Built on a location where cathedrals have stood since the 8th century, Salzburg Cathedral is the city’s most important sacred building and its most significant piece of church architecture. It leaves a distinctive stamp on the Salzburg skyline for its two towers and unique dome, which represent the most impressive early Baroque structure north of the Alps. The interior is not very different from other major cathedrals; Salzburg Cathedral boasts elaborate carvings, intricate ceiling painting, and relics. What sets the Salzburg Cathedral apart is the baptismal font used for Mozart.

The Getreidegasse is a historic shopping street located in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town. A center of trade since the Roman times, this street has an unmistakable charm for its unique combination of traditional inns, unique businesses, and an array of international fashion chains. Explore the Getreidegasse and marvel at the tall townhouses on both sides; you’ll also notice the trademark wrought-iron guild signs that advertise what’s sold inside, as well as ornate doorways and informative murals.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in the Hagenauer Haus at No. 9 Getreidegasse. Today called Mozart’s Birthplace, this house has been turned into a museum showcasing the famous composer’s violins, pianoforte, clavichord, and more. The historical rooms contain documents, manuscripts, souvenirs, and original portraits of Mozart’s family. The three-storey exhibition is especially a delight to Mozart fans as it provides the chance to learn details of the musician’s life - his childhood, relationship with his family, and passion for music.

Established in the 7th century, St. Peter’s Abbey is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world and has been the spiritual heart of Salzburg. It has a striking Christian architecture and although the abbey itself is quite stunning, the highlight is the cemetery catacombs that fans of “The Sound of Music” will instantly recognize. In the early days, the abbey was known for providing writing classes led by monks; today, it houses the country’s oldest library containing manuscripts from as early as 734 AC.

Mirabellgarten is a paradise located east of the Salzach River. Built in the 17th century and originally designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, it has become one of the most recognized Baroque gardens in Europe. If you’re familiar with the movie “The Sound of Music”, this is where Maria and the Von Trapp children sang the iconic “Do, Re, Mi” song. Some of the notable features of the garden include the Pegasus Fountain, Rose Garden, the Hedge Theater, and the Dwarf Garden decked with knee-high marble garden gnomes.

To the right of the Salzach River, you’ll find the pristine Kapuzinerberg, a dense forest filled with a variety of flora and fauna, including indigenous deer, badgers, chamois, and pine martens. Hike to the top and along the way from Linzergasse, you’ll find six Baroque Stations of the Cross built in the 1700s. You can also marvel at the incredible views of Bavaria at the lookout points. At the top of Kapuzinerberg lies the Franziskischlössl, a defense tower and currently home to a restaurant great for al fresco dining.

With its palace, horse-drawn carriages, and street entertainers, Residenzplatz or Residence Square is the largest and most beautiful square built under Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. Its main attraction is the Residenzbrunnen - the biggest Baroque fountain in Central Europe. Built using marble from Mount Untersberg, this fountain served as the backdrop of some scenes in the movie “The Sound of Music”. Some of its notable features include intricate dolphin, horse, and Atlas sculptures - the work of Italian artist Tomasso di Garone.