Salzburg Budget Tips

Tourist Office

As always, we recommend that your first stop in Salzburg be at a tourist office. The main Tourist Information Center is located at Auerspergstrasse 6. During high season (May-September) it's open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. From October through April, daily hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There is a smaller office at Platform 2a of the Hauptbahnhof, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. during the months of September through April; 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. in May; 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. in June and July; and 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. in August. You'll find a third information kiosk at the park and ride (Parkplatz) in Alpensiedlung-Süd, on Alpenstrasse. From May through October, it is open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. during the months of November until April. Check out the official Web site for more information.

Museums Prices and Passes

Here are admission prices to the main attractions in Salzburg, for adults and children:

St. Peter’s Abbey and Catacombs: €1 (adult); €.60 (reduced)

Volkskundemuseum (Folklore Museum): €2.50 (adult); €2 (seniors); €1.50; (youths ages 16-26); €1 (youths ages 6-15)

Georg Trakl Memorial Centre: €3 (adult); €2 (reduced)

Festung Hohensalzburg (includes finicular ride to the fortress): €10.50 (adult); €9.60 (reduced); €6 (to age 14)

Mozarts Geburtshaus (Birthplace): €7 (adult); €6 (reduced); €2.50 (to age 14)

Mozart-Wohnhaus (Residence) : €7 (adult); €6 (reduced); €2.50 (to age 14)

Schloss Hellbrunn and Wasserspiele (Trick Fountains): €9.50 (adult); €7.50 (reduced); €4.50 (to age 18)

The Salzburg Card is a great value. It offers free admission to most city museums and attractions and unlimited use of public transportation within the central zone. Adults pay around €25 for a 24-hour card, €33 for a 48-hour card, and €38 for a 72-hour card. Children’s fees are €12.50 for a 24-hour card, €16.50 for a 48-hour card, and €19 for a 72-hour card. You can purchase the Salzburg Card at most hotels and at information offices.

Free Sights

Of course it's always free to walk around, and because the main appeal of Salzburg is the charming Altstadt and delightful architecture, the city itself can be one grand, free attraction. You'll find walking paths and footbridges aplenty along the Salzach. Our favorite area is the atmospheric Steingasse on the Right Bank. Its cobbled, winding streets are lined with ivy-covered buildings and aren't overcrowded by tourists.

Walking is best for free looks at the natural beauty in Salzburg as well. A stroll through the colorful gardens of the Schloss Mirabell is a must-do. For heavier exercise, a hike up Mönchsberg hill earns you access to stunning panoramic vistas of the city's baroque splendor. If you're feeling lazy, you can take the lift for around €2.

Senior Discounts

Senior travelers can get discounts all over Salzburg. To obtain some discounts, membership in a particular senior association may be required. Members of the AARP receive discounts on hotels, airfare and car rentals in Salzburg. They can be reached in the United States at 1-800-424-3410 or accessed online at the AARP Web site.

Student Discounts

The International Student Identity Card, ISIC, the most widely accepted form of student ID, provides discounts on sights, accommodations, food and transportation. Some places offer admission discounts of 20%-50% to ISIC members. All cardholders have access to a 24-hour emergency helpline. In the United States call 1-800-223-7986 or click onto the ISIC site. Applicants must be degree seekers of a secondary or post-secondary school and must be at least 12 years of age. The card costs US$22 and is valid until the end of the year issued.

For non-students 25 years or younger, the International Youth Travel Card, IYTC, also offers many of the same benefits as the ISIC. The card costs US$22 and is valid for one year from the date issue.

Related blog posts:

• Salzburg: Free “Sound of Music” walking tour
• Salzburg: Monchsberg Lift