The Definitive Travel Guide to Salzburg Austria

Salzburg is located in northwest Austria and it’s known to be one of Europe's most beautiful cities due to the well-preserved historical architecture and impressive alpine setting.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage due to its conservation, the town is full of baroque architecture. The romantic Old Town district consists of a compact neighborhood of medieval streets and courtyards decorated with an arcade, which is very fun to explore.

This incredible city is the birthplace of Mozart, so it has a lot of attractions to preserve the legacy of the musical genius such as the museum in his family home, various festivals showcasing his music and melodies that ring out daily in the city's Glockenspiel.

It’s always hard to choose a place to stay while traveling since the price range tends to be wide, also different hotels are fitted for different types of travelers. If you are on a romantic trip, you probably won’t like a hotel that is targeted at parents with young children (don’t worry, you are not bitter to think that, no one like children jumping and screaming in the pool).

The suggestions in this blog focus to fit a larger category of people, also we are going to separate the price range into 3 categories: Luxury, Standard, and Economy.

Goldener Hirsch is a luxury hotel in Salzburg, located in the Altstadt district, nearly a 5-minute walk to Mozart's Residence. The hotel is rated 5 stars and comprises 70 rooms with homely comfort.

Dating back to 1407, the property embodies country house architecture without losing the luxury boutique vibe. It’s worth noticing that Goldener Hirsch was completely renovated in 2019. The hotel has some lovely original antiques and handmade furniture that pays tribute to 600 years of history.

Hotel Goldgasse is a completely renovated boutique hotel, right in the heart of the historic city center. Only a few steps away from the cathedral and within walking distance to the festival halls, museums and galleries.

The hotel’s ground-floor restaurant takes you back to the 1500s, with cozy wooden beams and regional Austrian cuisine served on copper dishes.

The rooms are a spectacle for the eyes, with a very contemporary space adorned with bold prints that capture scenes of the famous Salzburg Festival.

Stadtkrug Hotel is relatively small, with only 37 rooms and it’s located in Linzer Gasse, the quiet part of Salzburg's Old Town, which has managed to preserve its original charm.

A traditional wrought-iron sign greets you, the lobby tinkles with chandeliers, and the main-floor restaurant is your archetypal, white, classic, vaulted Salzburg sanctuary. On the roof, you can enjoy a restaurant that is terraced into the mountainside and set with statues, potted begonias and lovely views.

The Star Inn Hotel is located about 300 m from the Playhouse and the famous Getreidegasse, it´s a great economic option since hotels in this area tend to be more expensive. Guest rooms are modern and clean, with options from basic lodgings to business-class suites, perfect for travelers on a budget.

The Adlerhof is a family-run hotel, located near to Salzburg’s main train station (Salzburg Hbf). All our 28 guest rooms are located in a landmarked 19th-century building. The Old Town of Salzburg can easily be reached by walking (about 20 minutes) or by bus from the train station.

From exploring the birthplace of Mozart to meandering through the enchanting Mirabell Gardens, each activity is designed to immerse you in the rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that Salzburg so effortlessly weaves.

The Old Town is a perfect starting place for your time in Salzburg.  You could easily spend a day getting lost in its charming streets, admiring the historic sights, doing some shopping or maybe having a coffee in one of its renowned coffee houses.

Here are the places you don’t wanna miss in Salzburg’s Old Town:

The Alter Markt (a.k.a. Old Market Square) has beautiful baroque houses, most of which have medieval origins. As a matter of fact, everything in the Old Markt is historic and memorable, you can see the old market house, the old court pharmacy, the city's oldest coffee house (Tomaselli) and also Salzburg's smallest house - this beautiful tiny house is often missed by unadvised tourists, so just take a look, it’s located at 10A, Alter Markt.

TIP: You can try delicious local food here, it tends to be cheaper than other places in the city.

All over Salzburg, especially in Alter Markt, you are going to find local artisans who make beautiful handmade souvenirs. It's a great idea to take a little piece of this beautiful city back with you!

However, if you or your loved ones want something truly special to help you treasure your days traveling in Salzburg, a beautiful Art Print is unparalleled.

For those who carry the spirit of a traveler, Oakhouse's 'Vibrant Landscapes Collection' offers a unique way to commemorate your journey. Our collection, featuring an array of destinations including some you may have visited or dream to explore, captures the essence of each locale in stunning art prints. Salzburg, with its timeless charm, is just one of the many inspirations behind our collection. We invite you to bring a piece of your travels home, or perhaps find inspiration for your next destination, with Oakhouse's exquisite art prints.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens was used as a location in the iconic movie, The Sound of Music, and it is an excellent example of Baroque design with numerous terraces, marble statues, and fountains. Of course that the real attraction here are the gardens, especially in the warmer months when all the flowers are blooming.

Mirabell Palace is listed as a cultural heritage monument, highlights of a visit include the astonishing Grand Staircase, built in the 18th century with a number of statues by Georg Raphael Donner, one of the most prolific Austrian sculptors of the time, as well as the Marble Hall, which is still used for concerts and celebrations. In fact, Marble Hall is often considered as one of the most beautiful wedding locations in the world (it doesn't sound cheap!).

There are a whole lot of churches in the old town area (more than twenty). However, none of them even comes close to the magnificence of the Salzburg Cathedral, the first baroque church ever built in Austria.

The cathedral was demolished and rebuilt several times from the initial creation in 774, it was built by Italian architects, which explains the baroque style imported from Italy.

Although it may look relatively simple at first glance, the size, the paintings and the three-dimensional stucco will take your breath away. It’s also where major events in the city occur. The Christmas market, traditional festivals, music festivals and much more happen in the squares surrounding Salzburg Cathedral.

This is an amazing short hike in the middle of Salzburg. You are going to see the ruins of a medieval fortress and beautiful panoramic views of the city of Salzburg and the Alps.

It takes some minutes to hike up (10-15 min). It is not overcrowded with tourists and tours and you can enjoy the best views over this beautiful city where (on a clear day) you may take amazing pictures of the old town, the fortress and the surrounding mountains.

There are two ways to climb Kapuzinerberg: by stairs from Kapuziner or via the road with the cross stations starting at Linzer Gasse. Be aware that climbing the stairs up to the Kapuziner abbey and then further are not the easiest thing to do, especially in the winter or on a rainy day so it is best to do it on a clear day. For this reason, we definitely recommended to start via road at Linzer Gasse and take the stairs to go down.

The church was built in 1512 and completely remodeled in Late Baroque style in the 18th Century, featuring a flight of steps leading to St. Sebastian Cemetery (Friedhof), where Mozart’s family tomb and many of Salzburg’s aristocrats and celebrities are located.

You are also going to find a statue of St. Sebastian on the front façade of the church made by Konrad Asper between 1614 and 1620.

Among the activities in Salzburg, you can't pass over a meal at one of the many eating places withinside the town.

The options that we're going to show you aren’t the cheapest. However, we always recommend our readers to go to at least one really good restaurant to celebrate the trip.

Dating back to 803 C.E., the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is said to be the oldest restaurant in Europe.

The restaurant offers a fine contemporary Austrian menu, and the restaurant also offers a very special event: "Mozart Dinner”. Taking place in the stunning Baroque Hall, the meal is served with a performance by Mozarteum University Salzburg graduates wearing period costumes.

This is an award-winning Michelin star restaurant and since 2004 it has become synonymous with fine cuisine in Salzburg. The chef Andreas Kaiblinger makes extremely creative and visually delightful plates. Esszimmer also offers several tasting menus with Austrian and French influences, with vegetarian options among them.

Zirbelzimmer is another great dining option, it’s located in the luxurious Hotel Sacher. The traditional wood-paneled walls and ceiling stand out, setting a luxurious atmosphere within the restaurant.

The menu is split between classic items and contemporary offerings, both known to be exceptional. If you enjoy a good glass of wine, you'll be happy to know that the restaurant offers an extensive and excellent wine selection.

Here, we curated a list of the finest bars and nightclubs, showcasing two from each category, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated evening experience in Salzburg.

Fridrich Bar stands as a paragon of sophistication in the heart of Salzburg. Renowned for its chic and minimalist decor, this bar sets the stage for an evening of refined indulgence.

Nestled in the Right Altstadt of Salzburg the Havana Cocktailbar is a hotspot for cocktail enthusiasts. It stands out for its delightful blend of traditional and contemporary flavors.

Half Moon Club in the heart of Salzburg is a testament to the city's dynamic nightlife. It's where the energy of modern clubbing meets the rhythm of diverse music genres.The club boasts a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by modern interiors and advanced sound systems.

Club Take Five is a cornerstone of Salzburg's upscale club scene, known for its stylish setting and lively dance floor. The club offers a blend of elegance and energy, and it is haven for dance enthusiasts.

There are plenty of exceptional things to do in Florence, Italy. We hope that this article has helped you decide which ones will be best for you and your loved ones!

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