Salzburg Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Mozart’s Birthplace

Welcome to Salzburg, a city where Baroque splendor meets alpine charm, and the echoes of Mozart still float through the air. Nestled on the banks of the Salzach River and framed by the Eastern Alps, Salzburg is a cultural jewel of Austria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 

As your virtual guide, I’ll walk you through everything Salzburg has to offer—from majestic fortresses to musical legacies and hidden gems. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a full week, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.

📍 Where Is Salzburg?

Location: Northwestern Austria, near the German border

Region: State of Salzburg

Famous For: Birthplace of Mozart, Baroque architecture, “The Sound of Music” filming sites

🧭 Why Visit Salzburg?

Explore one of Europe’s best-preserved Baroque cities

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Discover filming locations from The Sound of Music

Enjoy panoramic views from fortresses and alpine peaks

Experience Austrian cuisine, culture, and music festivals

🚗 How to Get to Salzburg

✈️ By Air

Salzburg Airport (SZG) – Only 15 minutes from city center

Alternatively: Fly into Munich (2-hour train ride)

🚆 By Train

Direct trains from Vienna, Munich, Innsbruck, Zurich

Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is well-connected and central

🚗 By Car

Scenic routes through Bavaria and the Austrian Alps

Well-connected via the A1 and A10 motorways

🏰 Top Attractions in Salzburg

1. Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg)

Iconic clifftop castle overlooking the city

One of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles

Reachable by funicular or a scenic hike

Explore the museum, towers, and stunning city views

2. Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus)

Located in Getreidegasse 9

Museum exhibits Mozart’s instruments, letters, and personal items

Insight into his family life and musical journey

3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

UNESCO-listed Baroque palace built in 1606

Famous for the Do-Re-Mi scene in The Sound of Music

Sculpted gardens, fountains, and floral patterns make it perfect for photos

4. Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)

Grand Baroque cathedral in the historic center

Site of Mozart’s baptism

Impressive interiors with ornate ceiling frescoes

5. Getreidegasse

Salzburg’s most famous shopping street

Historic guild signs, charming façades, and boutique stores

Great for souvenir shopping and coffee breaks

🎶 The Sound of Music Tour

Whether you’re a fan or just curious, visiting The Sound of Music filming sites is a top activity in Salzburg.

Highlights include:

Leopoldskron Palace (Von Trapp residence)

Nonnberg Abbey (Where Maria was a novice)

Mirabell Gardens (Do-Re-Mi scene)

Hellbrunn Palace (Gazebo scene)

Join a guided bus tour or follow a DIY itinerary.

🌄 Nature & Day Trips from Salzburg

1. Untersberg Mountain

Cable car to the summit for spectacular views over Austria and Germany

Ideal for hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter

2. Lake District (Salzkammergut)

Just 30–45 minutes from Salzburg

Picturesque lakes like Wolfgangsee, Fuschlsee, and Mondsee

Perfect for boating, swimming, and village hopping

3. Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

Located in Berchtesgaden, Germany

Historical Nazi-era site with panoramic views and alpine hiking trails

🖼️ Museums & Cultural Highlights

DomQuartier Salzburg – Explore the interconnected Residenz Palace, Cathedral, and museums

Mozart Residence – The family’s later home, with musical archives and audio guides

Museum der Moderne – Modern art with a view from the Mönchsberg cliff

Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) – Great for families with children

🥨 What to Eat in Salzburg

Local Specialties

Salzburger Nockerl – Sweet soufflé dessert shaped like the local mountains

Kasnocken – Cheese dumplings with fried onions

Bosna – Spicy sausage sandwich, a popular street food

Tafelspitz – Boiled beef served with horseradish and potatoes

Where to Eat

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – One of Europe’s oldest restaurants (since 803!)

Gasthaus Zwettler’s – Cozy spot for traditional Austrian food

Bärenwirt – Authentic Tyrolean flavors with a beer garden vibe

Café Tomaselli – Classic Salzburg café with Mozart’s patronage

☕ Best Cafés & Treats

Café Konditorei Fürst – Home of the original Mozartkugel (chocolate & marzipan truffle)

220° Coffee Roastery – For artisan espresso lovers

Afro Café – Trendy spot with creative teas and fusion snacks

🏨 Where to Stay in Salzburg

Luxury

Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Classic 5-star hotel with river views

Schloss Mönchstein – A romantic castle hotel on a hill above Salzburg

Mid-Range

Hotel Elefant – Baroque-style charm in the Old Town

Hotel am Mirabellplatz – Stylish rooms near the palace gardens

Budget

MEININGER Hotel – Affordable, modern, and central

YoHo International Youth Hostel – Social and clean, with organized tours

📅 Best Time to Visit Salzburg

🎄 Festivals & Events in Salzburg

Salzburg Festival (July–August): World-class opera, drama, and classical music

Mozart Week (January): Celebrates Mozart’s birthday with concerts and events

Advent Markets (Late November–December): Christkindlmarkt in Cathedral Square

Easter Festival (March/April): High-caliber orchestral and operatic performances

🛍️ Shopping in Salzburg

Mozart-themed souvenirs – Chocolates, busts, sheet music

Traditional Austrian clothing – Dirndls and lederhosen

Handicrafts – Hand-painted Easter eggs, wooden toys, alpine products

Designer Boutiques – Along Getreidegasse and Linzer Gasse

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots

View from Hohensalzburg Fortress

Mirabell Gardens with the castle backdrop

Reflections in the Salzach River at sunset

Mozartplatz and Residenzplatz during Christmas

The iconic steps from The Sound of Music

🧳 Salzburg Travel Tips

Salzburg Card – Includes museum entries, public transport, and the funicular

Walkable city – The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot

Dress in layers – Weather can change quickly, especially near the mountains

Language – German is the official language, but English is widely spoken

Currency – Euro (€); credit cards are accepted in most places

🌍 Sustainable Travel in Salzburg

Use the efficient bus and trolleybus network

Support local artisans and family-run restaurants

Drink from public fountains—fresh alpine water is safe and delicious

Choose eco-certified accommodations

🧩 Fun Facts About Salzburg

Salzburg means “Salt Castle”—named after the area's historic salt mines

Mozart composed his first symphony at age 8 while living in the city

The Sound of Music is more popular abroad than with locals—but the tours are still a hit!

🧭 Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you're following in Mozart’s footsteps, enjoying Baroque elegance, or singing Do-Re-Mi in the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg offers timeless charm and unforgettable experiences. It's a city that celebrates music, culture, and the art of alpine living.