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.
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.
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:
Walking through the Altstadt is one of the most interesting things to do in Salzburg for free.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Bonus tip: You can attend services for free too, including the one in Salzburg Cathedral.
Yes, there are free art galleries in Salzburg with rotating exhibits! Some of the best include:
Keep an eye out for local event calendars. These spots regularly host exhibit openings with free wine and good vibes.
Love music? Then you are in for a treat. There are many free concerts and events in Salzburg, especially in summer.
Highlights:
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.
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.
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.
Yes, some of the museums in Salzburg can be visited completely for free. These include:
Moreover, many museums in Salzburg offer free entry during special days like International Museum Day (May) or Long Night of Museums (October).
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.
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:
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.
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.
What about exploring, delighting in, and immersing yourself in Linz culture with Leonardo Hotels in one perfect day? We have tips on things to do in Linz. With just one day to encapsulate the essence of Linz, Austria, let's craft an unforgettable itinerary that encompasses the city's highlights, a breathtaking panorama, and a taste of its culinary delights. Get ready to embark on a whirlwind adventure through Linz!