Salzburg, Austria, has long been on our family’s travel bucket list. As huge fans of The Sound of Music, we couldn’t resist adding this beautiful city to our European road trip itinerary. With its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and famous movie locations, Salzburg is an ideal destination for family travel. We introduced our kids to the movie before leaving on our vacation and then were excited to explore the city together, even though we only had 2 days in Salzburg. Here’s how we made the most of our short visit!

Planning Our Salzburg Trip

To plan for our time in Salzburg, we relied on the Rick Steves Vienna, Salzburg & Tirol Travel Guide, a fantastic resource for exploring Salzburg’s top sights and making the most of our time in the city. If you’re planning a trip to Salzburg, this guide is an invaluable tool for navigating the city and learning about the must-see spots.

Getting Around Salzburg with Kids: Stroller-Friendly Tips

Salzburg is a family-friendly destination, but with all the walking, we wanted to make sure our youngest had a comfortable way to get around. We brought our gb Pockit+ All-Terrain Travel Stroller with us, and it worked perfectly for navigating the streets of Salzburg and the surrounding attractions. If you’re traveling to Europe with young children, I highly recommend checking out my full review of this stroller for family trips.

Orientation to Salzburg: Easy Access and Travel Tips

Salzburg is located in north-central Austria, just south of the German border near Munich. It’s easily accessible by train or car, with a convenient public transportation system and well-maintained roads. If you’re driving to Salzburg, don’t forget to purchase a vignette (toll sticker) for using the motorway. We purchased ours online, but you can also buy it at fuel stations along the way.

Staying at a Family-Friendly Hotel Near the Old Town

During our Salzburg family trip, we stayed at Villa Elisa Hotel, a family-friendly hotel just a 25-minute walk from Salzburg’s historic Old Town. It was the perfect base for exploring the city, with great amenities for families, including:

• Spacious family rooms with bunk beds
• Kitchenette in select rooms for easy meal prep
• Convenient location close to Salzburg’s top attractions
• On-site parking, ideal for those traveling by car

For more details and to book your stay, check out Villa Elisa Hotel Salzburg on Expedia.

Day 1: Exploring Salzburg’s Old Town and Sound of Music Locations

Morning:

Our first day started with a delicious European breakfast at the hotel, featuring pastries, deli meats, cheese, and freshly cooked eggs. We ate on their patio outside as the weather was so nice! Afterward, we headed to Mirabell Gardens, a must-see spot in Salzburg, especially for Sound of Music fans. The gardens are where several scenes from the movie were filmed. Our kids loved running through the vine-covered walkways, playing on the nearby playground, and admiring the fountains and the statues representing the seasons.

Walking Tour of Salzburg’s Old Town:

Next, we strolled along the Salzach River into Salzburg’s pedestrian-friendly Old Town, where we visited Mozartplatz and Residenzplatz. These historic squares are filled with charming shops and beautiful architecture. We then made our way to the Salzburg Cathedral and Goldene Kugel, an iconic outdoor art piece, before stopping for lunch from local food vendors. Pro tip: bring cash, as most of these vendors don’t accept cards.There was also a life-size chessboard to play on in this area. Our daughter was able to play chess with a boy also visiting on vacation, which was pretty memorable.

For a treat, we then visited the Stiftsbäckerei St Peter, a historic bakery that’s been operating for over 700 years. Don’t miss their brown bread and delicious brioche – a perfect snack while exploring.

Statue of Mozart (left), Residenzbrunnen (right)

Goldene Kugel (left), Wasserad near the Stiftsbäckerei St Peter (right)

Afternoon:

Our next stop was the Petersfriedhof Cemetary, which offered a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city and provided some shade from the heat of the day. We then took a stroll down Getreidegasse, a historic street known for its wrought-iron signs and charming shops. Along the way, we passed Mozart’s Geburtshaus (Mozart’s Birthplace) and decided to return the next day for a museum visit.

Margarethenkapelle in Petersfriedhof (left), Looking down Getreidegasse (right)

Evening:

To finish off our day, we dined at the Augustiner Bräu Mülin, a historic Austrian beer garden dating from 1621. We entered the brewery off the Augustinergasse, and the entrance was very discreet. We were actually not even sure if we were in the right location when we arrived. As you walk in the entrance, it appears to be an apartment building, but as you continue walking through a couple of doors, you are welcomed to a large staircase leading down past a statue of St. Augustine. We later found out that there is a much larger entrance on the other side of the building, along with a parking lot.

Once you go down the large staircase, you enter an area where there are multiple shops that sell a variety of food items. We found traditional Austrian food, including sausages and chicken schnitzel, as well as coleslaw, sauerkraut, fries, and pretzels. As you exit to the garden itself, you can find dozens of tables to sit at and enjoy your food. While here, my wife and I had to try their beer. This was the first time either of us had been to an Austrian beer garden, and it was such a unique experience. You begin by paying for how much beer you want; you then grab a mug off a shelf, rinse it out, and an attendant fills it up for you. There was also an option to get a Radler (half beer and half sparkling lemonade). My wife isn’t too keen on beer, so this was the perfect refreshment for her, especially with the weather being so hot!

The beer garden also has a play area for kids, making it a family-friendly spot for both adults and children. If you’re visiting Salzburg, this is a unique experience you shouldn’t miss!

Day 2: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart Museum, and the Sound of Music at Marionette Theater

Morning:

After another hearty breakfast, we made our way back down to the old town and took the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offered panoramic views of Salzburg. The fortress is a fascinating place to explore, with exhibits that delve into the city’s medieval history.

Next, we visited Mozart’s Geburtshaus, where the famous composer was born. The museum features Mozart memorabilia, including sheet music, personal letters, and more. I recommend this museum for older children and adults, as there’s a lot of historical information to digest.

View from Hohensalzburg Fortress (left), Mozarts Geburtshaus (right)

Afternoon:

The highlight of our second day was attending the Marionette Theater Salzburg, where we saw a production of The Sound of Music. This was a wonderful way to immerse ourselves in the movie’s magic without the long bus tours. The puppeteers perform with marionettes, and the show was incredibly engaging for our children. At the end of the show, the curtains are drawn back, and you can see the talented staff that are putting on the production. It was really interesting to see the contrast of how small the marionettes are compared to the people that are working them. This is a wonderful child-friendly activity in Salzburg that I highly recommend for families!

Of note, we purchased our tickets a few months in advance, and at the time, we were able to select almost any seat in the theater. If you decide to go, I would definitely recommend booking in advance, if you can, to get the seats that you would like. The productions they put on change throughout the year, so check out the Marionette Theater website to see what current offerings they have when you visit.

Evening:

To wrap up our trip, we returned to Augustiner Bräu Mülin for dinner, enjoying the food, atmosphere, and a well-deserved break after two days of exploring Salzburg.

Conclusion: Must-See Sights in Salzburg for Families

Salzburg is a fantastic family destination, full of history, beautiful landscapes, and Sound of Music magic. Whether you’re exploring the Mirabell Gardens, walking through the old town, or visiting Mozart’s birthplace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out the family-friendly attractions and accommodations that make Salzburg a great city for all ages.

Have you visited Salzburg before? What were your favorite family-friendly activities in the city? Let me know in the comments below!