By ANL | UPDATED: 27 May 2026

Things to do in Salzburg, Austria centre on a unique blend of music heritage, baroque architecture and alpine scenery. The city is most famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, but Salzburg offers far more than its musical legacy. From the historic Old Town (Altstadt) and Salzburg Cathedral to the panoramic Hohensalzburg Fortress and the elegant Mirabell Palace and Gardens, the city is rich in cultural landmarks within a compact and walkable centre. Salzburg also reflects its history as a former salt trading hub, which shaped its wealth, architecture and identity. Today, it is one of Austria’s most visited cultural destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A House for Mozart serving as a theatre of the Salzburg Festival, Stiftung Morzarteum as a concert hall, a Mozartplatz that is a square with a statue of the world-famous Mozart, a Café Mozart, the Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, Mozart’s Birthplace, and the Mozart Wohnhaus. These places in Salzburg, and quite a few more, have been named to commemorate the composer and virtuoso Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose birthplace was precisely here in Salzburg, Austria, and they will naturally be part of the things you will want to see and do when visiting the city.

 
The city has a long and rich history from initially being an old Roman settlement in the Holy Roman Empire, later, an archbishopric – to today being a modern and vibrant city in Austria with a university, several art museums, and various other cultural things to do such as participating in the annual Salzburg Festival, as well as enjoying the marvellous alpine surroundings.

Salzburg is an old salt extraction site in Austria with the Salzach River running through the historic city – used until the late 1700s as a transportation route (subject to a toll) for salt on barges from Hallein and other nearby mining locations. In addition to salt extraction, gold mining also occurred around Salzburg centuries ago. In the 17th century, monasteries and impressive baroque churches were constructed here under the influence of Italian architects – the part of the city that is today the historic centre (Altstadt – The Old Town). Salzburg is notably one of the most well-preserved cities north of the Alps and, today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This guide follows a structured cultural approach to help you experience Salzburg in a meaningful way.

Mozart’s Birthplace at Getreidegasse No. 9.

Where is Mozart’s Birthplace in Salzburg? A must-see and a highlight is Mozart’s Birthplace at Getreidegasse No. 9 in the Old Town of Salzburg. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here on the third floor in 1756, and you can today visit his birthplace, which is now a museum. The house was known as the ‘Upper Hagenauer House on the Fish Market’. Inside the Mozart Birthplace, you can take a tour to gain insight into Mozart’s life and everyday life here in the furnished 18th-century middle-class house that takes you back in time. Also, authentic musical instruments, formerly belonging to Mozart, can be viewed here.

Getreidegasse.

In 1773, Mozart’s family moved from his birthplace to another house at the Makartplatz, now known as the Mozart Wohnhaus, which also has been converted into a museum today.

Mozart was exceptional, a one-of-a-kind who achieved extraordinary and unparalleled results in his work. He was a musical prodigy, multitalented on both the violin and piano and started composing at the age of 5. Although he died already at 35, he had composed over 600 pieces of music! Due to his outstanding achievements, he is considered one of the greatest composers ever.

Coffee and Mozart chocolates in Salzburg.

Today, Salzburg is full of Mozart – with many places named after him, reminding everyone of the fame, musical legacy, and achievements of the talented composer from Austria once born here. However, there is no doubt that Mozart’s Birthplace remains the top attraction in Salzburg! Mozart is the city’s theme – even Mozart chocolates are sold everywhere – for instance, in the charming historical Getreidegasse, where you can also try a coffee speciality and an apple strudel – or the Salzburger Nockerl at Café Mozart! The vibrant street features fine examples of traditional doorways and the particular through-houses. Of course, you can also come for Mozart Week, a traditional festival where the composer’s music is in focus.

Mozart statue.

For more classical heritage destinations in Austria, Vienna also offers world-class musical history. Suggested link: Things to Do in Vienna

The 17th-century baroque Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Salzburg is in the heart of the city. It contributes, together with Hohensalzburg Fortress, to the characteristic Salzburg skyline.

Salzburg Cathedral.

With its spectacular dome and two towers, it is one of the most impressive constructions in Salzburg to visit and one of the top things to do in the city.

The highlights of the magnificent cathedral include the baptismal font (where Mozart was christened), the crypt, the façade made of Untersberg marble, the cathedral gates (Faith, Love and Hope) by Schneider-Manzell, Mataré and Manzú, seven remarkable and named bells, as well as the relics of the Saints Rupert and Virgil – to whom Salzburg Cathedral is dedicated.

Salzburg Cathedral.

There have been several predecessors to the current cathedral, due to devasting fires throughout the preceding centuries. The first cathedral dates back to 767 under bishop Virgil and was consecrated to the Saints Peter and Rupert in 774. The current cathedral in an early-baroque style was consecrated in 1628.

Surrounding the cathedral construction, three beautiful squares appear: the Domplatz with the Mariensäule, the Kapitelplatz with the Goldene Kugel – ‘Sphaera’ – by Stephan Balkenhol, and the Residentzplatz in front of the UNESCO World Heritage Site baroque complex DomQuartier Salzburg.

Salzburg’s baroque influence is closely linked to other Austrian imperial cities such as Innsbruck. Link: Innsbruck Travel Guide

Hohensalzburg Fortress.

The imposing and eye-catching fortress of Hohensalzburg, visible from afar, is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. It was constructed in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard – and continuously expanded in the following centuries.

The landmark is atop the Festungsberg at an altitude of 506 metres, and it is a splendid fortress construction, in the past protecting and defending the city. Initially, it was a very simple fortress, but significant improvements took place in 1462 when Cardinal Burkhard II added both thicker walls and more towers. Due to its altitude and invincibility behind the castle walls, no enemy ever posed a real threat to it.

Hohensalzburg Fortress at night.

In the 1500s, Hohensalzburg Fortress was again remodelled, and it got its particular, odd coat of arms – representing a lion holding a turnip! Also, the inside of Hohensalzburg is enticing to visit. The fortress possesses a remarkable collection of historical artefacts that give insight into its captivating story.

Among the absolute top things to do in Salzburg is a visit to the beautiful palace, the Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell). It is located on the northeastern riverbank of Salzach and belongs to the buildings in Salzburg, which are on the cultural heritage listing. At first, it was named Altenau – before later being changed to the current name, derived from ‘admirable’ and ‘bella’ in Italian.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Although constructed as a luxurious pleasure palace in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau, it only kept its original appearance for one century, before it was remodelled to reflect the new popular sumptuous baroque style by the baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt. However, in the 1800s, a neoclassical approach was applied to the Mirabell Palace, and Archbishop Maximilian Joseph von Tarnóczy had his residence here. In 1866, the City of Salzburg took over the stylish palace.

Today, the location is a popular wedding site with the elegant Marble Hall as a wedding hall and the Angel Staircase or Pegasus Fountain as favoured photo shooting locations. The Marble Hall is today also the venue of the renowned recurring Salzburger Schlosskonzerte, which takes the guests back to when Mozart used to give his concerts here.

Mirabell Gardens.

Under Prince-Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun in the late 1600s, the lovely Mirabell Gardens were laid out, with mythological statues created by Ottavio Mosto. It is today a top tourist attraction in Salzburg!

The gardens and palace architecture reflect broader alpine baroque traditions found across the Austrian Alps in Tyrol.

St Peter’s Abbey.

Very close to Salzburg Cathedral, an imposing abbey construction is situated. St Peter’s Abbey, founded by a Frankish missionary, known as Rupert, dates back to the 7th century. One of the highlights of St Peter’s Abbey is the Long Gallery with a painting collection. Another is the beautiful and unique St Peter’s Cemetery, where numerous personalities have been buried.

Most remarkable are probably the catacombs that have served as a practical burial site for many Salzburg residents in the past. St Peter’s Catacombs may seem familiar to visitors since they have been used as a setting in the film ‘The Sound of Music’.

St Peter’s Catacombs.

Due to numerous fires over the years, renovations of St Peter’s Abbey were repeatedly carried out, with changing architectural styles. These resulted in the monastery today having a mix of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Rococo styles.

Famous composers, such as Mozart and Haydn, dedicated time and music to St Peter’s. Still today, Mozart Dinner Concerts are held in the Stiftskeller St Peter.

If you are planning a wider Austrian itinerary, combining Salzburg with nearby Bavarian highlights can enrich your cultural journey. Link: Hiking in the Bavarian Alps

Frequently Asked Questions about Salzburg

What is Salzburg most famous for?

Salzburg is best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for its baroque Old Town, and for landmarks such as Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Cathedral.

Is Salzburg worth visiting for cultural travellers?

Salzburg is one of Austria’s top cultural destinations with historic churches, palaces, concert venues, museums, and a remarkably preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town.

How many days do you need in Salzburg?

Two to three days are ideal for exploring Salzburg’s main attractions, visiting museums, enjoying local cafés, and experiencing the alpine surroundings.

Can you visit Mozart’s Birthplace in Salzburg?

Yes, Mozart’s Birthplace at Getreidegasse No. 9 is open to visitors as a museum featuring historical rooms, instruments, and exhibits about Mozart’s life.

What are the top things to do in Salzburg?

Highlights in Salzburg include Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, St Peter’s Abbey, Mirabell Palace and the historic Getreidegasse.

When is the best time to visit Salzburg?

Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while December is popular for Christmas markets and summer for the Salzburg Festival.

How do you get to Hohensalzburg Fortress?

Visitors can either walk uphill from the Old Town or use the fortress funicular railway, which provides quick access to the hilltop fortress.

Is Salzburg Cathedral free to visit?

Salzburg Cathedral usually requires an entrance ticket for visitors, although access during religious services may differ.

Read next: Summer in the Austrian Alps in Tyrol

Images courtesy of Pixabay.