Salzburg, Austria, was probably one of my favorite adventures you have all sent me on to date. It’s a gorgeous city, with so much to see. I was fortunate to have spent a week there and see a lot of amazing things. But, most people only take a few days when they stop in this grand city. So I compiled a list of what to do in Salzburg to help you plan your journey.
1: Fortress Hohensalzburg
If there is one thing you must see in Salzburg, it’s the Fortress Hohensalburg. This fortress towers over the city and has one of the most amazing 360-degree views. A short cable car to the top of this spectacular structure is a day worth of exploring. From the marionette museum to wandering the winding streets of this 1000’s of year old fortress, this experience is definitely worth the 16 euro admission price. And if you get hungry while you’re up there, there is a great restaurant to sit down and eat at while you keep watch over the city.
2: Visit Mozart’s Home
Salzburg is the home of Mozart. And they won’t let you forget it. You will see statues and art throughout the city honoring this classical genius. His influence on this city is undeniable, and they did a fantastic job honoring him by turning his home into a museum of his life. After being demolished during WW2, they reconstructed this building to resemble the original as close as possible. If you’re a fan of classical music, this is a must-see.
3: The Sound Of Music Tour
I wrote about my adventure with The Sound of Music Tour in a previous post, but it was probably one of my favorite things I did this whole adventure. Even if you aren’t a fan of the movie, this is a great way to explore Salzburg and beyond. This four-hour tour lead by Panorama Tours is not only about the film but shares insight into the city and the real-life von Trapp family. And the tour guide Antonio has been doing the tour for over ten years and is filled with any other information you might have about the city of Salzburg.
4: St. Peter’s Cemetary And The Catacombs
St. Peter’s Cemetary is probably one of the most beautiful cemeteries I have ever seen. It’s almost like walking through a garden more than a place where people are buried. In the depths of this beautiful sanctuary are the catacombs. Dating back to the 1100s, these hallowed hallways were built into a side of a cliff. The preserved alters and tombs you find inside are well maintained and worth the short stop to explore as you walk through the city.
5: Getreidegasse
Do you like shopping? Well, if you do, you are going to want to head to Getreidegasse. A narrow street filled with high-end shops that any shopaholic would love. Even if you don’t love shopping, this is a great street to stop and have a coffee and enjoy the people walking by.
6: Visit The Oldest Restaurant In Europe
I mentioned this in my “Where and What to Eat In Salzburg” post, but I think it’s pretty cool that the oldest restaurant in Europe is an option. While I didn’t personally get to try it because of budget reasons, St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium is not only a staple in Salzburg but all of Europe. And they do have what appears to be a fantastic tasting menu, but it does start at 70 euros per person.
7: Mozart’s Birthplace
I know I mentioned above about Mozart’s home, but this is actually where he was born. When I said Salzburg takes pride in Mozart, I wasn’t kidding. But here, you will find information about his childhood, and they even have some of his instruments that he composed some of his famous works on.
8: Exploring Old Town
If you’re in Salzburg, you are going to end up in the old town. This part of town will not disappoint you. Filled with historic shops, buildings, and fantastic restaurants, you could spend a whole day (which I did) wandering the streets. This part of town is a UNESCO world heritage site because it is so well preserved.
9: Salzburg Opera Festival
If you are in Salzburg in the summer, there will most likely be something revolving around Opera. It might be a live concert or a prerecorded Opera, but it is definitely worth the experience. Sitting in the open air and enjoying music is a beautiful way to spend your evening. Even if you aren’t a fan of opera, it’s an incredible experience. You can always leave after a half hour and get a bite to eat.
10: Take A Free Walking Tour
This might be on every list of things to do, but these walking tours are informative and a fantastic way to see the city. While technically they are free, have at least 10 euros on you to give to your tour guide. I have not been disappointed on a single tour I have been on. You will not be disappointed.
Are There Anything I Missed On What To Do In Salzburg?
Please sound off in the comments below and let me know. Salzburg is a small city, but I missed a lot, and I can’t wait to return and explore it more in the future…If you send me there again.
Leave a Reply