If you’re researching the best things to do in Salzburg, here’s what makes it special right away. Often called the heart of Austria, this small city set between mountains is full of beauty without feeling overwhelming. It feels calm, romantic, and easy to explore on foot. Its historic centre became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and remains one of the best-kept Baroque centres north of the Alps. Visitors come for alpine hiking, fortress views, and the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who shaped the city’s cultural identity.
Let’s explore the Salzburg attractions that earned the city UNESCO recognition.
1. Fortress Hohensalzburg
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Salzburg, put Fortress Hohensalzburg at the top of your list. According to Wikipedia, Fortress Hohensalzburg stands on Festungsberg mountain at 506 m above sea level. The prince-archbishops of Salzburg ordered its construction to protect their power. The stronghold measures approximately 250 m long and 150 m wide, placing it among the largest medieval castles in Europe. The official website notes the complex covers 32,000 square metres, and it expanded steadily since the 11th century.
The information panels on the site note that archaeologists discovered traces of a Roman fort at the highest point of the hill. This proves that this spot mattered long before the Middle Ages.
Construction of the current castle began in 1077. Ring walls and towers appeared in the 15th century. Powerful bastions followed in the 16th and 17th centuries as fear of Turkish invasions spread across Central Europe. Fortress Hohensalzburg survived wars, political shifts, and was never conquered in battle throughout its 900-year history.
WHAT TO SEE INSIDE:
The castle opens into courtyards, towers, and long stone corridors. Walk through courtyards into the ‘Hoher Stock’. This upper floor housed the prince archbishops. Highlights include the Golden Hall, which once hosted grand celebrations.
Golden Hall
Next door, the Golden Chamber stands as the most richly furnished room, with carved benches covered in vines, animals and foliage. The Bedchamber shows a more private side, with ornate wood panelling designed to keep out the cold. It also contains an early indoor toilet, which was a luxury for its time. Also, don’t miss the Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard, which completes the private living quarters.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE:
Inside the fortress museum, you’ll find ancient weapons, Roman coins and detailed exhibits about court life. You can also visit the armoury, regiment museum, puppet museum, and historic torture chambers.
TERRACES AND VIEWS:
Don’t forget to step outside onto the terraces for breathtaking views over Salzburg’s old town, cathedral, and surrounding mountains. The panoramic terraces come included with your ticket, and visiting them is one of the best things to do in Salzburg.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can reach the fortress on foot via a short uphill walk. Most visitors choose the FestungsBahn funicular instead. Despite its modern look, it’s Austria’s oldest funicular, operating since 1892 and updated in 2011, according to the city’s official website. The ride takes under a minute and runs every 10 minutes. Arrive early to avoid queues.
- Every Sunday at 11:45 PM, tower trumpeters perform baroque fanfares heard throughout the old town. The fortress also hosts Salzburg Fortress Concerts.
- Dogs may enter outdoor areas only and must wear a muzzle and leash. They aren’t allowed inside the building or on the railway.
- TICKET AND PRICES: The All-Inclusive Ticket offers the best value and covers the funicular, courtyard, museums, armoury, princely rooms, and Magic Theatre. As of February 2026, adults pay €19.20, children (6-14) €7.30, and people with disabilities €17.80. Alternatively, we recommend that you purchase the Salzburg Card if you’re planning to visit other attractions in the city. The card allows you one-time entry and fast entry to the railway.
- OPENING TIMES: Opening hours vary by season, with late evenings in summer and shorter days in winter. Last entry is always 30 minutes before closing. Check the official website for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Hohensalzburg Fortress offers good access for visitors with limited mobility. However, not every part of the castle is barrier-free. Knowing this in advance helps you plan a smooth visit. You can reach the fortress comfortably by the funicular, which provides step-free access all the way to the top station. From there, you can move without barriers across the panorama terrace, selected bastions, and the main castle courtyard. These areas already deliver some of the best views and atmosphere of the fortress.
Several indoor spaces are also accessible. A lift inside the bell tower connects to the armoury exhibition, the Kuenburg Bastion, and the Marionette Museum, allowing you to experience important parts of the complex without stairs. However, the most interior rooms inside the main fortress building are not barrier-free. This includes historic rooms such as the Golden Hall, Golden Chamber, Bedchamber, and chapel, which require climbing stairs and navigating medieval passages.
2. DomQuartier Salzburg
If you want to understand why this city earned UNESCO status, start at the DomQuartier Salzburg.
For centuries, the prince-archbishop lived, prayed, celebrated and governed from this very place. From here, they controlled religion, politics, culture, and shaped daily life, trade, and art across the region. When their power ended, this connected world fell apart. Today, the DomQuartier consist of the Residenz Palace, Salzburg Cathedral, and parts of St. Peter’s Abbey. Together, they form the baroque heart of the UNESCO-listed historic centre. It also ranks among the best things to do in Salzburg for history and culture lovers. Walking through these rooms tells 1,300 years of leadership, belief, music, and architecture. No other attraction in the city explains Salzburg so clearly.
WHAT TO SEE INSIDE AND WHY IT MATTERS: 
Carabinieri Hall
State Rooms and Residenz Gallery
The Audience Hall
The Residenz once served as the official home and workplace of the prince-archbishops. According to Hello Salzburg, these richly decorated state rooms show over 200 years of rule, from the Renaissance to Baroque and Classicism. They hosted ceremonies, political meetings, and celebrations that shaped the city. The Residenz Gallery spreads across 11 halls and displays European masterpieces from the 16th to 19th centuries. You’ll see Dutch, Italian, French, and Austrian paintings. This gallery ranks among the finest art collections in the region.
Conference Hall (Council Chamber)
Cathedral Arcade Terrace
From the Cathedral Arcade Terrace, you see one of the most unforgettable views in the city. You look over Cathedral Square, Residenzplatz, and the historic Old Town. Church towers and historic bourgeois houses rise beside the city’s mountains. The cathedral’s baroque façade feels close enough to touch. This terrace offers one of the best photo stops in the historic centre.
Cathedral Museum and Chamber of Art and Curiosities
The Cathedral Museum displays precious liturgical objects from the Cathedral Treasury inside the Cathedral’s South Oratory. Gothic and Baroque paintings and sculptures come from churches and monasteries across the region. The highlight is the Rupertus Cross, created between 700 and 750 AD. According to Hello Salzburg, it’s one of the oldest and most important objects on display. Nearby, the Chamber of Art and Curiosities preserves 17th-century cabinets. The original cabinets hold rare objects from art, nature, and early technology. Few collections in Europe remain this complete.
Original Musical Venues
The DomQuartier also plays a central role in music history. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart served here as court musician. These rooms were Mozart’s professional world, not just performance spaces. He composed music for these rooms and performed inside here. At age seven, he gave his first concert in the conference room. The Hello Salzburg website also notes that the Carabinieri Hall hosted the first opera north of the Alps.
North Oratory and Organ Loft
During our visit, we sadly missed the North Oratory and Organ Loft because we arrived late and the staff had already closed this section. It’s worth planning better than we did. The North Oratory hosts special exhibitions, and the chapel dedicated to St. Rupert features rich artistic decoration. From the Organ Loft, you can see the cathedral interior from above.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- PARTIAL CLOSURES: Residenz Gallery closed from 1st of October 2025 until further notice
- TIME NEEDED: Last admission is 1 hour before closing, but arrive at least 1.5 hours earlier.
- ADMISSION FEES (as of February 2026): Adults €15, children (0-6) €12, youth (7-25) €5, family €32. Purchase the Salzburg Card to save money and skip the lines.
- OPENING TIMES (as of February 2026): January-November daily except Tuesday, 10 AM – 5 PM. July-August daily between 10 AM and 6 PM. Check the official site if planning to visit during Advent and Christmas.
- ACCESSIBILITY: Most areas are barrier-free, with ramps and elevators.
- CONCERTS: Attend concerts in the State Rooms to hear Mozart, where he once played.
- AUDIO GUIDE: Available in 10 languages.
3. Salzburg Cathedral
Long before this city became famous for music and the nearby mountains, this site shaped its identity. Salzburg Cathedral sits at the centre of the Old Town and remains one of the best things to do in Salzburg for travellers who want real depth, not just photos.
MUSIC, FAITH AND POWER:
Saint Rupert founded the original church in 774, building it on Roman foundations. Fire destroyed it several times, and builders reconstructed it many times. Wikipedia notes that the cathedral took its present form in the 17th century when Prince-Bishops rebuilt it in Early Baroque form. This decision changed the city forever. The massive dome, twin towers, and bright marble façade turned the cathedral into a symbol of power and faith.
The cathedral houses a massive 4,000-pipe organ, and music often fills the interior. Mozart’s connection makes this place even more special. He was baptised here in the bronze baptismal font decorated with lions. Later, he served as organist in the cathedral.
Josep Mohr, the man behind the lyrics of ‘Silent Night’, was also baptised here.
The interior boasts impressive frescoes covering the ceiling. The cathedral also holds spiritual treasures. In the crypt, a reliquary shrine holds the remains of Saint Rupert and Vigil, the spiritual founders of the city.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- ADMISSION FEE (as of February 2026): €5 preservation free for adults, under 18 visit for free
- OPENING TIMES: Change by season; check the official website before visiting.
- ACCESSIBILITY: Fully barrier-free except for the Cathedral Crypt.
4. Getreidegasse
Getreidegasse, meaning ‘Grain Lane’, cuts through the historic Old Town and ranks among the most atmospheric streets you’ll ever explore. This narrow pedestrian shopping lane runs parallel to the Salzach River, just one block behind it. Since 1996, it has stood under UNESCO protection, preserving its character while staying lively and modern.
FULL OF DETAIL:
Tall historic townhouses line both sides, rising tightly toward the sky. As your eye travels upward, you’ll notice the windows grow smaller with every higher floor. Builders once did this to save space and manage heat. Many facades display painted dates, the names of former owners, and religious symbols, including the Eye of God, which was meant to offer protection. Elegant doorways open into shops, courtyards, and hidden spaces. International fashion chains share space with traditional shops selling clothing, jewellery, groceries, and leather goods. Cafes and restaurants also hide inside courtyards and side passages, offering a quiet break from the crowds.
What truly defines this street are its ornate wrought-iron guild signs. According to the city’s official website, these signs first appeared in the 18th century. Craftsmen began hanging them to show a largely illiterate population what shops sold. Today, these decorative metal signs remain mandatory, even for modern brands. Even famous franchises, including McDonald’s, replaced bright logos with old-fashioned signs.
SOUL OF THE OLD TOWN:
Through-houses are another feature of Getreidegasse. These houses connect two streets with arched passages running through buildings. Many now host art galleries and small shops. The most famous lies in the Schatz House at number 3, leading to University Square. Look closely – inside this passage, find a quiet relief of the Madonna and Child in a dark corner.
5. Mozart’s Birthplace
One of the best things to do in Salzburg is to visit Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse 9. Behind this bright yellow 12th-century façade lies the third-floor apartment where Mozart was born in 1756 and spent his childhood. According to the city’s official website, Mozart’s family lived here for 26 years, shaping his childhood and early career.
THE MOST PERSONAL MOZART EXPERIENCE IN THE CITY:
This is not a symbolic museum or a later reconstruction. The original worn stone staircase, original rooms, and layout show the daily reality behind genius. The rooms recreate 18th-century middle-class life as accurately as possible. You’ll move through a small kitchen, living area, and bedroom.
Mozart shared a tight living space with his parents and sister. His father worked as a court musician and teacher, and trained young Wolfgang daily. Many of Mozart’s earliest works took shape here before he amazed royal courts across Europe. In 1773, the family moved to a larger residence, but this apartment was the starting point of his journey.
What makes this museum truly unique is its authenticity. You’ll see his concert harpsichord and clavichord and Mozart’s tiny childhood violin, small enough for his young hands. Original letters, certificates and documents reveal his career. There is also a collection of portraits created during his lifetime. Even a lock of his hair survives here, reminding us this genius was once a real child running through these rooms.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- OPENING TIMES (as of February 2026): Daily 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- ADMISSION FEE (as of February 2026): Adults €15, Children (6-14) €4.50, Youth (15-18) €5, under 6 free. One-time free entry included with the Salzburg Card.
- ACCESSIBILITY: Many stairs to reach the apartment; not suitable for wheelchairs.
6. Salzburg Catacombs
The Catacombs of St. Peter’s Abbey hold some of the city’s oldest stories.
The Salzburg Catacombs sit directly above St. Peter’s Church and Cemetery, carved directly into the mountain below the fortress. Despite the name, these chambers never served as buried tunnels. Early Christians used them as prayer rooms and hermit shelters. Historians believe the earliest spaces date back to late antiquity and the early Christian period. They place their origins between 400 and 800 AD, with some evidence pointing even earlier. Atlas Obscura recognises them as among the oldest Christian sites in Austria. Over time, monks shaped the caves further and added chapels during the Middle Ages.
The catacombs carry deep cultural meaning. These caves show how early faith shaped daily life before grand cathedrals existed. When you visit, you can explore its two levels. The 11th-century Gertruden Chapel sits on the lower level. A steeper climb leads to the Maximus Chapel, which likely predates it.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- You’ll find the Catacombs of St. Peter’s Abbey in the heart of the historic centre, inside St. Peter’s Cemetery. It’s a short walk from the riverside and the lower funicular station. While the cemetery allows step-free access through St. Peter’s courtyard, the catacombs aren’t barrier-free.
- ADMISSION FEE (as of February 2026): Entry to the catacombs remains budget-friendly. Adults pay 2 euros, children 1.50 euros, and Salzburg Card holders enjoy one free visit.
7. St. Peter’s Cemetery
According to the Panorama Tours website, this peaceful place dates back to around 700 AD. This places it among the oldest cemeteries in the world and marks the very beginning of Christian burial tradition in the city. Artists, Iron crosses mark the resting places of merchants, scholars, and artists who once shaped the city’s life. Mozart’s sister Nannerl rests here, as does Michael Haydn, buried in the Commune Crypt during the early 19th century. Movie fans recognise the cemetery from The Sound of Music. It inspired the dramatic scene where the von Trapp family hides before escaping the Nazis.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Visit between April and September from 6:30 AM to 8 PM, or October to March until 6 PM.
8. St. Peter’s Abbey
Founded in 696 by Bishop Rupert of Worms, this monastery is the oldest in the German-speaking world with a continuous history. According to Panorama Tours and Wikipedia, no other monastery in the region can claim such an unbroken story. St. Peter’s Abbey spread Christianity and shaped the region’s spiritual life.
St. Peter’s Abbey also remains the oldest bishopric church of the archdiocese. Archaeological finds beneath the altar suggest even an earlier church once stood here, long before written records. Until 1100, the archbishops lived inside the abbey walls, ruling both church and city from this exact spot. During the Middle Ages, St. Peter’s Abbey gained fame for its writing school. Monks copied texts that protected knowledge during times of instability. Fires damaged the buildings several times, but each reconstruction added new styles.
Today, these Romanesque and Gothic structures blend with Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo design.
The abbey’s library is another reason to visit. St. Peter’s houses the oldest library in Austria. It holds around 100,000 volumes, according to Wikipedia. Among 800 manuscripts, the most precious remains the Verbrüderungsbuch from 784.
LEGEND:
St. Peter’s Abbey also guards one of the city’s best legends. Locals tell of an old woman who baked bread during Mass, ignoring repeated warnings. One day, her bread turned to stone. You can still see one of these hardened bread loaves inside the church.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Visiting St. Peter’s Abbey remains one of the most meaningful and unique things to do in Salzburg. The church opens daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, except during services.
9. Salzburg’s oldest bakery
Most tourists walk past St. Peter’s Abbey without knowing a secret waits behind its walls. The monastery runs its own bakery, and it even makes its own flour using a historic mill wheel restored in 2006. This detail alone turns a simple stop into one of the most unique things to do in Salzburg.
The bakery dates back to the 12th century, making it the oldest bakery in the city. According to Panorama Tours, monks built the Almkanal tunnel through the Mönchsberg mountain to bring the water into the city. At the end of this channel, they added a grain mill and bakery that still operates today. The bakery uses the original wood-fired oven. It bakes the famous St. Peter’s bread with pure natural sourdough. Locals also love the mini brioche and a fragrant rye and wheat bread.
You’ll find the rebuilt mill wheel directly next to the entrance, and it’s worth a close look. During our two-day visit in September 2025, we planned to go inside, but the bakery was closed for staff holidays. Bad timing on our part. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck.
10. Mirabell Gardens
Mirabell Palace and the Mirabell Gardens ranks among the most popular attractions in the city. The entire complex holds protected monument status and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mirabell Gardens sits right in the town centre, yet it feels calm and perfectly ordered. According to the city’s official website, this baroque pleasure garden took its current shape around 1690. Archbishop Johan Ernst Thun ordered its redesign, and the famous baroque architect Fischer von Erlach redesigned the space. What you see today still follows his original version. The layout follows strict geometry. Paths form clean lines, flower beds form balanced patterns, and statues stand exactly where the eyes expect them. This design reflects harmony between humans and nature.
One detail makes the garden truly special. The Mirabell Gardens connects visually to the historic skyline. Its main axis points toward the cathedral and fortress, pulling the Old Town directly into the views. This alignment gives the garden its grand effect and ties it tightly to the city.
SOUND OF MUSIC CONNECTION:
Fans of The Sound of Music instantly recognise this place. Scenes filmed around the Pegasus Fountain and the steps turned the garden into a global symbol. Still, even visitors unfamiliar with the movie fall in love with the space. Seasonal flowers, fountains, and open lawns create a peaceful break between sightseeing stops.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Entry stays free, making it easy to visit more than once.
11. Mirabell Palace
While everyone explores the gardens, many people skip the palace behind it, and miss one of the city’s finest interiors.
According to the city’s official website, Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau built the palace in 1606 as Schloss Altenau. He created it as a residence for his mistress Salome and their 15 children. This decision later caused a scandal and political trouble.
After his fall from power, his successor, Marcus Sittikus, banished Salome and the children to leave. He renamed the palace Schloss Mirabell. Later, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton Harrach transformed the building into a baroque palace complex. Today, the palace houses the mayor’s offices, but one room remains open to visitors.
MARBLE HALL:
The Marble Hall originally served as the lavish ballroom and banquet hall for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. It was a venue for high-society events and concerts during the Baroque period.
Marble pillars and detailed stucco decorate the walls, and ceiling frescoes glow in soft colour. Leopold Mozart and his children, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Nannerl, performed here. Today, couples choose it as a wedding venue, and concerts still take place. Many consider it one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- You can find the Marble Hall on the first floor of the main building. To reach it, you climb the white marble Angel’s Staircases, which creates a dramatic entrance. Entry to the Marble Hall is free.
- OPENING TIMES (as of February 2026): You can visit on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8 AM and 4 PM. Alternatively, see the Marble Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays between 1 PM and 4 PM.
12. Day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt
Hallstatt stands as one of Austria’s most iconic places, and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Salzburg. This tiny UNESCO-listed village sits directly on the lake, between Alpine mountains. People settled here over 7,000 years ago because of salt. Today, you can visit one of the oldest salt mines in the world. Another unforgettable stop is the Bone House, where locals painted skulls with names and flowers.
Driving to Hallstatt takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering 77 km. If you prefer comfort, book a Half-Day Hallstatt Tour via GetYourGuide. It includes round-trip bus transport, a guide during the ride, and free time to explore this stunning village independently.
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13. Other things to do in Salzburg
Once you’ve explored the main landmarks, there are other popular stops for many visitors.
- Residenzplatz and Domplatz: These grand squares sit beside the cathedral and the formal seat of power. The cathedral dominates the space, while surrounding buildings show how church and power once ruled the city.
- Kapitelplatz:
Look for the famous art installation: a golden sphere with a man standing on top. The fortress towers above, and mountains stretch in every direction. The walking paths from here lead to some of the best viewpoints in the city.
- Mozart Residence: From 1773 to 1787, Mozart’s family lived at today’s Mozart’s residence on Makartplatz 8. The museum occupies an eight-room apartment and shows his professional life, concerts, and travels.
- St. Peter Stiftskulinarium: First mentioned in 803, it holds the title of the oldest inn in Central Europe.
- Museum of Modern Art: Art lovers should visit the Museum of Modern Art. A lift takes you straight up the cliff to galleries displaying international modern art, photography, and graphic works.
- Sound of Music locations: Film fans can follow the Sound of Music locations across the city. You can visit them independently or join a guided tour for content and stories.
Now you know all about the best things to do in Salzburg!
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