19 Things to Do in Salzburg (Beyond Sound of Music Spots)

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Salzburg is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. With its baroque old town, mountain views, and river cutting through the centre, it looks like something out of a fairytale. No wonder Hollywood picked it for The Sound of Music.

But I’ll be honest with you: I’ve never liked that film. Don’t get me wrong, many of the filming locations are stunning and absolutely worth visiting. But there’s so much more to Salzburg than just tracing movie scenes.

I’ve visited Salzburg multiple times over the years, and each visit I find new corners to explore. In this post, I’m sharing my personal favourites, some famous, some underrated, that show just how special this city really is.

No matter your opinion on the Von Trapps, I promise Salzburg won’t disappoint.

1. Visit Fortress Hohensalzburg

You can’t miss Fortress Hohensalzburg, literally. It’s located on a hill above the old town, and it’s visible from almost everywhere in the city. It’s one of the largest fully preserved castles in Central Europe.

To get up, you can walk or take the funicular. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the rooftops of Salzburg and the surrounding mountains.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of medieval rooms and small museum exhibits. What I remember most? A toilet. Seriously. It was the first time I’d seen a historic toilet in a castle, something you rarely get to see, and oddly fascinating.

The fortress also hosts events like early morning yoga sessions in summer and a Christmas market on Advent weekends. It’s a great place to visit in each season.

Tip: Both the funicular ride and the entrance to the castle are included in the Salzburg Card.

2. Get an Amazing View from Kapuzinerberg

A panoramic view of Salzburg, Austria, taken from a high vantage point and framed by leafy tree branches. The Salzach River winds through the city, with pastel-colored buildings and the Hohensalzburg Fortress standing prominently in the distance beneath a clear, sunny sky. — Best view of Salzburg

Kapuzinerberg might be just across the river from Salzburg’s old town, but once you’re up there, it barely feels like you’re in a city at all. For the best experience, head up the Imbergstiege, a beautiful stairway that’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it.

Once you’re at the top, follow the Basteiweg to Aussichtsplatz Klostermauer. It’s right about level with the Mozartsteg bridge, and the view from there is incredible.

You’ll see the old town and Fortress Hohensalzburg, it’s one of my favourite views in Salzburg. What surprised me most, was how quiet it was. I visited on a sunny day in May and hardly saw another person. It felt like one of Salzburg’s hidden gems.

There’s no need to hike further south from there, especially if you only visit Salzburg on a day trip. It gets more time-consuming, but the view doesn’t really improve.

3. Explore the Grounds of Mirabell Palace

Vibrant orange roses in the foreground frame a view of the baroque Mirabell Palace and Gardens in Salzburg, with manicured lawns, walking paths, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress visible in the distance under a bright blue sky.

Mirabell Palace is best known for its appearance in The Sound of Music. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll probably recognise the Pegasus fountain and the steps where the Von Trapp children sang Do-Re-Mi.

You can enter the palace for free, but don’t expect a grand royal residence. These days, it’s mostly used as a municipal building. The highlights are the ornate staircase and the Marble Hall, where you can sometimes attend a classical concert.

Tip: Don’t skip the Dwarf Garden just across a small bridge. The stone dwarf statues are delightfully weird and totally unique thing to see in Salzburg.

4. Attend a Concert at Mirabell Palace

The opulent Marble Hall inside Salzburg’s Mirabell Palace, featuring intricate gilded details, tall windows, and marble columns. The room is adorned with poinsettias, complementing the elegant, historical decor. — How cool is it to attend a concert in this room?

If you only do one cultural activity in Salzburg, make it a classical concert. In the elegant Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace you can listen to Mozart’s music just steps from where he was born.

Book your concert tickets in advance, especially during high season, they do sell out.

If you’re looking for other options, you can also attend a concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg, which combines music with panoramic views, or at the Großes Festspielhaus, Salzburg’s most prestigious venue.

🎼 Don’t forget to book your concert tickets!

5. Cross the Salzach River

Colorful love locks hang from a wire fence on Salzburg’s Makartsteg bridge, with the Salzach River and the cityscape blurred in the background.

There are several pedestrian bridges crossing the Salzach, but my favourite is the Marko-Feingold-Steg. It’s lined with love locks and offers great views of the river with the old town and mountains in the background.

If you’re looking for more Sound of Music locations in Salzburg cross the river at the Mozartsteg. It makes a brief appearance in the movie.

6. Step Inside Mozart’s Birthplace

A bronze statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on a pedestal inside the Mozart Birthplace Museum in Salzburg. The room is decorated with framed historical images and documents, emphasizing Mozart’s legacy. — Inside Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

Mozart was born right in the heart of Salzburg’s old town, and you can visit the very apartment where it happened. Inside, you’ll find original memorabilia like a lock of his hair, some of his instruments, and portraits of him and his family.

One part I found especially interesting was learning about his sister, Nannerl. She was an incredibly gifted musician too, but like many women of her time, she never received the same recognition simply because of her gender.

Tip: The entrance to Mozart’s Birthplace and Mozart Residence are included in the Salzburg Card, but if you only have time for one, I’d definitely pick the birthplace.

7. Stroll Down Getreidegasse

A lively pedestrian street in Salzburg’s historic Getreidegasse, lined with pastel-colored buildings, wrought iron shop signs, and people strolling beneath a clear blue sky. The charming alleyway is a popular spot for shopping and sightseeing in the Old Town. — In real life it’s even prettier

Getreidegasse is Salzburg’s most famous shopping street. The narrow alley is lined with beautiful old buildings, intricate wrought-iron signs, and charming courtyards hidden behind archways.

It’s usually packed with tourists, so if you want a more relaxed experience, try to go early in the morning. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s worth walking down just to soak in the atmosphere.

Tip: For a less crowded but just as beautiful street head to Linzer Gasse.

8. Ride the Mönchsberg Elevator

The exterior of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg, a contemporary art museum atop Mönchsberg, features minimalist stone architecture with bold signage that reads “INSIDE & OUTSIDE OF ITSELF” alongside blue sculptural elements. A broad staircase leads to the entrance on a cloudy day.

If you want a shortcut to another great Salzburg viewpoint, hop on the Mönchsberg Elevator. It takes you straight up through the mountain to a panoramic terrace above the old town.

At the top, you can either visit the Museum der Moderne Mönchsberg, which features changing exhibitions of contemporary art, or just enjoy the view and grab a drink at the museum’s café, it’s a lovely spot to take a break.

Tip: Both the elevator ride and the museum entry are included in the Salzburg Card, so it’s an easy add-on if you’ve got one.

9. Visit Salzburg Cathedral

The grand baroque facade of Salzburg Cathedral with twin green-domed towers, set against a vibrant blue sky, with the prominent Marian column statue in the foreground.

The ornate interior of Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) viewed from above, featuring intricately carved arches, painted ceilings, and rows of wooden pews leading to the high altar beneath a domed ceiling.

Salzburg Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, and even if you’re not usually into churches, this one is worth stepping inside. The interior is bright, elegant, and surprisingly calming given its size.

One special experience here is the lunchtime organ concert, which you can attend on select days. Sitting under the grand dome while the sound of the organ fills the space is something you won’t forget.

🎶 Book your ticket for the organ concert now!

10. Visit DomQuartier Salzburg

The opulent DomQuartier in Salzburg, showcasing a grand room with a richly patterned red interior, gilded furniture, and a massive painted ceiling. A central chandelier and a decorative porcelain stove add to the luxurious baroque setting. — A State Room inside DomQuartier

A richly decorated gallery room in Salzburg’s DomQuartier features baroque stucco ceilings with painted medallions, and two artworks on display—one depicting ancient temple ruins in a lush jungle, and the other a religious scene framed in black and gold. — A State Room inside DomQuartier

I didn’t expect much from DomQuartier, church museums often feel a bit repetitive, but this one really impressed me. It’s far more than just religious art.

The galleries are beautifully curated, and the museum also includes elegant rooms with antique furniture that feel more like a palace than a museum.

One of the highlights is getting to see Salzburg Cathedral from above. There’s a passage where you can look down into the cathedral’s nave from the first floor.

You’ll also get to step out onto a terrace with a view over Residenzplatz, which is a nice bonus between the museum’s sections.

Tip: The entrance to the DomQuartier is included in the Salzburg Card.

11. Relax at Residenzplatz

A grand fountain with dramatic horse sculptures and cascading water stands at the center of Salzburg’s Residenzplatz, surrounded by historic baroque buildings and church towers under a clear blue sky.

Residenzplatz is one of the biggest squares in Salzburg and a great spot to take a break. With its central fountain, surrounded by historic buildings, it’s perfect for people-watching or just soaking in the old town atmosphere.

Right next to it, you’ll also find Domplatz and Mozartplatz, three beautiful squares right next to each other, so they’re easy to explore in one go.

Tip: If you’re visiting Salzburg in winter, these squares turn into festive Christmas markets, complete with lights, stalls, and that cosy Austrian holiday vibe.

12. Wander Through St. Peter’s Cemetery

An elevated view of Salzburg’s historic churches, including green copper domes and towers, with a sunny sky and distant hills in the background. — View from the catacombs

This might sound like an unusual recommendation, but St. Peter’s Cemetery is a very picturesque spot in Salzburg. Tucked against the cliffs of the Mönchsberg, it feels like a historical site but it’s actually an active cemetery, so please be respectful.

The cemetery is full of ornate headstones, flowers, and wrought-iron details. There’s also a small chapel within the cemetery that adds to the atmosphere.

Right next to the cemetery, you can step inside Stiftskirche St. Peter, one of Salzburg’s oldest churches. Entry is free, and the interior is definitely worth a look.

The catacombs, carved into the rock above, are more like cave chapels than traditional catacombs. You’ll climb stairs inside the rock, and the view from the top is fantastic. Entry is included with the Salzburg Card.

13. Take a Picture of the Golden Sphere

A sculpture of a man standing atop a large golden sphere, known as the Sphaera, in Kapitelplatz, Salzburg. Behind him rises the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched on a green hill under a clear blue sky.

In Kapitelplatz, right at the foot of Fortress Hohensalzburg, you’ll find one of the coolest statues in Salzburg: a giant golden sphere with a man standing on top. It’s part of a public art installation “Sphaera” by German artist Stephan Balkenhol.

The contrast between the modern sculpture and the historic surroundings makes it a bit surreal, but that’s what I love about it. It’s one of those pieces you don’t really expect to find in a baroque city like Salzburg.

14. Buy Bread from the Oldest Bakery in Salzburg

A behind-the-scenes look at a traditional Salzburg bakery, showing tiled floors, arched ceilings with a stone column, and vintage baking equipment. A rustic wooden table holds dough, bread rolls, and baking tools under soft natural light.

Just below the fortress, you’ll find St. Peter’s Bakery, the oldest bakery in Salzburg and possibly one of the oldest in Europe. They still bake their bread in a wood-fired oven, and stepping inside feels a bit like time-travelling.

It’s definitely on the tourist radar, so don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of a queue. They only sell a few kinds of bread, and their dark bread rolls (Vinschgerl) are vegan. The sweet rolls aren’t vegan.

There’s a helpful ingredient and allergen sheet posted by the till, so you can double-check what’s what. Just a heads-up: when I visited, the vegan rolls were already sold out, so go early if you want to try them.

15. Have a Coffee at 220GRAD

A charming outdoor café in Salzburg with people dining under umbrellas in a cobblestone courtyard, framed by a building covered in lush green ivy. A handwritten chalkboard sign reads “please wait to be seated,” set against arched windows and bright summer light.

A slice of nut-studded vegan chocolate cake and a glass of iced coffee sit on a wooden table beside a pond at a relaxed Salzburg café.

220GRAD is one of the most popular coffee spots in Salzburg, with several locations around the city. Many say it serves the best coffee in town, and judging by the crowds, it’s definitely a local favourite.

I’ll be honest: I’m not a regular coffee drinker, so to me, it just tasted like… coffee. But if you’re into speciality brews, this is the place to go. They offer oat milk and usually have a few cakes at the counter, one of which is vegan.

It’s a cosy, stylish spot and a great place to take a break between sightseeing.

Tip: If you’re looking for more plant-based options in Salzburg, check out my full post on vegan cafés and restaurants in Salzburg.

16. Eat Mozart Balls

You’ll see Mozartkugeln (Mozart Balls) sold all over Salzburg, they’re round chocolate confections filled with marzipan and nougat, and they’re as much a local tradition as they are a tourist souvenir.

Several companies make them, and everyone has their favourite. Most versions contain dairy, but I found a vegan option at the Reber store at Alter Markt.

17. Visit Hellbrunn Palace

A trick fountain feature inside Hellbrunn Palace’s grotto sprays a cone-shaped stream of water from a mossy stone structure, surrounded by textured stone walls and ornate interior details. — You might get wet when you see the trick fountains

A richly decorated room inside Hellbrunn Palace displays trompe-l'œil frescoes and a sky-blue ceiling filled with painted birds and mythological scenes, centered around a circular red velvet seat. — You might get wet when you see the trick fountains

Hellbrunn Palace is a little outside the city centre, but it’s well worth the short trip. Built as a pleasure palace in the 17th century, it’s most famous for its trick fountains, a playful network of hidden water jets that surprise (and occasionally soak) visitors.

The palace grounds are beautiful for a walk, with a large park. In the gardens you can also find the Sound of Music pavilion.

You can also tour the palace interior, there are some beautiful rooms, but the real highlight is still the gardens and fountains.

Tip: Entry to both the trick fountains and palace is included in the Salzburg Card.

18. Visit the Stiegl Brewery

If you’re into beer, Stiegl Brauwelt is a fun and slightly off-the-beaten-path stop in Salzburg. Stiegl is one of Austria’s most well-known beer brands, and their brewery offers a mix of museum, tasting room, and beer garden.

You can learn about the brewing process, see historical equipment, and of course, sample a few of their beers.

It’s a bit out of the centre, so you’ll need to take a bus, but it’s a great way to spend a relaxed afternoon in Salzburg with some friends.

Tip: You probably guessed it, the brewery tour is also included in the Salzburg Card.

19. Take a Day Trip

Salzburg makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region. If you have an extra day, here are some top day trip ideas:

Untersberg: Take the Untersbergbahn up the mountain for epic views. It feels like you’ve hiked for hours, but you’re just a short walk away from the cable car.
Hallstatt: Famous for a reason, but very touristy and struggling with overtourism. If you’re visiting during peak season, I’d recommend choosing another day trip.
Werfen: Home to the Eisriesenwelt (the world’s largest ice cave) and Hohenwerfen Castle, which comes with stunning views.
Lake Fuschl: Clear turquoise lake, perfect for a summer swim or a relaxing walk along the shore.
St. Gilgen & Wolfgangsee: A pretty village on a scenic lake, ideal for a lakeside escape.

A woman wearing sunglasses, a grey t-shirt, and blue jeans smiles while standing at a stone viewpoint overlooking Salzburg, Austria. Behind her, colorful historic buildings, church domes, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress stretch out under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Final Thoughts & Some Hidden Gems

Salzburg may be known for Mozart and The Sound of Music, but there’s so much more to discover. From quiet walks on Kapuzinerberg to historic bakeries and peaceful cemeteries tucked against the cliffs, the city is full of surprises.

Whether you’re here for just one day or staying a bit longer, don’t be afraid to explore the corners most visitors skip, you’ll be rewarded with some truly special moments.

Want even more offbeat ideas? Check out my post on unique things to do in Salzburg, including where to find fun gherkin statues and the futuristic Red Bull Hangar-7.