A weekend in Salzburg

Thanks to the rigorous preservation of its exceptional urban fabric, developed between the Middle Ages and the 19th century, Salzburg has retained an authentic appearance that bears witness to its glorious past. There's nothing like a stroll along the right bank, in the "Altstadt" (in other words, the old town), to understand the history of Salzburg.

Start out from Getreidegasse, the street where Mozart was born. With its colourful facades adorned with delicate wrought-iron signs, and its traditional shops, it is typical of the small bourgeois streets of Salzburg. We recommend browsing through a few shops, such as the perfumer Douglas, or the bootmaker Salamander, or stopping off for a schnapps at the "Sporer Liqueur & Punch Manufacturer".

The intimate style of Getreidegasse contrasts sharply with that of the Dom district, which we recommend you bypass. It will take you just a few minutes to walk around this monumental religious complex, which contrasts with the narrow streets of the bourgeois districts. To understand the origins of the city, visit St Peter's Abbey (Sankt Peter Erzabtei) in the Domquartier. This large Benedictine complex, built in the Romanesque style in the twelfth century, was modified following fires.

The church and monastery have been restored at various times, notably by the city's archbishops, resulting in a skilful blend of styles that straddles the border between Baroque, Renaissance and Rococo. The abbey attracts many visitors, as it is also known for its cemetery and catacombs, which were used as a film location for The Sound of Music.

In the evening, if you feel like it, head for Mozart Square, where you'll see the statue of the famous composer.

Then head over to the Gasthof Goldgasse restaurant, located as its name suggests at No. 10 Goldgasse. In a 700-year-old house, you can dine on tasty dishes renowned for their excellence.

The restaurant has been awarded a "toque" in the Gault&Millau gastronomic guide for many years, and is listed in the Slow Food Guide (an international movement promoting local traditions and the consumption of local produce). We recommend you try one of the restaurant's great classics: fried chicken with potato salad, served in a copper pan. Prices range from €16 to €28 per dish.

You can stay in the luxurious Hotel Goldgasse. Expect to pay between €239 and €450 a night to stay in the heart of the city, in modern rooms elegantly decorated in wood.

Although the right bank of the Salzach is less well-known and less touristy than the left, it also has a certain charm. First of all, it's bordered by a very long cycle path that stretches all the way to the outskirts. If you're feeling sporty, we recommend hiring a bike from Place Mozart and joining in the guided walks on offer.

If you prefer hiking, you can go to Kapuzinerberg, a wooded mountain frequented by chamois. The walk takes around an hour and a half and winds through the mountain, which became famous thanks to Stefan Zweig (he wrote his autobiography "The World of Yesterday" here).

If you're lucky enough to be out and about on a Thursday, why not take a stroll around the famous Schranne market, where you'll find some great regional produce? From 5am to 1pm, 190 farmers, producers and food stalls sell their specialities. Buy yourself a picnic and enjoy it in the gardens of nearby Château Mirabell! Decorated in the French style and beautifully flowered, it's the perfect place to relax. Admission is even free, so why deprive yourself?

In the evening, if you're feeling hungry after a day immersed in nature, stop off at the Mirabell restaurant, located just opposite the castle. This elegant restaurant offers a delicious 3-course meal typical of Austrian cuisine.

For a good night's sleep, consider the charming 4-star Hotel am Mirabellplatz, located directly opposite the Mirabell Palace and the Salzburg Congress Centre. It is housed in a superb 17th-century building that was once the residence of Archbishop Paris Lodron. The rooms are well appointed and the breakfast is generous. Expect to pay between €130 and €280 per night.