7 Things to See in Salzburg, the City of Mozart

Austria is a country that attracts plenty of tourists from all over the globe every year. It is a land of puzzling peaks, mysterious lakes, and landscapes that will take your breath away. Some of them choose Austrian Alps to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports, making it a heaven for winter lovers from all over the world. Some decide to visit the amazing Vienna. You can even have a romantic weekend in Hallstatt, one of the country’s most iconic places. However, since the country has an appealing history and gave birth to such an enormous range of internationally recognized artists, this time we bring you the 7 best things to do in Salzburg — Mozart’s birthplace and of the most beautiful cities in Austria.

Before we start, be sure to check out our Cultural Places Platform and discover the amazing tours that will help you explore your destinations at your own pace.

Following is the list of places you must not miss once you visit Salzburg.

The Salzburg Dom — The City’s Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral ( or “Dom zu Salzburg” in German) is one of the most famous symbols of the city and place where many of the travelers start their journey in Salzburg. This Cathedral is a true masterpiece of early baroque art — just look at its gorgeous façade, but also take your chance to enter it and admire it from the inside, you will love it. This Cathedral is set in the very heart of the historic city of Salzburg, and has enormous value among its citizens — that’s why it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It’s also the place where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized, and where he later performed a lot.

Salzburg Cathedral at Night

Salzburg Cathedral — Interior Details

Mirabell Gardens

The Mirabell Gardens (Mirabellgarten in German) is the destination where the kids in the Sound of Music danced around the statue of Pegasus singing “Do Re Mi”. The gardens belong to the Mirabell Palace that was built by an Archbishop in 1606 as a house for his mistress and kids! Today, it is the office of the Mayor of Salzburg. The gardens, as well as the Palace itself, look really gorgeous and are worth taking an hour or two to explore them.

The Mirabel Palace and Its Gardens

The Mirabel Palace and Its Gardens

St Peters Abbey

This Benedictine monastery, constructed in the Romanesque period, is the oldest active monastery in Austria, dating back to 696 AD. It is situated in the oldest sector of Salzburg. Inside the church, you will see several art treasures, including some altar paintings by Kremser Schmidt, the Salzburg Madonna, as well as the unusual crèche portraying the Flight into Egypt.

St Peter’s Abbey

Getreidegasse – Salzburg’s Medieval Shopping Area

Salzburg’s most trendy shops can be found in Getreidegasse, a striking, medieval alley, nearly a mile long, running the length of the old town. If you are looking for a fairytale place in Salzburg, then this is the spot.

Busy Getreidegasse

Mozart’s Birthplace

One certain house in the Getreidegasse always draws particular attention. House No. 9. The place in which the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. Salzburg’s most famous son came into this world on 27 January 1756. His family actually lived here for 26 years, from 1747 on, occupying an apartment on the third floor.

With parents, Leopold and Anna Maria as well as sister “Nannerl”, Mozart spent his childhood and much of his youth there. In 1773, the family moved to the house we know today as the “Mozart Residence”, standing on Makartplatz Square.

Mozart’s Birthplace

Residenzplatz and Residenz

The Residenzplatz is Salzburg’s biggest square. It houses the fifty-foot high, Residenzplatz Fountain, possibly the most stunning extravagant fountain that exists outside of Italy. The Residenz itself was the house of Salzburg’s Prince-Archbishops and is open all day for yet another gleaming place to visit.

Residenzplatz
© Zairon / CC BY-SA 4.0

Hohensalzburg Castle

The Salzburg Fortress, also known as the Hohensalzburg Castle, is one gorgeous castle sitting on the top of the Festungsberg Hill and dominating Salzburg’s skyline. It has been a major power hive for the rulers of Salzburg since the 1000’s. This fortress has gone through many changes over the years, including the funicular that has made it easily accessible to the tourists. You should definitely explore its rooms and see all the beauty of the traditional decor that you’ll find there. The Salzburg Fortress is definitely the number one tourist attraction in Salzburg and you shouldn’t miss it.

Salzburg’s Fortress Hohensalzburg

Bonus: Kapuzinerberg

The 640 meters-high Kapuzinerberg lies to the right of the River Salzach. Its green plateau provides a population recreation area for walkers, hikers, and all the sports lovers. The place is home to churches, an abbey, as well as many hiking paths. On the Kapuzinerberg you will also discover an old fortified wall with 14 watchtowers. Make sure you don’t miss it.

The View from the Kapuzinerberg

And there it is guys, the 7 best things to see in Salzburg (or eight, counting the bonus one 🙂 ) — places that should be on your list when you visit this magnificent city. We definitely see Salzburg as one of the most beautiful cities in Austria, and if you’re wondering what are the rest of them check out one of our previous blog posts called “5 Most Beautiful Towns in Austria“. Also, we definitely recommend taking a trip to Vienna and visiting Stephansdom.