It’s always a good idea to research the customs of the place you plan to visit. I picked up a few tips during my time in Salzburg, and I thought I’d share them with you. Hopefully, these will help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful city.

1. Early bird gets the worm

Try to arrive at tourist attractions early. You’ll not only get better photos but also avoid the crowds. Salzburg is a popular tourist destination, so planning ahead is key.

2. Save with the Salzburg city card

If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, grab the Salzburg City Card. A one-day card costs between €25 and €28, depending on the season, and grants you free access to all the city’s tourist attractions. It’s a great way to save. I’ve included a link to the Salzburg Tourism Office below, along with more details about the Salzburg City Card.

3. Save more

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Salzburg without breaking the bank. You can visit the churches for free, relax along the riverbank, explore the Mirabell Gardens, stroll through Getreidegasse, and admire the many sculptures scattered around the city. Don’t miss the famous fountain in Residenzplatz!

4. Travel friendly shoes

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! The charming cobblestone streets are lovely to look at but can be tough on your feet if you’re not wearing the right footwear.

5. Sunday is rest day

Just like in Germany, Sunday is a day of rest in Austria, so many businesses, like supermarkets, will be closed. Plan ahead, although some restaurants and cafés will remain open.

6. The Sound of Music is unknown

Surprisingly, Austrians are not familiar with “The Sound of Music.” The story might stir up difficult memories of WWII, which you should probably avoid discussing. Plus, the film’s historical inaccuracies make it less beloved in Austria.

7. Dessert can be dinner

Austrians love their sweets, so don’t hesitate to enjoy dessert as a main dish—Appelstrudel, anyone? This is one of the many reasons I love Austria!

8. Follow road rules

Don’t jaywalk—wait until the pedestrian light turns green. Austrians and Germans are strict about this, and you could be fined or even scolded for crossing against the light.

9. Tipping isn’t compulsory

You don’t have to tip unless you want to, as service charges are usually included in your meal or service cost.

10. Smokey

Many Austrians smoke, so be prepared for some second-hand smoke during your visit.

11. Austrians are Austrian not German

While Germans and Austrians may share some similarities, don’t assume they are the same. It’s important to respect the differences between the two cultures and avoid alienating the locals.

12. Cheers

In Austria, you can legally drink beer and wine at 16, and hard liquor at 18. Cheers to that!

13. Find out

At some restaurants, bread served before your meal isn’t free. Be sure to ask before digging in.

14. Do research

There’s so much more to explore in Salzburg, including museums, and other attractions. Don’t limit yourself to the list I provided earlier—do some research to find what suits your interests best.

For more information, check out the links below:
Salzburg Tourism Office
Salzburg Card

Happy Travels!

P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! If you want to chat or share feedback, I’m all ears. Your visit to my blog means a lot to me, and as I’m still new at this, any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.