Salzburg, Austria – The Sound of Music and more

Salzburg in Austria is famous as the setting for much of the film The Sound of Music, but there’s more to this city as well.

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Salzburg in Austria is a great city to visit all year round, but I think its lovely in the summer. The gardens are stunning in the summer, and the warmer weather make it easy to wander around enjoying the sights while pretending you’re in The Sound of Music. If you’re planning to visit Salzburg, I’d recommend getting this travel guide and map to help you plan your trip (affiliate).

Check out the top 10 free or cheap things to do in Salzburg, Austria to explore The Sound of Music and more.

1. Mirabell palace and gardens

If you’ve ever watching The Sound of Music, then you’ll definitely recognise the palace gardens from the song Do-Re-Me. In the film, Maria and the children dance around and jump up and down the steps, with the Salzburg Fortress in the background. The gardens are beautiful in summer with vibrant colourful flowers.

2. Mozart Geburtshaus

As well as being famous for The Sound of Music, Salzburg’s second claim to fame is as the city where Mozart was born and lived. This famous composer has had a big impact on the city, and the bright yellow house where he was born in 1756 is now open as a museum. You can learn more about his early life and works and appreciate the rich cultural history of Salzburg. It’s a fairly small museum so won’t take much more than an hour to look around. Visit the website for opening times and prices.

3. Fortress Hohensalzburg

One of the famous images of Salzburg, the 11th century fortress sits at the top of a hill and is visible from lots of places around the city. You can admire it from the city streets, or alternatively you can climb to the top and visit the fortress itself. Visit the website for the latest opening times and ticket prices.

4. Salzburg Altstadt – Old Town

The Old Town of Salzburg is stunning, with cute cobbled streets lined with colourful shops and cafes, and a lively, bustling feel. The streets give way to large squares, many with pavement cafes in the summer. It’s a really lovely, characterful old centre.

5. Residence Fountain

Another iconic image from the film The Sound of Music, this baroque fountain features in the song I Have Confidence, sung by Maria. The huge horses on the fountain are instantly recognisable from the scene where Maria splashes the horses in the song before running across the square.

6. Getreidegasse

One of the most famous streets in Salzburg, Getreidegasse is a bustling, lively street with a variety of shops and cafes. Mozart Geburtshaus is along this street, along with souvenir shops and many clothing shops.

7. Sacher Torte

One of the most famous foods in Austria, Sacher Torte can be found in the Hotel Sacher in Salzburg as well as in Vienna. This super rich chocolate cake is indulgence at its very best.

8. Salzburg Cathedral

The 17th century Baroque Cathedral stands in its own square, with the iconic Austrian/central European cupolas on the towers. As with most European cathedrals, it’s an impressive sight and worth looking inside as well.

9. Mozarts Wohnhaus

If you’re looking to learn more about Mozart, the house where he lived from 1773 to 1787 is now also a museum. Also known as Mozart’s residence, this museum is also fairly small but gives an insight into the later life of this famous composer before he moved to Vienna, including displaying his original piano. Visit the website for opening times and prices.

10. River Salzach

Salzburg is built over the River Salzach, so you’re bound to come across the river at some point during your visit. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, it’s lovely to have a stroll along the river or take a sightseeing boat trip and admire the city from a different angle.

Enjoy your trip to Salzburg! Remember to check out this great guide with a map ready for your trip (affiliate).

Looking for more things to do in Austria? Why not head into the mountains and explore the Alps in Kitzbuhel, Zell am See or Alpbach. Or if you’re looking for another vibrant city, Vienna is full of fascinating history and culture.