Salzburg, Austria, is enchanting, just as I had always pictured it. Only a hop, skip and a a jump (or a 90-minute train ride) from Munich, I regret not staying longer. The city is sparkling, the people are so kind, and I couldn't stop singing. My dad dubbed this trip a pilgrimage for me, due to my *slight* obsession with The Sound of Music growing up. Even if you're not a Sound of Music fan, there's still a ton to see in this city, including a 900-year-old fortress on top of a mountain, Wolfgang Mozart's childhood home, gorgeous churches, and great views of the Alps.
MORNING
Start your day off with a hot chocolate (or mimosa!) and delicious croissant at Cafe Fingerlos! It's a short walk from the train station and just a block from...
The Sound of Music Tour - Obviously, this was the highlight of my trip. I now picture myself retiring, moving to Salzburg and becoming a Sound of Music tour guide. That's a nod to how fabulous the experience was and also how gorgeous the Austrian scenery. The four-hour tour starts at 9 a.m., and they provide refreshments for purchase on the bus and have a short lunch break in the small village where Maria wed Captain Von Trapp. Tip: Going in the winter means much smaller crowds, just be sure to pick the morning tour, because the sun will set before the afternoon tour ends and you'll miss out on some of the scenery!
AFTERNOON
After singing your heart out, queue up the Rick Steves walking tour for a fantastic (and FREE!) tour of historic Salzburg! It offers a highlight reel of Mozart's impact on the city, as well as numerous churches (complete with choral groups), the shopping spots and a historic restaurant or two! Tip: Take advantage of Rick Steves and his free walking tours for cities around the world!
After all that walking, visit the Hotel Stein rooftop bar for a cocktail and unwind with some pretty spectacular views of the city and the mountains beyond. It was cloudy when I was there, but the Alps can make any view stunning.
EVENING
After seeing the formidable Hohensalzburg Fortress high above the city for most of my day, I finally made the trek up the hill (JK I took the funicular) and was blown away by the views. You definitely want to arrive before it gets dark, because even if there's clouds, it's quite ethereal. The Christmas market in the courtyard had a live band and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Tip: You can take the funicular back down, but I opted to walk, as it's only about 10 minutes!
I had a quick bite at one of the many Christmas markets I visited that evening, but my brother highly recommends the Augustiner Braustubl beer hall for dinner. Or if you're looking for something fancier, try Cafe Tomaselli, the 300-year-old coffee shop, or the Italian restaurant, Il Sole.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT TIPS
I highly recommend going at Christmas. It really wasn't that crowded, and although it was cold, it wasn't unmanageable. There are plenty of shops/churches to pop in if you need to warm up.
If you do go in December, the Mirabell Gardens Christmas Market is the best market in the city (there's a small fee, but totally worth it). There, you'll also find a display dedicated to Krampus, a creature from Austrian Christmas tradition. There's even a Krampus Run in the nearby Lakes District if you have a car!
If you're a big Mozart fan, my friends raved about the Mozart Dinner Concert!
Two places near Salzburg that I want to visit (once it's warmer) are the breathtaking Lakes District and charming village of Hallstatt. Check them out if you're there in the summer and are keen on a day trip!
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