To be honest, it’s difficult to think about Salzburg without doing a dramatic twirl.

After all, this is a city best known (by North American tourists anyway) for its starring role in the Sound of Music, a musical so iconic you’re probably humming one of its songs right now.

Catchy melodies aside though, Salzburg is a dreamy place full of dramatic spires, pastel architecture and a lot to offer visitors, whether they’re coming on a day trip from Munich or staying for a few days.

So, from visiting the (obligatory) Sound of Music sights, to more obscure hidden gems, this post will run you through the best things to do in Salzburg, Austria!

1. Chase all the Sound of Music locations

Let’s start with the obvious. When it comes to things to do in Salzburg, seeing some Sound of Music locations is a must for those who watched the movie religiously as a kid.

The most die-hard of fans can hop on the iconic Sound of Music Salzburg Tour (pre-booking tickets here is highly recommended).

And here are some Sound of Music locations in the Salzburg city centre you can easily visit:

• Mirabell Gardens – this is where Maria and the children frolicked while singing “Do-Re-Mi”
• Salzburg Festival Hall – this former riding school is where the Von Trapp family win the concert before escaping to Switzerland
• Residenzplatz – here you can find the fountain (pictured below) that Julie Andrews splashed while singing “I Have Confidence”
• Nonnberg Abbey – the nunnery Maria lived in at the beginning of the film
• St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery and Catacombs – where the Von Trapp family hid from the Nazis during their escape

2. Enjoy the best views of the city

Salzburg is one of my favourite cities to drool over from above, so another Salzburg must-do is getting a good view at some point during your visit.

There are a lot of great viewpoints, but here are some of the best:

From the Museum der Moderne Mönchsberg: You can take an elevator up, but I walked and it was quite a lovely, peaceful mini-hike. There’s also a restaurant/bar up here called M32 with a great outdoor terrace. If the weather is good, grab a drink here – it’s so worth it, although I’ve heard mixed reviews about the food. While here, our server even gave us free passes for the lift down, which was a nice surprise! Of course, I need to mention to my fellow Sound of Music fans that this is the view from the abbey. 😉

Kapuzinerberg: A nice spot for a little hike, offering refuge from the bustle of the city center, but a little out of the way of other main sights.

The walk down from the Hohensalzburg Fortress: The view from the fortress is (in itself) incredible, but I actually prefer the views you get while walking down (or up I guess, if you’re a real go-getter). The walk over to the Nonnberg Abbey is also worth it if you have some time.

3. Frolic around the Mirabell Palace & Gardens

The only thing more beautiful than these perfect Baroque gardens is the story behind them: they were, as many landmarks are, built for love.

That’s right – Mirabell Palace was constructed as a token of love in the 17th century by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his beloved, Salome Alt.

That said, today the palace and its stunning gardens stand for a different kind of love entirely: a love of selfies! 

This supremely photogenic attraction is one of Salzburg’s most popular, for its beauty and of course its prominent feature in the Sound of Music.

I personally adore it here (in spite of the crowds) and advise it be your first stop in Salzburg. That way, you can immediately immerse yourself in the city’s Baroque beauty.

You can even book a concert in the palace to watch Mozart masterpieces live.

4. Wander Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg Old Town may be the busiest, most touristic part of the city, but for good reason – a quick stroll here and you’ll soon discover why Salzburg is a protected UNESCO Heritage Site.

While Salzburg is best explored and discovered through wistful wandering, don’t miss the following:

• Ducking into the spectacular Salzburg Cathedral
• Strolling down the mega picturesque Getreidegasse (and the equally pretty Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse)
• Admiring the fountain in Residenzplatz
• Saying hey to Mozart’s bright yellow Gebursthaus (birth home)
• Admiring the postcard-perfect Alte Markt

This imposing fortress that looms 500m above the city is a must visit while in Salzburg.

Not only is it fully preserved, it flaunts one of the best views in town, which you can work for by walking up…… or you can do it the easy way: catching a funicular that whizzes you all the way up.

Construction on this bad boy began in 1077, and today it’s recognized as one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It was originally constructed to protect the archbishops of Salzburg and their wealth but over the centuries it was transformed into a formidable fortress complex with towers, bastions, and walls.

In addition to its military function, the fortress served as a cultural and political center, housing a princely residence, administrative offices, and a prison. Today visitors can explore different parts of the castle to learn more about its history, and admire some of the more opulent rooms like the Gothic style Prince’s Chambers.

While here, you should also stop by the Marionette Museum. Yes, that’s right – marionettes… like puppets! Before you back away in fear, do know that admission to this one is included with your fortress ticket, so don’t miss it. It’s a pretty small museum (and mildly creepy if you’re scared of dolls like me), but still unique and worth a quick stop.

6. Visit Salzburg’s spectacular churches

Dramatic pamphlets will declare that Salzburg is “the Rome of the North” thanks to its sheer abundance of churches… and while I’m not sure that’s the best comparison, there’s no denying that Salzburg does have some VERY good looking churches.

Besides the obvious Salzburg Cathedral, be sure to stop by St Peter’s Monastery + Cemetery, the Franziskanerkirche and the Nonnberg Convent (said to be one of the oldest in the German-speaking world, and also home to Maria’s abbey from the Sound of Music).

On that note, another unique thing to do in Salzburg is…

7. Visit Nonnberg Abbey

While Sound of Music fans will want to visit Nonnberg Abbey because of its links to the film, this Benedictine monastery is actually well worth the time to explore in its own right.

Nonnberg Abbey was founded in the 8th century by Saint Rupert, the patron saint of Salzburg, as a Benedictine monastery for women. Even today it’s one of the oldest continuously existing monastic communities in the German-speaking world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses Salzburg’s historic city center.

The abbey complex features a mix of architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque to Baroque. The beautiful church contains an ornate interior, including frescoes, altars, and sculptures, as well as historic cloisters and chapels.

Today, Nonnberg Abbey welcomes visitors who wish to explore its historic grounds and learn about its religious and cultural heritage. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the abbey’s history, architecture, and daily life of the nuns. Visitors can also attend Mass or take a moment for quiet reflection in the church.

8. Enjoy a beer garden

Of course, your visit to Salzburg isn’t complete without a beer! Luckily, there’s no shortage of places in Salzburg to grab one. On a nice day, be sure to take advantage of one of these many beer gardens to visit, or you can head to Austria’s largest beer tavern, which has options for any type of weather.

But this place is honestly so epic, it deserves its own spot on the list:

9. Grab a beer at the Augustiner Bräu Klosterbraueri Mulln

This beer hall is the largest of its kind in Austria, where the beer they’ve been brewing here for over 400 years is freshly poured from wooden barrels and served in proper stoneware. If you’re a beer lover, this place is paradise.

With eight rooms to choose from and a massive beer garden, the vibes here are unmatched. We sat in the Stockhammersaal which is where many locals have their ‘Stammtisch’, a table with a recurring reservation, some of which have been going for decades.

The other rooms looked promising too, so be sure to do a quick lap around before you commit. The Abbot Nicolaus Hall for instance used to be a grand hall in the Salzburg railway station, and was restored/relocated here for all to enjoy.

Here’s how it works: you grab your stone mug (whether a full litre or just a half), you rinse it in the fountain, then pay at the cash desk where you tell them which beer option you want to go for. You’re then given a voucher that you redeem at the pouring station, and boom – giant beer for you, fresh and ready.

If you get nibbly, there’s also a fun area known as the Schmankerlgang that’s like a mini food court where you can grab some bites in between brews. 

IMPORTANT: This place is proudly cash-only, so make sure you bring plenty of it.

10. Visit the city’s oldest bakery

For a uniquely Salzburg experience with the bonus benefit of carbs, make sure you don’t miss the Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter, Salzburg’s oldest bakery dating back to the 12th century.

Everything about this bakery is old timey and wonderful. They sell mainly three things all baked in wood fired ovens – brioche, sourdough and a small sourdough-based roll known as Vintschgerl, with prices so reasonable that you could get some of each to try… though the brioche is my personal preference!

But beyond just the bread, a huge reason to visit is the experience itself.

First, you’re drawn into the courtyard through the sound of the spinning water wheel that supplies power to the mill, then you’re hit with the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the wood fire ovens below. Down some stairs through a non-descript door, you enter a cavernous cellar with a vaulted ceiling, where you can proceed to a small ordering area to the side where treats are sold and sales recorded via a good old fashioned tally.

Sure, there are tourists here, but I did also observe many regulars here just grabbing their daily bread. The experience overall is super unique and tasty, so I’d definitely recommend it. 

11. Hop on a boat tour along the river

If you need a rest from sightseeing then you could take a leisurely boat ride on the Salzach River. This charming boat cruise allows you to see the highlights of the city from the water, which is quite a unique experience and definitely just as pretty as looking down from up high.

On board, you can sit back and relax while (no doubt) taking a million photos – best of all, the boat is covered so you don’t need to worry about the weather!

12. Take a stroll along the river

Now, when it comes to places to explore and frolic in Salzburg, I honestly feel like the Salzach River (the main river that cuts through the heart of Salzburg) is one of the city’s most underrated spots.

I mean sure, the city’s architecture is amazing, and there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy, but with how crammed the Old Town gets, one of the most pleasant things to do in Salzburg (in my opinion) is a leisurely stroll along the Salzach, admiring the thirteen bridges that dot the river along the way.

PS: The simple and unassuming Mozartsteg is actually one of the city’s most popular, thanks to its brief cameo appearance in the Sound of Music.

13. Scope out Salzburg’s modern art installations

While best known for Baroque, Salzburg has a modern side that many don’t actively seek, most notably in the form of modern art installations and sculpture parks scattered around town.

You can learn more about the different modern art installations around the city on the official Salzburg website. 

… You might even find giant pickles 😉

14. Visit Mozart’s birthplace

Probably the most famous and most-visited museum in Salzburg (at least from the outside) is the Hagenauer Haus, Mozarts Geburtshaus AKA Mozart’s Birthplace.

Yup, this is where THE Mozart was born, and trust me: it’s impossible to miss thanks to its bright yellow colour and consistent mass of visitors out front at all hours of the day. These days, visitors can explore the different rooms where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart grew up and started learning music.

The building has been preserved and restored to its 18th-century appearance, allowing you to step back in time to imagine life in the Mozart family home. While here, you can see many of Mozart’s personal belongings, including his childhood violin and the clavichord that he composed The Magic Flute opera on.

BUT to be honest, unless you’re a huge fan of music and Mozart, I don’t think this museum is a must-visit if you’re short on time. The rooms are quite small and often super crowded with group tours, plus the displays aren’t the most dynamic or engaging (with a lot relating to the Mozart family in general, and not just Mozart himself).

15. Visit the Salzburg Christmas Museum

If you can’t make it to Salzburg in time for Christmas season, you can still get a taste of the festivities through the Salzburg Christmas Museum, filled with 11 different sections of themed displays.

This small but magical museum is the work of Ursula Kloiber, who has been collecting the exhibits for the last 50 years and has made them available for other Christmas fans to marvel at. Inside the museum you’ll find a variety of Christmas displays, including Advent calendars, a miniature Christmas market, baking tins, a traditionally decorated living room and depictions of both Krampus and St. Nicholas.

NOTE: This museum is really small and doable in less than an hour. To be honest, I don’t think it’s worth paying full price for, but if you get a Salzburg Card, entry is included and it’s worth a quick look if you’re a big fan of Christmas.

16. Catch a puppet performance

Looking for quirkier things to do in Salzburg? In addition to visiting a puppet museum, why not just commit completely and attend a full-on puppet performance, like…

• The Sound of Music: A magical (English-speaking) marionette performance of The Sound of Music, in the city where the story takes place!
• The Magic Flute: A marionette version of Mozart’s most famous opera, with a choice of a 1 hour or 2 hour performance

17. Venture out to Hellbrunn Palace

For those willing to venture a bit farther out from the Old Town of Salzburg, a visit to Hellbrunn Palace is a must.

The palace itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, featuring ornate facades, grand halls, and opulent interiors. The palace is also surrounded by expansive gardens and a picturesque park, along with a series of famous trick fountains. There are lots of hidden water features where you might be surprised by an unexpected jet of water, but it’s a fun experience in summer!

If you’re looking for the most leisurely way to reach the palace, you can book this boat tour that brings you there.

18. Stop by Hangar 7

Did you know that the Red Bull headquarters are located just outside of Salzburg, and that the Red Bull founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, himself is Austrian?

Well, Hangar-7 is his baby – a collection of historical airplanes, helicopters, Formula One cars and just a general celebration of bro-ey gadgets (as is consistent with the Red Bull brand). There’s even a Michelin star restaurant here called Ikarus.

So, if you’re looking for a more unique Salzburg place to visit (close to the airport), then be sure to add this one to your list!

19. Do a Stiegl Brewery Tour

If you enjoy beers and breweries, then one in particular stands out as a must-visit while in Salzburg.

The Stiegl Brewery is a family-run brewery that’s been going strong for more than 530 years. Their brewery tours are particularly unique here too, with a captivating 270-degree cinema adventure included along with seeing how the signature beers are brewed and bottled.

Of course, if you join this interactive tour of the Stiegl Brewery you’ll also get to sample some of their best brews, and there are three different restaurants on site where you could have a meal after your tour as well.

20. Take a trip to Hallstatt

If you’re looking for a gorgeous trip from Salzburg, then the postcard-perfect town of Hallstatt is well worth a visit.

Famed for its its breath taking natural beauty, Hallstatt is a picturesque village nestled in the Austrian alps on the shores of Lake Hallstatt. It’s packed with colourful buildings adorned with flower boxes, cobblestone streets, and quaint village squares that are sure to have you squealing in delight, though beware: the secret is firmly out about this place, so it is almost always packed with people.

There are quite a few fun things to do in Hallstatt, but its tiny size means it’s an ideal place for just a day. I’d highly recommend overnighting there though – given its popularity as a day trip destination, staying late at night/exploring early in the morning is the best way to enjoy the town without massive crowds.

21. Head to the Eagle’s Nest

Or for a more history-oriented day trip, Salzburg is also a great base for visiting the Kehlsteinhaus, better known as Hitler’s infamous Eagle’s Nest.

The Eagle’s Nest was built as a retreat and teahouse for Adolf Hitler and members of the Nazi party in the 1930s. Despite its dark history, the site is now a symbol of peace and reconciliation, attracting visitors interested in learning about its sobering past.

Along with guided tours of the building, visitors here can embark on leisurely walks or challenging hikes through the Alpine wilderness, enjoying fresh mountain air and stunning scenery along the way. There’s also a restaurant and beer garden where you can relax while enjoying the panoramic views.

You can learn more in my full Eagle’s Nest guide.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Salzburg?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Salzburg activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂