Welcome to Salzburg, the stunning city nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps! With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and abundance of cultural attractions, Salzburg is a must-visit destination for travelers from all around the world.
But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan the perfect trip. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 things to do and see in Salzburg, including both popular highlights and off-the-beaten-path experiences. From exploring the city’s stunning Baroque architecture to enjoying outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains, there’s something for everyone in Salzburg.
And the best part? We’ve partnered with top-rated tour companies to bring you the best Salzburg has to offer, all while helping you avoid the crowds. So why wait? Start planning your dream trip to Salzburg today and book one of our recommended tours to make the most of your visit. We can’t wait to see you in Salzburg!
1. Explore the Best of Salzburg on a Private Walking Tour
Discover the rich history and culture of Salzburg on a private walking tour led by a licensed guide. From iconic landmarks like the Salzburg Cathedral and Mirabell Palace to hidden gems with incredible stories, you’ll see the best the city has to offer while learning about its past. Along the way, you’ll also get a chance to see the famous locations from the movie “The Sound of Music” and hear about the life and legacy of Mozart.
Why This Tour is a Must-Do:
- Discover Salzburg’s top landmarks and hidden gems on a personalized tour with a licensed guide
- Learn about the city’s history and culture from an expert local
- Get a chance to see the famous locations from the movie “The Sound of Music”
- Enjoy a private tour with just your family and friends
- See iconic landmarks like the Salzburg Cathedral and Mirabell Palace up close
- Explore the city on foot and experience the vibes of historic Salzburg
2. Save Money and Explore More with the Salzburg Card"
Get the most out of your trip to Salzburg with the Salzburg Card, which gives you free admission to all of the city’s top attractions and unlimited use of public transportation. Plus, enjoy discounts and perks at locations across the city, from cultural events and museums to theater visits and more.
Photo by: Frank Fox (Flickr)
Why the Salzburg Card is a Must-Have:
- Save money on admissions and transportation costs
- Enjoy free access to all of Salzburg’s top attractions, including the fortress funicular and Untersberg Cable Car
- Get discounts and perks at a variety of cultural events and destinations throughout the city
- Explore more of Salzburg with unlimited use of public transportation
- Make your vacation planning easier and more flexible with the ability to pay nothing upfront and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
3. Relive the Magic of 'The Sound of Music' on an Original Sound of Music Tour
Experience the beauty and history of Salzburg and its surrounding countryside on this half-day tour, which takes you to the iconic locations used in the filming of “The Sound of Music.” Along the way, you’ll hear songs from the original soundtrack and learn about the city’s architectural and historical landmarks from your guide. Visit Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and more, and see stunning Lake Fuschl and Mondsee Cathedral, where the famous wedding scene was filmed. At the end of the tour, you can visit the picturesque Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children danced and sang “Do-Re-Mi.”
Why the Original Sound of Music Tour is a Must-Do:
- Relive the magic of one of the most popular movies of all time by visiting the actual locations where it was filmed
- Discover the beauty and history of Salzburg and its surrounding countryside on a half-day tour
- Hear songs from the original soundtrack and learn about the city’s landmarks from a knowledgeable guide
- See iconic locations like Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and Mondsee Cathedral
- Visit the picturesque Mirabell Gardens at the end of the tour
4. Experience the Beauty and History of the Salzkammergut on a Half-Day Tour of Hallstatt
Escape to the alpine region of Salzkammergut on this half-day coach tour of Hallstatt from Salzburg. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the region’s history on the ride to Hallstatt and stop for breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. Once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the historic village, see the Muhlbach Waterfall, visit the museums, and more. You can also opt to take a cable car ride up to the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk for breathtaking views.
Why the Hallstatt Half-Day Tour is a Must-Do:
- Discover the beauty and history of the Salzkammergut region on a guided coach tour from Salzburg
- Explore the historic village of Hallstatt and uncover its culture
- Take a optional ride with a cable car up to the World Heritage Viewing Platform for breathtaking views
- Visit the unique “Bone House,” home to some 1,200 skulls
- Enjoy a round-trip tour from Salzburg with convenient transportation included
5. Experience Mozart's Music and the Magic of Salzburg at the Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner
Enjoy a romantic evening of music and dining in Salzburg at the Best of Mozart Fortress concerts and Dinner. Begin your evening with a 3-course dinner in the exclusive Panorama restaurant, located at the 900-year-old fortress and overlooking the old city. Then, hear Mozart’s most beloved work and other classical masterpieces performed by internationally-renowned soloists. Finish the evening by experiencing Salzburg at twilight as you take the funicular railway back down from the fortress. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
Why the Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner is a Must-Do:
- Enjoy a unique and romantic evening of music and dining in Salzburg
- Dine in the exclusive Panorama restaurant at the 900-year-old Mozart fortress
- Hear Mozart’s most beloved work and other classical masterpieces performed by internationally-renowned soloists
- Admire the views from the fortress and experience Salzburg at twilight
- Choose from a classic or VIP dinner menu, with vegetarian options available upon request
6. Discover the Underground World of Obersalzberg's Salt Mines on a Skip-the-Line Tour from Salzburg
Explore the underground world of Obersalzberg’s salt mines on this 4-hour trip from Salzburg. Led by a local guide, you’ll wind through the Bavarian Alps along the scenic Alpenstrasse before suiting up in traditional miners’ wear and descending into the 450-year-old salt mines. Experience a unique raft sail along the salt lake in the mines’ grottos and hear the history and lore of the underground world. After a stop at the charming village of Berchtesgaden, your tour will conclude back in Salzburg.
Why the Skip-the-Line Salt Mines and Bavarian Mountains Tour is a Must-Do:
- Skip the line and go straight inside the popular Obersalzberg salt mines attraction
- Dress up as a miner and enjoy a unique raft sail along the salt lake in the mines’ grottos
- Learn about the history and lore of the underground world from a local guide
- Travel along the scenic Alpenstrasse and see mountain views on the way
- Visit the charming village of Berchtesgaden and end your tour back in Salzburg
7. Indulge in Salzburg's Top Beer and Food Offerings on a Private Austrian Beer Tasting Tour
Explore Salzburg’s Old Town and sample the city’s finest beer and food offerings on this private tour. Choose a duration that fits your schedule and budget, and meet your guide in the heart of the Old Town. You’ll visit several atmospheric bars and sample a range of beers accompanied by traditional Austrian snacks, all while learning about the brewing process and beer-drinking customs from a knowledgeable beer sommelier guide.
Why the Private Austrian Beer Tasting Tour is a Must-Do:
- Immerse yourself in Salzburg’s Old Town and learn about the city’s beer-drinking customs and brewing process
- Taste a wide range of beers and traditional Austrian snacks
- Choose a tour duration that fits your preferences
- Enjoy a personalized experience with a private tour guide
8. Explore the Dark and Sinister Side of Salzburg on a Ghost Tour
Take a spooky and sinister tour of Salzburg and learn about the city’s medieval and modern methods of torture. Led by a local guide, you’ll delve into the history of superstition, legends, and sayings, and visit original sites such as the pillories, torture chambers, and place of execution. The main focus of the tour will be the Salzburg witch trials and the Zauberer Jackl trials, as well as the role of the Catholic Church at the time. With a mix of dark and humorous tales, this tour is suitable for children ages 10 and up and lasts about 1.5 hours.
Why the Salzburg Ghost Tour is a Must-Do:
- Explore the dark and sinister side of Salzburg’s history
- Learn about the city’s medieval and modern methods of torture
- Visit original sites related to superstition, legends, and sayings
- Hear about the Salzburg witch trials and the Zauberer Jackl trials, as well as the role of the Catholic Church
- Suitable for children ages 10 and up, with a mix of dark and humorous tales
9. Experience Unparalleled Views of the Bavarian Alps on a Private Tour from Salzburg
Take a 5-hour private tour from Salzburg to the Bavarian Alps and experience breathtaking views from the top of the Eagle’s Nest. Led by your own personal guide, you’ll travel to the mountain retreat of Obersalzberg, where the Eagle’s Nest sits atop a steep mountain. Take an ornate elevator dating back to World War II up to the top and soak up the unparalleled views of the Alps. Afterwards, stop in the historic town of Berchtesgaden before returning to Salzburg. This private tour can be customized to your interests.
Why the Private Tour: Eagle’s Nest and Bavarian Alps Tour is a Must-Do:
- Experience the breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps from the top of the Eagle’s Nest
- Take a lavishly decorated elevator dating back to World War II up to the top
- Stop in the historic town of Berchtesgaden
- Customize the tour to your interests with a private guide
- Enjoy more individualized attention from your personal guide
10. Soar Over the Stunning Alpine Landscape with a Private Tandem Paragliding Tour in Salzburg
Take in the breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding Austrian Alps from the air on this private tandem paragliding tour from Mt. Gaisberg. With your experienced guide, you’ll soar over the UNESCO-listed city, taking in panoramic views of the medieval city, dense forests, mighty rock faces, and soaring peaks beyond. All necessary safety equipment is included on your tour, so you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about your safety.
Why the Private Tandem Paragliding Tour in Salzburg is a Must-Do:
- Experience the stunning beauty of the Austrian Alps from the air
- Take in panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding landscape
- Fly in tandem with an experienced guide
- Don’t worry about safety, as all necessary equipment is included
- Make unforgettable memories with this thrilling activity
Salzburg's best activities
Salzburg is a city full of amazing things to see and do, and it can be tough to decide which activities to choose. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor adventures, or just looking to have a good time, there’s something for everyone in Salzburg. From private walking tours led by local guides to beer tastings and paragliding, the options are truly endless. So, how do you decide what to do? It all comes down to personal preference. If you’re a history buff, a visit to the Mozart birthplace and a tour of the Salzburg Cathedral might be the way to go. If you’re a foodie, a private Austrian beer tasting tour might be more your style. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try tandem paragliding from Mt. Gaisberg or a trip to the Bavarian Alps? No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a great time in Salzburg. Just remember to leave some room for the inevitable schnitzel and strudel cravings.
