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Salzburg is one of the best destinations to visit in Austria, and it’s one of my favorite cities in Central Europe. Plus, if you’re a Sound of Music fan, you’ll sing your heart out as you explore this city. So here are the top Salzburg travel tips.
The Ultimate Austria Travel Guide
Fun Fact: Europe’s oldest restaurant, St. Peter Stiftskeller (opened in 803), is in Salzburg, so don’t miss out on this unique piece of history!
Here are the best Salzburg travel tips for planning an epic trip!
When To Go
May to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds, especially for the world-famous music festivals. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to ensure availability and save some money. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but these are the rainiest months of the year, so always have rain gear with you.
September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings, and the Fall foliage makes the city extra-colorful. Salzburg is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds.
Winter is the off-season when you can have Salzburg practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – February, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months, and ski slopes aren’t far from the city.
March and April are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. March usually still has snow in the surrounding mountains, so you can get some end-of-season ski deals. Daytime temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.
What To Do
Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.
Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours.
See Mozart’s residence and birthplace.
Walk along the Mönchsberg – start from the Mullner side next to the Mullner Church and the Augustiner Brau. You’ll head up a steep incline, then take the flat path that overlooks the river.
Visit Hangar 7.
Learn how to cook apple strudel at the Edelweiss Cooking School.
Go to a concert.
Walk on the old wall of the Kapuzinerberg – start by walking up the Linzergasse to the stone archway on the right-hand side. Then follow the pathway and steps to the Cappucine Monastery.
Tour the Stiegel brewery on their “Beer World” experience.
Where To Eat
Austrian/German Food: Alter Fuchs ($$-$$$), Zum fidelen Affen ($$-$$$), Pauli Stubn ($$-$$$).
My Favorites: Augustiner Brau (Pub, Beer Hall, $$), The Heart of Joy Cafe (European, $$-$$$), Johanneskeller (European, $$-$$$).
Breakfast: Cafe Wernbacher ($$-$$$), 220 Grad ($$-$$$), Bloberger Hof ($$-$$$).
International: Osteria (Italian, $$$), Cabreras (Mexican, $$-$$$), Afro Cafe (International, $$-$$$).
Fine Dining: Andreas Hofer ($$$), Stiftskeller St. Peter (Austrian, $$$$), The Glass Garden (Austrian, International, $$$$).
Cheap Eats: Pommes Boutique (Burgers, $), Costa (Pizza, European, $$), Stieglkeller Beer Garden, $$).
Where To Stay
I stayed at the Hotel Sacher Salzburg, one of the dreamiest European hotels I’ve ever visited!
Salzburg has some incredible accommodations for every budget and preference. From boutique hotels to modern retreats to historic mansions, I’ve rounded up the best hotels and vacation homes in Salzburg.
Best Day Trips
Hallstatt. This picturesque lake town is just a short drive or train ride from Salzburg. Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded during the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
Werfen. This small Alpine town is about a 45-minute car or bus ride from Salzburg. Werfen is home to the Hohenwerfen Castle (featured in the movie Where Eagles Dare) and the Do-Re-Mi field where The Sound of Music was filmed. You can hike a steep, difficult trail (with beautiful views) to the Do-Re-Mi field, or you can drive. And you can take a funicular to Hohenwerfen Castle.
The Eagle’s Nest. Also known as the Kehlsteinhaus, this mountaintop fortress was once a meeting place for Nazi party members. Now, it’s a stunning landmark with a restaurant, beer garden, and some of the best views in the country. The Eagle’s Nest is closed in the winter.
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Is there anything you’d add to this post of Salzburg travel tips? Let us know in the comments!
For Planning The Rest Of Your Trip
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Salzburg Travel Tips
Recommended Tours in Salzburg
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not miss in Salzburg?
The Best Things To Do in Salzburg:
Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.Visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours.See Mozart’s residence and birthplace.Walk along the Mönchsberg – start from the Mullner side next to the Mullner Church and the Augustiner Brau. You’ll head up a steep incline, then take the flat path that overlooks the river.Visit Hangar 7.Learn how to cook apple strudel at the Edelweiss Cooking School.Go to a concert.Walk on the old wall of the Kapuzinerberg – start by walking up the Linzergasse to the stone archway on the right-hand side. Then follow the pathway and steps to the Cappucine Monastery.Tour the Stiegel brewery on their “Beer World” experience.How many days are enough to visit Salzburg?
I recommend spending at least three days in Salzburg – two days for exploring the city and one day for a day trip.
The Best Things To Do in Salzburg:
Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.
Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.Visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours.See Mozart’s residence and birthplace.Walk along the Mönchsberg – start from the Mullner side next to the Mullner Church and the Augustiner Brau. You’ll head up a steep incline, then take the flat path that overlooks the river.Visit Hangar 7.Learn how to cook apple strudel at the Edelweiss Cooking School.Go to a concert.Walk on the old wall of the Kapuzinerberg – start by walking up the Linzergasse to the stone archway on the right-hand side. Then follow the pathway and steps to the Cappucine Monastery.Tour the Stiegel brewery on their “Beer World” experience.Is Salzburg Austria worth visiting?
Yes! Salzburg is one of the best destinations to visit in Austria.
When To Go:
May to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds, especially for the world-famous music festivals. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to ensure availability and save some money. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but these are the rainiest months of the year, so always have rain gear with you.
September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings, and the Fall foliage makes the city extra-colorful. Salzburg is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds.
Winter is the off-season when you can have Salzburg practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – February, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months, and ski slopes aren’t far from the city.
March and April are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. March usually still has snow in the surrounding mountains, so you can get some end-of-season ski deals. Daytime temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.
How can I spend 3 days in Salzburg?
The Best Things To Do in Salzburg:
Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.Visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours.See Mozart’s residence and birthplace.Walk along the Mönchsberg – start from the Mullner side next to the Mullner Church and the Augustiner Brau. You’ll head up a steep incline, then take the flat path that overlooks the river.Visit Hangar 7.Learn how to cook apple strudel at the Edelweiss Cooking School.Go to a concert.Walk on the old wall of the Kapuzinerberg – start by walking up the Linzergasse to the stone archway on the right-hand side. Then follow the pathway and steps to the Cappucine Monastery.Tour the Stiegel brewery on their “Beer World” experience.
What food is Salzburg known for?
The Best Restaurants in Salzburg:
Austrian/German Food: Alter Fuchs ($$-$$$), Zum fidelen Affen ($$-$$$), Pauli Stubn ($$-$$$).
My Favorites: Augustiner Brau (Pub, Beer Hall, $$), The Heart of Joy Cafe (European, $$-$$$), Johanneskeller (European, $$-$$$).
Breakfast: Cafe Wernbacher ($$-$$$), 220 Grad ($$-$$$), Bloberger Hof ($$-$$$).
International: Osteria (Italian, $$$), Cabreras (Mexican, $$-$$$), Afro Cafe (International, $$-$$$).
Fine Dining: Andreas Hofer ($$$), Stiftskeller St. Peter (Austrian, $$$$), The Glass Garden (Austrian, International, $$$$).
Cheap Eats: Pommes Boutique (Burgers, $), Costa (Pizza, European, $$), Stieglkeller Beer Garden, $$).
Is Salzburg walkable?
Yes, Salzburg’s Old Town is very walkable. If you want to head into the suburbs (for example, to visit some of the public parks and Sound of Music filming sites) I recommend renting an e-bike.
The Best Things To Do in Salzburg:
Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.Visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours.See Mozart’s residence and birthplace.Walk along the Mönchsberg – start from the Mullner side next to the Mullner Church and the Augustiner Brau. You’ll head up a steep incline, then take the flat path that overlooks the river.Visit Hangar 7.Learn how to cook apple strudel at the Edelweiss Cooking School.Go to a concert.Walk on the old wall of the Kapuzinerberg – start by walking up the Linzergasse to the stone archway on the right-hand side. Then follow the pathway and steps to the Cappucine Monastery.Tour the Stiegel brewery on their “Beer World” experience.Is Salzburg better than Vienna?
Vienna and Salzburg are both incredible destinations, and they will give you very different scenery and experiences. I highly recommend visiting both of these incredible cities!
What is the best time to visit Salzburg?
May to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds, especially for the world-famous music festivals. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to ensure availability and save some money. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but these are the rainiest months of the year, so always have rain gear with you.
September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings, and the Fall foliage makes the city extra-colorful. Salzburg is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds.
Winter is the off-season when you can have Salzburg practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – February, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months, and ski slopes aren’t far from the city.
March and April are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. March usually still has snow in the surrounding mountains, so you can get some end-of-season ski deals. Daytime temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.
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This Salzburg travel tips guide is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Salzburg travel tips guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Salzburg travel tips guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this Salzburg travel tips guide.
