Salzburg is a breathtaking city, with a mountainous backdrop. The City of Mozart has one of the best-preserved Old Towns in the world, with stunning baroque architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although I have just returned from a snowy wintry trip, visitors are guaranteed to have a great time in any season. Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in this charming Austrian city…

1. Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is the defining icon of Salzburg, so this is definitely the go-to spot for starting your tour of the city.

Since 1892, not only can it be reached by foot, but also by means of the Fortress Funicular, which offers spectacular views of the Old Town during the ascent.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the baroque historical district. As the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg offers a 360-degree view of the entire city and its surroundings.

The fortress was built in 1077 to protect the principality and the city’s archbishops from hostile attacks. Since then, the architecture has been redeveloped. Be sure to visit the top of the fortress for impressive panoramic views of Salzburg…

---

2. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens should be high up on your list of places to visit in Salzburg. These beautiful baroque gardens are located in the heart of the city.

In 1606, Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau had the palace built for his mistress Salome Alt and their children. After his death, his successor Markus Sitticus von Hohenems re-named the Palace ‘Mirabell’ (from Italian mirabile – ‘admirable’ and bella – ‘beautiful’).

For Sound of Music fans, Mirabell Garden is not to be missed. The Pegasus Fountain in the Mirabell Gardens is where the children danced around and sang ‘Do Re Mi’ in the movie scene.

With the stunning backdrop of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, this is a perfect photo spot…

---

3. Mönchsberg Mountain

This is my favourite spot in the city – ascending to the top of Mönchsberg Mountain and being greeted to the most amazing views of Salzburg’s Old Town. Sunset is the perfect time to visit and capture beautiful photographs, and witness the transition from day to night…

---

4. Old Town

Salzburg’s Old Town is the bustling heart of the city, home to Getreidegasse, the most famous street in Salzburg. It features Mozart’s Birthplace, traditional wrought-iron guild signs, romantic passageways and an array of international fashion chains.

Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse is also located in the centre of the Salzburg’s historical district, and is one of the oldest streets in the city…

---

5. Mozart’s Birthplace

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the world’s most famous composers, was born in Salzburg, hence, it being known as the ‘City of Mozart’. He was born in 1756 at No.9 Getreidegasse. Today, Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the most visited museums in Austria – it features his birth room, kitchen and personal violin!

---

6. Kapuzinerberg

The 640 metres-high Kapuzinerberg is situated to the right of the River Salzach and is the perfect place to go hiking and enjoy the impressive panoramic views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s Old Town and the Alps!

---

7. Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral was built between 1614 and 1628. It is the largest early baroque church north of the Alps, located in Domplatz, one of the main squares in Salzburg.

---

8. Salzach River

When in Salzburg, it is pretty much guaranteed that you will cross the Salzach River. Salzburg is a small city connected by 13 bridges, from Mozart Bridge to the Love Locks bridge. The views are simply breathtaking when crossing the bridges so be sure to have some time to leisurely stroll and take in the beautiful Austrian scenery, both at day and night…