10 Free Things To Do In Salzburg In Austria: Enjoy The City On A Budget

A scenic view of Salzburg’s historic streets, showcasing the best free things to do in Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich history, famous for being the birthplace of Mozart. There are many free things to do in Salzburg, from exploring historic streets to relaxing in peaceful gardens. Visitors can admire historic churches, enjoy scenic river walks, and take in the incredible views. The city offers numerous free attractions, allowing you to experience its beauty without spending a lot. If you want to know what to do in Salzburg, this guide will help you find the best free places to visit and enjoy your time in the city.

Top 10 Free Things To Do In Salzburg

This beautiful city is known for its history, music, and stunning landscapes. Here are the top 10 free things to do in Salzburg:

1. Explore Salzburg’s Old Town

A scenic view of Salzburg’s Old Town featuring the best things for visitors to do in Salzburg

Photo: Free Walking Tour Salzburg / Unspalsh

Walking through Old Town feels like a storybook come to life. The streets are old and beautiful, with many historic buildings. You can see amazing Baroque-style buildings and visit Residenzplatz, a lovely square. Walking on Getreidegasse, the city’s famous shopping street, is a great experience. Here, you can also see the house where Mozart was born from the outside. The Old Town is easy to explore on foot and has many great spots for photos.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 24*7
Location: Altstadt, Salzburg

2. Visit Mirabell Gardens

Colourful flowers and fountains in Mirabell Gardens are among the most beautiful things to see in Salzburg

Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels

Visiting Mirabell Gardens is one of the best free things to do in Salzburg. This famous spot is known for its beautiful flowers, fountains, and statues. This park is a great place to walk, relax, and take photos. It is also popular because scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed here. Many people visit to see this special place. From the gardens, you can also see Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background. It is a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and the beauty of the city.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Location: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg

3. Hike Up To Kapuzinerberg

A panoramic city view from Kapuzinerberg, a top attraction among what to do in Salzburg for free

Photo: Clemens Stockner / Wikimedia Commons

Hiking up to Kapuzinerberg is one of the best free things to do in Salzburg for those who enjoy nature and city views. The hill has well-marked paths that wind through green surroundings, making the walk enjoyable. The walk provides a quiet break from the busy streets while still close to the city centre. Visitors can also see historic sites such as the Capuchin Monastery. With its natural beauty and historical charm, Kapuzinerberg is a wonderful place to explore Salzburg from a different perspective.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 24*7
Location: Kapuzinerberg, Salzburg

4. Enjoy The Views From Mönchsberg

Stunning cityscape from Mönchsberg, offering great things to see in Salzburg for free

Photo: Andrew Bossi / Wikimedia Commons

Mönchsberg is a great place to see beautiful views of Salzburg. This hill is perfect for a peaceful walk while looking at the city’s rooftops and famous buildings. There are many spots along the way where you can take amazing photos. Walking on Mönchsberg is a relaxing experience, and it is a good choice if you love photography or just want to enjoy nature. It is one of the best things to see in Salzburg. Whether you like taking pictures or simply want a quiet place, Mönchsberg is a wonderful place to visit.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 24*7
Location: Mönchsberg, Salzburg

5. Visit Salzburg Cathedral

The grand Salzburg Cathedral is an important landmark among what to do in Salzburg for free

Photo: Magic K / Pexels

Salzburg Cathedral is a beautiful old church and an important place to visit in the city. It has tall ceilings, lovely paintings, and a peaceful feeling inside. The church is free to enter, and people can walk around to see its small chapels and underground rooms. It is also special because the famous musician Mozart was baptised here. A visit to this cathedral is a great way to learn about history, art, and culture. If you are wondering what to do in Salzburg, this cathedral is a must-see place for everyone who loves history and beautiful buildings.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg

6. Walk Along The Salzach River

A peaceful riverside walk along the Salzach River is one of the best things to see in Salzburg

Photo: Andrew Bossi / Wikimedia Commons

One of the best things to do in Salzburg for free is walking by the Salzach River. The paths along the river are great for a quiet and beautiful walk. You can see the city’s old buildings and bridges as you walk. This place looks lovely in the morning and evening and is a peaceful way to enjoy the city. You can also visit the Makartsteg Bridge, which has many love locks left by couples. It is a simple but special way to explore Salzburg and enjoy the calm views of the river and the city around you.

Ideal Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Timings: 24*7
Location: Salzach River, Salzburg

7. Explore St. Peter’s Cemetery

Historic St. Peter’s Cemetery, a unique site among what to do in Salzburg for free

Photo: Watty62 / Wikimedia Commons

St. Peter’s Cemetery is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful burial places, known for its ornate tombstones, ancient catacombs, and peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors come to explore its rich history and see the site featured in The Sound of Music. Walking through its quiet paths offers a glimpse into Salzburg’s past, with centuries-old graves telling stories of the city’s heritage. If you like history, this is a great place to visit. Exploring St. Peter’s Cemetery is one of the best things to do in Salzburg, as it shows an important part of the city’s history.

Ideal Duration: 30 minutes
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Location: St. Peter Bezirk 1, 5020 Salzburg

8. Visit Mozartplatz

An image of Mozartplatz square, one of the best things to see in Salzburg for free

Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons

Mozartplatz is a vibrant square in Salzburg dedicated to the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. At its centre stands a large statue of Mozart, a popular photo spot. Mozartplatz is one of the things to see in Salzburg, where you can watch street performers and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Around the square, there are old buildings, cafés, and shops. It is a nice place to sit, relax, and enjoy the city’s beauty. Many people visit to experience the history and charm of Salzburg in this lovely open space.

Ideal Duration: 30 minutes
Timings: 24*7
Location: Mozartplatz, 5020 Salzburg

9. Discover Hellbrunn Palace Grounds

An image of gardens at Hellbrunn Palace, a famous place to visit in Salzburg for free

Photo: Ввласенко / Wikimedia Commons

Hellbrunn Palace Grounds offers a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk among green trees, elegant fountains, and hidden pathways. Visitors can also see the famous Sound of Music Pavilion, a popular spot for film enthusiasts. The gardens provide a quiet retreat, making them ideal for nature lovers and families looking to unwind. Visiting these lovely gardens is one of the best things to do in Salzburg, especially if you love nature and history.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg

10. Attend Free Classical Music Performances

A live classical music performance in Salzburg, one of the best things to see in Salzburg

Photo: Josetxu Obregón / Wikimedia Commons

Salzburg is a city famous for music. Visitors can enjoy free classical music concerts in many places. Churches like St. Peter’s Abbey and Salzburg Cathedral often have free music performances. During festival times, you can also hear live music in public squares. The beautiful music and historic buildings make it a special experience. If you love music, this is a great way to enjoy the city without spending money. Listening to live music in Salzburg is a wonderful memory for visitors. This is one of the things to see in Salzburg that makes the trip special.

There are many free things to do in Salzburg, from visiting historic landmarks to walking through gardens and enjoying city views. You can explore old streets, see centuries-old churches, and admire the architecture without spending money. Scenic viewpoints, riverside paths, and cultural sites also offer great experiences at no cost. Plan your trip with TripXL and discover Salzburg’s best free attractions.

Cover Photo: Alex Hufnagl / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are parking options near many of Salzburg’s free attractions. Public car parks and street parking are available near Mirabell Gardens and Old Town.
Pets are welcome in many outdoor attractions in Salzburg, such as Mirabell Gardens, Mönchsberg, and Kapuzinerberg. However, they may need to be on a lead in certain areas.
Yes! Free classical music performances are often held in churches like Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey. You can also find free outdoor concerts in city squares.
Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg offer stunning panoramic views of Salzburg. Walking up these hills is one of the things you can see in Salzburg without spending any money.
Most free attractions in Salzburg are within walking distance of the city centre. However, for places like Hellbrunn Palace grounds, a short bus ride might be needed.

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