Salzburg may be small, but it’s a jewel of a city that gleams under the shadows of the Alps. Long before Mozart and musicals, Celtic settlers mined salt from the mountainside, carving greatness from ‘white gold’ as the city’s fortunes rose from the hills.
Centuries later, it was the crossroad between northern and southern Europe, where Italian and GermanIc cultures blended to create the Baroque buildings of the UNESCO-protected “Salt Castle”.
Compact yet packed with culture, Salzburg feels both grand and intimate, making it the perfect destination for a 2 day escape, and an entry into the Austrian peaks.
What is Salzburg Famous For?
Salzburg’s reputation precedes it, with music, history and nature living in equal harmony, a place perfectly composed to make one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Most beloved for making the hills come alive with the sound of music, the Alpine air carries centuries of tuneful history through Salzburg’s winding streets. The birthplace of child prodigy Wolfgang Mozart inspired Hollywood filmmakers to make one of the most treasured musicals of all time, with Do-Re-Mi still echoing through Mirabell Gardens today.
Straddling the Salzach River, Salzburg is only a stone’s throw away from the German border. The city’s longstanding watchman and one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, Hohensalzburg Fortress, has been perched on Festungsberg hill since the 10th century. The most historic of the city’s four castles overlooks the annual Christmas Markets, with a thousand year old history that still attracts over a million visitors, soaking up the Advent choirs and mulled wine.
Nestled within the mountains in the heart of Europe, Salzburg also serves as a gateway to the Alps and is a dream for hikers, with plenty of nature trails, alpine treks and wildflower meadows to explore. For swimmers and forest bathers, Salzburg state forms part of the Salzkammergut, or Austrian Lake District, with 76 shimmering lakes to choose from. If you’d rather get your skis on, enjoy a ski safari with 20 resorts in the Salzburger region alone. Refuel in a picturesque mountain hut with the famously hearty Austrian cuisine, from rich Käseknödelsuppe soup to fluffy Topfenkugerl dumplings.
The birthplace of Red Bull and home to its HQ, Salzburg is also the beer capital of Austria, with breweries dating back to the 14th century. Stiegl, Hofbräu Kaltenhausen and Augustiner Bräu are the city’s most famous breweries, with the latter founded by Augustinian monks. Sip a stein of Edelweiss in a beer hall and enjoy the four-hundred-year-old recipe, named after the native alpine flower and a national symbol of Austria.
Once a centre of the Catholic Revival in the 17th century, you can end your trip repenting your sins in one of the centre’s 20 chapels. The City of Churches has something for everyone, with Salzburg’s unique blend of outdoor lifestyle and cosmopolitan culture making it irresistible.
Can Salzburg be done in a day?
Technically, yes, Salzburg is a compact city and easily walkable, so you could do a whistle-stop tour in 24 hours, but that would be like ordering a shot when you really need a cocktail. The city best reveals itself when you take your time: listening to the cathedral bells, lingering over a slice of strudel, and lapping up the mountain air. With two days, you can slip into a slower rhythm, find the hidden gems, and experience the way of life like a Salzburger. If one day’s a taster, then two days is the proper serving.
When is the Best Time to Visit Salzburg?
It depends on what you want to get out of your trip. Each of Salzburg’s seasons pulls back the curtain to another view of the city, revealing something new to explore.
Spring & Autumn - Hiking Season
Book late spring to early autumn (May – beginning of October) if you want to lace up your walking boots. From Salzburg, you can walk straight into lush green pastures and expansive meadows with cowbells as your soundtrack. For a challenge, tackle a section of the Arnoweg trail for sweeping Alpine views, or hike up the popular Gaisberg. If a gentle amble is more your bag, follow the Mönchsberg or Kapuzinerberg circular paths around the city, or take the Untersberg cable car for a scenic lift into the hills.
The shoulder seasons also spare you the crowds ruining your shots and stealing your reservations, with temperatures milder and prices lower. If going in spring, enjoy the magnolia blossoms in Makartplatz Square, the Easter Markets and the traditional Maypole festivals. If travelling in autumn, make the most of harvest festivals, hearty pumpkin soups and the young, fizzy wines of the Sturmmarkt.
Summer - Swimming, Opera and Festival Season
Summer sees locals cooling off in the turquoise blues of Fuschlsee lake and open-air pools of Freibad Leopoldskron. With the Salzkammergut lake district a short drive away, you’re spoiled for choice with waterside resorts and swimming spots. Water quality is among the best in Europe, with sailing, paddleboarding and waterskiing popular pastimes. Expect average temperatures of 24-26°C over the hottest months.
July and August bring the prestigious Salzburg Festival, a hundred-year celebration of opera, drama and music over 45 days, attracting performers and audiences from across the globe. For culture lovers, this is the best time to visit “The Stage of the World”, but be warned, summer is the peak season for tourists, so expect busloads of Sound of Music fans to rub shoulders with.
Winter - Christmas Markets and Ski Season
From late November to January 1st, Salzburg glows with fairy lights and the rosy cheeks of Glühwein mulled wine drinkers. One of Europe’s prettiest Christmas markets, the Christkindlmarkt takes over Residenzplatz and Domplatz every year, with visitors lapping up spiced Punsch, cream-topped Schlagobers and Lebkuchen gingerbread.
Ski season also launches from the end of November to mid-April, with almost 2,000 kilometres of slopes to choose from across the Salzburg state. December and January are the snowiest months, with average lows of -3°C to highs of 5°C.
Getting to Salzburg
Salzburg sits close to Austria’s border with Germany, making it well connected by road, rail, and air. Though compact, it’s surprisingly accessible for international visitors.
By air
Salzburg’s W.A. Mozart Airport is small but functional, with connections to major European hubs. From the UK, rates are reasonable, with the most frequent flights to Salzburg from London and larger airports like Manchester and Birmingham, particularly in ski season.
The airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre by bus or taxi. Expect to pay around €20-€25 for a taxi ride or €2.50 by bus. The number 2 and 10 buses to the centre depart every 15 to 20 minutes, starting from around 5:30 am to 11.30pm. Taxis are available 24/7.
By train
Austria’s rail network is excellent, and Salzburg Hauptbahnhof station is just a short stroll from the old town. High-speed Railjet services whisk you to Vienna in 2.5 hours and Munich in under two. Direct trains from Zurich, Budapest, and Prague are a scenic way to spend a day without moving!
By bus
FlixBus, ÖBB Postbus and other regional operators run routes from Munich, Vienna, and beyond, often at budget-friendly prices. While slower than trains, buses are a sensible choice if you’re travelling across Central Europe on a shoestring.
Getting Around
Once you arrive, Salzburg is easily navigable. The old town is compact, and most tourist sights are within walking distance. As in most of Austria, public transport is efficient and includes trolleybuses that connect neighbourhoods and tourist attractions, with most running every 10 to 20 minutes until midnight, and night services available over weekends. If bought in advance, standard single tickets are €2.50 or €4.90 for 24-hour passes. Purchase tickets from a kiosk or download the SalzburgMobil App, expect to pay more if you buy on board.
For serious tourists, the Salzburg Pass includes free transport and admission to all tourist attractions and museums, with 24, 48 and 72-hour options from €31 for adults. You can buy a digital card online or purchase one from a ticket office.
Hiring a bike is a scenic way to soak up Salzburg at your own pace, with the city being one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in Austria. Bikes are easily rented from shops such as aVelo Salzburg and Intersport Rent, or through online platforms like Lokki. Expect to pay around €25 per day for a standard bike and €40 for e-bikes.
Is Salzburg a walkable city?
Yes! Salzburg is a small and accessible city, with ample alleyways and tucked-away courtyards begging to be explored. The majority of the UNESCO-listed centre is car-free, making it one of Europe’s most pedestrian-friendly destinations. Popular walks include the “12 Bridges” route along the banks of the Salzach river, as well as the Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg circular trails. Surrounding hillsides are easily conquered on foot, with fortress panoramas and surprise views designed to be discovered by wandering.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
Salzburg accommodation has a varied selection of places to rest your head: choose from boutique hotels in the heart of the city, budget hotels in the new town, or a palace with Hollywood credentials on the outskirts. It’s easy to navigate around the city, but the old town has the most charm and character. You’ll wake up just steps from Mozart’s Birthplace, Residenzplatz fountain and the Baroque cathedral, making it easy to maximise your two days without your Fitbit exploding. Expect higher rates for rooms over summer and during the Christmas Market, and as it’s a small city, make sure you book ahead.
Magazin Rooms
Where: Franz-Josef-Straße 27, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Best for: Affordable design in a quiet area that’s not too far from the action
This stylish little hideaway has playful themed rooms at reasonable rates, just a ten-minute walk from the old town. Tucked away in a residential area, Magazin Rooms has all the mod cons with an artistic twist.
The Little Guesthouse
Where: Riedenburger Str. 8, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Best for: A vintage boutique stay away from the hustle and bustle
Set across the river in a residential neighbourhood near Mirabell Palace, this gorgeously renovated guesthouse offers a charmingly colourful garden, sumptuous buffet breakfasts and rooms with a balcony. A real home away from home, you can even rent free bikes.
Design Hotel Zum Hirschen
Where: Getreidegasse 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Best for: Understated Scandi luxury with historic hosting traditions in the very heart of the old town
Just steps from the Cathedral, Salzburg’s oldest family-run hotel blends 500 years of hospitality heritage, award-winning architecture and contemporary design. Austria’s first certified organic inn, this central boutique stay has a landscaped garden, spa and on-site restaurant.
Johannes Schlössl der Pallottiner
Where: Mönchsberg 24, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Best for: A secluded stay surrounded by green space in a palace turned monastery
Perched on “Monks Mountain” and run by the Pallottiner order, this gästehaus sits in a serene setting. With a sun terrace, tranquil garden and chapel, the monastic retreat feels worlds away from the city, despite being only a 20-minute walk to the centre.
Hotel & Villa Auersperg
Where: Auerspergstraße 61, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Best for: A central hideaway with a garden oasis and on-site spa
Just a ten-minute walk from Mirabell Gardens, Auersperg is a boutique retreat where you can lap up your organic breakfast on the roof terrace. You’ll be zen in no time with the secluded garden, yoga classes and on-site spa.
Schloss Leopoldskron
Where: Leopoldskronstraße 56-58, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Best for: A fairytale palace stay with the Hollywood seal of approval
For the ultimate Salzburg experience, the decadent Schloss Leopoldskron is hard to beat. The filming location for the Von Trapp family residence, this Rococo lakeside palace houses ornate ballrooms, landscaped gardens and sweeping mountain views. Located on the outskirts of town, it feels more like stepping onto a film set than checking into a hotel.
If you’re planning a more remote stay up in the hills, there are a wealth of spa retreats and mountain lodges to choose from.
Nestled in the Alps and about an hour from Salzburg, top-tier wellness spas include the eco-friendly Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Europe’s first forest spa with an organic herbal sauna and infinity lake, as well as the exquisitely luxurious Wellnesshotel Edelweiss, awarded the Austria Quality Seal. It’s a destination in itself with a water park on-site and a ski resort nearby.
More low-key choices, twenty minutes from the city are Haus am Moos, a cosy B&B escape in the outskirts with a pool, peaceful garden and mountain views, and Die Gersberg Alm Romantic Hotel, a traditional Alpine lodge since 1832 with panoramic vistas, a tennis court, pool and natural ice rink in winter.
A Salzburg Two Day Itinerary
Compact, scenic and infused with centuries of music and history, Salzburg is the kind of city you can explore in a weekend without feeling rushed. The mix of Alpine landscapes, historical architecture and rich culinary traditions makes The City of Culture a perfect destination for a two-day adventure.
From medieval fortresses and majestic palaces to mountain walks and monastic breweries, Salzburg is charming, walkable, and endlessly photogenic. If you only have 48 hours, Salzburg’s perfectly-sized centre means you can wander between famous landmarks, soak up the alpine atmosphere and enjoy the local cuisine without counting the clock. But be warned, whether you’re tracing Mozart’s footsteps or cycling through Hollywood film sets, two days here will leave you wanting more.
Day one
Morning
Start your day at Mirabell Palace and Gardens, the perfect introduction to Salzburg’s Baroque charm. Explore its fairytale surroundings and flawlessly manicured lawns against a backdrop of the Alps. Don’t miss the iconic Pegasus Fountain and Do-Re-Mi steps. In summer, catch the brass bands playing along the promenade at 10.30am daily.
From there, cross the river to the Old Town and stroll along Getreidegasse to Mozart’s Birthplace at No. 9. See the first violin of the city’s most famous son, before stopping for a mid-morning coffee and pastry at Cafe Konditorei Fürst, home of the original Mozart Ball as well as rich Viennese coffee. The nearby Residenzplatz fountain and Salzburg Cathedral are perfect for soaking in the local architecture before lunch. If you get there before 12pm, you can catch the organ recital in the historic church where Mozart was baptised.
Afternoon
Next, lunch! Grab a quick Bosna sandwich at the famous Balkan-Grill Walter kiosk or take a seat with a view of the old town in the beer garden of Restaurant Stiegl-Keller.
Once refuelled, explore the serene cloisters and historic catacombs of St Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery. If you have time, continue to Karajan Square and Pferdeschwemme to see the ornate horse bath.
Take the funicular up to ancient Hohensalzburg Fortress and explore its medieval dungeons and panoramic terrace over the old town and Alps.
Evening
For drinks and dinner back in town, head to Austria’s largest beer inn, the Augustiner Bräu Mülln, for a historic beer hall with a hearty market stall and house-brewed beers. Or splurge on The Glass Garden for exquisite fine dining with panoramic views.
End the evening with a slow riverside walk along the Salzach and finish with a nightcap at the Imlauer Rooftop Bar to see the illuminated Hohensalzburg in all its glory.
Day Two
Morning
Begin with a visit to Stift Nonnberg Abbey, the oldest convent in the German-speaking world and home to its most rebellious resident Maria von Trapp. Enjoy your first view of the day over the Alps, and if you’re a morning lark, you might catch the nuns singing their daily choral service at 6.45am.
Stop for a much-needed coffee with Kaffeeothek’s speciality brews, or head to Antiquariat Weinek vintage gallery and bookstore to top up your caffeine levels. Take a stroll along the Basteiweg part of the city walls for one of Salzburg’s most magical viewpoints, overlooking the old town rooftops and fortress.
Afternoon
Take a short bus ride to Hellbrunn Palace, famous for its surprise fountains, Italian gardens, and the legendary Sound of Music gazebo. If you have time, on the way back to town, visit the nature reserve of Leopoldskroner Lake and admire the Rococo palace that stood in for the Von Trapp villa.
For a nutritious pit-stop, choose from the international Afro Cafe or vegan GustavV, before making your way to the Felsenreitschule Theatre for a pre-booked guided tour. The location of the final Von Trapp performance is carved from the cliffside, providing unique acoustics. If visiting in summer, get a seat at one of the 174 concerts at the Salzburg Festival.
Evening
Head to the Sporer Likör- & Punschmanufaktur wine bar before it closes, for one of their speciality spirits from hundred-year-old recipes. For food, choose from the wheat beers and traditional Austrian dishes of Die Weisse, or the local wines and seasonal plates of Weinstöckl Stadtheuriger.
The Best Things to in Salzburg
Salzburg is a treasure trove of cultural and historical attractions, surrounded by unbeatable landscapes and expansive scenery. Offering something for every type of traveller, choose from Baroque gardens and monastic breweries, Alpine hikes and hilltop fortresses, and organ concerts and ornate churches. The City of Mozart is both scenic and steeped in history, blending iconic sights with hidden gems.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens
A “very good place to start”, the gardens of Mirabell Palace are a must-visit in Salzburg. The charming Baroque complex features one of the city’s most beloved views of Hohensalzburg Fortress, with the castle towering over Pegasus Fountain and meticulous rose gardens, as featured in The Sound of Music.
The palace was the creation of a 17th-century prince for his mistress, named after the Italian for “wonderful” and “beautiful”. 400 years later, tourists love to recreate “Do Re Mi” and dance around the marble fountain, geometric flowerbeds and Angel Staircase. Over summer, catch the brass bands play in the promenade, or soak up the illuminated fountain concerts on Wednesdays. Best of all, entry is free.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Dominating Salzburg’s skyline, Hohensalzburg Fortress is Central Europe’s largest fully preserved castle. Sitting 500m above the city on Festungsberg mountain, the fortress has been Salzburg’s custodian for a thousand years. Go back in time exploring the dungeons, prince’s chambers and armoury.
You can dine like a prince and book the famous Mozart Fortress Concerts, or catch the brass band on the trumpet tower every Sunday morning. Don’t miss the panoramic terrace, which offers 360° views over the old town and the Alps.
Mozart’s Birthplace
Explore the beginnings of Salzburg’s most famous son, in one of Austria’s most visited museums. The birthplace of the Wunderkind composer houses his very first violin, along with handwritten letters and portraits, giving an intimate insight into Mozart’s life and work. No. 9 Getreidegasse is a pilgrimage for music and history buffs the world over.
Salzburg Cathedral
Wolfgang Mozart himself was baptised at this Baroque masterpiece, which houses an exquisite marble interior decorated with intricate frescoes under a magnificent dome. Catch an organ recital at 12pm every day or visit the thousand-year-old crypt.
Stift Nonnberg Abbey
The oldest convent in the German-speaking world, the Benedictine abbey’s most famous resident was Maria Von Trapp. Sitting above the city at the foot of Festungsberg, the short climb rewards visitors with panoramic views over Salzburg and the Alps. The Gothic church and cloisters provide a glimpse into monastic life, with nuns singing Gregorian Chorals at 6.45am every morning.
St Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery
Founded in 696, St Peter’s Abbey is the oldest Germanic monastery still in existence. The cemetery and catacombs of Petersfriedhof are nowadays most recognised as the Von Trapp’s hiding spot from the Nazis, despite the Hollywood producers recreating it in a Californian studio. The grounds offer a serene cloister, a peaceful cemetery and the most ancient library in Austria.
Felenreitschule Theatre
Originally a riding school, this venue is Salzburg’s most famous theatre, hosting its annual festival. Carved from the rock of the Mönchsberg cliff face, the Felsenreitschule’s dramatic natural backdrop creates an immersive atmosphere and unbeatable soundscape. Its unique stage is home to world-class events, but it’s best known outside of Austria as the location of the Von Trapp’s performance before their final escape.
Residenplatz Square & Fountain
Salzburg’s central square is a stately forecourt in the heart of the city’s Altstadt (“old town”), boasting the largest Baroque fountain in Central Europe. Surrounded by stunning architecture and cafes, it’s the perfect place to watch the world go by. In summer, it transforms into an open-air cinema, while in winter, it hosts the annual Christmas Market.
Karajan Square & Pferdeschwemme Horse Pond
Right in the festival district lies a historic horse bath, where the prince-archbishops’ parade ponies used to be washed off hundreds of years ago. Near St Peter’s Abbey, enjoy the square’s ornate stone carvings and peaceful courtyard.
Basteiweg Stadtmauer City Wall Viewpoint
Walk up and along the ancient Basteiweg section of the city’s medieval walls (“Stadtmauer”), for the number one view of Hohensalzburg Fortress, surrounding mountains and old town rooftops. It’s an ancient, tranquil spot for reflection and picture postcard shots, no matter the season.
Hellbrunn Palace, Trick Fountains & Sound of Music Gazebo
Hellbrunn Schloss is famous for its 17th-century trick fountains, Italian Baroque gardens and the gazebo setting of “I am Sixteen, Going on Seventeen”. The vast park offers 60 acres of ponds, meadows and mountain views, for a picturesque escape from the city, just a twenty-minute bus ride away. Bustling with walkers, joggers and cyclists, you’ll find pop-up yoga in summer and cross-country ski-ing in winter. But beware of the Wasserspiele fountains that surprise visitors with sudden water jets shooting up from the ground.
Leopoldskroner Lake
On the way to Hellbrun Palace lies Leopoldskroner Weiher, a serene 650m long “pond” that’s more of a lake and officially a nature reserve. With sumptuous views of the Alps, the lakeside Leopoldskron Palace is more commonly known as the shooting location for the Von Trapp family house. Although now a hotel, you can book breakfast, a seat at the bar, or a tour of the Rococo palace.
Sound of Music Tours
For Captain Von Trapp fangirls, this can’t be missed. Exploring Salzburg’s cinematic locations that buses can’t reach, the Frulein Marias bike tour circles the city from the gazebo at Hellbrunn, to Leopoldskron Palace, Mirabell Gardens and more. The tour goes twice daily from April to October for €45.
If you prefer a little less effort, book the original bus tour that takes you further afield to Church Mondsee, or take a private excursion to Werfen where Maria Do-Re-Mi’d
Eagle’s Nest
Across the German border and at the summit of Kehlstein lies the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain retreat in the Bavarian Alps. Completed in 1938 for The Führer’s 50th birthday, the hilltop exhibition offers an insight into the Third Reich, as well as panoramic views from 6,000 feet. Reportedly, Hitler rarely visited the Kehlsteinhaus due to his fear of heights, but today it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. A forty-minute drive from Salzburg, tours are readily available from the city.
Getreidegasse
The charm of Salzburg comes alive on this narrow medieval street lined with wrought-iron shop signs and centuries of history. The city’s musical genius was born here, and you can visit the museum for a glimpse into Mozart’s timeless talent. Strolling along Getreidegasse’s ancient lane feels like stepping back in time.
Dom Quartier
Step into the heart of Salzburg’s aristocratic past at DomQuartier, where centuries of history unfold across a complex of palaces, museums and Salzburg’s cathedral. The UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases opulent state rooms and gilded chapels, all linked by courtyards, archways and galleries.
Kapitelplatz & Kapitelschwemme Horse Pond
One of Salzburg’s most picturesque squares is home to another of the city’s horse ponds, the intricate Kapitelschwemme, where parade ponies were washed in centuries past. The fortress towers over the picturesque plaza, where street performers and giant chess sets keep tourists entertained.
Untersbergbahn Cable Car
For an aerial view of Salzburg and the Alps, hop on the Untersbergbahn cable car up Untersberg Mountain. At the top of the screen-worthy snow-capped peaks, you’ll find a mountain hut that serves hearty Bavarian dishes, for a cinematic background to your lunch.
Marionettentheater
Salzburg’s Marionette Theater is a living testament to the city’s rich puppetry tradition. Built in 1913 by sculptor Professor Anton Aicher, this UNESCO-protected site is one of the world’s longest-running puppet theatres. Enjoy handcrafted marionettes performing operas, musicals and plays, including The Sound of Music, whose “The Lonely Goatherd” scenes were inspired by this very theatre. Catch a show, book a guided tour or visit the Marionette Museum at Hohensalzburg Fortress that showcases a puppet-sized history of Salzburg.
Where to Eat & Drink in Salzburg
Salzburg’s food and drink scene is a delicious reflection of its Alpine roots and multicultural influences. You’ll find everything from traditional Austrian taverns and bustling beer halls to modern bistros and elegant Viennese kaffeehauser.
Local ingredients lay the foundation of most meals, with hearty mountain dishes created from wild mushrooms and game foraged from the forests, cheeses from local sheep’s milk, river trout and fish, along with wild berries and herbs gathered from the hills. These authentic Alpine flavours are layered with culinary traditions from neighbouring countries and immigrant communities. Viennese coffee culture, German influences and ingredients from across Central Europe have mingled with Salzburg’s local produce to create a culinary culture that feels both local and international, with heritage recipes catering for cosmopolitan tastes.
To savour Salzburg’s delights, refuel with Austrian mac and cheese, Kasnocken, a crowd-pleasing Salzburger Schnitzl at Gasthaus Hinterbrühl and a Cordon Blue at the oldest inn in Europe. Eat like a Alpine farmer with a Brettljause platter of cold cuts, local cheeses, and pickled veg, or try the Bulgarian Bosna, a spicy sandwich with grilled bratwurst. Drink a milky Melange coffee in Austria’s oldest coffee house, and get your sweet fix with local speciality Salzburger Nockerl (vanilla dumplings) and the classic Apfelstrudel.
Salzburg is Austria’s beer capital, with the largest beer tavern in the country along with monastic breweries serving the popular “Wiezenbeer” wheat beer. Sip a stein in a beer garden, crack open a can in the home of Red Bull and shove a bottle of Mozart’s Chocolate Liqueur in your suitcase. If you’re feeling brave, Sporer Orange Punch really hits the spot.
You can even enjoy dining with a musical twist in Central Europe’s oldest restaurant, with a candlelight Mozart concert paired with an 18th-century menu in St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. Not forgetting the famous Mozartkugeln Mozart Balls that mix marzipan, nougat and dark chocolate.
Kaffeeothek
With over 80 different coffees from 20 roasteries across Austria and Europe, this coffee shop is all about the bean. Kaffeeothek espresso and filter bar offers personalised advice to find your ideal drink, whether a cortado, cappuccino or cold brew, all in fresh, modern surroundings. You can even book a workshop to learn how to grind, froth and brew to perfection.
Where: Getreidegasse 3, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm
Cafe Konditorei Fürst
Famous for its original Mozartkugel chocolate balls, this quaint cafe has been baking sweet treats since 1884. Savour a slice of homemade apfelstrudel in a cosy pâtisserie booth, complete with a complimentary newspaper, for a traditional kaffeehaus experience.
Where: Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Saturday 9am – 7pm; Sunday & Holidays 10am – 5pm
Antiquariat Weinek
Serving speciality coffee, natural wine and craft beer, along with seasonal, organic food, Antiquariat Weinek is a family-owned bar-cum-bookstore that also sells art and vinyl. Situated on one of Salzburg’s oldest streets, enjoy a morning latte or an evening cocktail nestled between vintage furniture and vintage books.
Where: Steingasse 14, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Wednesday to Thursday 11am – 8pm; Friday 11am – 10pm; Saturday 11am – 6pm
Schloss Leopoldskron
Want to push the boat out at breakfast? Start your day at the famous Schloss Leopoldskron hotel. Dine in the castle’s state rooms with lake views and a buffet serving fresh pastries, local jams, regional cheese, champagne and more. Choose from breakfast for €42, or a seat at the all-day bar, booking is essential.
Where: Leopoldskronstraße 56-58, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Breakfast Monday to Friday 7.30 am to 10am; Bar Monday to Sunday 11am to 10pm
Afro Cafe
A delicious choice for brunch and beyond, Afro Cafe uses Fairtrade organic beans from the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia. The vibrant and inviting atmosphere reflects its menu, with Shashuka, Earl Grey porridge, tagines, fresh juices and hibiscus spritzes part of its eclectic offering.
Where: Bürgerspitalpl. 5, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Saturday 9am to 8pm
GustavV
The city’s first and only solely vegan restaurant. Born from a crowdfunding campaign, this cute little bistro near Mirabell Gardens has an ever-changing menu from French toast to pumpkin schnitzel soup and beetroot cakes. Warning: don’t forget cash!
Where: Wolf-Dietrich-Straße 33, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Wednesday to Friday 11am to 8pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm
Balkan-Grill Walter
Founded by Zanko Todoroff in 1949, the Balkan-Grill Walter is home of the Bosna sandwich, inspired by the Bulgarian word for snack and his home country Bosnia. Their spicy pork favourite is seasoned with a secret curry-based spice, and has become popular throughout western Austria and Bavaria. This takeaway kiosk is perfect for a quick, filling and authentic lunch.
Where: Getreidegasse 33a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Saturday 11am – 7pm
Stiegl Brewery Salzburg GmbH
This family-run, waterfront brewery is Austria’s largest, home of the country’s most famous beer brand, Stiegl, for over 500 years. Take a guided tour of the brewery, visit the 270° cinema in their multi-media museum, or just pull up a pew and enjoy a stein paired with pub-style dishes, from ragout in beer gravy to sauerkraut dumplings.
Where: Bräuhausstraße 9, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm
Restaurant Stiegl-Keller
A rooftop beer hall serving traditional Austrian cuisine alongside Stiegl beer. Enjoy rustic dishes including crispy Bierbratl pork belly, fried chicken and schnitzel. Stieg-Keller’s beer garden has stunning views over the old town, and is worth the trip alone.
Where: Festungsgasse 10, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Thursday, Friday 11:30am – 10pm; Saturday to Sunday 11am – 10pm
Augustiner Brau Mülln
Founded by Augstine monks in 1621, the Augustiner Bräu Mülln is Austria’s largest beer inn, producing lager from a traditional recipe largely brewed by hand. Enjoy Bavarian’s finest in a stone-made pitcher served from wooden barrels, and take a seat on the long wooden tables in the historic beer hall or the shady beer garden. Choose from a range of plates in the on-site Schmankerlgang market serving spicy sausages, cream cheeses and pretzels. Make sure you bring cash, and if you’re a true beer lover, book one of their brewery tours.
Where: Lindhofstraße 7, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Friday 3pm – 11pm; Saturday to Sunday 2:30pm – 11pm
Die Weisse
Die Weisse is Austria’s most ancient wheat beer brewery and an old-school tavern. Choose from traditional fruity beers with goulash, dumplings and sheep’s cheese salad.
Where: Rupertgasse 10, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Saturday 10am – 12am
Weinstockl Stadtheuriger
Salzburg’s oldest wine tavern, this Heurigen serves a buffet of seasonal local dishes paired with Austrian wines, from schnitzel to cold meat platters and Bavarian potato spreads. Ran by a sommelier and featuring an in-house butcher shop, the city’s most beautiful beer garden is worth grabbing a seat in.
Where: Villagasse 3, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Saturday 4pm – 12am
The Glass Garden
For fine-dining aficionados, the trek to this Michelin-starred restaurant is worth it. With ceiling-to-floor glass windows, you can enjoy panoramic views of Salzburg paired with creative dishes and exceptional service, bookmarked by amuse-bouches and petits-fours. Favourites include glazed veal sweetbread, local Bluntau trout and graffiti eggplant.
Where: Mönchsberg Park 26, Mönchsberg Park 26, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Thursday to Monday 12pm to 1pm & 6pm to 10pm
Sporer Likör- & Punschmanufaktur
This family-run wine, beer and spirit store has produced liquors and vermouths for over a hundred years. The Sporer family’s signature orange punch concentrate is still based on a grandmother’s recipe, while their famous “Feine Hausmischung” is a digestive herbal liqueur. Grab your poison and perch at the bar in this tiny, traditional gem.
Where: Getreidegasse 39, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Friday 10am – 7pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm
Imlauer Sky Bar & Restaurant
Because I can’t get enough of Salzburg’s views. This rooftop bar and restaurant has gorgeous panoramas of the fortress and old town, along with Austrian wines to pair with Wiener schnitzels, seabass and caesar salads.
Where: Rainerstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
When: Monday to Sunday 9am to 1am
Do I need a visa to visit Austria?
If you’re coming from the UK, then no. As of 2025, UK passport holders can stay in Austria up to 90 days in any 180-day period visa-free.
What currency does Austria use?
Austria adopted the Euro in 1999 and was one of the first EU countries to do so. Prior to that, Austrian currency was the Schilling from World War II.
Is cash or card better in Austria?
You’ll rarely find the card-only establishments that you do in other parts of Europe, but larger cities such as Vienna are card-friendly. Expect rural villages, countryside taverns and smaller independents to be cash-only. Even in tourist havens such as Salzburg, not all beer halls and restaurants accept debit and credit cards, so keep a sensible stash on you. For trains and buses across the country, you’ll mostly just need your card, but it depends on the location and provider. Always keep coins on you for app-free taxis and toilets!
