Travel tips · Salzburg · Austria
Salzburg travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
For more than a thousand years Salzburg was ruled by prince-archbishops, who built its churches, palaces and squares in Italian Baroque style. Music is woven into daily life, from Mozart concerts and the festival to brass bands in the villages, and Catholic traditions such as Advent singing and Krampus runs remain strong.
Key facts
- Language
- German
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe and comes from mountain springs; it is among the best in…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number), 133 police, 144 ambulance
Things to know
- Greet people with 'Grüß Gott' in shops and restaurants, and say 'Auf Wiedersehen' when you leave.
- Dress smartly for festival performances and formal concerts; evening dress is common at the Salzburg Festival.
- Keep quiet in churches and cemeteries, especially St. Peter's Cemetery, which is still in use.
- Wait to be served at the table in coffee houses rather than ordering at the counter.
- Cross at pedestrian lights and keep out of cycle lanes, which locals use heavily.
- Book Salzburg Marionette Theatre ahead: Book ahead for summer and Christmas performances, which often sell out.
- The Salzburg Card pays off if you visit three or more sights a day, as it includes transport and the fortress funicular.
Tipping
Round up the bill or add about 5–10% for good service, telling the waiter the total you want to pay when you hand over your money or card.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Grüß Gott | Hello (literally 'God greet you') |
| Danke schön | Thank you very much |
| Zahlen, bitte | The bill, please |
| Ein Leitungswasser, bitte | A tap water, please |
| Prost | Cheers |
What to wear
Locals often wear traditional dress (Dirndl and Lederhosen) at festivals and on Sundays. Bring an umbrella in any season; Salzburg is known for its steady drizzle.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe and comes from mountain springs; it is among the best in Europe.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number), 133 police, 144 ambulance
- Phone and internet
- EU roaming applies to European SIMs; free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés and some public squares.
- Time zone
- Europe/Vienna
Salzburg is generally low-risk for visitors. Watch for pickpockets in crowds on Getreidegasse and at the Christmas markets, and take care on wet cobbles and steep paths to the fortress.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Austria's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Salzburg?
Round up the bill or add about 5–10% for good service, telling the waiter the total you want to pay when you hand over your money or card.
+Can you drink the tap water in Salzburg?
Tap water is safe and comes from mountain springs; it is among the best in Europe.
+What plugs are used in Salzburg?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Salzburg?
German.