Salzburg
Where music meets the mountains
Salzburg at Christmas is nothing short of enchanting. With its baroque architecture, snow-dusted rooftops, and the sound of Mozart in the air, the city becomes a living postcard during the holiday season. One of the highlights of any winter visit is exploring a Christmas market — or several — each offering a blend of tradition, charm, and festive cheer.
The most iconic Christmas market in Salzburg is the Christkindlmarkt at Cathedral Square (Domplatz), which dates back to the 15th century. Stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and Austrian delicacies like roasted almonds and warm glühwein. Mirabell Square and Hellbrunn Palace also host their own beautiful Christmas markets, each with a unique atmosphere and plenty of holiday spirit.
When it comes to festive things to do, Salzburg offers more than just shopping. Attend an advent concert in a candlelit church, take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old Town, or visit Mozart’s birthplace, beautifully decorated for the season. For music lovers, catching a Christmas performance in Salzburg’s historic concert halls is one of the top things to do.
Another popular thing to do is explore the surrounding Alps — nearby villages and mountain trails make for stunning day trips, especially when blanketed in snow. You can even take a Sound of Music-themed tour, as many iconic scenes were filmed in Salzburg’s hills and gardens.
Each Christmas market in Salzburg offers a taste of local culture, with regional food, music, and handmade goods that reflect the season’s warmth. From festive lights to cozy cafés, there are endless things to do that capture the charm of an Austrian Christmas.
For a holiday filled with history, beauty, and tradition, Salzburg at Christmas is pure magic.
3 Day Salzburg Travel Itinerary
Salzburg - Day 1
Morning
Head to the Old Town (Altstadt). Everything’s close together so you can walk. Begin at Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse. Even if you’re not a classical music fan, it’s wild seeing how this genius lived. Wander down Getreidegasse itself, taking in the wrought iron shop signs and tucked-away courtyards. Keep an eye out for Durchhäuser, little passageways connecting the streets. You’ll find a few tiny shops hidden away from the tourist buzz.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Zum Zirkelwirt. It’s tucked into a side street and still manages to feel local. Go for the schnitzel or try Kasnocken, which is Austria’s rich, cheesy version of mac and cheese.
Walk off lunch with a hike (or funicular ride if you’re not in the mood to climb) up to Hohensalzburg Fortress. The views from the top stretch across rooftops, church domes, and the Alps. Inside, the medieval rooms are fun to explore, but honestly, I always find the view to be the real star.
After coming down, take a detour to St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery. It’s quiet and atmospheric. If you’re into hidden gems, the catacombs carved into the rock face are worth the few euros.
Evening
Dinner tonight is at Triangel, right near the festival halls. It’s cozy, locally loved, and has a menu that changes with the season. Try to book ahead, especially if you're traveling in summer.
If you’re up for it, grab a drink at Steinterrasse. It’s a rooftop bar with panoramic views over the city. Go just before sunset and watch the lights flicker on across town. It’s a peaceful way to wrap up your first day.
Salzburg - Day 2
Morning
Start with Schloss Hellbrunn. Take bus 25 from the city center—it's easy and takes around 20 minutes.
Hellbrunn’s trick fountains are a blast, even if you're not traveling with kids. I didn’t expect to laugh so much the first time I went. The palace itself is lovely, but the gardens and water features steal the show. On your way out, stop by the gazebo from The Sound of Music if you’re a fan.
Afternoon
Instead of heading back to the city, take the same bus just a bit farther to Leopoldskron Palace. You can’t go inside unless you're staying there, but walking around the lake is peaceful and offers great photo spots. It's one of those places where you hear birds, not cars.
Head back to town for a late lunch at Die Weisse. It’s a brewery with traditional Austrian fare and great house beers. I always recommend the roast pork with dumplings. If it’s sunny, sit in the beer garden under the chestnut trees.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Mirabell Gardens. It’s more than a photo stop. Walk up the rose hill, find the Dwarf Garden tucked away near the edge, and take your time just watching people wander. There’s a calm energy here that feels timeless.
Evening
Dinner at Blaue Gans. It’s upscale without being stuffy, and the modern Austrian dishes are beautifully done. It’s right in the Old Town, so perfect if you're staying nearby.
If you’ve got energy, look for a classical concert in one of the city’s historic halls. Sometimes they hold candlelit performances in Mirabell Palace. Even if you’re not usually into that kind of thing, the setting alone makes it worth it.
Salzburg - Day 3
Morning
Catch the Gaisberg bus from Mirabellplatz. It takes you up into the hills above the city, and in less than 40 minutes, you’ll be looking out over the entire valley. This spot feels totally different from Salzburg below. Walk a bit along one of the ridge trails or just take in the fresh air. It’s the break you didn’t know you needed.
Afternoon
Back in the city, hit up Schrannenmarkt if it’s a Thursday. This farmer’s market outside St. Andrew’s Church is where locals actually shop, and you’ll find everything from cheese and cured meats to wildflower honey and fresh bread. Grab a few things for a casual picnic or snack.
Then walk over to the Museum of Modern Art on Mönchsberg. You can either hike up or take the lift. The art inside is hit or miss depending on your taste, but the view from the terrace café is always a win. I’ve sat there for an hour without even realizing it.
Evening
Your last evening calls for something special. Head to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, which claims to be the oldest restaurant in Europe. It’s definitely not a secret, but it’s one of those experiences that lives up to the hype. The candlelit setting, vaulted stone rooms, and traditional dishes make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
After dinner, if you’re still up for it, take one last wander through the Old Town. The crowds are gone, the shop windows are glowing, and the streets feel like a dream. That quiet nighttime walk is usually when Salzburg sinks in for real.