Salzburg Travel Guide: Everything You Must Know for Your Visit
Planning a visit to the gorgeous and musical city of Salzburg but not sure where to start? Our Salzburg travel guide will help you plan your trip with some basic information about public transportation, public holidays, tips about general etiquette, and our recommendations for the best sights.
What to Know Before Visiting Salzburg
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Salzburg is a picturesque city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Often referred to as the “Rome of the North” for its many churches and cathedrals, Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers visitors a unique blend of Baroque charm and modern sophistication.
As the birthplace of famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg has a strong musical tradition that can be experienced throughout the city. From the renowned Salzburg Festival to iconic Sound of Music tours, music lovers will find plenty to enchant and inspire them.
But Salzburg is not just a haven for music enthusiasts – it also boasts a wealth of historical attractions, including the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, and the quaint Old Town. Wander the cobblestone streets, explore the charming historic squares, and immerse yourself in the history that permeates every corner of this enchanting city. We recommend starting your visit to Salzburg with our introduction tour led by one of our fantastic local guides, who can help you explore this captivating destination with insider information.
Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria and located close to the border with Germany. Austria is a member of the European Union and is part of the Eurozone, meaning that Euros are the local currency. The majority of shops and restaurants take cards, but carrying a little bit of cash is always recommended, just in case.
Getting Around
As a city of just under 160,000 with a compact Old Town, Salzburg is highly walkable and easy to get around on foot. You’ll be able to reach most sights walking from your accommodation in central Salzburg. But to reach certain sights such as the Fortress and Hellbrunn Gardens, you might want to make use of other transport options.
Public Transportation in Salzburg
Salzburg is a small city, but still has an excellent and energy-efficient public transportation system. The system is made up of both buses and trolley buses. Trolley buses run about every 10-20 minutes every day and buses run about every 15 minutes.
For ease of use, you can download the Salzburg public transportation app: the SalzburgMobil app and purchase your tickets on there. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at the specific kiosks in town (“Trafiken”) or at any of the ticket machines around the stops. A single ticket costs 3 euros and 24-hour pass costs 5 euros.
By Car
If you’d rather drive a car in Salzburg, there are some parking options available. However, parking in the town center is hard to come by and is all short term parking. We recommend using one of the Park & Ride lots on the outskirts of town and then taking public transportation into the city center for a discounted rate. A combo ticket including parking and an all day pass for public transit for up to four people costs just 15 euros.
From the Airport
There are two buses that can get you from the airport to the city center of Salzburg. The No. 2 bus runs daily every 15-20 minutes between the airport and Salzburg’s main train station with the journey time about 23 minutes. The No. 10 bus departs every 15 minutes from the airport, except for on Sundays, and travels to the city center in about 15 minutes. Tickets for the airport buses can also be purchased through the SalzburgMobil app where the same rates apply as regular tickets.
Public Holidays & Store Closures
Austria observes many public holidays and typically stores are closed on these days. Make sure you’re aware of any public holidays in the city during your stay and plan accordingly! Many retail shops and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays.
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- January 6 – Epiphany
- Easter Weekend (Friday to Monday, usually in April)
- May 1 – Labor Day
- May 14 – Ascension (exact date varies)
- May 25 – Whit Monday (exact date varies)
- June 4 – Corpus Christi (exact date varies)
- August 15 – Assumption of Mary
- October 26 – National Holiday
- November 1 – All Saints’ Day
- December 8 – Immaculate Conception (stores are open)
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 26 – Boxing Day/St. Stephen’s Day
Read about one of Central Europe’s many Christmas traditions in our blog post.
Emergency Services
In the minor chance that you end up in an emergency situation while in Salzburg, it’s good to know who to contact. The general emergency number for the European Union is 112, which will connect you to an English speaking operator.
There are also specific emergency numbers for Austria.
144 – Ambulance
133 – Police
122 – Fire
General Etiquette
As in all cities, it’s important to remember that while you are a visitor, Salzburg is also the home of many people who live and work in the city every day. Do your best to keep the city clean and pleasant for visitors and locals alike. Respect local quiet hours and be aware of your surroundings.
Basic Phrases in German
Hello! —> Guten Tag!
Thank you —-> Danke
Please/You’re Welcome —–> Bitte
Goodbye —-> Auf Wiedersehn
Cheers! —–> Prost!
Tipping in Salzburg
The general rule in Salzburg is to tip 10-15% at restaurants.
Top Sights in Salzburg
There are many, many sights to see in Salzburg beyond the Old Town, and it can be hard to know where to start. Places, museums, and cathedrals are plenty, but which are the most remarkable and unique to Salzburg? Here are the best sights to see in Salzburg as a first-time visitor.
Schloss Hellbrun
A visit to Schloss Hellbrun is a delightful experience that combines history, architecture, and fun-filled surprises. The 17th-century palace’s trick fountains feature hidden water jets that make it a delightful destination for kids and adults alike. The palace itself is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with ornate decorations and a picturesque pond that adds to its charm. Surrounding it are beautifully landscaped gardens that invite visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment. If you’re visiting Salzburg in the summer, be sure to include a trip to Hellbrunn.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Towering over Salzburg, Fortress Hohensalzburg is a symbol of the city’s medieval past, with a history dating back over a thousand years. The extensive grounds of the fortress include the medieval chambers, towers, and courtyards that offer spectacular views of Salzburg. You can also visit the museum with historical artifacts that gives insight into the role of the fortress in Salzburg’s defense.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens
Located in the heart of Salzburg, Mirabell Palace is a true gem of baroque architecture, boasting intricate decorations and impressive sculptures. Landscaped gardens surrounding the palace offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Visitors can wander among the manicured flower beds, grand fountains, and shaded walkways. The palace and its gardens are a popular attraction for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of Salzburg. Entrance to the palace and gardens is free of charge. If you’re a fan of classical music, you can also attend one of the palace’s concerts.
Mozart’s Birthplace
A must-visit location for classical music lovers, Mozart’s Birthplace has been transformed into a museum that showcases the composer’s musical genius through original artifacts and exhibits. Here, you can explore the rooms where Mozart lived and composed some of his most famous works, gaining insight into his life and career, and get a comprehensive look at the famous composer’s legacy.
Want to learn more about Salzburg? Check out our other Salzburg blog posts or feel free to reach out to us directly at team@insightcities.com! We are happy to answer questions regarding your upcoming trip to Salzburg or to neighboring capital cities in Central Europe. We can arrange tours, transfers, and unique experiences to make your trip to Salzburg truly special.