A quick tour around Salzburg
Salzburg is the 4th biggest city of Austria, filled with historical places and landmarks. 7 million people visit Salzburg yearly to absorb its charm, as a consequence it’s simply…crowded. And unfortunately, I see no charm in it. Obviously, the captivating view from Kapuzinenberg, ravishing Mirabell gardens or mouth-watering sweets can make up for it. But, overall, I feel like I’ve seen more alluring cities.
What’s the best time to visit Salzburg?
I’ll tell you when it’s not. During vacation time in Europe, which is in July and August. Under no circumstances go there during those months. Choose off the main season time, like early spring: March, April or early autumn: October. Fewer people, lower prices, less stress.
What’s the best way to visit Salzburg?
Salzburg is a relatively small city, with most of the attractions within walking distance from one another, so the best way to see it is on foot. You don’t need to use either public transportation or a car. I also advise you against taking your bike. It may be useful when your accommodation is far from the city, but once you reach the Old Town, you’ll not be able to ride between people. There’re also areas where bikes are not allowed.
What to see in Salzburg?
Old Town
Old Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1996 thanks to the untouched baroque architecture. Narrow street, decorated buildings, squares, city market — that and even more to be found in Salzburg
Mozart birth house
Mozart’s birthplace in the Old Town, on Getreidegasse street, offers interesting tours that can give you valuable insight into the composer’s younger years. Inside you’ll find not only plenty of information about Mozart’s life and family but also his musical instruments. Mozart’s famous masterpieces heard out loud on the streets of Old Town invite tourists to that place.
The original shop of Mozart kugeln
Round marzipan pralines with Mozart face on them are sold everywhere in Austria, especially Salzburg. But there’s one particular shop in Salzburg to buy the original one, presumably the very best. Look for a very small shop following the Getreidegasse in the direction to the Rathausplatz.
Residenzplatz
Residenzplatz square, designed by Vincento Famozzi is the biggest square in Salzburg. Imagine that fifty-five medieval buildings were torn down to make room for it. No wonder, it’s now a place of events, festivals, and music concerts throughout the year. There’s the St. Rupert’s Fair in September and a Christmas market during the Advent season. The Residenplatz is surrounded by a few buildings worth mentioning: The Salzburg Cathedral, New and Old Residence, where you can find a gallery and museum nowadays. But the most spectacular in the square is the fountain, perched in the middle of it. Horses, dolphins, Triton and more, require a closer look. The work of Italian sculptor, Tommaso di Garone is considered to be one of the most significant baroque monuments in Europe today.
Kapitelplatz
Everyone heading the fortress will walk through the Kapitelplatz. It’s the one with a sculpture called “Sphaera”. It’s a 9-meter-high monument with a man standing on golden sphaera, made by a German artist Stephan Balkenhol. On Kapitelplatz you may also find the big chess and several booths filled with souvenirs.
Hohensalzburg
There’s no way you can miss the Hohensalzburg fortress when visiting Salzburg. The XI century’s fortress sits on the Festungsberg, high above the Old Town of Salzburg. The fortress, built as protection of the archbishop, nowadays seats several museums. The younger visitors might want to stay longer at the Marionette Museum, while teenagers would be surprised by the interactive exhibition in the armory. Adults appreciate the panorama tour with a 360-degree view of the city. You can spend hours trying to learn about the Hohensalzburg long history or get a quick walk around the castle skimming the most important information on your way
Mirabell Palace and garden
The palace was built in 1606 by prince archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his lady Salome Alt. The Mirabell is an Italian name, a mixture of two words: mirabile “admirable” and bella “beautiful”. And those are the words to describe its gardens as well. Blooming flowers, colorful compositions, and all that in the heart of the city. But you better get there early in the morning if you need that Instagram shot.
Kapuzinerberg
Those, who look for the perfect photo of the Old Town with a view on Hohensalzburg, should hike on 640 meters high Kapuzinerberg. Go to the Salzburg official site to learn more about the path.
Accommodation
Staying a night in Salzburg isn’t cheap. If you’re lucky you can get a hotel room within walking distance of the city center. We stayed in the Eco-Suite hotel, a bit further, but perfect for longer stays as the room was equipped with 2 king-size beds and a mini kitchen with a fridge, so you can prepare breakfast or some snacks in the room.
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The one we stayed in here