Salzburg: 5 Alternative Activities For a Memorable Trip
Salzburg has deservedly earned a reputation for being one of Europe’s most charming cities. The city became a popular tourist destination after the release of The Sound of Music, which uses Salzburg as the backdrop, and today is one of the most visited destinations in Austria.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Salzburg, including checking out the Museum of Modern Art, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Hellbrunn Palace.
Those sites are must-do’s for any visitor to the city. Once you’ve ticked them off, it’ll be time to explore some of the quirkier, fun things to do in Salzburg, some of which we’ve compiled below. Happy exploring!
Boppit at the Jazzit
Jazzit might be the best music venue in Austria. It’s one of the best in Europe. This jazz-focused venue plays host to some of the brightest musical talents in Austria and beyond, and it’s worth checking out even if you’re not normally a jazz fan. There are always big events and festivals taking place at Jazzit, but it’s also fun just to drop in on a random weekday since you never know what will be happening. Find yourself in Salzburg with nothing to do on a Tuesday evening? Don’t miss out on the free entry to Jazzit—there’s every reason to come and enjoy the experience!
Visit One of Europe’s Premier Casinos
Klessheim Palace has a long and storied history, but even if it didn’t, it would still be worth paying a visit. It’s simply a stunning building, one that evokes all the charm of old-world Austria. Today, the space is home to one of the most impressive casinos in Europe, the Casino Salzburg. It’s located just outside the city centre, but the casino offers a shuttle service from the centre, making it easy to get to. The casino offers all of the most common casino games, but keep in mind that, unlike elsewhere in Europe, the Casino Salzburg offers both American and European roulette, so it’s recommended that visitors play at a site that offers both before travelling so that they’re ready for whichever is being offered on the night they visit. Once you’ve finished playing, swing by the restaurant, which offers world-class food in a stunning period room.
Take a Walk Through St. Sebastian’s Cemetery
St. Sebastian’s Church is an example of late baroque architecture, which makes it worthy of a visit in itself, but the real joy of visiting this area is having the chance to walk through St. Sebastian’s Cemetery. It dates back to the early 16th century and is the final resting place of most of Salzburg’s most famous residents — though oddly enough, not its most famous son, Mozart. However, members of the composer’s family, including his father and sister, are laid to rest here.
In any case, it’s not so much about who’s buried here or not, but more about taking a gentle stroll through the wonderfully manicured gardens.
Look at Mozart’s Skull
If you were sad that Mozart’s body wasn’t buried at St. Sebastian’s Cemetery, then we have some good news for you: while you’re visiting Salzburg, you’ll have the chance to see part of Mozart’s skull, which is allegedly part of the collection at the Mozarteum museum. We say ‘allegedly’ because it has never been definitively proven that the skull does belong to Mozart, but researchers are mostly sure. With an entrance fee of just €15, it’s definitely worth checking out—who knows what great experiences await!
Dine at Europe’s Oldest Restaurant
Not every day you have a chance to dine at the oldest restaurant in Europe. By all accounts (well, the restaurant’s account), St Peter has been serving diners since 803, which means it’s more than 1200 years old. The food and drink are good enough, but the real joy comes from dining in such a historic restaurant. This is truly an essential destination that everyone should visit to fully immerse themselves in the captivating charm and rich historical heritage of Austria. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with the country’s fascinating past and culture in a meaningful way.
