Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

People are always surprised when I tell them I spent nearly an entire summer in Salzburg. The follow-up question is almost always: “Is Salzburg worth visiting?” Most people only know it as the city from The Sound of Music, if they know it at all, and usually have Vienna higher on their list when planning a trip to Austria.

And honestly, I get it. Salzburg might not seem like a must-do when you’re building your dream Europe itinerary. It’s small, it’s quiet, and unless you’re deep into baroque architecture or Julie Andrews twirling on a mountaintop, you might be tempted to skip it. But should you?

That’s exactly why I wrote this article. I’ll share what I loved about Salzburg, what wasn’t for me, and a few things that might help you decide whether it’s a good fit for your travel style. Because the truth is, this charming little city isn’t for everyone. But if it is for you, you’re going to love it. So, let’s get into it!

Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? My Short Answer

Personally, I absolutely love Salzburg; it’s hands down one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful and charming places I’ve ever seen. There’s a massive fortress perched on a hill, cobblestone streets lined with cute buildings, outdoor markets everywhere, a gorgeous river cutting through the city, and stunning Austrian Alps in the background. I mean… come on. How much better can it get?

The first time I visited, I only stayed for 2 days with a packed itinerary, but that’s what I love about Salzburg. You don’t need a whole week to feel like you’ve experienced it. And if you do have extra time, there are so many great day trips. Oliver and I did a morning trip to Hallstatt and it blew us away, you’re there in just over an hour and it feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Also, I’m not even a big Sound of Music fan. Honestly… I don’t think I’ve ever watched the whole thing all the way through. But even as a non-fan, I really enjoyed the tour. You get to see where parts of the movie were filmed, but you also learn a ton about Salzburg itself, so it didn’t feel too cheesy.

And yes, it’s small and touristy (especially in summer), but Salzburg still manages to feel way more local than Vienna. People are doing their grocery runs at the markets, hanging out in beer gardens, and just living their life. It has this cozy, lived-in vibe that can be hard to find in bigger cities.

So in my opinion, if you’re already planning a trip to Munich or Vienna, even just a day in Salzburg is worth it. And it’s right on the way. Yay!

TL;DR: Salzburg is 100% worth visiting, even if you’re not into the Sound of Music, it’s beautiful, walkable, full of charm, and easy to fit into any Austria or Central Europe itinerary.

5 Reasons to Visit Salzburg

Salzburg is one of those cities that’s almost too pretty to be real it has stunning mountains, Mozart, markets, and I actually think I could go on and on about what I love about it. It’s small but packed with charm, and the perfect place to slow down and soak it all in.

Here are my top 5 reasons to visit Salzburg!

Easy to Reach from Major Cities

One of the biggest perks of Salzburg is how accessible it is. Whether you’re coming from Vienna or Munich, it’s a super easy train ride and doesn’t have any stressful connections or airport chaos.

While I lived in Salzburg, my friend Pia (who lives in Vienna) did a full day trip to visit me. She left Vienna at 8am, got to Salzburg just in time for brunch, we spent the whole day exploring, and she was back on the train home after dinner. It was honestly the perfect little visit.

A Walkable City That’s Fun to Explore

Salzburg is tiny in the best way. You don’t need public transport, just solid walking shoes and a sense of adventure. Every alleyway leads to another one, and getting “lost” is half the fun.

I absolutely loved hanging out in Residenzplatz with a coffee in hand, just people watching and soaking it all in. Some days I’d stroll through the Old Town with no agenda and somehow always stumbled on a new cute shop or hidden courtyard.

Full of History and Charm

If you’re into history, Salzburg has a ton packed into its small footprint. Mozart’s birthplace, a giant hilltop fortress, centuries-old churches, and even a working bakery that’s been around since the 1100s. It’s like stepping into a medieval time capsule. 

Summer Day Trips to Alpine Lakes

If you’re in Salzburg during the summer, take advantage of the nearby lakes. They’re icy cold from the Alps, ridiculously clear, and surrounded by mountain views. Way more fun than another museum, especially if the sun’s out.

I truly became obsessed with Waldbad Anif, it’s only about a 20-minute bike ride from the city center along the Salzach River. They’ve got wakeboarding, decks for sunbathing, a little snack shack, and volleyball courts. I spent so many afternoons there, it was amazing!

Great Almost Any Time of Year

I’d skip January through March when it can feel a bit gray and quiet, but the rest of the year the city is amazing. Spring is full of flowers, summer is lively with the Salzburg festival, fall brings cooler weather for sight seeing, and December is absolutely magic with all the Christmas markets. 

The first time I came to Salzburg was actually with my family at Christmas, and it was SO magical. We got lucky with some blue skies, the twinkling lights were everywhere, and the glühwein was the perfect thing to warm us up. It felt exactly like the European Christmas I’d always dreamed of.

5 Reasons Not to Visit Salzburg

As lovely as Salzburg is, it’s not for everyone. If you’re after wild nightlife, cutting-edge culture, or hate crowds and cobblestones, you might find it a bit underwhelming.

Here are my top 5 reasons not to visit Salzburg!

Salzburg is Very Touristy

I don’t care who you are, there’s no escaping the crowds, especially in the summer. The streets of Old Town are packed. I managed to avoid the worst of it by getting out early in the morning and just moving at a slower pace. When you’re not rushing around trying to see it all, it’s a lot easier to dodge the herd and enjoy the little corners of the city.

It’s Expensive

Even the most basic accommodations will cost you. The first time I visited, my family and I stayed in a very no-frills hostel and shared a four-bed dorm, and it still wasn’t exactly budget-friendly. Hotels, food, even public bathrooms… Salzburg is not the cheapest destination in Europe.

It’s Small Compared to Other Popular Cities

This one totally depends on your travel style. Personally, I love how compact it is. Give me a riverside beer and a slow stroll through town and I’m happy. But if you’re the type who wants to tick off big bucket list items every hour, you might find yourself running out of things to do after a couple of days.

The Weather

While I assumed the summer weather would be nice, I was mistaken. Some days were full of sunshine while a lot were actually dark clouds and rain storms. Luckily, I had plenty of time to experience the city when the sun was out but if you’re on a schedule this could be a factor. 

In winter, things can turn cold and grey real fast. When I came for Christmas with my family, we got lucky with blue skies and all the festive magic, but we also had a couple days that were freezing, wet, and just kind of bleak. Pack warm and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Not the Best Nightlife 

Salzburg isn’t the place to party till 3am. The vibe is much more “wine on a terrace” than “shots at the club.” That said, I did find a few cozy bars and fun little pubs with live music or a more local crowd, so if you’re willing to look, there is some decent nightlife to be found.

Here are my top bars in Salzburg

Flip – Google Maps Location
Darwins Cafe & Bar – Google Maps Location
Murphy’s Irish Bar – Google Maps Location

Things to Do in Salzburg Travel Guide

• Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress – This massive fortress sits right above the city and gives you the best view in town. I’ve gone 3 times now and the views really never get old! (The funicular is free with the salzburg card, you can buy it here!)
  
• Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus) – Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s pretty incredible to walk through the home where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. The museum is small but packed with interesting stuff about his childhood and early work.
  
• Stroll through Mirabell Gardens – Free to enter and always lovely, these gardens are a great place for a break between sightseeing. I used to walk through them almost daily when I lived in Salzburg.
  
  I also recommend seeing a Mozart concert at the Mirabell Palace, it’s a very niche thing to do in Salzburg. 
  
• Join a Sound of Music Tour – My sister in law is a huge fan so this was a must for us and I’ll say the sound of music tour was pretty cool. You see some beautiful countryside and learn a surprising amount about Salzburg’s history while you’re at it.
  
• Wander the Old Town (Altstadt) – Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s full of little surprises. I loved walking the narrow lanes, stopping at cafés, and ducking into random courtyards or churches I hadn’t noticed the day before. 
  
• Walk across the Love Lock Bridge (Makartsteg) – It’s touristy, sure, but the views over the river are gorgeous, especially at sunset. It’s also one of the best spots for a photo with the fortress in the background.
  
• Visit during the Christmas markets (if you’re here in winter)- Salzburg at Christmas is something else. The lights, markets, and glühwein made the whole city feel extra cozy.
  
• Walk up to Kapuzinerberg – This is a bit of a hidden gem but If you want some peace and quiet, this is the place. It’s a bit of a climb, but I brought a coffee and some fresh fruit from the market and walked up one morning and had the entire view of Salzburg to myself. It’s seriously gorgeous and the air is so fresh up here.
  
• Step inside Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) – Even if you’ve seen a lot of churches in Europe, this one stands out. It’s bright, elegant, and knowing Mozart was baptized here gave it a nice historical touch.

Who Salzburg Is For

If you’re someone who loves slow travel, wandering cute alleyways, sipping coffee in beautiful squares, and soaking up a city’s vibe without rushing then Salzburg is perfect. I spent weeks there just strolling around, and it never felt boring. 

It’s also a dream for history lovers and anyone who appreciates old architecture, baroque churches, modern art and those charming little details that make you feel like you’re living in a storybook.

Romantics and couples will love it too. Oliver and I had some of our first dates in Salzy, and so it obviously hold a special place in my heart. Even if you’re not the mushy type, the river views, twinkly lights, and wine bars kind of sneak up on you. 

And if you’re planning to explore more of Austria or southern Germany, it makes a super convenient base for day trips. Hallstatt, lake towns, even Munich are all just a quick train away.

Who Salzburg Might Not Be For

If you’re chasing nightlife or hoping to dance until sunrise, Salzburg probably isn’t your scene. There are a few cool bars like I mentioned, but it’s more patio beers and Aperol spritzes than wild club nights. 

And during the summer months, it gets really touristy. Think packed streets and big tour groups. I avoided most of the chaos by heading out early in the mornings, but if crowds stress you out, it’s something to keep in mind.

It’s also not super backpacker friendly or budget friendly at that, the hostels are expensive and I pretty much only saw families staying at the one we were in.  

Lastly, if you’re looking for a city with nonstop action or a long checklist of attractions, you might find Salzburg a little too slow. I personally loved the relaxed pace, but I know it’s not for everyone.

FAQ: Is Salzburg Worth Seeing?

Is Salzburg worth visiting in winter?

December in Salzburg is absolutely magical. The Christmas markets, lights, and festive atmosphere make it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. But January and February are a little gray and cold if I’m being honest. Most of the best things to do are outside, so it’s not ideal unless you don’t mind bundling up. That said, the restaurants are super cozy and perfect for lingering over a warm meal and glass of wine.

Is Salzburg worth visiting for a day?

Totally! It’s small enough that you can hit the main sights, like the fortress, old town, and a riverside stroll, in one day. You won’t see everything, but you’ll definitely get a taste of the charm.

Is Salzburg expensive to visit?

Yeah… Salzburg isn’t the cheapest. Even basic hotels and hostels can be pricey, especially in high season. But you can still enjoy it without blowing your budget, just skip the fancy tourist restaurants and explore the city on foot.

Is Salzburg worth visiting at Christmas?

100% yes. I went with my family one December and it was everything I wanted in a European Christmas: twinkling lights, glühwein, snow-dusted rooftops, and some of the cutest Christmas markets I’ve ever seen.

Is it worth it to do a day trip to Salzburg from Munich?

Yes! Salzburg is only about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Munich by train, and the ride is beautiful. If you’re already in Munich, it’s super easy to pop over for the day by train and explore.

So… Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?

Here’s my honest take: if you’re already planning to be in other European cities like Vienna or Munich, then yes—Salzburg is 100% worth the stop. It’s compact, easy to explore in a day or two, and absolutely packed with charm. You’ll get beautiful scenery, some fascinating history, great food, and access to a ton of nearby gems.

But if you’re flying all the way from San Francisco just to do the Sound of Music tour and then head straight home? Eh… probably not worth it. Salzburg shines best as part of a bigger trip. It’s the ideal weekend getaway or a chill city break between busier stops.