Dylan and Maddy
- March 16, 2025
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Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? 12 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss It
Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?
If you’re planning your next trip and wondering, “Is Salzburg worth visiting?”, the answer is a resounding yes! We spent time exploring this charming Austrian city, and it absolutely exceeded our expectations. From its stunning alpine backdrop to its rich history and world-famous musical heritage, Salzburg is a destination that offers something for everyone.
With breathtaking Baroque architecture, a walkable Old Town, and easy access to the Austrian Alps, Salzburg has the perfect mix of culture, nature, and charm.
We absolutely loved Salzburg—it’s one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, and we’d recommend visiting at least once in your life. For us, we can’t wait to go back! Below, we’ve rounded up the top reasons why Salzburg is worth adding to your travel list!
12 Reasons Why Salzburg Is Worth Visiting
1. The Stunning Old Town (Altstadt)
Wandering through Salzburg’s Old Town felt like stepping into a storybook. The historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming squares made it one of the most beautiful city centers we’ve ever explored. No surprise that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s that gorgeous.
2. Hohensalzburg Fortress
We’re suckers for a good viewpoint, and Hohensalzburg Fortress did not disappoint. Sitting high above the city, this medieval fortress offered some of the best panoramic views we’ve ever seen. Plus, exploring its historic rooms, dungeons, and museums gave us a real sense of Salzburg’s past. When you’re in Salzburg, it’ll be impossible to miss as it sits atop the city and is so beautiful. This place really does feel like a Hallmark movie.
3. The Birthplace of Mozart
We couldn’t visit Salzburg without checking out Mozart’s birthplace. His birthplace is a big yellow building that says “Mozarts Geburtshaus” in bold letters, making it impossible to miss.
It was fascinating to see where one of the world’s greatest composers grew up, and it added a whole new level of appreciation to hearing his music played around the city.
4. The Sound of Music Filming Locations
Even if you’re not a die-hard Sound of Music fan, visiting the spots where the iconic film was shot is a fun way to explore Salzburg. From Mirabell Gardens to Leopoldskron Palace, these locations are as beautiful in real life as they are on screen. You’ll also regularly see performers singing songs from the film.
5. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Speaking of Mirabell, this stunning palace and its gardens are straight-up breathtaking. The colorful flowers, sculptures, and perfectly manicured hedges make it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city.
6. Salzburg’s Café Culture
Austria takes its coffee seriously, and Salzburg is no exception. Cozy cafés like Café Tomaselli (the oldest coffee house in Austria) serve up rich coffee and great pastries. Don’t leave without trying a slice of Sachertorte (Viennese chocolate cake).
7. A Gateway to the Alps
One of the best things about Salzburg is its location. Within minutes, you can be in the heart of the Austrian Alps, making it the perfect base for hiking, skiing, or just soaking in those unreal mountain views.
8. Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
This 17th-century palace is famous for its playful water fountains designed to surprise (or drench) visitors. It’s a unique and fun experience, especially on a warm day. Plus, the gardens and architecture are gorgeous!
9. Delicious Austrian Food
From schnitzels to käsespätzle (basically Austrian mac and cheese), Salzburg is a great place to indulge in traditional Austrian cuisine. Be sure to try Salzburger Nockerl, a fluffy soufflé-like dessert unique to the city and Mozartkugels! Mozartkugels were so tasty and we couldn’t believe how good they were. We bought a huge box from Cafe Konditorei, the original maker of the Mozartkugel, for the rest of our European trip and they didn’t even make it out of Salzburg!
10. Christmas Markets & Festive Vibes
If you visit in winter, Salzburg’s Christmas markets are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. With festive lights and wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, it’s a cozy and enjoyable seasonal experience.
11. St. Peter’s Stiftskeller – The Oldest Restaurant in the World
Eating at a restaurant that has been serving guests since 803 AD? Yes, please! St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium is considered the oldest restaurant in the world, and dining here felt like stepping back in time. The historic ambiance, candlelit setting, and traditional Austrian dishes made it an unforgettable experience. Full transparency, it was pretty expensive, but the food and atmosphere were totally worth it. Plus, again, you’ll have major bragging rights about visiting the oldest restaurant in the WORLD.
12. Easy Day Trips to Stunning Locations
Salzburg is the perfect jumping-off point for incredible day trips. Visit Hallstatt, one of the most beautiful villages in the world, or take a trip to Munich in Germany!
How Many Days Do You Need in Salzburg?
We only had one day in Salzburg, but we were surprised by how much we managed to see! In just a day, we explored the Old Town, visited Mozart’s Birthplace, walked through Mirabell Gardens, made our way up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for some incredible views, among other highlights. It was a busy day, but totally doable if you’re short on time.
That being said, 2 to 3 days would be ideal. With more time, you could take things at a slower pace, visit places like Hellbrunn Palace, enjoy Salzburg’s café culture in its entirety, or even take a quick day trip to Hallstatt. While one day was enough to hit the highlights, Salzburg is such a charming city that we would have loved to stay longer!
Is Salzburg Expensive?
Salzburg isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe, but it’s also not the most expensive. We’d say it falls somewhere in the mid-range, similar to other cities like Munich and Brussels.
Accommodation can be on the pricier side, especially if you’re staying in the Old Town, but there are budget-friendly options like guesthouses and hostels if you need them. Food and drinks vary—grabbing a meal at a traditional Austrian restaurant can be reasonable, but sit-down dinners at more touristy spots can add up. If you’re on a budget, bakeries and cafés offer affordable (and delicious) options.
Attractions like Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mozart’s Birthplace have entrance fees, but many of Salzburg’s highlights—like Mirabell Gardens, walking through the Old Town, and enjoying the stunning views—are completely free.
Overall, Salzburg can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it, depending on your travel style.
Is Salzburg Safe To Visit?
Yes, Salzburg is generally considered a very safe destination for travelers. During our time there, we felt completely comfortable exploring the city, whether it was during the day or in the evening. Like most European cities, Salzburg has its share of petty crimes, like pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas or on public transport, but as long as you stay aware of your surroundings, you should be just fine.
The city has a low crime rate, and you’ll find that locals are friendly and helpful. Salzburg is well-lit at night, and most of the main tourist areas, including the Old Town, are safe to walk through, even after dark.
That said, if you’re planning to venture into less touristy areas, it’s always good to use the same common-sense precautions you would in any city—don’t leave valuables unattended and keep an eye on your belongings.
Overall, Salzburg is one of the safer cities we’ve visited, and we felt at ease the entire time.
5 Insider Tips for Visiting Salzburg
Get the Salzburg Card
If you plan to visit multiple attractions, the Salzburg Card is an absolute game-changer. It gives you free access to top sights like Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s Birthplace, and Mirabell Gardens, plus unlimited rides on public transportation. It can save you a lot of time and money, especially if you’re trying to hit as many spots as possible.
Explore the Lesser-Known Sights
While the big attractions are great, don’t miss the lesser-known gems like St. Peter’s Abbey and its catacombs or Mönchsberg, which offers some of the best views of the city. These spots are less crowded but equally stunning, giving you a more relaxed Salzburg experience.
Go Early to Avoid the Crowds
Salzburg’s most popular sights can get crowded, especially in the summer. If you want to beat the rush, head to places like Hohensalzburg Fortress or Mozart’s Birthplace first thing in the morning. You’ll have more space to explore and a much more peaceful experience.
Take a Boat Ride on the Salzach River
For a unique perspective of the city, hop on a boat ride along the Salzach River. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery, and you’ll get some amazing photos of Salzburg’s architecture with the mountains as a backdrop. Plus, it’s a nice, relaxing break from all the walking.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
Salzburg’s cobblestone streets are charming, but they can be tough on your feet. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on walking a lot. You’ll be doing some serious sightseeing, and your feet will thank you later.
So, Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt — yes! Salzburg is a city that’s got it all: history, music, beautiful scenery, and enough charm to make you want to move there immediately. Whether you’re a Mozart fan, a Sound of Music enthusiast, or just someone who loves exploring beautiful European cities, Salzburg won’t disappoint. We honestly can’t wait to go back which shows even more how much it is worth visiting!
So if you’re still debating whether or not to go — just book the trip. Trust us, you won’t regret it. As always, thank you so much for supporting our blog, and safe travels!
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