Many travellers describe Salzburg as the ‘Swiss Alps but half the price’ and they’re not wrong!
This picturesque Austrian city is filled with rolling green meadows, towering mountains, and baroque castles, but is often less crowded than the country’s capital, Vienna.
Also, nicknamed the “Land of Beauty and Music”, this charming corner in the Alps mountain range invites you to pause, breathe, and maybe even dance a little to the sound of music.
That’s why I’ve curated this magical Salzburg travel guide that captures the magic of the city, whether you yearn to walk in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family or the cave of the ice giants. Salzburg is nothing short of a fairytale.
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When Is the Best Time to Visit Salzburg, Austria?
For the best weather in Salzburg, aim to visit in the high season. These are in summer, between June and August, and then again in December, January, and February. As you can expect, each offers a different experience.
Visiting in summer means you’ll have ample time to hike, bike, and wander the historic streets in pleasantly warm weather. However, don’t forget to bring an umbrella, as you’ll also experience plenty of rainfall.
From December to February, the city turns into a Christmas storybook with markets, snow-capped mountains, and ski slopes. Visit around this time for a laid-back, cozy experience in the city.
How Many Days Do You Need in Salzburg?
I took a weeklong vacation in the city and countryside.
This was more than enough time to explore all its corners and even spend a few days in the neighbouring Bad Gastein.
However, if you plan to see only the city highlights, two to three days are more than enough.
Where to Stay in Salzburg, Austria
Hyperion Hotel
We stayed at the 5-star Hyperion and loved it because it’s located in the central Neustadt district, which is so close to everything.
We could reach iconic city landmarks like the Mirabell Palace, Salzburg Baroque Museum, and Mozart’s Residence in under 10 minutes on foot.
Besides the gorgeous suites, it also had fantastic facilities like two on-site restaurants, which is always a plus.
Der Burgblick
If Werfen is on our Salzburg itinerary, then you’ll love this cozy hotel overlooking the Hohenwerfen Castle just 1640 feet away. Rooms are newly renovated and comfortable with wooden finishes.
Comodo Hotel, Bad Gastein
When visiting Salzburg, you have to see the beautiful ski and spa town of Bad Gastein.
When we visited, we stayed at the Comodo Hotel, a modern log cabin with amazing views of the Alps and a fantastic breakfast.
The hotel also features spa facilities, a sauna, swimming pool, and sun terrace, allowing you to fully decompress after a long day.
Things to do in Salzburg, Austria
Unsure of what to do in Salzburg? It doesn’t take much for this city to stun you with its beauty.
Simply take in the beautiful landscape and culture with these top-notch activities.
Explore the City by Bike
This city is surrounded by beautiful paths that unfurl onto historic buildings, castles, and meadows.
So, taking a leisurely bike ride through the city is the ideal way to not only get around but see all of its beauty up close.
Grab a rental bike and pedal along the Salzach River for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
We also really liked all of the Instagrammable spots in and around the city. Snap the Mirabel Gardens, Volksgarten park, Schloss Hellbrunn, and Leopoldskron Palace.
Top Tip: Bring a picnic basket and blanket with you for a break along the ride at some of the city’s most picturesque spots.
Visit Sights Featured in the Sound of Music
The 1950s Broadway musical and the 1965 film have played a pivotal role in teaching generations their Do-Re-Me’s. But did you know it was almost exclusively filmed in Salzburg?
In just a short 30-minute drive outside of the city, fans of the cult classic can take a tour of the filming locations.
Imagine walking and dancing through the very same meadows Maria taught the Von Trapp kids this tune in Mirabell Garden.
For those hoping to dive deeper, stroll through the Sound of Music trail to the town of Werfen.
Here you can get close-up views of the Hohenwerfen castle and the breathtaking Salzach Valley. It’s a perfect blend of movie magic and the area’s natural beauty.
Make Strudel at Edelweiss Cooking Class
Sometimes, to learn about a culture, you need to have hands-on experience and spend a few hours in the shoes of locals.
And, having a sweet treat afterwards for your hard work is the best reward you can get.
So, why not take the afternoon to learn how to bake an original Austrian Apple Strudel from the Edelweiss Cooking School in Old Town Salzburg? With the guidance of an experienced chef, you’ll go from marinating the apples to stretching the dough to snacking on the fruits of your labor.
As a plus, you can also try your hand at baking the city’s most famous vanilla peaks dessert, the Salzburger Nockerl, here too.
Top Tip: Edelweiss Cooking School is only a 10-minute walk from Mirabell Palace. So, time your cooking class at the end of a walking tour for a sweet ending.
Take a Day Trip to the Ice Caves
The best Salzburg day trip I took was to the ancient Eisriesenwelt caves. This was an unforgettable experience as I got to walk through the world’s largest natural limestone and ice cave.
The stunning crystal palaces and frozen waterfalls stretch over 26 miles into the Hochkogel Mountains near Werfen. They can impressively keep a 32°F temperature even throughout summer.
Top Tip: Plan your trip carefully as the caves are only open for a few months of the year, from May to October, until 15:00.
Watch Local Shows
This city is an enchanting place and an absolute must for music lovers and anyone interested in theater.
Not only is it the central backdrop to The Sound of Music, but it is also the birthplace of Mozart and home to one of the oldest marionette theaters in the world.
The Salzburg Marionette Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1913. Impressively, it still has regular puppet shows to this day.
As a result, it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2016. These shows are a treat for adults and kids alike and are definitely worth a visit.
Another way to culturally connect to this city is through a Mozart Dinner Concert.
This includes a romantic dinner accompanied by live music composed by local musicians in Salzburg. It is the perfect way to incorporate local art with local cuisine.
Spend a Day Exploring the Lakes in Wolfgangsee & Mondsee
The azure lakes of Wolfgangsee and Mondsee are nestled among the Alpine landscapes of the Salzburg region.
Exploring these lush mountains will require you to take at least a full day of your itinerary. This allows you to explore by boat rides, cable cars, and a couple of hours of hiking.
Both lakes offer ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. We absolutely loved the tours that we booked through WETOURS and encourage you to do so too.
Read Next: We love exploring lakes and took a trip to a few on our Dolomites campervan road trip.
Things to do in Bad Gastein
For days three to five, we headed over to the ski and spa town of Bad Gastein, about a two-hour train ride from Salzburg. It was an amazing experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Hike in Sportgastein and Have Lunch in a Hut
The ski area of Sportgastein has a serene beauty in the Austrian Alps. Typically, people visit it for its snowy slopes, but did you know you can hike it, too?
The best time to hike Sportgastein is from May to October. This allows you to enjoy the wildflower-filled meadows and mountain streams.
Along the way, you’ll see numerous mountain huts which invite you in for a rest and refreshments. These rustic rest stops offer traditional foods and homemade products that you can purchase from local vendors.
Visit Bad Gastein’s Wellness Spas
Bad Gastein is known for its thermal mountain waters, which are said to harness healing properties.
The radon-containing elixir is believed to stimulate blood circulation, which speeds up the body’s healing process.
So, treating yourself to a spa day here is a no-brainer. The town offers unique spa experiences that blend modernity with a touch of ancient charm.
Visit Felsentherme Bad Gastein to not only soak in the pain-relieving effects of the warm water, but also enjoy it with the majestic Hohe Tauern mountains in the background. It’s the perfect place for total relaxation.
Where to Eat in Salzburg, Austria
Johanneskeller
If you’re looking for traditional Austrian foods in a central location, then you can’t go wrong here.
Its brick interior, unique art, and buzzing atmosphere are the perfect place to learn more about the city through its dishes.
Visit Rooftop Bars like M32 & IMLAUER Sky
We could not get enough of the rooftop bars of the city. The two we enjoyed quite a bit were these beautiful bars in the heart of the town. While a little pricey, the panoramic views and yummy drinks were worth the treat.
Andreas Hofer Weinstube
This tavern, tucked away in a cobblestone alley, has been serving its patrons Tyrolean cuisine for over 100 years.
Stepping into the dark and smoky setting instantly brings you back to the cozy atmosphere of yore.
Zwettler’s Wirtshaus
Looking for homestyle cooking and a beer? You can’t go wrong with this rustic-style restaurant. Their meals are served with seasonal ingredients and local beers.
Travel tip: Not ready to say goodbye ot Europe yet? Lengthen your Eurotrip by combining your stay with a trip to Italy.