Salzburg is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and the city’s attractions are appreciated by many thousands of tourists every year. Besides being the birthplace of Mozart, this eclectic city nestled into the green hills that stretch far into the distance is full of stunning architecture, magical spires and beautiful gardens. People come here to explore its history, marvel at the art and discover its cultural heritage, and along the way visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the rich culinary traditions that thrive in the city and make their visit even more memorable.
Shady beer gardens and charming coffee houses line the streets while gourmet restaurants and funky bars are testament to the huge culinary diversity that Salzburg is proud of. Catering to all palates, this city has something for everyone, whether you are a real night owl who prefers a cocktail or two, someone who loves relaxing over a strong coffee or likes indulging in a pastry while watching the morning pass you by.
Coffee Culture
Coffee is a big part of Salzburg’s culture and the city has many famous coffee houses, such as the Café Tomaselli, which is the oldest in Austria. Here you can choose from any of the traditional coffees and enjoy a Melange (frothed milk and steamed coffee), a Grosser Brauner (a large steamed black coffee), a Verlängerter (an even larger but weaker steamed black coffee), or Einspänner (strong and black, served with whipped cream). No coffee morning would be complete in Austria without a pastry too. Try the apple strudel, the Mozart gateau or the Esterhazy cake. The Mozartkugel is a real favourite here and when you taste the sublime combination of chocolate and fresh marzipan you will see why.
Epicurean Heaven
It is true that the state of Salzburg has more gourmet restaurants than anywhere else in the country, and if you love your food you will be spoiled for choice in the city of Salzburg, which is home to most of them. The current trend in the city is for organic and locally sourced ingredients, which makes perfect sense considering that 38% of the agricultural enterprises in Austria have this ethos. And the good news is that you don’t have to go gourmet to reap the benefits; even the simple restaurants take great pride in serving wholesome, fresh and delicious dishes.
The city of Salzburg is also famous for its four rather unusual breweries; unusual because they invite you in to enjoy a bite to eat alongside your brew. Other places to grab a quick but delicious snack in the city are any of the delicatessens in the Old City or at the Green Market.
How to Get There: Salzburgo
Salzburg airport is just on the outskirts of the city and a short drive into the heart of the action. With flights arriving from all of the major European cities including London, Edinburgh, Madrid, Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Nice the airport is a convenient arrival point. For Salzburg airports transfers into the city, book with Shuttle Direct. We take great pride in offering an efficient, competitively priced service. You can even book your shared or private Salzburg airport transfers in advance.
Where to Stay
Adlerhof – A delightful budget hotel option is the Adlerhof, only 15 minutes away from the Old Town of Salzburg. Rooms here either have a traditional or a modern twist and offer satellite TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Only 300m from the main train station, this hotel is a protected building with a breakfast room and façade that dates back to 1900.
Meininger Hotel Salzburg City Centre – 2kms away from the Old Town, the Meininger Hotel is a lovely mid priced hotel option for visitors to the city. Rooms, furnished with a modern touch, have flat-screen TV, en suite facilities and Wi-Fi is on offer throughout. There is a kitchen for guests’ use and laundry facilities too. Guests can enjoy a drink in the bar that also has a billiards table and table football, but if you prefer you can relax and watch the world go by from the roof terrace, which offers fabulous city views. The 24-hour reception staff is friendly and helpful and the hotel boasts luggage storage and a ski room. Close to the ZIB shopping centre, the Salzburg Cathedral, Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s Birthplace can all be reached in 30 minutes on foot.
Hotel Bristol – The stunning Hotel Bristol is located right in the heart of the city and boasts a fabulous award-winning restaurant and Wi-Fi throughout. Run by the same family for three generations, this grand, elegant hotel is for those wanting to spend a little more on their stay in the city. Rooms have air-conditioning, minibar and safe and each one overlooks the city offering wonderful views. Antique décor and beautiful artwork furnish the hotel, which also offers a concierge service and a library. A buffet breakfast is served and guests can book on a half-board basis if they want to enjoy fine dining in the restaurant. Piano evenings are held regularly and there is a bar as well.
