Perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Mozart (as well as the setting for “The Sound of Music”), Salzburg lies just on the border with Germany. A fully preserved embodiment of Baroque architecture, few modern buildings have been allowed a place in the inner city, meaning today it looks almost identical to how it did 400 years ago.
The Route: The Munich-to-Salzburg route is a quick cross-border train journey: prices begin at $27 each way, and it’ll take you just under two hours to arrive. If you opt for the bus (go for ​Flixbus) it’ll cost $13 each way with a journey time of two hours.
Where to Stay: If you’re in Salzburg, you want historical luxury, and if you want historical luxury, you want ​Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron. The hotel, which served as the filming location for the von Trapp family residence in “The Sound of Music,” is set inside a stunning 18th-century palace with a beautiful interior and remarkable surroundings.
Where to Eat: S’Kloane Brauhaus serves classic, rustic Austrian cuisine (think wiener schnitzel and venison stew) and home-brewed beer in a warm, traditionally decorated environment.
What to Do: Take a ​”Sound of Music” tour, or visit the ​birthplace of Mozart, which is now a museum. Or just head down to the Alter Market and dedicate your day to eating as much Austrian street food as you can.