its charming baroque old town, is perfect for wandering along Goldgasse and Getreidegasse, or enjoying a coffee at one of Salzburg’s historic cafés like Café Tomaselli or Café Fürst.

Additionally, Salzburg hosts several festivals, including the famous Salzburg Festival and Mozart Week.

Lastly, don’t miss the Mozart statue in Mozart Square, located near his birthplace. Salzburg, once a church-controlled city, boasts more than twenty churches, with the stunning Salzburg Cathedral being a standout.

Best day trips from Salzburg

Top day trips from Salzburg include the fairytale-like village of Hallstatt, the breathtaking Königssee Lake, and the surrounding Bavarian Alps. You can also visit the historic Eagle’s Nest and the nearby town of Berchtesgaden, explore the vast Dachstein Ice Caves, and enjoy the stunning views from the 5 Fingers viewing platform. Another beautiful destination is Wolfgangsee Lake, which features the charming village of St. Gilgen and the Schafberg Mountain.

Additionally, you can explore the historic Werfen Castle and its Giant Ice Caves, or visit the Hallein Salt Mine. Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque village nestled in the Salzkammergut lake district, offering stunning lake views and the Hallstatt Skywalk.

Don’t miss the Eagle’s Nest, the former mountain retreat of Adolf Hitler, located at Obersalzberg. Most importantly, discover the history of salt mining at the Hallein Salt Mine and visit a nearby Celtic Village. For film enthusiasts, consider taking a Sound of Music tour to see iconic locations from the beloved movie, including Mondsee.

When to visit Salzburg

The best times to visit Salzburg are in spring (May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere, consider visiting in December to experience the famous Christmas markets.

Generally, summer is the busiest season (besides December), with high prices and large crowds. However, it features the renowned Salzburg Festival. Winter offers a quieter experience, excellent for skiing.

Museum tickets are reasonably priced year-round, and free walking tours are available. Additionally, getting a Salzburg Card can help you save money on attractions and transportation in Vienna.

How long should I stay in Salzburg?

Salzburg’s a fun and engaging city to visit any time of year. We recommend spending at least two days there to truly enjoy it and take your time. If you want to explore the surrounding area with day trips, consider staying a bit longer.

Can you visit Salzburg in just one day?

Yes, Europe is within a two-hour distance, but after our visit, we suggest staying at least two full days and nights.

Where to stay

Salzburg’s old town covers a small area that’s easy to explore on foot, with most attractions nearby. So, for first-time visitors, Austria’s historic Old Town offers convenient access to sights. Neustadt, across the river, features a modern atmosphere with shopping, dining, and nightlife. At the same time, Elisabeth Vorstadt is ideal for budget travelers. For luxury, consider Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, and families may enjoy the JUFA Hotel Salzburg.

Is Salzburg expensive?

Salzburg is one of the more expensive cities in Austria. However, it is still cheaper than many other well-known cities in Western Europe, such as Paris or London. So, if you search outside the city center, you can find affordable yet high-quality accommodation. While restaurant prices can vary, it is possible to enjoy a delicious meal in Salzburg without overspending.

Is Salzburg safe?

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and Salzburg is considered a very safe city for travelers. However, it’s essential to use common sense and take precautions as you would in any other city. Avoid leaving bags open or unattended, and don’t leave your wallet or phone on the table at a café.