What to See in Salzburg: Old Town, Music Stops, and Views

Why Salzburg Captivates Travelers: Old Town Charm, Music, and Mountain Views

Salzburg is a city where baroque church towers share the skyline with alpine peaks, where Mozart melodies float out of courtyards, and where every narrow lane in the Old Town feels like a film set. Whether you arrive for a weekend escape or a longer Austrian itinerary, knowing what to see in Salzburg can transform a short visit into a rich, memorable journey.

This long-form guide focuses on three pillars of the city’s appeal: the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the many music-related stops, and the viewpoints that deliver postcard-perfect panoramas. You will also find practical tips on when to visit, how to plan your route, and how to experience Salzburg beyond the obvious highlights.

Salzburg at a Glance: How the City Is Laid Out

To decide what to see in Salzburg, it helps to understand the city’s layout. The historic core lies on both sides of the Salzach River, framed by two hills: the Festungsberg, topped by Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Mönchsberg, a forested ridge with viewpoints. The Old Town (Altstadt) spreads mostly on the left bank, while the newer, elegant 19th-century district stretches across the river.

What to See in Salzburg’s Old Town: The Essentials

Salzburg’s Old Town is compact, walkable, and packed with history. Stone arcades protect shopfronts, wrought-iron guild signs hang over the lanes, and church towers appear at almost every turn. When you are planning what to see in Salzburg, start here: most of the city’s famous landmarks are within a few minutes of each other.

Getreidegasse: The Lively Historic Shopping Street

Getreidegasse is the beating heart of the Old Town, a long, narrow street lined with baroque facades and ornate signs. Even if you are not shopping, it is worth strolling through slowly to absorb the atmosphere. Peer into the passageways and inner courtyards: several lead to quieter lanes and hidden cafes.

• Look up: The upper floors of many houses show date stones and stucco details that reveal how old they really are.
• House numbers and guild signs: From golden keys to shoes and pretzels, the decorative signs recall the street’s merchant past.
• Early mornings or evenings: Visit before shops open or after they close if you prefer a quieter experience.

Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)

The cathedral is one of the most important places to see in Salzburg’s Old Town. Its imposing facade opens onto a broad square, framed by baroque buildings and arcades. Inside, white stone and soft light create a surprisingly airy space.

• Architectural style: Baroque, with a clean, balanced interior and detailed stucco decoration.
• Historical highlights: Mozart was baptized here, and his music still echoes through special services and concerts.
• Cathedral square: In December, the square turns into one of Salzburg’s most atmospheric Christmas markets.

Residenzplatz and Mozartplatz

Just next to the cathedral you find Residenzplatz, a wide, formal square with a central baroque fountain. It is flanked by former archbishop’s palaces, now home to museums and event spaces. A few steps away lies Mozartplatz, with its statue of the city’s most famous son.

Sit on a bench here and watch horse-drawn carriages circling the square, musicians unpacking instruments, and visitors pausing over maps. These plazas are natural landmarks when you navigate the Old Town on foot.

DomQuartier: Museums in the Archbishop’s Residence

For travelers interested in art, history, or architecture, the DomQuartier is one of the most rewarding things to see in Salzburg. The complex connects several baroque buildings—the Residenz, the cathedral, and parts of the Benedictine monastery—into a single museum circuit.

• What you will see: State rooms, private chapels, art collections, and views into the cathedral nave from above.
• Time needed: At least 1.5–2 hours if you want to follow the full route at a relaxed pace.
• Best for: A rainy day, or anyone who wants deeper context about Salzburg’s role as a prince-archbishopric.

St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery

Tucked at the foot of the fortress hill, St. Peter’s Abbey is both spiritual center and cinematic backdrop. Its cemetery, with wrought-iron crosses and rock-cut catacombs, is one of the most atmospheric nooks in Salzburg’s Old Town.

• Cemetery: Wander the paths between graves covered with flowers and candles; it is peaceful rather than morbid.
• Catacombs: Carved into the rock of the Mönchsberg, these small chapels offer a raw, early-Christian feeling and views over the graves.
• Music connection: Choir performances and concerts are sometimes held in the abbey’s spaces.

Franciscan Church and Kollegienkirche

Two more churches stand within easy reach of the cathedral and Residenzplatz. The Franciscan Church has a Gothic heart with a ring of chapels around its high altar, while the Kollegienkirche—once the university church—offers a more restrained baroque interior.

Step into at least one of these as you explore what to see in Salzburg’s Old Town; they provide quiet contrast to the busy streets outside and remind you why the city has such a rich sacred music tradition.

Music Stops in Salzburg: From Mozart to The Sound of Music

Salzburg’s identity is inseparable from music. This is the city of Mozart’s birth, a major festival hub, and the backdrop to “The Sound of Music.” Even if you do not consider yourself a classical music fan, including a few carefully chosen music stops in your plan of what to see in Salzburg can change how you feel about the city.

Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse

Mozart was born in 1756 in a yellow townhouse on Getreidegasse. Today, the building is a museum dedicated to his early years, family life, and early compositions. It is one of the most visited music sights in Salzburg and an easy stop while exploring the Old Town.

• What to expect: Original instruments, letters, portraits, and domestic rooms reconstructed to evoke 18th-century life.
• Duration: Plan about one hour, longer if you like to read detailed exhibition texts.
• Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid peak crowds and tour groups.

Mozart’s Residence on Makartplatz

Across the river, on Makartplatz, stands Mozart’s later family residence. The museum here focuses more on his professional life, travels, and compositions, making it a good complement to the birthplace museum.

If you have limited time, visiting one Mozart house may be enough. If you are a music lover, plan both—it adds depth and perspective to Mozart’s connection with Salzburg.

Salzburg Festival District and Felsenreitschule

At the western edge of the Old Town lies the festival district, with several performance venues clustered under the rock face of the Mönchsberg. The Felsenreitschule, a former riding school carved out of the stone, is particularly striking.

• Salzburg Festival: Each summer, the city hosts one of the world’s most prestigious classical music and opera festivals.
• Guided tours: Outside festival season, guided tours often include the Felsenreitschule and other halls, highlighting their architecture and history.
• Tickets: If you want to attend a performance during festival time, plan far in advance; less formal concerts sell out more slowly.

“The Sound of Music” Locations Around Salzburg

While “The Sound of Music” is better known in English-speaking countries than in Austria itself, the film has left a clear trail of sights in and around Salzburg. If the movie is part of your travel dream, it is worth weaving some of these locations into your list of what to see in Salzburg.

• Mirabell Gardens: The “Do-Re-Mi” steps and Pegasus fountain are both here, in a beautifully landscaped park.
• Residenzplatz: The square and its fountain appear in several scenes.
• Nonnberg Abbey: Still an active convent, it is associated with the historical Maria von Trapp and offers quiet courtyards and views.
• Hellbrunn Palace: The famous gazebo location used in the film (though moved slightly within the grounds).

You can visit these places independently or join a themed tour. For serious fans, a dedicated tour can bring hidden details and lesser-known stops to life.

Experiencing Live Music in Salzburg

Salzburg is not just a museum piece. Live music flows through churches, small halls, and festival stages year-round. Including at least one performance in your itinerary is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city.

• Evening chamber concerts: Often held in historic halls or churches, these programs usually feature Mozart and other classical composers.
• Organ recitals: Short organ concerts in the cathedral or other churches let you appreciate sacred music in its intended setting.
• Seasonal events: Advent and Christmas bring special choral concerts and carol services across the city.

The Best Views in Salzburg: Where to Go for Iconic Panoramas

One of the joys of visiting Salzburg is that spectacular views are never far away. The city is cradled between hills and the river, so you can climb, ride, or simply stroll to viewpoints that reveal different angles of the Old Town and surrounding mountains. If you are deciding what to see in Salzburg and you love photography, prioritize these lookout spots.

Hohensalzburg Fortress: Classic Skyline Views

Perched high on the Festungsberg hill, Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates almost every postcard of the city. A visit here combines history, architecture, and some of the widest panoramas over Salzburg and the Salzach valley.

• Getting up: You can ride the funicular from the Old Town or hike up via steep but rewarding footpaths.
• Inside the fortress: Exhibitions cover medieval weaponry, prison cells, and daily life in the fortress.
• Best views: The ramparts and courtyards offer sweeping vistas of the Old Town rooftops, river, and nearby peaks.
• When to go: Late afternoon or early evening for warm light and, in summer, sunset colors over the Alps.

Mönchsberg: Forest Paths and Cliff-Edge Terraces

The Mönchsberg is a long, wooded ridge running along the Old Town’s western edge. Instead of a single viewpoint, it offers a series of terraces and paths with different angles on the city, including some of the most iconic panoramas of Salzburg’s Old Town with the fortress behind it.

• Access: Walk up via steep lanes or take the Mönchsberg elevator from near the Old Town.
• Photo spots: Look for balconies and viewpoints marked on local maps, especially those above the festival district.
• Atmosphere: Despite being central, the forested paths feel surprisingly quiet and local.

Kapuzinerberg: A Quieter, More Local Hill

On the opposite side of the river, Kapuzinerberg provides more rugged paths and contemplative viewpoints. The ascent is steeper, but you are rewarded with excellent views over the Old Town, fortress, and river.

If you want to stretch your legs and escape the busiest streets while still staying close to the center, Kapuzinerberg is a strong candidate on your list of what to see in Salzburg.

Rooftop Terraces and Riverbank Walks

Not every great view in Salzburg requires a hilltop. Several hotels and restaurants offer rooftop terraces (check opening hours and policies), and the simple act of walking along the riverbank can yield beautiful, low-angle photographs of the city.

• Left-bank promenade: Classic views towards the right bank and bridges—especially at blue hour.
• Right-bank promenade: Lovely perspective on the fortress-topped Old Town.
• Bridges: Pedestrian bridges, in particular, make it easy to capture the city from the center of the river.

Mirabell Gardens and the Right-Bank Sights

When travelers think about what to see in Salzburg, they often focus exclusively on the Old Town. But crossing the river opens up another side of the city, with Mirabell Gardens at its heart. This area blends formal landscaping, “Sound of Music” moments, and more everyday city life.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Mirabell Gardens are among the most photographed spots in Salzburg. Designed in a baroque style, the gardens frame long sightlines towards the fortress, with symmetrical flowerbeds, hedges, and statues.

• Photo highlights: The Pegasus fountain, grand steps, and flowerbeds aligned with the fortress.
• Sound of Music link: Several famous musical moments were filmed among these stairs and pathways.
• Relaxing stop: Benches around the garden make it a pleasant place to rest between more intense sightseeing.

Makartplatz and the Marionette Theater

Just across from Mirabell, Makartplatz is home to Mozart’s Residence and the Salzburg Marionette Theater, an institution that has charmed audiences for more than a century. If you are visiting Salzburg with children—or just enjoy a touch of old-fashioned theater—checking the program here can be worthwhile.

Local Life on the Right Bank

Drifting away from the river, the right-bank streets grow more residential. Here you can find bakeries, small cafes, and everyday shops serving Salzburg’s residents. Spending an hour wandering this area rounds out your sense of what it is like to live in the city, rather than only observing its most polished, historic face.

Beyond the Center: Hellbrunn Palace, Untersberg, and Day Trips

Once you have covered your essential list of what to see in Salzburg’s Old Town and nearby districts, consider exploring just beyond the city limits. Several easy excursions deliver a mix of history, nature, and playful surprises.

Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains

Hellbrunn Palace stands a short ride south of the city center. Built as a pleasure palace in the early 17th century, it is best known today for its elaborate trick fountains: water-powered surprises that spray, dance, and occasionally catch unprepared visitors.

• Palace interior: Frescoed rooms and grand halls tell the story of Salzburg’s baroque elite.
• Trick fountains tour: Guided walks through the garden demonstrate the whimsical water features in action.
• “Sound of Music” gazebo: Fans of the film will recognize the romantic pavilion located in the park.

Untersberg: Mountain Vistas a Short Ride Away

On clear days, the limestone mass of the Untersberg mountain looms on the horizon south of Salzburg. A cable car whisks visitors up to alpine trails and viewpoints, offering a dramatic contrast to the city streets below.

• Top station: From here, paths lead to several viewpoints and, for hikers, longer ridge walks.
• Views: On good days, you can see deep into the Alps and back towards Salzburg.
• Weather note: Always check conditions before heading up; clouds can wrap the summit quickly.

Lakes and Nearby Towns

Salzburg lies close to Austria’s lake district (Salzkammergut), making it an excellent base for day trips. While covering every option goes beyond the scope of this guide, you should know that lakeside villages, boat rides, and additional viewpoints lie within easy reach by bus or train.

Suggested Itineraries: What to See in Salzburg in 1, 2, or 3 Days

Because the Old Town is compact, it is tempting to wander aimlessly. While this can be delightful, a loose structure helps you avoid backtracking and ensures you hit the highlights. Here are simple, flexible plans based on how long you have.

One Day in Salzburg: Core Highlights

If you only have one day, focus on the Old Town, one major viewpoint, and a brief visit to the right bank.

1. Morning: Start in the Old Town with Getreidegasse, Mozart’s birthplace, and St. Peter’s Abbey and cemetery.
2. Late morning: Explore the area around the cathedral, Residenzplatz, and Mozartplatz.
3. Lunch: Choose a spot in the Old Town or near the river.
4. Afternoon: Ride up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for history and panoramic views.
5. Late afternoon: Cross to the right bank for Mirabell Gardens, with fortress views from the lawns and steps.
6. Evening: Stroll along the river and across a pedestrian bridge as the city lights come on.

Two Days in Salzburg: Adding Depth and Music

With two days, you can slow down, visit more museums, and include live music.

1. Day 1: Follow the one-day itinerary, but spend longer in the DomQuartier or at St. Peter’s Abbey.
2. Day 1 evening: Attend a chamber concert or organ recital in a historic venue.
3. Day 2 morning: Visit Mozart’s Residence on Makartplatz and explore right-bank neighborhoods.
4. Day 2 afternoon: Walk or ride up the Mönchsberg for different views of Salzburg, or explore Kapuzinerberg.
5. Optional: If you are a “Sound of Music” fan, fit in Nonnberg Abbey or a themed tour.

Three Days in Salzburg: Side Trips and Slow Moments

With three days, Salzburg becomes more than a checklist. You can fit in a palace, a mountain, or a lakeside escape.

1. Days 1–2: Follow the two-day plan above, leaving some flexibility for weather.
2. Day 3: Choose one of the following:

• Hellbrunn Palace: Especially enjoyable in warm weather, thanks to its gardens and trick fountains.
• Untersberg: For hikers and view-seekers on clear days.
• Lake district excursion: If you want to combine Salzburg with lakes and small-town charm.

Practical Tips for Visiting Salzburg

Once you have outlined what to see in Salzburg, it is worth considering a few logistics. These practical details can save time, reduce stress, and let you focus on the city’s beauty instead of its ticket lines.

Food, Coffee, and Sweet Breaks Between Sights

Sightseeing in Salzburg works best when you punctuate your route with good coffee, local dishes, and dessert. While this guide does not focus on specific venues, it helps to know what to look for and when.

Coffee Culture and Cakes

Traditional cafes in Salzburg serve strong coffee and generous slices of cake, echoing the broader Austrian coffeehouse culture. When you pause between Old Town sights, keep an eye out for local specialties.

• Classic cakes: Chocolate tortes, nut-based cakes, and seasonal fruit creations fill many display cases.
• Long pauses: It is normal to sit with a single drink and a slice of cake for an extended time as you watch the city outside.
• Outdoor tables: In good weather, terraces in squares like Residenzplatz or along the river are particularly appealing.

Hearty Dishes and Light Bites

Between exploring what to see in Salzburg and climbing hills for views, you will probably welcome a hearty meal. Menus blend Austrian classics with regional Alpine flavors.

• Warm dishes: Soups, dumplings, and roasts are common, especially in colder seasons.
• Lighter options: Salads, grilled fish, and vegetarian plates are increasingly easy to find.
• Street snacks: Small stands and bakeries around the Old Town are ideal for quick bites between museums.

Planning Around Meal Times

Popular restaurants in and near the Old Town can fill up quickly during peak season and festival periods. If there is a particular style of place you want to experience—whether a traditional tavern or a modern bistro—consider planning ahead so your sightseeing and dining complement each other rather than compete for time.