Best dessert

It’s difficult (and ill-advised) to go past a cake that is widely recognised as one of Austria’s gastronomic crowning achievements. Take a seat in the opulent Café Sacher, on the right bank of the Salzach river, and say bitte to a serve of its Sachertorte, the cake that was invented at its sister property, the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, in 1832. There’s every chance all the luxurious red velvet and dark polished wood of the dining room will keep you glued to your seat, so don’t miss the Salzburger nockerl (a sweet fluffy egg soufflé) paired with a macchiato – this is Salzburg’s celebrated coffee culture at its finest.

Best tour

Salzburg’s CBD might be surprisingly tight, but for efficiency there’s no greater way to see the city’s highlights than with a private and custom Salzburg Experience. Whether you’re after a city highlights tour, food tour or even a sports angle, the team will ensure thorough immersion, detailing Salzburg’s history, visiting key landmarks and meeting local purveyors, in an action-packed three- to four-hour experience. For those short on time, and for cruise passengers on day visits, it’s the perfect way to gain a deeper grasp of the city.

Best attraction

Sure, Salzburg has a phenomenal castle in Fortress Hohensalzburg, and the spectacular 400-year-old Hellbrunn Palace, but it’s hard to beat the thrill of taking the Cable Car Untersberg on a 1320m ascent to the snow-dusted summit station of Geiereck. Up here, a chalet-style cafe offering steaming hot chocolates and hearty soups awaits, but make it quick; there is much snowball fighting, snow angel making and walking in knee-high snow to be done. And those views? They stretch out over the town, as well as the Berchtesgaden region and the Rositten valley. You’ll need to take the 25 bus from town to get to Untersbergbahn.

Best after-hours activity

In the daylight hours, Mirabell Gardens with its ornate fountains and heady rose garden, is the place to be. Come sunset, Mirabell Palace owns the city. Built in 1606 by the prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for the love of his life, Salome Alt, its Baroque marble hall transforms into one of the most spectacular concert halls, with performances kicking off nightly at 8pm.

Best restaurant

Ikarus, Senns Restaurant, Pur – there’s no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants in Salzburg, but few can match St Peter Stiftskulinarium, which has been serving hungry locals since 803 (yes, you’ve read that correctly). Located within the walls of St Peter’s Abbey, the oldest restaurant in Europe isn’t afraid of embracing the modern. Neon pop art decor competes for your attention with a menu that’s centred around Austrian and Mediterranean cuisine and accompanied by a list of 600-plus wines. Traditional dishes, such as Tafelspitz, are also available, should you require a fix.

Best shopping

Follow the not-so-yellow brick road to Getreidegasse (roughly translated as “Grain Lane”), the bustling heart of the historic Old Town and a Unesco World Heritage Site since the 1990s. This winding thoroughfare is lined with narrow shopfronts running the gamut from folkwear to international chains, plus traditional inns and a few museums of note including Mozart’s birthplace. Linzergasse, across the river, is more popular with locals and just as charming, but beware: shops are closed on Sundays.

Best souvenir

Bring home a taste of Salzburg with a box of Mozartkugel – small round chocolates covering a marzipan, nougat and pistachio centre. You’ll see versions in shops and supermarkets but Cafe Konditorei Fürst and Josef Holzermayr have been making them since the 1800s.

What part of Salzburg is best to stay in?

For a no-fuss stay close to the Old City and a short walk to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Salzburg Main Station), Numa Mozart offers a retreat from less than €100 a night. Expect contactless check-in, curated city guides via My Trips, the usual amenities and a yoga mat.

What is the best way to see Salzburg in a short time?

Buy a 24-, 48- or 72-hour Salzburg Card for one-time free access to attractions, museums and public transport, plus discounts on cultural events and concerts. Buy the card at tourist information offices in Salzburg, at ticket bureaus and the airport, or buy a digital card online.

What is the best way to visit Salzburg on a cruise?

Most cruise lines dock in the city of Linz, which is well over 100km from Salzburg. While shore excursions will be offered, be sure to factor in up to four hours of travel time (return). For this reason, it’s best to book your day trip through the cruise line.

See also: 

I found the secret to Europe on a budget

13 best things to do in Europe

16 things that shock Aussies in Europe