The Hills Are (Still) Alive! Spend Time in Salzburg Filled with a Few of My Favorite Things

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Mirabell Gardens is one of Salzburg's iconic landmarks, instantly recognizable to fans of The Sound of Music. Beyond the famous filming locations, don't miss the Zwerglgarten (Dwarf Garden), considered the oldest dwarf garden in Europe, where marble statues dating to the late 17th century add a touch of quirkiness to an otherwise elegant setting.

Private walking tour of Salzburg's Old Town

A guided walking tour is the best introduction to Salzburg. Wander through UNESCO-listed Old Town streets while learning about the city's prince-archbishops, Mozart, and centuries of history. Highlights include Mozart's birthplace, St. Peter's Abbey, the Residenz district, and the city's beautiful squares and hidden courtyards.

Kollegienkirche

The Kollegienkirche (Collegiate Church) was one of the most memorable discoveries of our trip. Designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, its enormous white Baroque interior feels modern and serene. On a hot summer day, it provides a peaceful refuge from the crowds and heat while showcasing some of Salzburg's finest architecture.

Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)

The city's magnificent cathedral sits at the heart of Old Town and has witnessed centuries of Salzburg history. The massive dome, ornate interior, and musical heritage make it an essential stop. Mozart himself was baptized here in 1756, and you can see his baptismal font directly inside the church to the left.

Visit Hallstatt

Yes, Hallstatt is popular, and you will definitely share it with others. And yet, it’s worth going. The “quiet” signs and noise meters at the most iconic photo spot remind international visitors that people actually do live here. The lake, mountains, flower-filled balconies, and storybook streets really are as beautiful as the pictures. Give yourself time to wander beyond the main square and simply enjoy being there. We enjoyed a leisurely Coke Zero stop overlooking the water near the ferry dock that got us away from the crowds.

Ride up to Fortress Hohensalzburg

If you're only going to purchase one attraction ticket in Salzburg, this is my choice. The fortress has watched over the city for nearly 1,000 years, and the panoramic views explain why Salzburg is often considered one of Europe's most beautiful small cities.

Enjoy the Mozart Dinner Concert

Some experiences are touristy for good reason, and the Mozart Dinner Concert at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is certainly one of them. St. Peter is actually Europe's oldest restaurant, welcoming guests since 803.

During this experiential evening, you have a choice of three ticket levels. We chose the middle option in the center of the ballroom, which was perfect. We were served three Austrian courses of broth and dumpling soup, chicken with vegetables, and the iconic (and somewhat weird) Salzburger Nockerl egg soufflé dessert. The opera performance was good, but the musicians were better. This uniquely Salzburg experience makes a memorable night; just don’t go during a heat wave, as the ballroom isn’t air-conditioned. Ask a staff member to see the private cave room just before the restrooms.

Follow the story behind "The Sound of Music"

More than 60 years after the smash-hit movie put Salzburg on the map, Salzburg still loves the singing von Trapps. Many visitors have a love-hate relationship with the memorable music, but even casual fans of the 1965 film will appreciate the Original Sound of Music Tour. Offered by Panorama Tours, it provides context for the movie, but also Salzburg and the von Trapp family's remarkable true story (which varies a little from the script).

Visiting Hellbrunn Palace's gazebo, Leopoldskron Palace, Mirabell Gardens, and the church in Mondsee where Maria and Captain von Trapp married in the film makes you appreciate the impact of this movie on the region.

Simply wander the Old Town

Some of our favorite memories weren't planned at all. Wandering Getreidegasse at all times of the day never gets old, and walking along the river seems to look different every time. I recommend staying in the Old Town or as close to it as possible, because the walkability is a big part of the magic.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Even without the Mozart Dinner Concert, the restaurant belongs on your itinerary. Founded in 803 AD, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is widely recognized as Europe's oldest restaurant. Legend holds that Charlemagne dined here. The food is good and the experience is unique.

Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln

We loved feeling like locals here! Housed within a former Augustinian monastery dating to the 17th century, it feels part brewery, part food hall, and part community gathering place. Guests rinse their own stone steins before having them filled with the brewery's famous Märzen beer, then choose from a collection of traditional Austrian food vendors in a food hall. Augustiner is cash only.

Sternbräu

For a relaxed Austrian beer garden experience, this is the place to go. Located in the heart of Old Town, Sternbräu offers a classic Austrian beer garden atmosphere. It is an excellent place to sample local favorites such as schnitzel, boiled beef, sausages, pretzels, and Austrian beer while enjoying Salzburg's relaxed outdoor dining culture. We were lucky enough to visit during the FIFA World Cup and enjoyed cheering for Austria in the beer garden with hundreds of new friends.

Café Tomaselli

Austria's oldest coffeehouse has been serving guests since the early 1700s. Located in Old Town, Café Tomaselli remains one of Salzburg's most elegant places for coffee and pastries. Watching servers carry silver trays of cakes and pastries from table to table is a tradition that has remained largely unchanged. In the back right corner of the café, don’t miss the large newspaper stand with the day’s news from around the world in many languages to enjoy with your coffee and pastry.

Fabis Frozen Yogurt

Located near Mozart's Birthplace and just steps from Kollegienkirche, Fabis was our go-to afternoon recharging stop. The yogurt is fresh and the line moves quickly. It’s worth it.

Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter

Hidden beside St. Peter's Abbey, this centuries-old bakery still bakes bread in a stone oven built into the mountainside. It's an excellent stop for pastries, sandwiches, or a light breakfast while exploring Old Town.