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Nestled along the banks of the Salzach River and shadowed by the Eastern Alps, Salzburg is a storybook city where history, music, and charm unfold through unique things to do in Salzburg. Famous as Mozart’s birthplace and The Sound of Music backdrop, the city offers more than just sightseeing. It’s a place where cobblestone lanes whisper tales of the past, and vibrant culture blends effortlessly with nature. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or a seeker of offbeat experiences, This Salzburg guide invites you to explore it differently. Here are the top activities that will make your journey unforgettable.
Top 14 Unique Things To Do In Salzburg
Discover Salzburg’s charm with these top 14 unique activities, from hidden gardens to local culinary delights, experiences beyond the unique tourist attractions with is Salzburg Travel Guide.
1. Explore The Hidden World Of St. Peter’s Catacombs
Photo: Ragesoss / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked into the cliffs of Mönchsberg, the ancient catacombs of St. Peter’s Cemetery offer a hauntingly beautiful window into Salzburg’s early Christian past. Dating back to Late Antiquity, these caves once housed monks and hermits and now form part of a quiet, spiritual landscape above the city. You’ll climb narrow stairways carved into the rock to reach the chapels, which offer panoramic views over the cemetery below. As one of the most unique things to do in Salzburg, this site blends archaeology, solitude, and faith.
Must-Have Experience: Walking through early Christian burial chambers carved into rock
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
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2. Ride The Oldest Funicular To Hohensalzburg Fortress
Photo: Andreas Stiasny / Wikimedia Commons
The Festungsbahn is Austria’s oldest funicular, operating since 1892. This short but scenic ride takes you up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Salzburg’s top attractions. The fortress offers stunning views of the city, along with exhibits on medieval life, a fortress museum, and beautifully preserved staterooms. Riding the historic funicular adds a nostalgic charm to the visit.
Must-Have Experience: Take the hill lift and enjoy wide views from the fortress walls.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
3. Dine At St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
Photo: Kent Wang / Wikimedia Commons
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, founded in 803 AD, is the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. It is located in St. Peter’s Abbey and features historic stone walls and candlelit rooms. The restaurant serves traditional Austrian food, including Wiener Schnitzel and Salzburger Nockerl. Dining here offers a mix of history and local cuisine in a centuries-old setting. It is one of the most unique places to eat in Salzburg, offering a taste of the past with modern flavours. For a historic meal, this is a great spot to visit.
Must-Have Experience: Enjoying Austrian cuisine inside centuries-old stone dining rooms
Ideal Trip Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Vienna For A Refreshing Retreat
4. Visit The Silent Night Chapel In Oberndorf
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
The Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf marks the place where the famous Christmas carol “Silent Night” was first performed in 1818. Located near Salzburg, the chapel now serves as a peaceful memorial to that historic moment. A museum and scenic walking paths surround the site, creating a magical atmosphere, especially in winter. It offers a calm and meaningful escape from Salzburg’s busy centre and is a special stop for music and history lovers. Whether you visit in December or summer, the emotion of the place stays with you.
Must-Have Experience: Standing where the iconic carol was first sung in 1818
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day round trip
5. Take A “Sound of Music” Bicycle Tour
Photo: Timotheus Fröbel / Unsplash
Salzburg was the filming location for the beloved movie The Sound of Music, and taking a guided bicycle tour through its famous spots is a joyful experience. Ride through Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the gazebo from “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” all while singing along and hearing fun behind-the-scenes stories. This isn’t just for fans. It’s also a great way to enjoy Salzburg’s scenery and cultural charm. One of the most unique things to do in Salzburg is taking a bike tour that blends film, fitness, and fun.
Must-Have Experience: Cycling through film locations while hearing stories from the classic movie
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
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6. Sip Coffee At Café Tomaselli
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Café Tomaselli was founded in 1705 is the oldest coffee house in Austria and a beloved gathering place in Salzburg’s Old Town. Mozart himself used to frequently visit this historic café, and today, it remains a place of charm and tradition. Waitresses in classic attire serve trays of cakes and rich coffee in a timeless setting. Whether you’re seated indoors or people-watching from the terrace, sipping coffee at Café Tomaselli is one of the unique things to do in Salzburg. This historic spot offers a glimpse into the city’s musical and cultural past, all over a warm cup of coffee.
Must-Have Experience: Savoring traditional Viennese coffee in Mozart’s old haunt
Ideal Trip Duration: 45 – 60 minutes
7. Stroll Through The Hangar-7 Aircraft And Art Gallery
Photo: F.412 / Wikimedia Commons
Hangar-7 is where aviation meets modern art, all under a futuristic dome near Salzburg Airport. Owned by Red Bull’s founder, it houses historic aircraft, F1 racing cars, and rotating art exhibitions. You’ll walk among fighter jets and artworks before indulging in fine dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant, Ikarus. Among the unique things to do in Salzburg, Hangar-7 offers a sleek, high-energy contrast to the city’s baroque charm. It’s perfect for those craving something modern, artistic, and utterly unexpected.
Must-Have Experience: Viewing historic planes and Red Bull F1 cars under a modern glass dome
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Suggested Read: Modern Art Museums In Vienna
8. Hike The Kapuzinerberg For Breathtaking City Views
Photo: Clemens Stockner / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for peace and great views, Kapuzinerberg is a perfect spot.This forested hill, just minutes from the Old Town, offers scenic hiking paths lined with shrines, ancient walls, and roaming deer. At the summit, the peaceful Capuchin Monastery overlooks Salzburg’s skyline and the distant Alps. The trail is uncrowded, serene, and steeped in history. Hiking Kapuzinerberg is one of the most unique things to do in Salzburg, offering both natural beauty and spiritual calm. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual walker, this hilltop escape brings a rewarding perspective of the city below.
Must-Have Experience: Reaching the monastery viewpoint after a quiet forest hike
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
9. Discover The Trick Fountains At Hellbrunn Palace
Photo: Ввласенко / Wikimedia Commons
Hellbrunn Palace is famous for its playful and surprising trick fountains. Created by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus in the 17th century, these fountains are hidden throughout the palace gardens and are designed to spray unsuspecting guests. Beyond the water fun, the palace features elegant architecture, vast parks, and nearby attractions like the Salzburg Zoo. The element of surprise makes this outing especially entertaining for families. Visiting Hellbrunn at night is one od the most thrilling things To Do In Salzburg At Night , where history and humour come together in a fun, interactive experience that’s as delightful as it is unforgettable.
Must-Have Experience: Getting playfully soaked during the guided water show tour
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
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10. Visit Augustiner Bräustübl, A Monastic Beer Hall
Photo: Eweht / Wikimedia Commons
Experience centuries of brewing tradition at Augustiner Bräustübl, a beer hall founded by monks in 1621. Located within a monastery, this massive venue offers fresh beer served in ceramic steins, hearty Austrian fare, and communal seating under vaulted ceilings or in a shady garden. You rinse your stein, fill it from the tap, and enjoy it alongside pretzels and schnitzels from local vendors. It’s a cultural ritual as much as a refreshment. Among the most unusual things to do in Salzburg, this authentic beer-drinking experience offers local flavour, social connection, and a peek into monastic traditions.
Must-Have Experience: Filling your own stein and enjoying a fresh brew in the vaulted halls
Ideal Trip Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
11. Explore Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn
Photo: traveljunction / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Explore Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn for a fun and different day out. This zoo is home to over 1,200 animals from around the world. Set at the foot of a mountain, it offers natural enclosures and great views. You can see lions, monkeys, birds, and more. It’s a peaceful place to walk and learn about wildlife. Visiting this zoo is one of the unique things to see in Salzburg and perfect for families or animal lovers looking for something special.
Cost/Person: € 13.50 / ₹1,202, € 29.50 / ₹ 2,628
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
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12. Visit Salzburg Marionette Theatre
Photo: PictureObelix / Wikimedia Commons
Visit the Salzburg Marionette Theatre for a magical and rare experience. This theatre brings stories to life using handmade puppets, music, and lights. The shows include famous plays like The Sound of Music and Mozart’s operas. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The detail and skill will amaze both kids and adults. Watching a show here is one of the coolest things to do in Salzburg, especially if you enjoy art, music, and something truly different.
Cost/Person: € 29 / ₹ 2,807.24, € 29 / ₹ 4,361.90
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
13. Take On Salzach River Cruise
Photo: Jiuguang Wang / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Take a cruise on the Salzach River for a relaxing and scenic trip through Salzburg. The boat ride offers amazing views of the old town, hills, and famous landmarks. It’s a great way to see the city from a new angle. Some cruises even have music and evening lights. It’s peaceful, easy, and perfect for all ages. Riding the river is one of the fun things to do in Salzburg if you want to enjoy the beauty without walking too much.
Must-Have Experience: Sightseeing city’s skyline, historic landmarks, and natural scenery
Ideal Trip Duration: 40 Minutes
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14. Visit Salzburg Museum
Photo: Isiwal / Wikimedia Commons
The Salzburg Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history, art, and culture. It has beautiful displays of old maps, paintings, and items from Mozart’s time. The building itself is grand and full of charm. Each room tells a different story about Salzburg’s past. It’s quiet, interesting, and perfect for a thoughtful visit. The Salzburg Museum is one of the best Places To Visit In Salzburg if you enjoy learning in a calm and beautiful setting.
Cost/Person: € 9 / ₹ 898
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Hours
These top 10 unique things to do in Salzburg show you a different side of the city—from drinking monk-brewed beer to hiking through forests above the rooftops. Want to make the most of your trip? Plan your Salzburg adventure with Tripxl. Find hidden gems, skip-the-line tickets, and expert-picked experiences easily. Plan your unforgettable Salzburg itinerary, expert-curated experiences at your fingertips.
Cover Photo: Anthony Hill / Unsplash
