Set in an idyllic location amidst the Alps, Salzburg is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Austria. Its already enormous charm is enhanced by all the locations connected to the Sound of Music film, in addition to its stunning architecture, old town, and mountain backdrop.

Known as the "Rome of the North," the city saw a dramatic change in the fourteenth century when Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich, a powerful figure, came to power. Since then, the city's charming Altstadt has become well-known for its charming and conserved Italian Baroque architecture.

1. Salzburger Altstadt: The charming streets of Salzburger Altstadt are definitely the highlight of most visitors' visits and are a true pleasure to wander about. Many magnificent historic buildings encircle its big squares, which are home to the majority of the city's attractions.
   
   The ancient centre of the city straddles the banks of the Salzach river and is dominated by the massive Hohensalzburg Castle. Throughout the ages, Salzburg has seen the construction of numerous striking churches, squares, and merchant homes because it was formerly the capital of a very prosperous independent state.
   
   A great way to spend the day is to get lost in the Judengasse's winding streets and then find your way back to one of the Altstadt's charming squares, like Alter Markt or Residenzplatz. You may shop till you drop and admire the charming buildings and wrought-iron guild signs along the bustling Getreidegasse. In addition, there are some great art galleries, stylish stores, and Mozart's birthplace here.
   
   It truly is the centre of activity in the town because it is home to the cathedral, castle, St. Sebastian's Church, Mirabell Palace, and St. Peter's Abbey. Our favourite spot in all of Austria was Salzburg and its picturesque environs because it was such a magical place.
    
2. Hohensalzburg Castle: The magnificent Hohensalzburg Castle, which sprawls across a massive hilltop, completely dominates the skyline of the city. Its many courtyards, museums, and strong fortifications can be explored after a strenuous ascent on foot or by funicular.
   
   The massive complex's current appearance primarily dates to the 1500s, making it the biggest totally preserved castle in Central Europe. For centuries, the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg occupied this significant seat of authority, which was perched atop Festungsberg Hill. Visitors can explore its ancient battlements, towers, and dungeons in addition to viewing all of its opulent grand rooms and their exquisite furniture.
   
   One of its biggest attractions, besides the glistening Golden Hall, is the historic Salzburg Bull organ. In addition to armour and weaponry, the castle's museums feature displays that provide additional insight into the Prince-Archbishops' personal life. You may also take in expansive vistas of the city, the ancient town, and the never-ending mountains from up here.
    
3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens: The enchanted Mirabell Palace and its exquisite gardens are only one of Salzburg's numerous must-see tourist destinations.
   
   Compared to other Salzburg palaces, the building's façade is unassuming, but the grounds are home to rich gardens and statues of mythological characters. Beautiful flowerbeds and fountains with the picturesque castle looming in the background provide for some very amazing shots.
   
   Once more, the enormous Neoclassical-style castle was constructed in 1606 by the Prince-Archbishop specifically for his cherished courtesan Salome Alt. Later, it was reconstructed in the Neoclassical and Baroque styles, and it functioned as the birthplace of Greece's future King Otto in 1815.
   
   The magnificent "Angel Staircase," which is embellished with dozens of adorable cherubs, and the opulent Marble Hall, which is covered in gold, are highlights. Almost every day, Mozart concerts are held at the palace, even though it has been more than 200 years since he performed there.
   
   Most of the guests spend their time outside, among its terraced gardens, where the renowned musical was filmed. In addition to the famous Pegasus Fountain, which Maria and the kids danced around, there are also several celestial vantage points to see. We had a great time strolling through the blossoming gardens and taking shots of the distant castle and church spires.
    
4. Salzburger Dom: The Salzburger Dom's two tall towers and large bronze dome rise impressively above the Altstadt. The basilica, one of the most significant religious sites in the city, is replete with exquisite architectural details and sparkling artwork.
   
   Built in 774, it was reconstructed in the sixteenth century during Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau's reign. You can explore the vast interior of the cathedral after passing through its striking Baroque front, which features elaborate gates, portals, and statues. Beneath the towering organ's dome are some magnificent murals and the baptismal font, which is where Mozart was baptised.
   
   The wonderful Marian Column and the city's entertaining Christmas market are located on the Domplatz in front of it during the winter. If you enjoy historical religious artwork, you should also visit the Cathedral Museum.
    
5. St. Peter’s Abbey: Nestled in the base of the stronghold is St. Peter's Abbey, one of our favourite spots in the city, with its cemetery and catacombs. Its enormous halls and gardens, which are all situated next to a sheer rock wall, are incredibly fascinating and lovely to explore.
   
   Although the current church "only" dates to 1130, it was founded in the seventh century and has long served as Salzburg's spiritual centre. It was later redecorated in the Rococo style, and among its many beautiful altars are the tombs of Johann Michael Hayden and Mozart's sister. There's also a pretty sophisticated library to view, but sadly, it's only open occasionally.
   
   However, the elaborately designed iron-wrought graves in the verdant cemetery beyond are possibly even more stunning. Also worth seeing are the interesting chapels and tombs chiselled into the rocky rock near the abbey. We felt that this, along with its distinct site, appearance, and ambiance, made a visit to St. Peter's extremely exceptional.
    
6. Cable Car to Untersberg: Make sure to ride the cable car to Untersberg for the most breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. The fabled mount, which is located southwest of the city, offers a variety of enjoyable outdoor activities.
   
   The funicular's cable cars transport visitors to the summit in just over eight minutes, and it is easily accessible by bus. Rising gradually over 1,300 metres from Gartenau's St. Leonard station, Geiereck's angular top is reached well above the clouds.
   
   Enjoy breath-taking views of Salzburg and the Rositten Valley as you travel past the Hohensalzburg Castle. Its 1,806-meter summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine scenery for bicyclists and hikers.
    
7. Hangar 7: Dietrich Mateschitz, the founder of Red Bull, is the owner of Hangar 7, a chic museum with a collection of vintage aircraft, helicopters, and Formula One race vehicles. It's one of those museums where the exterior is as fascinating as the interior.
   
   The museum's wing-shaped dome and the nearby cylindrical towers are constructed with a steel lattice structure holding up a glass shell. The Alps rising in the background create a stark contrast to the clean, contemporary building. In addition, Hangar 7 has two bars, a lounge, and the Michelin-starred restaurant Ikarus.
    
8. Hellbrunn Palace: When visiting Hellbrunn Palace, visitors should dress in quick-drying clothing. This is because the palace is well-known for its trick fountains, which shoot water at guests.
   
   Originally constructed as a pleasant retreat for archbishops to unwind for a day, this early 17th-century Renaissance palace is one of Salzburg's most well-known family attractions.
   
   Despite being designed as a summer retreat, the palace lacks bedrooms because they were only there for a single day. The pavilion where Liesl sang "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" to Rolfe may be familiar to Sound of Music viewers, even though it was in a different palace during the filming of the film.
    
9. Residenzplatz: In the centre of Salzburg's Old Town is Residence area, also known as Residenzplatz. This lovely area is bordered by townhouses that are currently occupied by stores and restaurants, Salzburg Cathedral, the Old Residence, and archbishop homes.
   
   Additionally, guests can board a horse-drawn carriage there to take a ride through Old Town's streets. The square is punctuated with what is regarded as Salzburg's most beautiful fountain. This unusual fountain has giants, dolphins, and snorting horses. Today the area is the scene of numerous public events, one of which is Salzburg's Christmas fair.
    
10. Mozarts Geburtshaus: Visit Mozart's Geburtshaus if you'd want even more information on the life of the master. Situated along the bustling Getreidegasse shopping area, this museum is far bigger than the other one honouring the renowned composer.
    
    Wolfgang was born on January 27, 1756, in this twelfth-century mansion that is now brightly painted yellow. He was born and raised in their third-floor flat until the family moved in 1773. Since then, one room has been renovated to resemble it did during his lifetime.
    
    The large edifice, which was converted into a museum in 1880, also houses unusual antique letters, certificates, and other artefacts that chronicle his time in the city. Of course, its exquisitely restored historical instruments—among which are a violin and clavichord played by none other than Mozart—are the main attraction. We ultimately had a terrific time viewing all of its well-executed exhibits, and we even got some amazing pictures with the museum's enormous Playmobil Mozart model!