Music in the Mountains: Salzburg, Austria

Old City side:

• Get an early morning start up to the Fortress Hohensalzburg before the crowds. You can walk up the road or make the funicular a part of your ticket for a ride up. The fortress splits its history across rooms for a self-guided walking tour of the grounds. Don't forget to climb the tower for stunning views of the surrounding Alps. The fortress is an excellent activity for families and they even have a workbook for kids to combine learning and fun.

• Delve into the world of Mozart, the city's most celebrated former resident, by visiting Mozart's Birthplace Museum.

• Stroll through (yes, through) the hill where the Bürgerwehr sits, accessed via Siegmundstor West.

• Get off your feet and take a scenic boat tour along the river for a different perspective of the city.

New City side:

• Part two of the Mozart Foundation's museum, visit the Mozart Residence Museum to dig deeper into the life behind one of music's most celebrated composers.

• Take a stroll up Linzer Gasse and then divert to Kapuzinerberg, a mountain in the heart of the city with a variety of picturesque walking trails. While some of the trails have a decent incline, the stunning views make it a must-visit. Don't forget to visit the charming cafe at the top, nestled in the Franziskischlössl.

• The main attraction is Mirabell Palace, where I recommend enjoying an evening concert of Mozart's best.

• A visit to the Marionette Theater is not to be missed. Here, you'll be captivated by the skill of the professional puppeteers, making this a must-see cultural experience for everyone, not just kids!

Overall

I visited the town during the Salzburg Music Festival in the summer. There were plenty of additional concerts, both paid and free, to take advantage of. Despite the festival, I didn't notice the city being overly crowded.

Day trips

• Hallstatt: This quaint town has gone viral, and it's easy to see why. Nestled between a crystal clear lake and the dramatic peaks of the Alps, every turn is photogenic. Take half a day to leisurely stroll up and down the little streets, pop into shops and take in the bone house. A scenic ferry tour around the lake is a must, but you can also admire the boats floating by as you enjoy lunch on the patio of the Seehotel Grüner Baum's restaurant. Make sure to order the local fish!

• You can also visit the Salzwelten Hallstatt or salt mine. It's recommended that you book tickets in advance. The experience is fun and informative, plus you get to experience the miner's slides in the caves. The view from the lookout provides stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

• Werfen: The home of the Eisriesenwelt, ice caves deep in the mountains, was my favorite experience. You can easily take the train to Werfen, and there is a bus to take you up to the caves; make sure to have cash for the roundtrip ticket paid for on the bus and purchase your entrance ticket online ahead of time. The whole visit took about 3 hours and I did it first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. This activity requires a basic level of mobility and fitness as there is a walk up the mountain to get to the caves and many stairs once you get inside. While the ice formations speak for themselves, the experience is enhanced by the lack of lighting in the cave as everyone carries an old-fashioned open-flame lantern.

• This town is also noteworthy for Sound of Music fans as you can hike or drive to the field that Julie Andrews frolics through. For the more adventurous, continue hiking around (yes, you can wander through the cow fields as long as you're respectful and keep your distance) or head over to the Burg Hohenwerfen, a medieval castle with falconry shows.

Pro tip: Despite visiting in August, I still went midweek, and there was little open in town. I'd recommend bringing lunch or eating at the hilltop restaurant at the ice caves.

Dinner

• Cosmic Pizza: A modern and hip pizza joint slightly out of the way but worth it.

• Ristorante Pasta e Vino: Stray slightly off-the-beaten-path for a locally recommended Italian restaurant.

Beer

• Augustiner Bräu Mülln: one of the oldest breweries in Salzburg, housed in a former monastery. This historic site is a must-see for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

• Stiegl Keller: Grab a seat in their picturesque beer garden and order a flight.

Sweets

• Eisl Eis: Highly praised sheep's milk ice cream.

• Moritz Eis Salzburg: An upscale gelato shop with unique and fun flavors.