Salzburg city breaks

Tucked away between storybook hills, Salzburg looks like it’s been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Winter’s a time when it really sparkles, as snow-capped mountains bring that chocolate-box magic, while frost-dusted bell towers and medieval palaces set the scene for sightseeing. And its famous residents – from Mozart to the Von Trapps – make this well-dressed Austrian beauty every bit the showstopper.

The sound of music

Hidden in the heart of the Alps, Salzburg has an inspired history to match its inspired setting. Firstly, this is where Mozart was born. Get down to Geburtshaus and you can take a tour of the composer's childhood home. As if that’s not enough musical kudos, the city is also the scene-stealing backdrop to The Sound of Music. If you're on the Von Trapp trail, stick the majestic Mirabell Palace on your list.

Where old meets new

This is a place where glockenspiels and strudels meet out-of-the-box architecture and a growing trend for independent galleries. Castles and classical music may be what you’d expect, but there’s an edgier side of Salzburg to see. Have a nosy around Periscope’s rotating display of local art work, or head to Hangar 7 for vintage vehicles and modern art under a futuristic glass dome.

Most wonderful time

Thanks to a set of snowy peaks and a turret-topped skyline, cities don't come much more Christmassy than Salzburg. From late November, magical Christmas markets take over town, with cute wooden huts tucked into every nook and cranny. Think baked apples, carol-singing choirs and cosy horse-drawn carriage rides. A giant advent calendar adds a festive finish to things at Hellbrunn Palace.

Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg

Salzburg City, Salzburg

Our rating

Based on 516 reviews

Great for exploring
100m from the main train station
900m from Mirabell Palace
Comfortable rooms
2km from Salzburg Cathedral

Villa Carlton

Salzburg City, Salzburg

Our rating

Based on 602 reviews

Great for couples
150m from the nearest train station
Charming hotel
450m from Mirabell Palace
Grand castle facade

NH Salzburg City

Salzburg City, Salzburg

Our rating

Based on 1985 reviews

Modern décor
Perfect for exploring
160m from the nearest bus stop
600m from Mirabell Palace
1.2km from Salzburg Cathedral

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Altstadt Salzburg - Old Town

Salzburg

A magical mix of medieval mystery and artistic enchantment shroud the streets of Salzburg Old Town. Decorative designs and striking silhouettes create an area alive with colour, culture and charm. It’s no...

Franziskanerkirche

Salzburg

This historic Franciscan church has a Gothic and Neo-Gothic style with a soaring vault and a supremely decorative golden altar. Explore the church to discover its nine chapels in a dramatic Baroque style....

Haus der Natur - Natural History Museum

Salzburg

No matter what your age, this is the place to learn. Across different rooms, you’ll stumble upon diverse collections. There really is all sorts on show – there’s a Dinosaur Hall, Space Hall, Ice Age display,...

Language

German

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£3 / €3.50

48-hour travel card

£25.50 / €30

Three course meal

£42.50 / €50

Sightseeing

Salzburg’s streets are packed with sights. Get ready to cross lantern-lit squares to the sound of ticking clocks and church bells in the background as you explore the Old Town’s treasures. From the birthplace of Mozart to a giant glockenspiel and decorative cathedral domes, it’s the most charming part of the city. There are a few palaces you should tick off too, not to mention a varied bunch of museums. Watching over it all is an epic hilltop fortress that is well worth your time.

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Eating and drinking

Beer is big news here, so make your way between beer halls and breweries to discover how this well-loved drink goes from hops to hand. Think long wooden benches and help-yourself taps. When it comes to food, it’s all about cosy inns plating up winter warmers like breaded schnitzel and sweet, flaky strudel. Oozing old-world grandeur and bow-tied waiters, you’ll step back in time when you stop for coffee and cake at one of the city’s historical cafés.

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Shopping

From fine Austrian specialities like lederhosen, to delicate sweet treats and the latest fashion, there’s a whole host of things you can splash your cash on here. Amble around the Old Town’s tangle of souvenir shops, and make sure to look up at the olde worlde signs swinging above these medieval lanes. It’s best to cross the river Salzach to the Neustadt part of town for your high-street faves, international labels and boho boutiques.

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Getting around

There’s no better way to see Salzburg than on foot. Flat, mostly car-free and pretty compact, it’s a breeze to get around. But the most popular way to see the sights is by bike, and cycle paths are easy to come by and very well looked after. If it’s too cold to get into the saddle, the inexpensive – and eco-friendly – trolleybuses are the next the best thing. Look out for street-side Trafik kiosks where you can pick up a pack of one-way, 24-hour or week-long tickets. Or, snap up a 48-hr Salzburg Card for around €30 and you can jump on any public transport for free.

23 January – 02 February 2020 – Mozart Week

Pay homage to one of the most famous composers of all time and head along to Mozart Week. Held every January, you can tune into piano performances and orchestral ensembles in celebration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s contribution to the world of classical music.

December 2020 – Advent Magic in Hellbrunn

A giant advent calendar, petting zoo and quaint fairytale train unfold in the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace. Meander around alpine trees topped with thick snow, and stalls selling festive treats and delicate wooden trinkets and ornaments. So, come and explore this wonderland of icicle-covered conifers and crafts.

December 2020– Christmas Market on Mirabell Square

Grab a mug of mulled wine and get ready to saunter around chocolate box huts as the festive season gets underway. No matter your age, you’re guaranteed to feel full of cheer after visiting this tangle of stalls in front of the palace. Browse glittering baubles, handmade gifts and more.

Please note, the event dates above are just a guide and could be subject to change.

Salzburg

Salzburg city breaks

The sound of music

Where old meets new