Things to do in Salzburg: the fortress, the old town and the lakes
Salzburg is small enough to walk across in 25 minutes, and three days is the right length. Most of what you want sits in the old town, on the left bank of the Salzach, under the fortress. The one thing to know: it rains often, so plan indoor hours.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay in or beside the old town and see it on foot. Add the fortress, Mirabell Gardens and one day trip.
- Where to stay
- The old town for atmosphere, Neustadt for value and train access, Nonntal for quiet.
- How many days
- Two days for the city, three if you add the lakes or the Hallein salt mine.
- Best time to go
- May to September for gardens and festivals, December for the Christmas markets.
- Book ahead
- Festival tickets in July and August, and a table at the Stiftskulinarium.
- From the airport
- Bus 2 runs to the center in about 25 minutes. The taxi takes about 15.
Where to stay in Salzburg, in brief
Altstadt
first-time visitors
Cobbled lanes, churches and the fortress above. Everything is on foot. The catch is price and street noise on Getreidegasse, so ask for a courtyard room.
Neustadt and Mirabell
train and value
On the right bank, five to ten minutes from the old town across the Staatsbrücke. The station is close and the choice of rooms is wider.
Nonntal
quiet evenings
South of the old town below the fortress. Residential and calm, 10 minutes' walk from the cathedral.
Mülln
beer and bars
Near the Augustiner brewery, on the old town's edge. Lively in the evening but easy to reach on foot.
Things to do in Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take the funicular up and walk the ramparts. The views over the roofs and the Alps are the best in the city.
Tickets are timed in summer, so book ahead online.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Free to enter. The formal garden and the view back to the fortress are the postcard shot. Go early.
Salzburg Cathedral
A baroque cathedral with a vast dome, beside Residenzplatz. Check for services before you go in.
Getreidegasse
The main shopping lane, known for its wrought-iron guild signs. Mozart's birthplace is at number 9.
Mozart's Birthplace
The family flat, with instruments and letters. Come at opening time to miss the groups.
A day or two ahead in peak season.
Mönchsberg
Walk or take the lift for woodland paths and views of the city. A good half-day when it is dry.
St. Peter's Abbey and cemetery
The oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, with catacombs cut into the rock.
Hellbrunn Palace
A baroque summer palace with trick fountains, a short bus ride south. Bring a jacket, since you will get wet.
A few days ahead in summer.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Salzburg can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Salzburg, and which to pick- Festival performancesSeveral months ahead
The Salzburg Festival in July and August sells out early, and the best seats go first.
- Hohensalzburg timed entry1 to 3 days ahead in summer
Queues build at midday, and a booked slot saves an hour.
- A table at a traditional restaurant1 to 2 weeks ahead in peak season
The best-known places fill at weekends and in December.
What to skip in Salzburg
- The Sound of Music coach tour
Fine if you love the film. Otherwise it is long and mostly outside the city. Walk the filming spots in the old town instead.
- Eating on Getreidegasse
The setting is lovely but you pay for it. Walk five minutes to Mülln or Neustadt for better value.
- A rushed day trip from Munich or Vienna
Four to six hours is too little. Stay at least one night so you see the old town in the evening.
Best time to visit Salzburg
Salzburg is at its best from May to September, when the gardens are open, the Mönchsberg is dry and the festivals run. July and August are busy and rain is common in summer, so keep a waterproof in your bag.
December has the Christmas markets in the old town, a real reason to come in the cold. Expect 0 to 5°C and early dark. April and October are quieter, with hotels at lower prices.
- From Salzburg airportBus 2 runs to the main station and the center in about 25 minutes. A taxi takes around 15 minutes.
- From the main stationThe old town is 20 minutes on foot or a short ride on bus 3, 5 or 6. Trains to Munich take about 1 hour 30.
- On footThe old town and Mirabell are a walk of 10 to 15 minutes. You rarely need transport inside the center.
- By busBuses cover the rest of the city. The Salzburg Card includes them and many entries, and is worth it if you see three or more sights.
Salzburg in three days
- Day 1
Walk the old town: Residenzplatz, the cathedral, Getreidegasse and Mozart's Birthplace. Eat at a traditional inn.
- Day 2
Take the funicular to the fortress in the morning, then walk the Mönchsberg. Spend the afternoon at Mirabell Gardens and Neustadt.
- Day 3
Take a day trip to Hallein salt mine or the Salzkammergut lakes, or visit Hellbrunn if it is dry.
Day trips from Salzburg
- HallstattA lake village about 2 hours from Salzburg by train and bus. Go early and see it before the coaches arrive.
- Berchtesgaden and the KönigsseeA short drive or bus ride across the German border, with boat trips on a deep alpine lake.
- Hallein salt mineAbout 20 minutes by train. A mine tour with a miners' slide and an underground boat crossing.
Salzburg: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Salzburg?
Two days covers the old town, the fortress and Mirabell. Three lets you add a day trip to the lakes or the salt mine. A fourth is only needed if you want the mountains.
Is Salzburg worth visiting?
Yes. It is compact, easy on foot and set against the Alps. It suits a long weekend and works in any season.
What is the best time to visit Salzburg?
May to September for the gardens and the festival, and December for the Christmas markets. Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper.
Where is the best area to stay in Salzburg?
The old town for atmosphere, Neustadt for value and the station. Nonntal suits you if you want quiet.
Do I need the Salzburg Card?
It pays off if you see three or more of the fortress, Mozart's Birthplace, Hellbrunn and Mirabell-area sights, and use buses. For two sights, buy tickets separately.
Can you visit Salzburg on a day trip?
You can, from Munich or Vienna, but it is rushed. One night lets you see the old town after the groups leave.