Set among the Eastern Alps, the Austrian city of Salzburg is renowned as the home of both Mozart and The Sound of Music. While it’s a treat for classical music fans, Salzburg is also dotted with magnificent architecture. Spend your days exploring palaces, parks and castles, or hit the cobble streets of the Old Town to discover a flourishing restaurant and retail scene.

Things to do

Salzburg’s enchanting Old Town is UNESCO listed and dripping with ambience. While you’re there, be sure to check out the famous Pferdeschwemme horse well, Baroque style Salzburg Residenz and imposing Salzburg Cathedral.

For a stunning view of the city’s gleaming spires and domes, take the funicular up to Salzburg Fortress. Here you can grab an audio guide and tour the museum at your own pace.

For any self-respecting Sound of Music fan, a trip to Salzburg isn’t complete without a visit to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Recreate Julie Andrews’ famous musical numbers while skipping around the grounds, or join an official Sound of Music tour.

After a day full of music, stay in tune with a Mozart dinner concert or opera show at the Grosses Festspielhaus concert hall. Wash it down with a pint of beer at the historic Augustiner Braustubl monastery. Brewed by monks, it’s been operating since 1621.

Getting around

Just 145 kilometres from Munich, Salzburg is a quick two-hour drive to the east. You can also jump aboard an efficient Railjet train and arrive in under one hour. Once you’ve arrived, it’s easy to explore most attractions on foot. To truly immerse yourself in Salzburg’s storybook charm, let a horse drawn carriage whisk you around town.