Should You Visit Salzburg?

Is Salzburg worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for three to five days because of the many great activities. Salzburg a beautiful Austrian city near the border with Germany. It's part of the Eastern Alps and it has a beautiful old town that is filled with music and nice architecture. The city is the birthplace of Mozart and there are several museums relating to his life. Salzburg is also the setting for the famed Van Trapp family whose story is retold in the classic "Sound of Music." We first visited in the summer of 2022 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the music-filled old town and countless tours and activities in the area such as the Salt Mines and Sound of Music tours. Salzburg is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Travel and Leisure's Best Cities in Europe.

Salzburg Old Town

Reasons to Visit Salzburg

Music
Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Historical Sights
This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Shopping
The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Museums
There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

Food
The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Nightlife
The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Salzburg worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Salzburg, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, browse around the old town, and dance the night away.

Is Salzburg worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Salzburg. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the historic old town, and the museums and landmarks. Also, you can check out the quaint atmosphere and the live music scene.

Is Salzburg worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Salzburg can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -0°C (31°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Salzburg is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to take advantage of the local nightlife and listen to some live music.

Is Salzburg worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Salzburg. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).

The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the quaint atmosphere. Also, you can experience the beautiful scenery, the historic old town, the live music, and the nightlife.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Salzburg

Lots of Tourists
Salzburg sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Salzburg might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Salzburg here or see if Salzburg is expensive here.

Related

What is Salzburg most famous for?

Salzburg is most famous for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. The city is very popular for its music, historical sights, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums and food. Many people love the nightlife, too. It is often described as historic, beautiful, musical, cultural, and recognizable.

What is the most famous sight in Salzburg?

The most popular sight in Salzburg is The Salzburg Old Town. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Salzburg on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Salzburg Old Town and other attractions here.

How touristy is Salzburg? Is it a popular city to visit?

Salzburg is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Private Tour of City of Salzburg and Lake district area: $149
• City and Mountain Bike Tour in Salzburg: $108
• Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $164
• Zell am See Christmas Magic: A Private Walking Tour: $209
• Eagle's Nest Hiking Tour: $141
• Lonely Goatherd Bike Tour: Cycle Salzburg's Surroundings with the Sound of Music: $33
• Salzburg Small-Group Introductory Walking Tour with Historian Guide: $125
• Salzburg Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $179

How long should I spend in Salzburg?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Salzburg is at least three or as many as five days. Since Salzburg has a variety of activities such as music, historical sights, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Salzburg?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Salzburg?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Salzburg?.