Austria’s Charming City|The Complete Salzburg Guide

Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Salzburg and one of Austria’s most charming city. The city is rich in sightseeing attractions which we will include in The Complete Salzburg Guide. Since 1997, Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the preserved sacred and secular buildings.

Salzburg meaning the salt state is home to Mozart and considered the Rome of the North. This is attributed to Baroque buildings displayed across the city that was designed by Italian architects. Until 1806, it was the second largest religious-state and the only city with the archbishop permitted to appoint his own bishops. In The Complete Salzburg Guide, we all to show the city of full of art, unique history and culture.

The Complete Salzburg Guide covers everything you need to know before visiting the city and things to do. Salzburg can be quite expensive, The Complete Salzburg Guide will offer tips on cheaper alternatives.

The Complete Salzburg Guide

Salzburg is not only home to one of the greatest musicians on Earth but its famous because of a movie. The Sound of Music is made in 1965 and is one of the most popular movies of all time. Though funnily, the people of Salzburg themselves are not too familiar with this movie.

For the rest of us, its one of the best Julie Andrews movie that she ever made. It was fun being able to create some scenes as they were shown in the movie. The Complete Salzburg Guide will also cover some places that were featured in the movie.

Best Time to Travel to Salzburg

Salzburg is one of those cities that you can visit all year round depending on your preference. Personally, Autumn is my favourite time to explore European cities as its cheaper and less crowded. Visiting the city during autumn, I found myself able to explore the city at a more relaxed pace.

During Autumn/Winter time, the city is home to one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. With the Alps nearby, it’s easy to make Salzburg your ski vacation spot. Throughout summer the city also hosts festivals that are very popular with tourists.

How to get around the city

Salzburg offers one of the best public transportation in Europe with frequent buses/trams across the city. The majority of the tourist attractions are located in the old town which is very walkable. Using the Salzburg Card, you can board almost all public transportation for free. Taxis are available but can be quite expensive, Uber is available and more affordable than a taxis.

O-bus 2 or 10 are great options for travelling from the airport to the city centre. Without the Salzburg card, tickets cost €2.20 for a trip to the city centre or your hotel bus stop. The bus stop is located passed the taxi rank and parking space.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

As mentioned already, Salzburg can be quite expensive but there are accommodations for all budgets. Booking accommodations a few weeks/months in advance is a great idea for Salzburg. Depending on your budget, the following are some of our recommendations;

• Budget-Friendly, Meininger Hostel/Hotel – prices vary but most start from €30 for 2 nights. 
• Urban Stay Salzburg City – a small chain hotel with pricey hotel rooms from €100+.
• Raddison Blu Hotel – the location of this hotel is everything and its pricey, €200+ per room.

When it comes to choosing the best accommodation, choose an affordable location. Most times I opt to stay outside the city and hostels than hotel rooms. If money is not an issue then the Bristol Hotel would be the perfect location for a visit to Salzburg.

Local Foods to Try in Salzburg

Whenever I travel somewhere new, I make a point of trying the local cuisine. When I visited Vienna last year, I made sure to try at least one local delicacy. In Salzburg, I tried a few foods that I can not even name but these four are a must;

• Apple Strudel (APFELSTRUDEL) – popular traditional Austrian pastry
• Wiener Schnitzel – Austrian bread veal meat
• Mozartkugel (Mozart Balls) – rounded sugar confection made of pistachio marzipan and nougat that is covered with dark chocolate.
• Pretzel Bread – baked bread most popular in German speaking lands

The Complete Salzburg Guide|2-Day Itinerary

The city of Salzburg is fairly walkable especially for those with accommodation in the old town. If however, you’re staying in the outskirts of the city centre, there is dependable public transportation. From the city centre, you can take a slow stroll through the well-known downtown district. It is our hope that The Complete Salzburg Guide, will provide a leisurely 2-day itinerary.

Festung Hohensalzburg – nestled high on the hill, the fortress is the emblem of the city built in 1077. The castle can be reached on foot or via the funicular and is the biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. 

Nonnberg Abbey – the oldest continuously existing nunnery in the German-speaking world. It is also famous for being featured in the movie, The Sound of Music.

St. Peter’s Abbey – It is another Sound of Music movie scene and was erected in the 7th century. 

Bürgerwehr Mönchsberg – a mountain in the centre of Salzburg’s old town. It is named after monks from a nearby abbey and is very popular with the locals and tourists. Museum der Moderne and Restaurant M32 are popular attractions at Mönchsberg.

Hellbrunn Palace – built between 1612 and 1615 and commissioned by Prince-Archbishop as a summer residence. It is a popular tourist destination during the summer and unfortunately has no rooms.

Schloss Leopoldskron – a historical monument in the southern part of the city and birthplace of Salzburg festival.

Museums and More

Museum der Moderne Salzburg – Museum of Modern Art and officially opened in 2004. It is perched up on the high above the rooftops of Salzburg’s Old City on Mönchsberg.

Salzburg Museum – located near Mozartplatz and next door to Salzburg Cathedral. It is a museum that has won numerous awards and currently showcasing Silent Night.

Panorama Museum – connected to the Salzburg museum via an underground passage. It’s worth purchasing a combined ticket with Salzburg Museum, Panorama Museum is a 360 history of Salzburg. 

Mozart’s Birthplace – Mozart and his older sister were born in this house. As well as the other five siblings that died very young some in their infancy.

Mozart Residence – this is where the Mozart family moved as they needed more space. This residence is close to the Mirabel Gardens and near the Do-Re-Mi steps.

Mirabellplatz – Mirabel Palace was built in 1606 and the gardens are featured in the Sound of Music movie.

Love Lock Bridge – connects the two sides of Salzburg city from DomQuartier to Mirabellplatz.

Salzburg Cathedral – is dedicated to Saint Rupert (saint of the city) and Saint Virgil from Ireland. 

DomQuartier – considered a unique cultural highlight of the city encompassing the residence and the cathedral.

All of these places are free to enter with a Salzburg Card and are must-visit places in Salzburg. I had such an incredible time exploring the city and can not wait to return. Thanks to Salzburg Tourism who provided me with the Salzburg Card.