Salzburg Sightseeing

At some point between the magnificent Mirabell gardens, the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress and the picturesque spires that dominate the city's skyline, you might feel overwhelmed by impressions.

Where should one begin? What are the best places to spend the limited time most tourists have? This section of our website should help you to find out what the best sights are – no matter if you want to spend a day or a week in Salzburg.

Top sights: 10 "Must See's"

1.) Salzburger Dom – the city’s cathedral

The Dom in all it's Baroque glory was opened in 1628 and has proved to be Salzburg’s top attraction ever since. ::more

2.) St. Peter’s monastery and cemetery

This Benedictine monastery was founded in 696 and is considered to be the oldest north of the Alps. ::more

3.) Salzburg Castle - Festung Hohensalzburg

One of the biggest castles of Europe, Salzburg’s fortress provides its visitors with stunning views over the valley. ::more

4.) Getreidegasse – Salzburg’s busiest alley

The most fashionable shopping mile in the city is also its most expensive, a scenic medieval alley in which Mozart was born! ::more

5.) Mozart Square – the heart of Salzburg

This beautiful square covers some of the city's Roman foundations, but since 1842 also hosts the Mozart memorial. ::more

6.) Mozart birthplace and living place

The house in which baby Mozart was born in 1756, and the one he used to live and work in later, host popular museums today. ::more

7.) Residenz Castle – the gem of the Prince Archbishops

The Residenz Castle of the Prince Archbishops of Salzburg was intended to show their power  – and still does this job well. ::more

8.) St. Sebastian church and cemetery

The church of St. Sebastian is an attraction by itself, for its cloisters and tranquil cemetery hosting the Mozart’s family tomb. ::more

9.) Hellbrunn Palace, park and trick fountains

Hellbrunn castle with its trick fountains was the Prince Archbishop's private passion.  A lavish Baroque masterpiece. ::more

10.) Mirabell Palace & Gardens

You haven't seen the Mozartstadt until you have strolled along the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Modern Salzburg’s city hall is still as attractive as it was when Fräulein Maria and the Trapp children danced between thousands of flowers around it. ::more on the castle or ::more on the gardens

Salzburg interactive: 10 "Must Do's"

Eat a Mozartkugel, drink beer, sing "Sound of Music" songs - 10 things that you should do to make your visit a well-rounded event. ::more

By the way: We now got an article on 10 things NOT to do in Salzburg - tourist traps, ways to waste your time and bad value for money. In this article you will find out how independent information can look.
 

More sights you shouldn't miss

Dreifaltigkeitskirche – Trinity Church

Fischer von Erlach built many churches in his life - here you can see his first one, in all its Baroque glory. ::more

Augustiner Bräustübel Mülln

Have the famous Augustiner brewery beer in one of the best Augustiner Keller of Austria - and a great beer garden! ::more

Franziskaner Church

There's no Franziskaner Beer in Salzburg, but a respective abbey and church in the heart of the city. ::more

Kapuzinerberg and Capuchin Abbey

The Kapuziner Abbey in a plain building that offers some of the Mozartstadt's  most spectacular views and pleasant walks. ::more

Kollegien Church

The University of Salzburg's church and Fischer von Erlach's best work - Baroque at its best! ::more

Linzergasse area

The "little sister" of the Getreidegasse is among the busiest shopping lanes of the city, if not Austria. ::more

Residenz Neugebäude and Glockenspiel

The Prince Archbishop's splendid guesthouse and library is famous for its Flemish Glockenspiel bells. ::more

Festspielhäuser – Festival halls

The festival halls are the main stages for the Salzburg Festival - check out where the rich and beautiful spend their summers! ::more

Erhardkirche Church

The Baroque parish church of the Nonntal district is somewhat neglected by most visitors; but don't make the mistake to miss it! ::more

Mönchsberg Fortifications

The fortress is the most outstanding fortification in Central Europe - but only one part of the city's mighty walls. Find more of them whilst rambling on a scenic hill. ::more

Kapuzinerberg Fortifications

On the Capuchin Mountain you will find rewarding views, Baroque fortifications and natural beauty only minutes from the busy streets of the Altstadt. ::more

St. Markus Kirche

St. Marcus is the church of a nunnery that formally occupied the site; it's another grand church by Fischer von Erlach. ::more

Nonnberg nunnery

Don't miss the first nunnery North of the Alps, founded in the 8th century - just don't call it Nonnberg Abbey! ::more

Zoo Hellbrunn

The former gardens of the Prince Archbishop, the World's oldest zoo, a modern institution - and great fun! ::more

Mülln Parish Church

The Parish Church of Mülln was collectively built by local abbeys. Stop by on your way for the Augustiner beer next doors. ::more

Alter Markt Square and its attractions

The "Alter Markt" has a bunch of notable houses - including the smallest of Salzburg, easily missed. ::more

Kleßheim Castle

A Baroque castle, today Klessheim hosts a casino. Feel seriously posh whilst gambling in this unique setting! ::more

Kajetaner Church

The Kajetaner Church looks more like a palace in very central location; a great starting point to enter the Nonnberg area! ::more

Pferdeschwemmen Horse Wells

Originally built to give water to the patrician's and Prince Archbishop's horses, the horse wells now serve as pleasant spots to chill and enjoy their Baroque splendour. ::more

Johanniskirchlein Church at Imberg Mountain

A little church somewhat forgotten, that Mozart and his sister Nannerl used to go to. ::more
 

Easily missed: hidden treasures

Papageno Brunnen and Square - Michaelskirche - Schloss Freisaal Castle - St. Blasius Church - Doppler’s birthplace - Zweig Villa - Frohnburg Castle - Steingasse - Gstättentor and Salzburg's oldest bakery - Crowned head of Salzburg’s Madonna - Schloss Anif Castle - Schloss Arenberg Castle - Loretokirche Church - Gates in the northern City Walls - Schloss Blumenstein Castle - Rudolfskai: Medieval Walls and Irish Pubs - Schloss Neuhaus Castle - Siegmundstor tunnel - Primogeniturpalast Palace - Edmundsburg - Schloss Elsenheim Castle - Schloss Leopoldskron - Chiemseehof

Recently added: Modern architecture in Salzburg

Heizkraftwerk Mitte – Central Caloric Powerplant

Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät – Science Faculty

Hangar-7

Museum der Moderne - museum of modern art

ORF Landesstudio Salzburg (public broadcast building)

Europark Shopping Mall

South Tyrol Square, Station area and Hotel Europa

For individualists: Off the beaten track

Salzburg prostitution: the oldest brothel in town

As in most provinces of Austria, Salzburg restricts and regulates prostitution in dedicated areas, where it is legal. Here you can learn more about the localities and some of their history. ::more

Summer-sports: sitting by the river

There's nothing better than sitting by Salzach River on a warm summer evening, watching Salzburg happening in front of you and enjoying a beer - here we show you the best spots. ::more

Arty hang-out: ARGE Nonntal

Echoing the 1980ies, the ARGE Nonntal provides "left"-overs with music, good food and a great atmosphere. Places like the ARGE are rare in this city, so enjoy it. ::more

Getting married in Salzburg

Full catering services, the Mirabell Castle and the scenery of Salzburg make the city attractive for thousands of determined couples every year - find out more about wedding opportunities. ::more

Rockhouse Schallmoos

A concert hall for contemporary music that gives a lot of support to local bands - that's the Rockhouse. Catch up with aficionados of 20th century music to compensate for the Mozart overkill. ::more

When it rains: Museums, galleries and other indoors

Spielzeugmuseum (toy museum)

Stiegel’s Brauwelt (Stiegel brewery tour)

Volkskundemuseum Monatsschlössl (ethnology museum)

Dommuseum (cathedral museum)

Barockmuseum (museum of Baroque culture)

Carolino Augusteum (history, art and archaeology)

Trakl Gedenkstätte (Trakl memorial museum)

Haus der Natur (natural history museum)

International Mozart Foundation

Residenzgalerie (Residenz gallery)

Museum der Moderne (museum of modern art) and Rupertinum