10 best free things to see and do in Salzburg

What comes to mind when you think of Salzburg? Surely, you quickly associate this Austrian city with Mozart, delicious chocolate pralines, The Sound of Music, and a spectacular fortress, right? Salzburg is a destination that, within just a few square kilometers, gathers a wealth of attractions that will make your next trip a truly enriching experience.

Explore Salzburg’s historic old town

1. In the heart of Mozart’s city’s Old Town, stroll down Getreidegasse to feel like a true Salzburger. Along this street, you’ll find the birthplace of the famous musician and composer. Take a moment to admire the well-preserved façades of this picturesque street and the wrought-iron signs of its shops, and you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time.

2. Be amazed as you step into Salzburg Cathedral. In addition to admiring its Baroque architecture, you’ll stand in the place where Mozart is said to have been baptized.

3. Very close to Getreidegasse and Cathedral Square, you’ll find Alter Markt, an old street market where, if you look carefully, you can uncover real treasures at great prices. If you’re there around lunchtime, you can grab a bite to eat at one of its food stalls.

4. Cross the Salzach River via the Makartsteg Bridge. It’s one of the most central and romantic bridges in Salzburg. If you’ve been to Paris, it might remind you of the Pont des Arts, as it’s covered with love locks placed by couples. The views it offers on both sides of the river are perfect for capturing a beautiful panorama of the city.

5. Enjoy tasting the original Mozart chocolates at Café Konditorei Fürst. While it’s not entirely free, for the price of these famous treats, you can brag about having tried the authentic chocolates and visited one of the city’s most iconic spots.

Admire the best-preserved fortress in Europe

6. Its construction dates back to the year 1077, and despite its age, it boasts being the best-preserved fortress in the Old Continent. We are talking about Hohensalzburg, the emblem of the city of Salzburg. Admission is paid, but climbing up to this impressive structure is well worth it to admire it from the outside and to enjoy the stunning views of the rooftops of the city where Mozart was born.

The Most Iconic Scenes from The Sound of Music

7. On your way up or down from the Hohensalzburg Fortress, stop by a very picturesque spot, the Petersfriedhof (St. Peter’s Cemetery). It’s so beautiful that it feels more like a garden than a graveyard. Can you guess which part of the famous movie features this location?

8. Visit the Mirabell Palace. Although it was built in 1606 under the orders of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich, its current neoclassical appearance dates back to 1818.

9. After visiting the palace, take a stroll through the spectacular Mirabell Gardens (some say they are so beautiful that they are even more worthwhile than the palace itself). Whether in summer, autumn, winter, or spring, you’re sure to find them stunning.

You can find all the filming locations of The Sound of Music on the Salzburg tourism website.

Salzburg from Above

Climbing to the top of this hill is a great idea at any time of day, as the panoramic view of Salzburg is truly stunning (your photo will include the fortress since it’s located on the other side of the river). However, if your schedule allows, we recommend visiting just before sunset. This way, you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen. Does this plan sound tempting? Make a note: Kapuzinerberg, also known as the Capuchin Mountain.

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filed under Travel Guide.