Iconic Sights, Hidden Gems, and Mind-blowing Desserts
Every time I think of Salzburg, I think of one of my favourite movies ‘The Sound of Music’ and I just invariably start humming “These are a few of my favourite things”!
The city where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed symphonies and where Julie Andrews spun around in a meadow is one of Austria’s most captivating destinations. Snuggled between mountains and the Salzach River, Salzburg’s beauty, rich history (and sacher tortes!) attract nature-lovers and foodies (like me) to experience its wonders.
Salzburg is an Austrian city on the border of Germany, with views of the Eastern Alps. Barely 65 square kilometres wide, it still is the 4th largest city of Austria with a population of less than 2 lakh. Salzburg feels like a big classy village that you can walk around and explore very easily.
Whether you’re here to dive into history or indulge your sweet tooth, Salzburg will not disappoint. So, grab your walking shoes (and stretchy pants for all the desserts that you’re going to be tempted by), and let’s explore this enchanting city!
in Love with Austria’s Hidden Gem
The Best Time To Visit
Spring (March to May): Perfect for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Summer (June to August): Warm weather and buzzing with life, but expect heavy tourist flow.
Autumn (September to November): Crisp air, fewer tourists, and a beautiful golden hue over the city.
Winter (December to February): Cold, but the magic of Christmas markets and snow-covered rooftops will win you over.
How to reach Salzburg
Salzburg has its own international airport, Salzburg W.A. Mozart Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in Europe. If you’re traveling from outside Europe, the best (and the more economical option) would be to fly into Vienna or Munich and then take a train to Salzburg.
From Munich you can take the Railjet train that takes 1.5 hours to reach Salzburg, or you can take the slower regional train (which is nothing like the Indian trains, it’s far fancier!) which is a great way to save money. From Vienna you can take either the ÖBB or the Westbahn.
Where to Stay
Luxury hotels, quaint inns, or riverside views, Salzburg has them all. Here are some of the best options:
Hotel Sacher Salzburg: Located along the Salzach River, this iconic hotel offers luxury with a side of history (and, of course, their famous Sacher Torte).
Hotel Goldener Hirsch: Perfect for those wanting a mix of luxury and tradition, located in the heart of Old Town.
Hotel Bristol Salzburg: Centrally located, old world charm and phenomenal staff.
Sheraton Grand Salzburg: Family-friendly hotel and located near historic landmarks
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Sheraton Grand Salzburg
Hotel Bristol
What To Do
#1: Salzburg Cathedral
Constructed in the early 17th century, Salzburg Cathedral has soaring ceilings and insanely intricate details - the architectural equivalent of a mic drop. Keep your eyes peeled for the bronze baptismal font where a certain young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart got his first splash of greatness.
Over the centuries, the Cathedral was destroyed a number of times and then rebuilt and expanded. Today its 3 imposing gates stand for Faith, Love and Hope. Even the 7 bells have names, Salvator being the biggest one and Barbara being the smallest. You can also listen to the sound of organs that Mozart played or catch the Musik zu Mittag, the music at lunch time.
Pro Tip@
A conservation fee of EUR5 is charged from adults above 18 years of age. It includes the audio guide.
#2: Hohensalzburg Fortress
Built atop a hill like a crown on the city’s head, the Hohensalzburg Fortress offers views that could turn a pessimist into a poet. It’s the biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe and has some of the most sensational views of the city. Take the funicular (which dates back to 1910 and still runs perfectly!) to the top, unless you prefer a hike that will leave you feeling like you’ve earned a knighthood!
On the third floor of the fortress, you'll find the Princess' chambers, which include the Prince's Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Golden Hall. You won’t believe how pristine the rooms still look -the furnishings in these rooms have remained unchanged since 1502! Don’t miss the gorgeous simulation of the night sky in the Golden Chamber, with gold stars set against an azure and royal-blue background, alongside a beautifully crafted tile stove.
#3: Salzburg Old Town & Café Mozart
The Old Town area is pretty easy to navigate and takes only 20 minutes to go from one end to the other. Did you know Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site? The area has squares or blocks like Mozartplatz & the huge Residenzplatz, connected to each other via wide stone-clad lanes. Farther along is a small square, the Toscaninhof, which sits next to Festival Hall. This Hall is where the actual Von Trapp family performed in 1936.
After you’ve worked up an appetite wandering around its quaint lanes, head to Café Mozart, a café with a dynamic history of its own in Goldgasse for a taste of traditional Austrian coffee break.
Pro Tip@
Don’t leave without trying a slice of Apfelstrudel at Café Mozart—it’s divine!
#4: Mirabell Palace and Gardens
On the other side of the river, about a 15 minutes’ walk from the Old Town is the Mirabellgarten und Schloss, or the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Whether you're strolling hand in hand with your special someone or just enjoying the beauty solo, Mirabell gardens are so romantic and beautifully manicured that I won’t blame you if you end up recording multiple reels there with Yash Raj film soundtracks in the background!
There is no entry fee, so walk in any time you like. There are Mozart concerts practically every night at 8:00 pm at the Mirabell Palace, so you can actually plan to visit the palace and the gardens in the evening and then go attend the concert. Salzburg is basically a living, breathing museum dedicated to Mozart and The Sound of Music. Experiencing a Mozart concert in Salzburg is like sipping a vintage wine—you may not fully understand it, but you’ll pretend you do, and trust me, with the ambience and the lights and sounds, it is completely worth it.
Pro Tip@
Mozart concerts happen at multiple locations throughout the city so you can choose when and where.
#5: Hangar-7: A Must for F1 Enthusiasts
If you're an F1 fan or just love aviation and fast cars, Hangar-7 is an absolute must-visit. This futuristic glass structure is owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz and is home to a unique collection of historical airplanes, helicopters, and Formula 1 race cars. Did you know that Salzburg is the ‘hometown’ of Red Bull? The displays change every few months, so might see some new things the next time you visit. For adrenaline junkies (reminds me of a few friends of mine!), this place is like Disneyland!
Hangar-7 has this fancy-schmancy restaurant called Ikarus, which features a rotating lineup of world-renowned guest chefs every month. If you really want to splurge and have a sublime experience that pushes the boundaries of culinary creativity, this could be the place for you.
Pro Tip@
Make sure to reserve a table well in advance at Ikarus, especially during the F1 season.
#6: The Love Lock Bridge
The Love Lock Bridge (Makartsteg) is where couples come to declare their undying love—at least until the city clears the locks. But it’s the thought that counts, right? Bring your own lock to avoid the tourist trap of buying one on the spot. And be sure to throw the key into the river with a dramatic flourish—you know, for the ‘gram.
I was on a solo trip to Salzburg, but I still went there just for the experience. It was really sweet watching couples symbolically renew their love like this, but there is nothing more to it -make a wish, snap on your lock, give a kiss and walk away hand-in-hand.
Pro Tip@
It’s actually a great place to take photos. The views from the bridge as well as the different locks of all shapes and sizes make for a really cool background.
Where to Eat
Lockstein 1 - 500 year old, Michelin starred Vegetarian restaurant.
Goldener Hirsch - Michelin starred restaurant for modern Austrian cuisine.
Gasthof Goldgasse - historic restaurant for authentic Austrian dishes.
Yuen - Phenomenal Chinese restaurant.
Magazin - Amazing food and great selection of wines.
Maharaja Indian Restaurant - If you’re craving for Indian food, this is it!
Where to Shop
A 5 minute walk from the Love Lock bridge will take you to Getreidegasse, which is located in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, also known as the Altstadt. A modern street with old-world charm, it's the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon shopping, shop for Austrian souvenirs or enjoying serene views of the Salzach River along its north bank.
If you like Select City Walk in Delhi, then you’ll love the Designer Outlet Salzburg, the grander, posher, hipper cousin that makes even your wallet feel fancy. It’s like Select City Walk went on a European vacation and came back with a designer wardrobe and a sassy attitude.
One of Austria's largest shopping centres, you'll discover over 130 stores under one roof. Just a stone's throw from Salzburg Airport in the Wals-Himmelreich district, the Designer Outlet Salzburg offers luxury brands like Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss at discounts of up to 70%. The perfect place to find a whole new wardrobe for your next trip!
Getreidegasse
Designer Outlet Salzburg
Europark
Things to Watch Out For
Weather: Salzburg's weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers ( e.g. stole, jacket, cap) and an umbrella to stay comfortable, no matter the season.
Pickpockets: Popular attractions like Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Gardens can get crowded during peak hours, so take special care of your bags, wallet and phone.
Carry Water: One doesn’t realize that Salzburg is a ‘walking town’ so it’s easy to get from one part of town to the other without using public transport or even bikes. So always carry a water bottle. The good thing is that Austrian tap water is probably the purest in the world. Remember that most restaurants charge you for water , and for some stupid reason, it is rude to ask them to serve tap water, so go ahead, keep filling your bottle wherever there is a water fountain or a tap, and stay hydrated.
Salzburg is a city that invites you to slow down, savour the sights, and indulge in a little whimsy.
Whether you’re following in the footsteps of Mozart, belting out the Sound of Music tunes, or just soaking in the Alpine views, Salzburg is a destination that will leave you enchanted and wanting more. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a Salzburg experience that’s going to be as memorable as it is magical.
