Since this central district contains some of the city's most popular attractions, such as Mozarts Geburtshaus and the Salzburg Museum, you will undoubtedly spend hours exploring here. We recommend not rushing through it, however, since there are tons of architectural marvels, markets and shops to see.

Wander around Altstadt's Judengasse (the Jewish District) and examine the St. Florian Fountain in the Alter Markt, a marketplace that dates back to the 13th century. And for architecture fans, spend plenty of time gazing at the neighborhood's array of buildings. Some structures were originally constructed during the Middle Ages, while others are newer and show Alstadt's progression over time.

A giant monument to this city's religion, power and wealth, Dom zu Salzburg awes visitors with its turquoise domes and towering facade. Built, burned and re-built multiple times in the past millennia, the current structure — which came in the 1940s and 50s after the roof suffered damage from World War II — demonstrates the pinnacle of early Baroque ecclesiastical architecture.

During your visit, pay particular attention to the structure's smaller details — such as the statues of apostles Peter and Paul at the front or the individual murals on the copulas — to appreciate its supreme craftsmanship and ornamentation. And music lovers will appreciate the cathedral's prominence in Mozart's life: The building served as the location of the musical prodigy's baptism, as well as where some of his pieces were composed during his time as an organist.

This paradise on the east side of the Salzach River shelters notable sites like the Pegasus Fountain, Dwarf Garden and the set of stairs where Julie Andrews and company practiced "Do-Re-Mi" in "The Sound of Music." Visitors like to explore the beautiful winding paths, snap photos of the unique sculptures or simply drink in the sights. Angel Staircase, a supreme example of the Baroque style, impresses visitors daily.

If you can, visit in summer. That's when Mirabellgarten's flowers are in bloom. In the backdrop, you'll see Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace), which hosts Salzburg's municipal government; however, you can only explore the palace's interior during select hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays).