Salzburg tours and tickets
Salzburg is compact, and most sights sell tickets at the door. The things to book are festival performances months ahead, Hohensalzburg in summer, and a table at a traditional restaurant. Hellbrunn and Mozart's Birthplace fill in July and August. The Salzburg Card covers many sights, and day trips to Hallstatt and the salt mines run daily.
Book these first
- Festival performances
- Several months ahead. The Salzburg Festival in July and August sells out early, and the best seats go first.
- Hohensalzburg timed entry
- 1 to 3 days ahead in summer. Queues build at midday, and a booked slot saves an hour.
- A table at a traditional restaurant
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead in peak season. The best-known places fill at weekends and in December.
Nobody pays to be on this page. The Viator buttons are partner links: if you book through one, Viator may pay us a commission, at no cost to you. Where the official site sells the ticket, we link it too. How we rank
Monuments and landmarks
Hohensalzburg Fortress
A medieval fortress on a hill above the city, with state rooms, museums and a view over the rooftops. Entry is by timed ticket in summer, and a funicular climbs from the old town.
Which to pick. Book a timed slot online in summer, and take the funicular up. Allow two to three hours and bring a light jacket.
1 to 3 days ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMirabell Palace and Gardens
A baroque palace and formal garden, with views up to the fortress and film locations from The Sound of Music. The garden is free, and the Marble Hall is used for concerts.
Which to pick. Walk through the gardens in the morning. Book a concert if you want to see the Marble Hall.
Not needed for the gardensVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMönchsberg and the lift
A wooded ridge above the old town reached by a lift, with trails and views over the city. The walk down takes about 20 minutes.
Which to pick. Take the lift up and walk down through the woods. Go at sunset for the light on the old town roofs.
Museums and galleries
Mozart's Birthplace
The house on Getreidegasse where the composer was born, with instruments, letters and a family portrait. It's often busy at midday.
Which to pick. Go at opening time or late in the afternoon, and buy a ticket online in July and August.
A day or two ahead in peak seasonOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSalzburg Cathedral and Residence
A baroque cathedral next to the Residence, the prince-archbishops' palace, with state rooms and a gallery. A combined ticket is sold.
Which to pick. Combine them in one morning. The cathedral is free to enter during open hours, so only the Residence needs a ticket.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Churches and palaces
Hellbrunn Palace and trick fountains
A summer palace with gardens and water games, built by a prince-archbishop who liked to soak his guests. Guided tours of the fountains take about 45 minutes.
Which to pick. Book a tour online in summer, and expect to get wet. Go by bus or bike from the old town.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSt Peter's Abbey and catacombs
The oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, with a cemetery that inspired a film scene, early Christian catacombs cut into the rock and a baroque church. Catacomb visits are guided and short.
Which to pick. Visit in the morning and join the short catacomb tour. The cemetery and church are free, so combine them with the cathedral.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Experiences and nights out
Salzburg Festival performances
Opera, theater and concerts held each summer in several halls, with tickets sold months ahead. Many are expensive and sell out fast.
Which to pick. Book as soon as the program opens. If you miss out, try for returns on the day.
Several months aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSound of Music tour
A bus tour of film locations around the city and lake district, with songs and stories on board. It lasts about four hours.
Which to pick. Choose it if you love the film. Skip it if you prefer history, as the focus is the movie.
A day or two aheadTours and tickets on ViatorMozart dinner concert
A concert in a historic hall with a meal, often at the fortress or in a monastery. Performers wear period costume.
Which to pick. Book if you want a classic Salzburg evening. Check the menu and the seat plan.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Hallstatt
A lakeside village in the Salzkammergut, about two hours by train and bus, with wooden houses and a salt mine above. It's very busy in summer.
Which to pick. Go early, or stay a night after the day visitors leave. Tours from Salzburg are simple.
A day or two ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorHallein salt mine
A guided tour into a historic salt mine with wooden slides, a lake and a miner's outfit. It lasts about 90 minutes.
Which to pick. Book a morning tour and bring a jacket, since the mine is cool. Children love the slides, so it suits families.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBerchtesgaden and the Königssee
A German mountain lake with an electric boat to a chapel, about an hour from Salzburg across the border. Salt mines and a mountain lodge are close.
Which to pick. Take your passport. Go on a clear day and book the boat ahead in summer.
A few days ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Salzburg
- Salzburg CardA card for entry to the main attractions, including the fortress and Hellbrunn, and public transport, for 24, 48 or 72 hours. It pays off for visitors who pack in sights and don't walk through the old town only. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Salzburg
Is the Salzburg Card worth it?
Yes if you will visit the fortress, Hellbrunn, a few museums and use buses in one to three days. For a light schedule, single tickets are cheaper.
How do I get festival tickets?
Through the festival's own site, as soon as sales open, months ahead. Some seats appear closer to the date, and returns are sold on the day.
Do I need a guide for Hohensalzburg?
No. Audio guides are included in the ticket, and the signs are good. A guided tour adds the history of the prince-archbishops.
Is Hallstatt worth a day trip?
Yes, for the views, but it is crowded in summer. Go early or stay overnight. Weather can make the lake views vanish.
Is the Sound of Music tour worth it?
Only for fans. It shows the locations and tells the film's story. If you want history or Mozart, a city walk is better.
What can I leave until I arrive?
The old town, the cathedral, Mönchsberg and Mirabell Gardens can be done on the day. Book the fortress, Hellbrunn and festival seats first.