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© Tourismus Salzburg, Günther Breitegger

Salzburg No. 1 Lonely Planet City – Discover the Best Place to Visit in 2020

Published on August 1, 2025
In a major highlight for Austrian tourism, Salzburg No. 1 Lonely Planet was the headline in the 2020 “Best in Travel” list. The famous guidebook crowned Salzburg the best city to visit in 2020, beating global contenders like Washington D.C. and Cairo. For travelers, this recognition simply confirms what many already know: Salzburg is one of the most beautiful and rewarding cities in Europe.

Salzburg Travel Award Celebrates Culture and History

The Salzburg travel award from Lonely Planet celebrates much more than scenic views. Experts highlighted the 100-year anniversary of the Salzburg Festival, the city’s musical legacy, and its walkable Old Town. Together, these features create a unique blend of history, charm, and contemporary flair.

Crowds in front of Salzburg Festival Hall during summer evening with Hohensalzburg Fortress in background – Salzburg No. 1 Lonely Planet
The Salzburg Festival – a cultural icon that helped Salzburg become Lonely Planet’s No. 1 city to visit in 2020. © Salzburg Festival, Andreas Kolarik

Why Salzburg Was Chosen as the Best City to Visit in 2020

Lonely Planet’s editors called Salzburg “the heart-stealer of the Alps.” The city combines cultural depth with visual beauty. For example, landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s birthplace, and Mirabell Gardens offer a timeless experience. Moreover, vibrant local markets and world-class performances enhance every visit. That’s why Salzburg proudly carries the Salzburg No. 1 Lonely Planet title.

Panoramic view of Salzburg with Hohensalzburg Fortress and historic Old Town under blue summer sky
Salzburg’s timeless skyline – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Lonely Planet’s No. 1 city to visit in 2020. © Tourismus Salzburg, Günther Breitegger

Plan Your Salzburg Adventure

Don’t miss your chance to experience Austria’s best city to visit. With the top Salzburg highlights just steps apart, your stay will be both rich and unforgettable. For more about this recognition, check out Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel.

Whether you’re into music, history, architecture, or culinary experiences, Salzburg truly delivers. From guided city tours to fascinating museums and cozy cafés, every visitor finds something meaningful. In addition, the compact layout makes it easy to explore everything on foot.

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09:00
14:00
start as you wish
duration: 4:30 h

City & Lakeside Escape — Live Music Experience

Explore Salzburg’s iconic filming locations with live music performed throughout your journey.

This experience includes visits to the following iconic attractions:

Sound of Music Frohnburg Salzburg

Frohnburg Palace

Sound-of-Music-Pavillion-Gazebo-Tour-weTours-Feature

Hellbrunn Palace (Gazebo)

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Mirabell Gardens

weTours-Mirabell-Castle-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Mirabell Palace

Mondsee-Basilika-weTours-Singing-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Mondsee (Wedding Church)

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Nonnberg Abbey

weTours-Schloss-Leopoldskron-Castle-Featured-Imagejpg

Schloss Leopoldskron

Sound of Music St. Gilgen Wolfgangsee

St. Gilgen (Lake Wolfgangsee)

09:00
14:00
start as you wish
duration: 3:30 h

Salzburg Tour Deluxe

Experience Salzburg’s landmarks in a private minivan.

This experience includes visits to the following iconic attractions:

Schloss-Hellbrunn-weTours-Preview-Featured-Image

Hellbrunn Palace & Garden

Moenchsberg-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Moenchsberg (Viewpoint)

Mozart Footbridge

Residence Fountain

Residenzplatz-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Walking-Tour-Featured-Image

Residenzplatz Square

Salzach Quay (Giselakai)

weTours-Schloss-Leopoldskron-Castle-Featured-Imagejpg

Schloss Leopoldskron

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from € 780 (Group Price)

Start varies by season
duration: 3:00 h

Salzburg Sunset Tour
Salzburg Night Tour

Experience the magic of Salzburg’s top attractions during and after sunset.

This experience includes visits to the following iconic attractions:

Gaisberg Salzburg Summit Featured Image Mobile

Gaisberg Summit

Salzburg by night with its illuminated skyline and the Bavarian Alps in the background.

Kapuzinerberg: The Best View in Salzburg

Moenchsberg-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Moenchsberg (Viewpoint)

weTours-Schloss-Leopoldskron-Castle-Featured-Imagejpg

Schloss Leopoldskron

BOOK NOW
from € 680 (Group Price)

09:00
14:00
start as you wish
duration: 4:30 h

City & Lakeside Escape — Live Music Experience

Explore Salzburg’s iconic filming locations with live music performed throughout your journey.

This experience includes visits to the following iconic attractions:

Sound of Music Frohnburg Salzburg

Frohnburg Palace

Sound-of-Music-Pavillion-Gazebo-Tour-weTours-Feature

Hellbrunn Palace (Gazebo)

Mirabellgarden-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Sight-Location-Salzburg-Featured Image

Mirabell Gardens

weTours-Mirabell-Castle-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Mirabell Palace

Mondsee-Basilika-weTours-Singing-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Mondsee (Wedding Church)

Nonnberg-Abbey-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Featured-Image

Nonnberg Abbey

weTours-Schloss-Leopoldskron-Castle-Featured-Imagejpg

Schloss Leopoldskron

Sound of Music St. Gilgen Wolfgangsee

St. Gilgen (Lake Wolfgangsee)

09:00
14:00
start as you wish
duration: 3:30 h

Salzburg Tour Deluxe

Experience Salzburg’s landmarks in a private minivan.

This experience includes visits to the following iconic attractions:

Schloss-Hellbrunn-weTours-Preview-Featured-Image

Hellbrunn Palace & Garden

Moenchsberg-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Moenchsberg (Viewpoint)

Mozart Footbridge

Residence Fountain

Residenzplatz-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Walking-Tour-Featured-Image

Residenzplatz Square

Salzach Quay (Giselakai)

weTours-Schloss-Leopoldskron-Castle-Featured-Imagejpg

Schloss Leopoldskron

BOOK NOW
from € 780 (Group Price)

Start varies by season
duration: 3:00 h

Salzburg Sunset Tour
Salzburg Night Tour

Experience the magic of Salzburg’s top attractions during and after sunset.

This experience includes visits to the following iconic attractions:

Gaisberg Salzburg Summit Featured Image Mobile

Gaisberg Summit

Salzburg by night with its illuminated skyline and the Bavarian Alps in the background.

Kapuzinerberg: The Best View in Salzburg

Moenchsberg-weTours-Sound-of-Music-Tour-Featured-Image

Moenchsberg (Viewpoint)

weTours-Schloss-Leopoldskron-Castle-Featured-Imagejpg

Schloss Leopoldskron

BOOK NOW
from € 680 (Group Price)

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© Tourismus Salzburg, Patrick Langwallner
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Follow Maria’s footsteps on a private tour with live music, breathtaking locations, and stories that still captivate fans around the world.
Sound of Salzburg Menu preview with Dana Hammett, Dmitry Iogman and Christian Rothbauer at Hyperion Hotel Salzburg
© Yenney Photography
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A New Culinary-Music Experience in Salzburg

Tour & Lunch: Discover Salzburg’s film locations with live music – then enjoy a gourmet 3-course meal at the elegant HYPERION Hotel Salzburg.
Puppet scene from the Sound of Music Salzburg Marionette Theater
© Tourismus Salzburg
AttractionsEventsTips
August 4, 2025

Experience “The Sound of Music” at the Salzburg Marionette Theater

A unique puppet show brings the von Trapp story to life – in Salzburg’s historic Marionette Theater with charm, music, and tradition.
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© AI-generated symbolic image for the Sound of Music Gala (2025)
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© Österreich Werbung | Dong-Ma
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Austrian National Tourist Office hosts international creators during the Sound of Music Year 2025 – with exclusive Salzburg tours by weTours.
Sound of Music Pavilion in Hellbrunn during the weTours tour – preview image
© Nadia Jabli Photography
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Sound of Music Museum Salzburg: New Cultural Landmark Opening in 2026

Coming 2026: The Sound of Music Museum opens in Salzburg – right next to the iconic Gazebo in Hellbrunn. A must-see for fans of film and history.

Book now

Salzburg No. 1 Lonely Planet City – Discover the Best Place to Visit in 2020

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