Salzburg is my favourite Austrian city. In a stunningly beautifully country that’s a hard title to win but when your here you’ll see why I love it. Even the Austrian’s say Salzburg is more Austrian than Vienna. I said I have 10 reasons you should visit Salzburg and actually I probably have 50. From music, sightseeing, restaurants, value, drinking and shopping, this stunning city has it all. If that’s not enough, its proximity and location in the middle of Europe makes it one of the easiest places to get to anywhere from.
Salzburg’s “Old Town” (Altstadt)
Salzburg’s is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture and this is reflected in the old town very clearly. It is one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Salzburg Hohensalzburg_Castle,_AUSTRIA
The city has three universities and a large population of students ensuring it is always full of life. The young vibe blend beautifully with the culture, history and jaw dropping beauty. Tourists also frequent the city to tour the historic center and the scenic Alpine surroundings. So much so in fact you are constantly bumping into tour groups as the city is very small so there really is no escape in the old town.
Mozart birth place
Mozart
Salzburg was the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. http://www.mozarteum.at/en/museums/mozarts-birthplace.html In the mid‑20th century the city was the setting for parts of the musical play and film “The Sound of Music”. Yes you can do the tour if you desire.
Salzburg Christmas Markets
I’ve been here in both summer and winter. Both seasons are fabulous but if you happen to be here in winter you cannot miss the Christmas markets. Sipping hot wine or chocolate and sampling the local foods and perhaps purchasing a Christmas keepsake.
Christmas Markets
Since the 15th century the Salzburg Christmas Market has taken place at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the cathedral in the historic city center. Stalls are colour coded into six categories from floral arrangements to sweets. Do not miss the carol singing in the Grand Festival Hall. You will find both professional musicians and local school children. The famous composer Josef Mohr was a Salzburger.
My thoughts?
I love Austria and have been several times. I do favour Salzburg over Vienna. Austria is also my favourite country to ski in. You can fly into Salzburg and take a train one hour to Bad Hofganstein a village that I absolutely love. Munich is another favourite city of mine and you can combine a trip here also as its only 2 hours via train. If you desire Prague is not much further via train bus or road.
My advice
Wander though the streets. Cross the river stopping for coffee in amazing little quaint cafe’s. Discover amazing back street restaurants and suddenly coming across a stunning view. This is the reason I love this city. Its small but very unique.
I will continue to return at anytime of the year and would consider living here. 
The locals are friendly. Many speak English. It is good value for money compared to a lot of western cities and offer’s an array of both accommodation and food choices. So in my humble opinion, If you have the chance to come here, take it.
