The city itself is split by the Salzach River and is built on either side of the water. Many buildings date back to the baroque period with narrow alleyways, churches, squares and cobbles, and it's easy to explore the city centre by foot, with the Festung Hohensalzburg castle reached via a mountain railway or a steep walk uphill from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The central squares are lined with outdoor cafes in the summer and in the run up to Christmas make a fantastic destination for Christmas markets.

The city hosts many music and arts festivals throughout the year and trades as much on its link to the Hollywood blockbuster film starring Julie Andrews as it does on its location as the birthplace of Mozart. There is the main Salzburg Museum as well as the Mozarts Geburtshaus and the royal palace of the Residenz. The Mirabel Gardens are also well worth visiting in the warmer months of spring, summer and autumn.

Whatever type of Salzburg holiday you choose, use our price comparison tool to find the cheapest car hire and pick up your rental from Salzburg airport.

There are many ski resorts to visit such as the resort of Innsbruck which at just over 100 miles from Salzburg airport is within relatively easy access. The ski resort of Saalbach is also just a two and a half hour drive from the airport.

Outside of the ski season, car hire is perfect for visiting some of the attractions that are within easy reach of the city centre. 
Drive south and visit the Glasenbachklamm Canyon, a nature reserve which is famous for its fossils found in the rock walls. Just a couple of miles west of the city lies Kleßheim Palace. Built in 1700, the palace has stunning grounds and gardens to explore.

Drive further south to find The Eisriesenwelt Höhle, some of the biggest ice caves to be found anywhere in the world.
Close to the city is the Hellbrunn Palace with its fountains, gardens, grottos and fairy-tale style building and design.

The journey to Zell Am See is known for its scenic splendour with its many bends, twists and turns with fantastic views. Alternatively, you can cross into the Bavarian Alps region of Germany just over the border to visit places like the Eagles Nest, once the mountain-top lair of Hitler during the Second World War.