Destination Idea: Salzburg, Austria

For travelers to Europe, here’s a destination idea that’s sure to please. Salzburg is a beautiful city in the northwestern part of Austria that borders Germany. It is a hub for Baroque churches, stunning castles, and hulking palaces with a beautiful backdrop of the Salzkammergut Alps. Salzburg is a “divided city” split down the center by the Salzach River. The primary way to cross between the two parts of the city is via Makartsteg Bridge, also known as Love Lock Bridge. It gets its name from the thousands of locks that cover the sides of the bridge, which is a popular sight to see in many European cities.

Well-known for its beauty, Salzburg is also one of the best-preserved German-speaking cities. In 1996, the entire old town was dubbed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its distinct architecture and cultural monuments.

Salzburg is the birthplace of the world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and after spending a few moments in the city center, that becomes apparent. Many gift shops, restaurants, and pubs all brand Mozart’s name. There is even a museum at the site of his former home called Mozarteum. This bright yellow building is hard to miss because it is located on one of the more popular tourist streets, Getreidegasse.

Visitors will discover that once they are on Getreidegasse, all the main old town attractions are just a few minutes from one another. A visit to Old Town Hall is a must-do. With over 800 years of rich history, the Old Town Hall is now used for a number of things. The first floor hosts an art gallery featuring alternating exhibits from local Salzburg artists. In contrast, the second and third floors are used for city council and municipal purposes. From the town hall, it’s just a short walk to Alter Markt, or Old Market. This is the oldest market in Salzburg and is now surrounded by small shops, a few cafés and eateries, and sometimes small local vendors that sell meats, cheeses, and produce. There is even a Christmas market that sells local delicacies during the holiday season. To get a sense of Christmastime in Salzburg, visit the iconic local shop, Christmas in Salzburg, which sells hand-painted decorative eggs.

Another must-see in Salzburg’s old town is Residenzplatz square, which is home to Residence Fountain. Locals and tourists consider it to be the most beautiful fountain in Salzburg. Two minutes from Residenzplatz is Mozartplatz, a popular tourist spot because of its Mozart monument. West of Mozartplatz is Salzburg’s most sacred building, the Salzburg Cathedral. There is a small fee to enter this beautiful Baroque cathedral to help maintain the building’s protection and care.

To see amazing panoramic views of Salzburg and its surroundings, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress. This imposing castle can be seen from all parts of the city as it sits atop a high crag. Only a six-minute walk from the center of the old town, it is worth it to splurge for the all-inclusive ticket that includes a stunning ascent up to the fortress on a steep railway.

A well-known fact about Salzburg is that the iconic movie The Sound of Music was filmed in the city, so spending a day going on a Sound of Music tour is highly recommended. Bob’s Special Tours offers a fantastic full-day tour that is small and intimate.

Not only will guests get to see famous filming locations, but an experienced guide will take them to the breathtakingly unforgettable village of Hallstatt for lunch and a self-guided stroll. The tour also stops in St. Gilgen as well as drives through Austria’s Lake District. Bob’s Special Tours gives guests the option to be picked up and dropped off at their hotel or at the tour company’s location.

Tourists have the option of several different accommodations and at several different price points. For the traveler seeking luxury, the Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt is right in the heart of the old town and just a quick walk from all of the major sights. It’s a hotel where even a standard room feels like luxury, with its red and gold color palette. For travelers looking for a more reasonably priced hotel that still feels luxurious, Der Salzburger Hof is a great spot. This 4-star hotel is close to the main train station in Salzburg and offers guests a daily breakfast buffet. Finally, an excellent place for travelers whose budgets are tighter is Meininger Hotels. With locations all over Europe, this accommodation offers both hotel and hostel-style rooms. Its low-cost rooms and 15-minute walking distance to the city center make it perfect for travelers trying to save a few bucks.

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