Things to Do in Salzburg — Austria: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

This is Salzburg’s essential skyline sight and the best place to get oriented over the old city and surrounding mountains. Take the funicular up early, explore the substantial interiors rather than only the ramparts, then descend into the cathedral quarter.

2.5h Timed entryGo at opening or later in the afternoon; the funicular queue is the main bottleneck.

Buy online for a morning entry in busy periods; later slots can be less crowded.

Pairs with: Salzburg Cathedral · DomQuartier Salzburg · Getreidegasse Street

#2Salzburg CathedralMust4.7(13,362)

The cathedral anchors the old town’s grandest square and gives the city’s baroque core its sense of scale. Combine a look inside with the surrounding Residenzplatz and a visit to the DomQuartier rather than treating it as a separate long stop.

40m FreeEarly morning is quietest; avoid arriving just as large walking tours reach the square.

Pairs with: Fortress Hohensalzburg · DomQuartier Salzburg · Getreidegasse Street

#3Getreidegasse StreetMust4.6(528)

This is the old town’s most characteristic shopping lane, defined by ornate hanging signs, dense historic fabric and Mozart’s birthplace. Walk it as a route between the river and cathedral district, but duck into the side passages rather than lingering only at the busiest storefronts.

45m FreeCome before shops fully open or after dinner for a calmer look at the street.

Pairs with: Mozart's Birthplace · Salzburg Cathedral · Fortress Hohensalzburg

#4Mirabell GardensMust4.7(16,853)

The gardens offer the classic framed view toward the fortress and are Salzburg’s easiest high-reward outdoor stop. Use them as a short scenic link between the river, Mirabell Palace and the station side of town.

40m FreeArrive early for clear fortress views and fewer photo groups.

Pairs with: Mirabell Palace · Pegasus Fountain · Getreidegasse Street

#5Eisriesenwelt WerfenMust

This spectacular ice-cave experience is one of the region’s defining natural excursions, combining mountain access with a guided underground visit. It demands more effort than a city museum, so reserve it for travelers comfortable with a long, weather-dependent outing.

5h Book aheadChoose the first available entry of the day; mountain weather and queues tend to worsen later.

Reserve online for peak summer dates and check operating conditions before traveling, as weather can affect access.

#6Krimml WaterfallsMust

These waterfalls are among Salzburg’s defining Alpine landscapes and make a memorable full-day escape from the city. Come prepared to walk uphill along the falls rather than treating the roadside viewpoint as the entire experience.

3h Walk upVisit early in the day and outside the busiest summer-holiday period for clearer paths.

#7Grossglockner High Alpine RoadMust

This dramatic mountain road is the region’s premier self-drive route, valued for the journey, changing Alpine scenery and frequent stopping points rather than a single monument. Plan it as a flexible day with weather contingencies, and do not rush it as a transfer route.

6h Walk upSet off early on a clear weekday; cloud cover and midday traffic can substantially diminish the experience.

#8Mirabell PalaceShould4.6(33,315)

The palace itself is most useful as an elegant stop within a walk through the newer side of central Salzburg, rather than as a deep museum visit. Go inside for the grand staircase if accessible, then make the gardens the main event.

30m FreeVisit in the morning, before garden-tour groups arrive.

Pairs with: Mirabell Gardens · Pegasus Fountain · Getreidegasse Street

#9Mozart's BirthplaceShould4.3(28,965)

This compact museum gives necessary context to Salzburg’s Mozart fixation and is especially worthwhile for first-time visitors who want the story behind the souvenirs. Keep expectations focused on a historical house and memorabilia, not an immersive music experience.

1h Walk upGo near opening or in the final part of the day, when the narrow rooms are easier to navigate.

Pairs with: Getreidegasse Street · Salzburg Cathedral · DomQuartier Salzburg

#10DomQuartier SalzburgShould4.6(1,247)

This is the best single indoor complement to the cathedral, connecting state rooms, ecclesiastical collections and elevated views into one coherent visit. It rewards visitors who want to understand Salzburg as a prince-archbishop city, not just a Mozart backdrop.

2h Walk upStart close to opening, when the galleries and terraces are at their least congested.

Pairs with: Salzburg Cathedral · Fortress Hohensalzburg · Getreidegasse Street

#11Salzwelten SalzburgShould4.7(3,391)

The Hallein salt mine is a strong regional outing that explains the commodity that made Salzburg wealthy, using an underground guided format that works well in poor weather. It is more engaging than a conventional museum, but allow for travel time from central Salzburg.

2h Book aheadBook an early tour, particularly if you are returning to Salzburg for an evening concert.

Reserve a tour time in advance for weekends, holidays and the summer season.

Pairs with: Hellbrunn Palace · Salzburg Open-Air Museum

#12Hellbrunn PalaceShould4.6(23,455)

Hellbrunn’s trick fountains and pleasure-palace setting provide a playful contrast to the formal old-town monuments. It is particularly good in warm weather and pairs naturally with the zoo, but it is still interesting for adults without children.

2h Timed entryTake an early or late guided entry to avoid the busiest summer coach-tour period.

Book ahead for a preferred tour time on summer weekends and school-holiday days.

Pairs with: Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn · Salzwelten Salzburg

#13LiechtensteinklammShould

This narrow gorge offers an accessible, high-impact nature walk through dramatic rock walls and water-carved passages. It is an excellent alternative to a city day for travelers based near St. Johann or exploring the Pongau, though it is not a substitute for an Alpine summit day.

1.5h Timed entryAn opening-time slot is best for avoiding the narrowest sections at their busiest.

Book a time slot in advance during summer and holiday periods, when capacity controls are common.

#14Salzburg Zoo HellbrunnIf time4.6(14,143)

This is a well-regarded, terrain-rich zoo that makes most sense for families or travelers staying long enough to explore beyond the core old town. Pair it with Hellbrunn Palace for a relaxed excursion rather than trying to squeeze it into a sightseeing-heavy day.

3h Walk upWeekday mornings are generally quieter, especially outside school holidays.

Pairs with: Hellbrunn Palace

#15ImbergstiegeIf time4.5(45)

This steep old-town stair route is a small but rewarding detour for a more atmospheric ascent toward the Kapuzinerberg side of the river. Use it for a brief escape from the commercial center and for city-roof views, not as a destination requiring a special trip.

25m FreeGo in daylight and avoid it in wet or icy conditions.

Pairs with: Getreidegasse Street · Mirabell Gardens · Pegasus Fountain

#16Pegasus FountainIf time4.7(241)

The fountain is the visual centerpiece of Mirabell Gardens and a worthwhile photo stop on any walk through them. It does not need separate planning; take it in while using the garden’s axis to frame the fortress.

10m FreeMorning light and the period just before sunset are best for photographs.

Pairs with: Mirabell Gardens · Mirabell Palace

#17Salzburg Open-Air MuseumIf time4.8(3,169)

This large open-air collection of relocated rural buildings is the best choice for understanding traditional Salzburg countryside life beyond the baroque capital. Give it unhurried time and treat it as a half-day rural excursion, especially with children or an interest in vernacular architecture.

3.5h Walk upWeekday mornings offer the calmest paths and easiest access to the most popular buildings.

Pairs with: Salzwelten Salzburg

#18MarktbrunnenNiche4.4(63)

This small fountain is a pleasant old-town detail rather than a reason to reroute a day. Notice it while crossing the square and continue toward the cathedral quarter or Getreidegasse.

5m Free

Pairs with: Getreidegasse Street · Salzburg Cathedral