[All opinions and photos are my own. All links in this post are non-affiliated. All prices given are based on the information at the time of writing. Prices may vary from the time of reading this.]

Full of history and surrounded by the Austrian Alps, Salzburg has a lot to offer to every traveller, so for this next blog I've decided to write about how to explore Salzburg in Austria, with a special focus for those on a budget. Below is my list of the 10 top things to do if you're exploring Salzburg on the cheap along with some other tips to help you whilst in the city.

1. Fortress Hohensalzburg

Probably the most visible landmark in the city, Fortress Hohensalzburg is definitely worth a visit. Built in the 11th Century, this medieval castle offers panoramic views over the entire city and if you go to the back of the fortress you'll also get a nice view looking towards the Austrian Alps. The basic ticket price starts at €10 for adults and by walking up the hill to the fortress you'll save yourself some extra money. If walking isn't an option for you then there's a funicular to the top but this costs extra.

Fortress Hohensalzburg located above Salzburg Cathedral and the Old Town

The view from Fortress Hohensalzburg looking towards the Austrian Alps

2. Mirabell Gardens

Well-known for featuring in the Sound of Music, Mirabell Palace and Gardens are located near the centre of the city. The gardens are free to enter along with public areas of the palace. It's possible to have guided tours of the palace but this costs extra. The gardens are definitely worth a visit, even if its only to mimic a few scenes from the Sound of Music!

Mirabell Palace and Gardens where some of the Sound of Music was filmed

3. Salzburg Cathedral

Overshadowed by Fortress Hohensalzburg, Salzburg Cathedral should not be overlooked. With a history spanning back to 774 and beautiful internal design, the cathedral is a must-see. Entry is free but donations are welcome.

The view from Fortress Hohensalzburg overlooking the city and Salzburg Cathedral

4. Walk to the German border

If you've spent enough time exploring the main sites or you just want to get away from the crowds, I recommend walking to the German border. It's a bit of a hike but quiet and scenic. The walk takes about 1.5 hours both ways (3 hours total) from the Old Town but the walk takes you along the River Salzach and past some small lakes, some of which you can swim in, and best of all, it's completely free! If you're not up for walking, you could rent a bike from the city and cycle instead.

Looking over the river towards Germany

5. Explore the side streets in the Old Town

One of the easiest things to do when in the Old Town is to explore all the small side streets. During the two days I was in Salzburg I had fun discovering the maze of streets that make up the Old Town. If shopping is your thing then there are lots of shops to explore too!

6. Makartsteg Bridge

Known for its love locks, Makartsteg Bridge is probably the most well-known bridge in the city. It's definitely a quick visit but offers nice views of the river and the Old Town.

Sunset views looking towards Makartsteg Bridge

7. Mozart's Birthplace

Whilst in Salzburg I didn't have the chance to visit the inside of Mozart's Birthplace but I've heard its worth visiting if you're interested in Mozart and his music. Tickets start at €12 but students can get tickets for €10 with valid student ID.

8. Visit the surrounding lakes and mountains using a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus service

I only spent two days in Salzburg and unfortunately, I only found out about this bus service the morning that I left Salzburg but I really wish I had discovered it sooner and had the chance to use it. This Hop-On, Hop-Off bus service runs from the city near Mirabell Palace and takes you to lakes Fuschlsee, Wolfgangsee and Mondsee. The service runs daily from April to October with adult day tickets costing €33. This may seem a bit on the pricey side, but if you use it wisely it gives you the chance to visit multiple locations in a single day. The ticket also includes an informative audioguide as well as a free ticket for use on certain bus routes in the city.

9. Schloss Leopoldskron

Another walk out of the city takes you to Schloss Leopoldskron, another Sound of Music filming location (something I didn't realise until I showed photos to my family). After visiting the fortress, I decided to continue walking away from the city on the other side of the hill that the fortress is located on. I followed a scenic path along a stream until I found my way near Schloss Leopoldskron, which is now a hotel. There's also a large pond and wooded area next to the hotel, which are free to visit and full of birds, such as geese, herons and woodpeckers.

Walking to Schloss Leopoldskron along the scenic footpaths

Schloss Leopoldskron reflecting against the neighbouring pond.

10. Hike up Kapuzinerberg

If you can't tell already, I'm a sucker for nature hikes and whenever I'm in a new city I try to find the highest viewpoint in order to appreciate the city from above. If you also love city views then a hike up Kapuzinerberg is a must! This hill is accessible from multiple areas in the city and is basically a massive wooded recreational area right in the centre of the city. Views expand over the River Salzach towards the fortress and even towards the Austrian Alps. Numerous paths take you around the hillside and into the wooded areas. I absolutely loved this area of Salzburg as it felt like you weren't even in the city anymore (not that I didn't like the city!). It's absolutely free to visit and good exercise too! It's also good for bird watching!

A great-spotted woodpecker in the woods up Kapuzinerberg

Where to stay:

If you're travelling on a budget then I definitely recommend staying in a hostel. Most European hostels are clean, well-equipped and reasonably priced. During my visit I stayed at the YoHo International Youth Hostel, which was only a 15 minute walk from the train station and Old Town (in opposite directions though). This hostel was well-priced and had great bathroom facilities and dormrooms. The only downside was that there was no proper kitchen for self-catered cooking, so if you're looking to save money by cooking your own meals I would probably choose to stay somewhere else. Otherwise McDonald's is probably your best bet for cheap meals.

When to visit:

I visited Salzburg whilst Interrailing around Europe during August, so during the middle of the day some areas were packed with tourists, which is why I spent a lot of my time exploring areas away from the centre. That said, if you get up early enough you'll be able to avoid the crowds (yes, I'm that annoying person who gets up early and wakes up everyone in the hostel dormroom... Sorry!). I visited the main sites, such as the fortress, almost as soon as they opened and they were fairly empty. Otherwise, if crowds and early mornings aren't your thing then I'd suggest going early to mid-September to avoid crowds but still benefit from the warm weather.

Salzburg Old Town

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Salzburg, Austria and it's definitely worth a visit. Not only is it rich in history but its full of nature as well, so escaping from hectic city life is easy. My only regret is not spending more time there to explore the nearby mountains and lakes.