10 Best Places to Visit in Salzburg, Austria

Have you ever heard of the saying, Biggest happiness come in small packets? Salzburg in Austria is one such small packet that is full of happiness and joy. It is amazingly unique in its own way. If you haven’t immersed yourself in the magic of the world-famous city of Mozart, you cannot escape it this time. The blissful mix of landscape and architecture, art and culture, tradition and modern, all encompassed in a surprisingly small area adds charm to this place. In this article, I’ll take you to some of the must-visit attractions in Salzburg that you will regret having missed till date.

Salzburg, tucked in northwest Austria, is one of Europe‘s most beautiful and lively cities, Stretching along both banks of the River Salzach, while emerging from the Salzburg Alps, this picturesque city stands as a natural wonder. The romantic Old Town is full of narrow vintage-styled streets and arcaded courtyards that are super fun to explore. Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and thus boasts its iconic identity in the world of music. 

10 Best Places to Visit in Salzburg

• Altstadt Salzburg (Old Town)  
• Hohensalzburg Castle
• St. Peter’s Abbey
• Salzburg Cathedral
• St. Peter’s Church
• The Residenzplatz
• The Salzburg Residenz and the Residenzgalerie
• Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace) and Fountains
• Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace) and Gardens
• The Franciscan Church

#1 Altstadt Salzburg (Old Town)  

Take a walking tour across the passages of Durchhäuser that weave northward to Getreidegasse. This busy pedestrian area is lined with old merchant homes from the 15th century. On your way, you will see many wrought-iron shops, beautiful old courtyards, numerous galleries, boutiques, workshops and cafes. Kranzle Markt located at the eastern end of Getreidegasse is surrounded by medieval stores and top-notch stores. Do not miss visiting the St. Florian’s Fountain with an octagonal basin. Other highlights include the court pharmacy, twisting lanes, and Chiemseehof. 

#2 Hohensalzburg Castle

Make way to the picturesque fortress of Hohensalzburg, on the southeastern summit of the Mönchsberg. The castle was built in the year 1077 and was remodelled again in the early 1550s. Take a pleasant 20-minute walk from the Old Town centre passing by a number of impressive gateways and courtyards. Explore the highlights including the tiny church of St. George and the famous Salzburg Bull. Get lost in the beauty of the majestic Princes’ Apartments with Gothic decor and finely painted wainscoting. The scintillating Golden Room, with its marble doorways and the Golden Hall, will surely make you go W-O-W.

Where? Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg

#3 St. Peter’s Abbey

St. Peter’s Abbey is one of the must-visit attractions in Salzburg. The building’s iconic tall onion-shaped tower grabs visitors from all parts of the world. Stroll around the St. Peter’s Churchyard, an impressive burial ground surrounded on three sides by arcades and family tombs from the 17th century. Find the early Christian catacombs and St. Maximus’ Chapel while walking through St. Peter’s Abbey. The passage leading to the courtyard adorned by St. Peter’s Fountain is a treat to watch.

Where? Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1, 5020 Salzburg

#4 Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral with its twin 79-meter towers is a prominent attraction that was completed in 1657. This famous Italian style spot with its role as the location of Mozart’s baptism is one of the must-visit attractions in Salzburg. At the building’s west front, there are four colossal marble statues. The outer ones depict St. Rupert and Virgil, patron saints of the province, while the inner ones portray Peter and Paul. The notable massive bronze doors with their symbols of Faith, Love, and Hope, the high altar with its Resurrection painted and the superb frescoes in the vaulting are some of the spectacular features of the church. 

Where? Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg

#5 St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is one of the oldest and most attractive churches in Salzburg. The distinctive helm tower is one of its unique features. Once you enter the porch, under the tower lies the Romanesque west doorway dating from 1240, while in the interior, the plan of the Romanesque basilica can be viewed along with monuments including the rock-hewn tomb of St. Rupert. Other notable aspects are the dedications to Mozart’s sister Marianne and to JM Haydn, brother of Joseph.

Where? Postfach 113, A-5010 Salzburg

#6 The Residenzplatz

Located at the centre of Salzburg’s Old Town on the left bank of the Salzach is the Residenzplatz, one of the city’s largest and busiest squares. This is the best place from which you can begin exploring the many tourist attractions in this beautiful city. Residenzburennen is the centre point of the place, which is an amazing masterpiece of marble made by an Italian sculptor in 166 AD. Take awesome pictures in front of the largest and finest Baroque fountain. Explore the splendid figures of bold horses, along with the god Atlas bearing dishes and spend a relaxing time in the terraced cafés and boutique shops lining the adjoining streets.

Where? Residenzplatz, 5020 Salzburg

#7 The Salzburg Residenz and the Residenzgalerie

Residenz of Salzburg’s Residenzplatz is the former palace of the city’s once-powerful Prince Bishops. Built-in the 15th century, this miraculous place is laid out around three courtyards with a large marble gateway. Marvel at the Spectacular State Apartments that are lavishly decorated in Baroque and Neoclassical style. With exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, rich stucco ornaments, and fireplaces, this place gives a flavour of richness and legacy. Highlights of the place are the Knights’ Hall, the Conference Hall, the White Hall and the splendid Audience Hall containing Flemish tapestries, Stucco ornaments and fine Parisian

Where? Residenzplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg

#8 Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace) and Fountains

The Prince-Archbishop, Markus Sittikus, introduced this pleasure palace in 1613 as a place to relax and entertain. On your tour to this place, you will experience unimaginable grandeur and legacy as this place was once home for wealthy and powerful rulers of both church and state. Markus Sittikus, known for his offering of unusual entertainments for his guests, he designed a garden of trick water features and fountains. An innocent-looking statue of pavement may suddenly turn into a shower to entertain you. Another interesting feature is the benches around a table suddenly splashing water all over the guests. This tour is so much fun especially for children and those who don’t mind getting wet. 

Where? Fürstenweg 37, Hellbrunn, Salzburg

#9 Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace) and Gardens

Head to the garden that was featured in the filming of The Sound of Music. Salzburg’s lovely Schloss Mirabell is an excellent masterpiece of the fine Baroque landscape. With numerous terraces, marble statues, and fountains, the place offers amazing views and peaceful atmosphere. Do not miss the spectacular Grand Staircase, lined up with numerous statues by Georg Raphael Donner and his pupils. The Marble Hall and the Schloss Mirabell Baroque Museum are two other important highlights of Schloss Mirabell palace. You can also spot the 18th-century aviary which is now used for exhibitions. The southwestern corner of the garden is now being used as a small open-air theatre. It is one of the major attraction and one of the must-visit places in the whole of Austria.

Where? Mirabellplatz 4, Salzburg

#10 The Franciscan Church

You will never get tired of visiting churches in Salzburg as each building is one of its kind. Spot the magnificent Franciscan Church in the north of St. Peter’s Church. Here, you will always have your head high because of the exterior’s high roof of the choir and the tower on the south side. An iconic highlight of this church is the dark Romanesque nave contrasts with the high and bright 15th-century Gothic choir. You will also come across the carved beauty of Madonna, a Baroque chapel and an ancient high altar.

Where? Franziskanergasse 5, 5020 Salzburg

Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg’s Festival Theatres, Neugebauer, and St. Sebastian’s church are some of the attractions in Salzburg that you cannot miss on your leisure day. The magnificent attractions, panoramic views and countless temptations make Salzburg an artwork by itself. The place is simply beyond comparisons. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your Austria tour packages right away!