This Charming European City Is Known for ‘The Sound of Music’ and Mozart — How to Visit

Anyone with an affinity for Mozart’s symphonies or a deep love of “The Sound of Music” has likely dreamed of traveling to Salzburg. The fourth-largest city in Austria, Salzburg was home to the famous composer for most of his life and served as one of the 1965 film’s main shooting locations. While many visitors come with plans to see Mozart’s Birthplace and recreate Julie Andrews’ most memorable scenes, it’s a destination that Craig Mitchell, a guide with Panorama Tours, describes as a “great all-arounder.”

“Salzburg has the perfect balance of city life, nature, art, and architecture,” adds Gerhard Reus, the founder of Free Walking Tour Salzburg. It’s also incredibly walkable — a quality attributed to the two bordering mountains, Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg. “Historically, these acted as natural walls, limiting the expansion of the Old Town. Until 1816, Salzburg wasn’t part of Austria but an independent church-state. The archbishops here grew wealthy from the salt trade, which funded the incredible Baroque architecture,” he tells Travel + Leisure. And it’s because of this history, he explains, that the Old Town is “compact, walkable, and packed with fascinating sights and intricate details.”

There’s technically no bad time to visit this charming city, but it’s particularly magical during the holidays, when the Christmas markets bring out their twinkly lights, mulled wine, and stalls filled with gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and ornaments. Though he specifically calls out the market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress courtyard and the Hellbrunner Adventzauber, Mitchell recommends visiting all of the Christmas markets if you have the time.

No matter when you plan to visit Salzburg, the below guide will help you figure out which hotel to book, which activities to fit in, and where to try Wiener schnitzel and apple strudel.

Best Hotels

Hotel & Villa Auersperg

“My top choice is Hotel & Villa Auersperg, a family-run hotel with a warm, personal touch that’s pet-friendly and ideal for families,” says Reus. “It has a spa area, yoga classes, and a focus on local, high-quality breakfast ingredients. Above all, it offers a truly welcoming experience.”

Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Mitchell calls Hotel Goldener Hirsch an “iconic location with a five-star atmosphere.” Set in the Old Town, the 70-room hotel blends its 600-year-old hunting lodge heritage with modern-day conveniences. The spacious rooms and suites feature antique furnishings and traditional rugs as well as roomy marble tubs and soundproof windows.

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

“If budget isn’t a concern and you want a historic luxury experience, Hotel Sacher would be my second pick,” says Reus. “Staying there is like stepping into imperial Austria of the 19th century — an experience in itself.” Mitchell agrees, sharing that this is a property that “combines heritage with comfort.”

Schloss Leopoldskron

The biggest “Sound of Music” fans should consider staying at one place and one place only: Schloss Leopoldskron, otherwise known as the home of the von Trapp family in the film. There are 12 suites in the historic palace, two townhomes, and 55 rooms in the Meierhof (the former administration building). Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the 17 acres of manicured gardens and unbeatable lake and mountain views.

Things to Do

Go on “The Sound of Music” tour.

Mitchell says the Original Sound of Music Tour will show you “the highlights of the city as well as the Lake District” and leave you significantly more educated on the destination as a whole. During the four-hour tour, you’ll stop at the original shooting locations from the movie, including Schloss Leopoldskron, Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain (where Julie Andrews and the children dance in the film), and the gazebo.

Explore Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Even if you aren’t embarking on a “Sound of Music” tour, a stop at Mirabell Palace and Gardens should still be a priority. “It’s free, it’s beautiful, and there are countless hidden corners to discover,” says Reus. For an even more “only in Salzburg” experience, book tickets for one of the Mozart concerts hosted in the historic building’s Marble Hall.

Take in Salzburg from above.

There’s only so much of Salzburg you can see from the ground — so Reus recommends heading up to higher elevations. “Several options make this easy: the Mönchsberg elevator to the Museum of Modern Art, the funicular up to the fortress, or simply walking along Mönchsberg or Kapuzinerberg,” he says. “The view lets you grasp the beauty of Salzburg and its unique setting.”

See a show at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre.

Known as one of the oldest continuing marionette theaters in the world, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre is a fun, family-friendly activity in the city. Its method of puppet and figure theater was also named on the Intangible UNESCO Cultural Heritage list in 2016. Shows range from classical operas and fairy tales to plays and musicals — including, of course, “The Sound of Music.”

Walk around the historic center.

Salzburg’s historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and within this area, you’ll find the Old Town (Altstadt). Mitchell recommends walking around the Old Town — keep a lookout for Getreidegasse (the famous shopping street where you’ll find Mozart’s Birthplace), Old City Hall, and Salzburg Cathedral — and visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest fully preserved castles in Central Europe.

Best Shopping

Getreidegasse

“In terms of real shopping experiences, it’s Getreidegasse,” says Reus, noting that locals tend to go to the shopping centers on the outskirts of the city versus the shopping street in the Old Town. Along with a variety of shops and cafes, the Getreidegasse features interesting architecture — specifically the through houses, public passageways that run through buildings.

The Salzburg Schranne

“If it’s a Thursday, I would recommend going to Mirabell Square for the farmers’ market,” says Reus. Held in front of Andräkirche Salzburg, the market brings together farmers, food stands, and other local and regional producers selling flowers, snacks, and arts and crafts.

Linzer Gasse

“Old Town is best on Saturdays with markets and all the shops open,” says Mitchell. “The Linzer Gasse is my favorite area.” The shopping street is the “little sister” of the Getreidegasse, and it’s filled with a lineup of shops, restaurants, and other stop-worthy moments that radiate both history and beauty. 

Best Restaurants

Augustiner Bräu Mülln

Visiting Augustiner Bräu, the largest beer hall in Austria, is a must for both Reus and Mitchell.  “It’s an entirely different world inside, often bustling with people enjoying liter mugs of beer — even on quiet weekdays,” says Reus. “The food court lets groups sample small portions of various local foods to share, so everyone can get a taste of Salzburg.”

Andreas Hofer Weinstube

Reus says Andreas Hofer Weinstube is “the most traditional, with a rustic atmosphere that feels genuinely local.” The establishment has been around for over 100 years and serves up entrees like spaetzle, schnitzel, and spaghetti bolognese.

Meissl & Schadn

According to Reus, Meissl & Schadn on Getreidegasse is “a bit upscale, but it’s likely the best place for schnitzel in Salzburg.” Pair it with potato salad or parsley tomatoes, and wash it down with a carafe of the house wine. Just don’t forget to save room for apple strudel, a beloved Austrian dessert.

IMLAUER Sky Bar & Restaurant

At IMLAUER Sky Bar & Restaurant, Mitchell says you can expect “great food with panoramic views of the city.” Look out upon the fortress as you enjoy a cocktail, followed by a steak or Wiener schnitzel (if you haven’t yet gotten your fill) and Salzburger Nockerl, one of the most famous desserts in Salzburg.

Gasthof Goldgasse

Mitchell describes Gasthof Goldgasse as a “petite traditional eatery in the middle of the Old Town.” Housed in a 700-year-old building, the restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and a menu featuring both classics and updated interpretations of regional cuisine.” Main courses include pan-fried sausage, veal cutlet, and Chateaubriand.

Best Time to Visit

Mitchell says Salzburg delivers in all four seasons, but he recommends the autumn months if you “want to revel in the harvest atmosphere,” or winter “for fewer crowds and cozy times in the city.” Reus echos his sentiment, sharing that September and October are “perfect.”

“Fall colors are beautiful, the weather is often still pleasant, and the crowds are less,” he says, adding that “Rupertikirtag in late September is a wonderful time to experience Austrian traditions at a local fair, similar to Oktoberfest.” Reus also notes that December is “magical for the Christmas markets, though it’s a trade-off with shorter days and unpredictable weather.” February and March are chilly and wet, but he says these months “offer the most authentic experience without the usual tourist crowds.”

How to Get There

Located between Vienna and Munich, Salzburg is easily reachable by plane or train. If you’re flying, W. A. Mozart Airport (SZG) will be your final destination, but those traveling from the United States will likely connect through Frankfurt, Munich, or London. From SZG, you can hop on either the No. 2 or No. 10 public bus into the city; it takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on the route. Salzburg is also relatively easy to get to by train from most major European cities, including nearby Vienna, Munich, Zurich, and Innsbruck. Tickets can be purchased from ÖBB, Westbahn, or Rail Europe.

How to Get Around

“Salzburg is really great for spontaneous exploration since walking between sights only takes minutes, and most of the city can be explored in a day or two,” says Reus. That said, anyone visiting Salzburg will benefit from two things: a good pair of walking shoes and a Salzburg Card, which allows free travel on most public transportation within the city. Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, the card begins at around $30 for adults and includes one-time admission to the city’s tourist attractions and museums and discounts on events, concerts, and other excursions. With your card in hand, you can use Salzburg’s network of buses and electric trolleys to seamlessly navigate through your itinerary.