Top 15 Free Things to Do in Salzburg: Explore City Without Spending a Cent

Salzburg, the little brother of Vienna, is full of charm—yet it often gets slightly less attention from tourists. And all for nothing! The Old Town (Altstadt) of Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its well-preserved Baroque architecture – a real treat for the eyes. Due to the city´s rich history, architectural beauty, and proximity to nature, it also makes a great choice for those travelling on a budget! From manicured gardens, scenic viewpoints to historical monuments, there’s a lot to discover without spending a dime.

Let’s explore the best free 15 activities in Salzburg, so you could enjoy its magic without worrying about your wallet.

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

Want to explore the city and hear the city's story from a local? Join a free walking tour in Salzburg (both German and English-speaking tours are commonplace). There is a lot to learn about this city, starting from Mozart´s cultural heritage to its gold mining past, so rest assured you will not be left bored. Great guides share everything from Salzburg's medieval past to Mozart anecdotes.

Whether you're a solo traveller or with family, a free walking tour is a perfect way to enjoy a city, while learning something new.
Note: Even though the tour is technically free, a tip to the guide is highly recommended.

2. Explore the Historic Old Town (Altstadt)

The Altstadt of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in pastel-coloured historical Baroque buildings. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime to walk through Salzburg’s historic districts.

Must-see spots in the Old Town:

• Getreidegasse (Mozart’s birthplace is here)
• Residenzplatz and Domplatz
• Mozartplatz with its famous statue
• Steingasse, a quiet and charming alley loved by locals

Walking through the Altstadt is one of the most interesting things to do in Salzburg for free.

3. Explore Mirabell Palace and Gardens

The Mirabell Palace and its Gardens is a place out of a fairy tale. They're totally free to visit and perfect for a relaxing stroll or a little photo shoot. Kids will love the Dwarf Garden, and fans of The Sound of Music will recognize the Pegasus Fountain and vine tunnel.

Worth checking while you´re there:

• Dwarf Garden
• Pegasus Fountain
• Stunning views of Hohensalzburg Fortress
• Free concerts occasionally held in the gardens in summer (check for the program on the official site)

4. Climb Kapuzinerberg for the Views

One of the best scenic spots in Salzburg is also totally free. Start from Steingasse and climb the steep stairs up Kapuzinerberg. The view over the rooftops and towards Hohensalzburg Fortress is worth every step.
Bonus Tip: You’ll pass the Capuchin Monastery, which you can admire from outside or enter quietly if it’s open.

5. Walk the Mönchsberg Ridge

If you're rather into gentle paths than uphill hikes, walk along Mönchsberg. This path begins near the Museum of Modern Art and leads through green trail to amazing panoramic spots. The path is a relaxing walk and great for couples, solo adventurers, and families with kids alike.
Money-saving tip: Skip taking the elevator and walk up for free.

6. Visit Salzburg’s Churches

Churches in Salzburg are both spiritual and architectural landmarks. The majority are open to the public with no entry fee.

We recommend visiting the following:

• Salzburg Cathedral (Dom) – stunning Baroque interior
• Franciscan Church – Gothic beauty
• St. Peter’s Abbey – peaceful landmark, plus the nearby cemetery with catacombs (Note: you will need to pay a small fee if you want to visit catacombs)
• Stift Nonnberg – the oldest convent north of the Alps

Bonus tip: You can attend services for free too, including the one in Salzburg Cathedral.

7. Admire Art at Local Galleries

Yes, there are free art galleries in Salzburg with rotating exhibits! Some of the best include:

• Künstlerhaus Salzburg – modern and contemporary art
• Galerie im Traklhaus – often features young Austrian artists

Keep an eye out for local event calendars. These spots regularly host exhibit openings with free wine and good vibes.

8. Catch a Free Classical Music Concert

Love music? Then you are in for a treat. There are many free concerts and events in Salzburg, especially in summer.

Highlights:

• Siemens Fest>Spiel>Nächte  – free open-air screenings of operas and concerts during the Salzburg Festival (Kapitelplatz, held yearly in July/August)
• Free Mozart concerts or student recitals at the Mozarteum University. There are usually multiple free concerts per day! Check the program here.
• St. Rupert’s Day Fair – a festival held yearly around September in honour of Saint Rupert (expect traditional music, market stalls, and folk culture)

9. Relax by the Salzach River

On a sunny day, locals stretch out on the grassy banks of the Salzach. Join them! Bring a picnic or just enjoy the river views.
Walk or cycle the river paths for free, and snap some great photos of Salzburg’s skyline.

10. Explore Hellbrunn’s Park Grounds

While the famous Hellbrunn Trick Fountains cost money, the park surrounding Hellbrunn Palace is completely free. There’s even a small zoo area and great open spaces for families with kids to play and picnic.
And yes—this is another Sound of Music filming location.

11. Discover Leopoldskroner Weiher Lake

This lake, just 15 minutes from the city center, is one of Salzburg’s hidden free gems. Locals come here to jog, feed ducks, and enjoy peaceful views of Schloss Leopoldskron across the water.
Great for photos—and it's all free. The route to and around the lake is very popular, check this free map for easier navigation.

12. Visit Museums on Free Days

Yes, some of the museums in Salzburg can be visited completely for free. These include:

• City Gallery Lehen – mostly presents local contemporary artists
• Fotohof Lehen – photo exhibitions
• Salzburger Kunstverein – modern and contemporary art

Moreover, many museums in Salzburg offer free entry during special days like International Museum Day (May) or Long Night of Museums (October).

13. Stroll Through a Farmers Markets

On weekends, don’t miss the Salzburg Schranne Market near the Andräkirche. It’s one of the largest in Austria and includes food stalls, handmade items, and sometimes even vintage finds. Entry is totally free—just pay if you want to buy.

14. Take a Dip in a Lake

As you may have already figured, Salzburg is a paradise for nature freaks – surrounded by the Alps, it offers pristine Alpine lakes and beautiful viewpoints for those who are up for a walk. Visiting Salzburg on a hot day? Don’t miss a chance to cool off in the crystal Alpine waters of:

• Lake Fuschlsee
• Lake Wallersee
• Lake Obertrumer See

All offer free public swimming areas, easy to reach by public transport or bike.
And if you are less lucky with the weather, going on a peaceful hike around a lake is an activity worth pursuing.

15. Cycle the City

Renting a bike for a day will assure you a day full of fun and completely free activities – cycle around the lakes, along the Salzach River, or even up a hill or mountain! Salzburg has so much to offer!
Cycling is one of the best free ways to explore Salzburg and its surroundings at your own pace.

Tip: While Salzburg doesn’t offer free bike rentals, some hotels and hostels include bikes as part of your stay. Worth asking!

Salzburg, famous for its Baroque architecture and classical music, is also incredibly friendly for travellers on a budget. Whether you're into history, art, music, or nature, you'll always find free things to do in Salzburg.