Salzburg is a surprisingly popular tourist destination which bustles all year round with a whole range of events and attractions. Apart from the city’s busy calendar of concerts and markets, some of the main highlights for tourists to Salzburg are its old fashioned charm, natural beauty and its history as the birthplace of Mozart. Its proximity to Vienna also makes it popular for a short city break. Here are my tips on things to do and things to avoid in this charming Austrian city:

Do….

Find some nice accommodation in Salzburg with decent rates and a central location so that you can save on the hotel and public transport and spend on eating out or visiting local attractions.

Try the local specialities such a good beer in one of the beer gardens and eat a delicious Mozartkugel (chocolate, nougat, marzipan and pistachio ball).

Visit the Grunmarkt (a market) which is on from Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm. This lovely market sells everything from sweets and pastries to locally grown agricultural products, including some fantastic cheeses.

Don’t…

I would advise that you steer clear of the obvious tourist traps though such as buying tacky Mozart related souvenirs or paying a fortune for a coffee in the most touristy bar in town and getting rude service to boot! Although a little embarrassing, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets of the old town is great fun!

There really is something to do every season in Salzburg: you can enjoy a hike in the nearby hills (featured in the musical – the sound of music) and enjoy open-air classical concerts in the warmer months and try your hand at skiing in the winter or luxuriate at one of the local thermal spas after a trip to a Christmas market.

Salzburg has obvious potential to attract tourists and you can’t blame the locals for exploiting its charm a little. With beautiful Baroque architecture, Disney-like church spires, an elaborate cake culture and a past steeped in classical music…Salzburg is a feast for the senses. Be warned though that there is a fine line between tacky and classy which is often blurred in Salzburg but you’ll be surprised how quickly you get used to it and how much fun it can be.