Ruqayyah Snyder
Salzburg, a city in western Austria, is known for its historical sites and modern shopping centres. The city is surrounded by the Eastern Alps and divided by the river Salzach into two parts: the old town on the left bank and the new town on the right. Salzburg offers a variety of shopping options, from local souvenirs to international brands. The Getreidegasse, with its famous wrought-iron guild signs, is a popular shopping street in the old town, while the Kaiviertel neighbourhood offers a quieter shopping experience with boutiques and art galleries. The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, located outside the city centre, attracts fashionistas with its discounted designer brands. When it comes to souvenirs, Mozart-themed chocolates and liqueurs, Sound of Music merchandise, traditional Austrian attire, and handcrafted Christmas market delights are popular choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Souvenirs | Mozartkugeln, Mozart rubber ducks, T-shirts with Mozart's portrait, mugs with a reproduction of Klimt's The Kiss, beer steins, Tyrolean hats, postcards, fridge magnets, puppets of Maria and her singing troupe, tea towels, snow globes, tree hangings, miniature Mozarts, painted glass baubles, traditional Austrian fruit spreads, Mozart liqueurs, bottles of homemade Schnapps, traditional Austrian sweets, apricot schnapps |
| Shopping Areas | Getreidegasse, Kaiviertel, Linzergasse, Griesgasse, Theatergasse, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Sporer, Grünmarkt, Schranne, Mirabellplatz, the shops near Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich |
| Food | High-end meals in the old town, food at market stalls of Augustinerbräu in Mülln, local produce at supermarkets or farm markets |
| Drinks | Tap water, "Soda Zitron" (carbonated water with a shot of lemon juice), beer, Sporer drinks |
| Other | Mozart balls in the city centre are overpriced |
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Mozartkugeln chocolates
The history of Mozartkugeln chocolates is tied to the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg. Mozart's widow, Constanze, is credited with preserving and monetising her husband's legacy after his premature death at the age of 35. The chocolates are wrapped in foil featuring Mozart's face, with red foil indicating milk chocolate and blue foil indicating dark chocolate.
While Mozartkugeln chocolates are now a well-known speciality of Salzburg, they have not always been exclusively produced in the city. In 2025, it was reported that the licence for the chocolates had been held for several years by the US conglomerate Mondelez International, which also produces Oreo cookies and Toblerone chocolate bars. There was disquiet in Austria at the news that this cultural touchstone might no longer be made in the country, with commentators noting the strong link between the chocolates and Austrian identity.
If you're looking for other souvenirs to buy in Salzburg, there are plenty of options to choose from. The city is known for its Christmas markets, where you can find handcrafted delights such as miniature Mozarts or animals dressed in traditional Austrian attire, as well as painted glass baubles. You can also find souvenirs related to "The Sound of Music", such as postcards, fridge magnets, and puppets of the characters. For a unique taste of Salzburg, you can also try the local liqueurs, such as those made by the family-owned business Sporer on Michael-Walz-Gasse.
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Beer
Salzburg is generally regarded as the beer capital of Austria, so it's no surprise that beer is one of the best things to buy when visiting the city. With eleven breweries in the city and its immediate environs, beer lovers will find a lot to discover.
The first commercial breweries in Salzburg were established at the end of the 14th century, and two of the city's oldest breweries still exist today: Stiegl, which is now Austria's biggest private brewery, and Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln, which has been producing beer since 1621. In addition to these longstanding institutions, new breweries are popping up, experimenting with bold flavours and innovative brewing techniques.
One of the best ways to experience Salzburg's beer culture is by visiting one of the pubs or restaurants operated by the breweries. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of beers, from traditional brews to modern craft beers. You can also take a brewery tour to learn about the 600-year-old tradition of brewing in the city and see how beer is made firsthand. The Stiegl Brauwelt, for example, offers a guided tour of their brewery, where you can learn about the process of making beer and taste the final product.
Another notable brewery in Salzburg is the Augustiner Bräu, which has been around since the 1600s. Their restaurant, Augustiner Bräustübl, is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Located next to the Hohensalzburg fortress, the Stieglkeller is another great place to enjoy a beer. Carved out of rock, the Stieglkeller was used to cool the beer before refrigeration, and it offers stunning terrace views of the city.
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$13.38
Local spirits
Salzburg, Austria's beer capital, offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including local spirits. One of the most popular spirits in Salzburg is Mozart Liqueur, produced in the composer's hometown at the Mozart Distillery. The distillery only uses natural ingredients in its production process, including chocolate, cream, and cocoa distillate, resulting in a delicate, fruity flavour.
If you're looking for a unique spirit to try, head to Spirits Sporer on Getreidegasse, a small wine and spirit shop with a tavern at the rear. Founded in 1903, this family-run business offers a vast selection of schnapps, brandies, liqueurs, and punches, many made from old family recipes. You can even taste a few free small samples before deciding on your favourite. Another option for schnapps is the Grünmarkt at University Square, which happens daily except Sunday, or the Schranne at Mirabell Square on Thursdays, where you'll find vendors selling various kinds of schnapps.
Schnapps plays a significant role in Salzburg's drinking culture, alongside beer. It is crafted from various fruits, nuts, and herbs, including unique pine schnapps derived from stone pine trees in the Alps above 1500 meters. The meticulous handmade process makes pine schnapps highly treasured, and you can find it at Spirits Sporer, along with other fruit liqueurs and brandies.
For a truly local experience, consider purchasing a bottle of homemade schnapps from the Christmas markets. Bottles of schnapps in nearly every flavour can be found in gift shops and markets throughout Salzburg, and they make for excellent souvenirs due to their local origin and long-lasting nature. You can also find unique snow globes, hand-painted eggs, and small decorative bells sold in the city's gift shops, all of which capture the spirit of Salzburg.
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Traditional Austrian attire
The women's tracht, or 'dirndl', consists of a close-fitting bodice combined with an apron in a different colour. It is sometimes sleeveless and worn with a cotton and lace blouse, and other times features sleeves and a high neck. Women's tracht hats are often costly and elaborate, and vary according to occasion and region. The 'Goldhauben' style, for example, is only worn in Upper Austria on festive occasions.
Men's tracht is made from leather, linen and wool. 'Lederhosen' are knee-length trousers or short-pants made from leather and are worn with rustic shoes and wool socks. The 'Steireranzug' is a greyish garment with green embroidery that is now a semi-official tracht worn all over Austria for various official occasions.
Traditional Austrian jackets, or 'Trachtenjacken', often feature mandarin-style collars ('Stehkragen'), antler, bone or horn buttons ('Geweihknöpfe'), trim ('Borte'), a back pleat ('Quetschfalte'), and are made from natural fabrics like knit boiled wool ('Walk'), woven felted wool ('Loden'), or linen ('Leinen').
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Souvenirs
Salzburg, the picturesque Austrian city surrounded by the Eastern Alps, is a shopper's paradise. The city is dotted with charming boutiques, souvenir shops, and modern shopping centres. Here are some unique souvenirs to consider when visiting Salzburg:
Mozartkugeln and Other Chocolates
Mozartkugeln, or Mozart balls, are a must-buy when in Salzburg. These chocolate treats are considered the most famous sweets from Austria. They are made of chocolate and marzipan, and wrapped in foil featuring the composer's face. While you can find Mozartkugeln in souvenir shops and supermarkets, the original ones were created by Fürst in the 19th century and are still handmade and sold in their signature cafés. Be warned that these exclusive chocolates have a shorter shelf life due to their natural ingredients.
Schnapps
Schnapps, a traditional Austrian spirit, is a popular souvenir choice in Salzburg. You can find a variety of flavours, including apricot and the rare pine Schnapps, which is distilled from stone pine trees that grow in the Alps. Visit the Grünmarkt at University Square or the Schranne at Mirabell Square to buy Schnapps as a souvenir.
Traditional Austrian Attire
If you're looking for something more unique, consider purchasing traditional Austrian attire, such as Lederhosen or Dirndl dresses. While Austrians typically only wear these during special occasions like Oktoberfest, they make for memorable souvenirs. You can find these outfits in both children's and adult sizes.
Christmas Market Delights
During the winter months, Salzburg transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Christmas markets offering handcrafted delights. Look out for miniature Mozarts, painted glass baubles, and tree hangings featuring tracht-clad animals. These make for unique gifts or decorations for your own home.
Local Specialties
Salzburg has a variety of local specialties that make great souvenirs, including traditional Austrian fruit spreads like Marillen-Jam and Uhudler-Grape jam. You can also find unique items such as umbrellas designed by Austrian companies, which make for functional and stylish souvenirs.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozartkugeln, or Mozart balls, are a popular sweet treat to bring back from Salzburg. These chocolate and marzipan treats are available in supermarkets, souvenir shops, and Furst's signature cafes. You can also buy bottles of homemade Schnapps, which can be found in gift shops and markets. If you're looking for something less edible, you can buy traditional Austrian clothing, such as lederhosen and Dirndl dresses, or a beer stein.
Salzburg is known as the beer capital of Austria, so you'll have plenty of options to try the local brew. For food, head to the right side of the Salzach River, where you'll find better value for money. Try the side alleys around Linzergasse or Steingasse for more central but less touristy options.
The Getreidegasse is one of the most famous shopping streets in Salzburg, with shops and boutiques selling a range of products. The Kaiviertel neighbourhood is a quieter alternative, with art shops and galleries. For designer brands, head to Alter Markt.
Don't buy food at the market stalls of the Augustinerbräu in Mülln, as it is expensive. Don't order tap water at a restaurant without first checking if it's okay to do so. Be aware that waiters can sometimes be rude during the busy summer months; don't hesitate to complain to the manager if you have a bad experience.
You can watch "The Sound of Music" at the Yoho Hostel, which screens the movie every evening. You can also join the Original Sound of Music Tours by Panorama Tours.
