Salzburg travel guide

In which movies, books, and songs does the city of Salzburg play a major role?

Movies:
Robert Wise: The Sound of Music (1959)

James Mangold: Knight and Day (2010)

Music:

The most famous musician from Salzburg is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Books:
Thomas Bernhard: "The Cellar: An Escape"
Peter Handke: "Across"

What are the 3 most famous and the 3 most exciting events in the city?

The 3 most famous events:

-Salzburger Festspiele (summer, Easter): http://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at
- Krampus procession in the city (December 5)

- Salzburg Advent Singing (December): http://www.salzburgeradventsingen.at/

The 3 most exciting events:

- Salzburger Jazz-Herbst: http://www.jazz-herbst.at/
- Summer Academy of Fine Arts (summer): http://www.summeracademy.at/
- Sommer Scene (summer): http://www.szene-salzburg.net/sommerszene/

What free offers should I not overlook?

Salzburg is not exactly cheap, and free offers are rare. On the other hand, of course, a walk through the city and its attractions is an experience, and the churches are free (and a main attraction of the city).

What places give me that special Salzburg feeling the fastest?

The cozy streets give you a quick feel for the history of the city, the main boulevard is Getreidegasse. The Domplatz, complete with cathedral, impressively demonstrates the former power of the Catholic Church in the city. With a hike over the Mönchsberg you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get the great views of the old town and the surrounding mountains, the highest point is Hohensalzburg Castle.

Also, Mirabell Palace, with its baroque palace garden, shows Salzburg's feudal side.

Where and how can I get to know approachable native citizens?

Salzburgers are not known for being particularly sociable, and it helps if you already know locals who can help make contact. In summer, many Salzburgers sit on the banks of the Salzach, there you may be able to chat with your neighbors. When you hit the clubs, a tip: The Republic (bar and venue), especially in the summer with its outdoor area, is a trendy spot for locals.

How much is...

...a snack?

3 Euros for 2 sausages at the sausage stand

...a subway/bus/streetcar ticket or taxi ride?

2.10 Euro, if you buy the ticket on board; advance purchase costs 1.60 Euro, taxis are expensive in Salzburg

...a coffee / a beer / a pack of cigarettes?

In a cafe a coffee costs 4 Euro, a beer in a bar costs about the same. Cigarettes are 4.20 Euro a pack.

...a museum ticket?

6-8 Euro is standard; seniors and students often get discounted admission.

...a fun night in pubs and clubs?

Salzburg is expensive. Even entry to bars is not always free. Clubs cost 10-20 Euro.

I still have some money left over, what should I buy in Salzburg as a souvenir?

Salzburg Mozart Balls are a classic, but there are already available all over Austria in supermarkets. Dirndl and Lederhosen are hardly worn anymore, but they are also a popular (and expensive) souvenir. In St. Peter's Abbey well-regarded bread is baked, and it is well worth taking some with you.

What makes this city distinctive, unique, or nerve-wracking - and what are the reasons for it?

Salzburg is a mixed blessing. First, it is a beautiful city: the location at the foot of the Alps makes it a paradise for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, the city's hills put greenery right in the middle of the city, and the masterpieces from the Baroque period are reminders of Salzburg's stature in world history.

Salzburg's cultural offerings are impressive for a city its size, in terms of both high culture and popular culture. Only it can sometimes come across as petty and narrow-minded. These advantages have of course not escaped the tourists, who especially in the summer make the city seem like an open-air museum.

Where and how can I get a good Internet connection?

The city has three free wireless stations: Mirabell Garden, the Amadeus Pier, and the Mozartsteg Bridge. An overview of the hotspots can be found here: http://www.salzburgreise.net/hotspot-finder-gratis-w-lan-internet-in-salzburg/

What should I avoid in Salzburg under all circumstances?

Salzburg is a tourist destination, no question, and one sees that in the prices at coffee houses, restaurants, hotels. However, there are few classic tourist traps, most of all carriage rides.