Salzburg is a small, easily walkable city and the kind of city that really should be explored on foot. One of the best ways to take in Salzburg`s famous Baroque architecture while getting to and from many of its iconic attractions is to walk.

Salzburg is consistently ranked as the top bicycle-friendly city in Austria. Getting around by bike in the city is extremely convenient with more than 105 miles of bike paths and 5,500 bike parking spaces. In addition to bike tours, many of the area`s hotels offer complimentary use of bikes or on-site bike rentals. Plus, travelers can rent electric bikes, which are available at 10 stations throughout Salzburg; prices will vary depending on the company or hotel.

Much like other Austrian cities, Salzburg`s streets are narrow and its parking spaces limited, so using a car in Salzburg isn`t recommended. However, should you opt to rent a car; there are some parking options available. Some streets feature automatic ticket machines, which allow you to park for up to three hours for about €4 (about $4.75); Saturday street parking is free. But keep in mind that street parking is extremely limited and is only available during certain hours (about 9am to 7pm during weekdays and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays). In addition to street parking, the area also features three park-and-ride lots just outside of the city, and several of Salzburg`s attractions have on-site parking lots as well. While rates vary depending on the lot, park-and-ride options start at about €1 euro ($1.25) per hour.

Note: To rent a car in Salzburg, you will need your passport and an international driving permit.

Salzburg has a low crime rate compared with most European cities, but there is crime here. Take the usual precautions here as you would elsewhere. Use discretion, of course, and common sense.

The currency of Austria is the Euro, US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Euros upon arrival. In Austria, tipping is common, mainly in restaurants and for taxi drivers. However, you should tip less than in North America and less than some of Europe. This is because there is usually a service charge already included in the bill (in restaurants and hotels), and waiters are paid a decent salary.

Salzburg`s climate is moderate, making it a relatively comfortable temperature throughout the year. It is a rainy place however, so travelers should plan on having at least a few wet days during their stay in Salzburg. On average, the warmest month is August and the coolest month is January. June through September has nice weather and a good average temperature, most rainfall (rainy season) is in May, June, July and August, with July being the wettest month. December, January and February are the driest months.

Austrian German is the official language of Austria, but because English is taught in the high schools, it`s commonly spoken throughout the country, especially in the tourist regions. We suggest you get a good German guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

The Salzburg card can be purchased from the hotel reception desk or tourism offices across the city. The card will get you free admission to almost every attraction, cheaper rates on excursions and rentals and waived public transportation fees for the duration of the card. You can buy cards valid for 24, 48 and 72 hours.

The attractions that can be accessed for free include the big ones, such as the cable cars to the castle and Mount Untersberg; entrance in most museums; cruises on the Salzach Schiff (river cruises in the city) and discounts in most theatres, concerts, and day-trip destinations in the surrounding areas of Salzburg. Visit https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/salzburg_card/ for additional information and pricing.

From schnitzel to strudels foodies will find plenty to eat during their time in Salzburg with a wide array of restaurants and breweries. The cuisine ranges from affordable coffee shops and casual bites to pricier Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining establishments. Salzburg offers more gourmet restaurants within the city limits than any other Austrian city. As a result, diners can indulge in plenty of first-rate Austrian and German food which consist of hearty soups, dumplings and stuffed pastries.

In Salzburg, most of the regional food is a blend of Bavarian and Austrian traditions. Austria has its own distinct food traditions. They are best known for their Frankfurter, Tafelspitz, considered the national dish of Austria, Apfelstrudel, best know Austrian pastries, and Liptauer Cheese Spread, a spicy cheese spread made with sheep milk cheese, goat milk cheese or cottage cheese.

Salzburg offers a wide spectrum of stores offering something for everyone. With their specialties being traditional clothing, like lederhosen and loden coats, jewelry, glassware, handicrafts, dolls in native costume, Christmas decorations, sports gear, and silk flowers.

The Getreidegasse is the main shopping thoroughfare in the heart of Salzburg`s Old Town. For lovers of fashion, beauty and lifestyle in Salzburg, this area is a shopper`s paradise. You`ll also find some intriguing little shops on Residenzplatz. Goldgasse is a great street for antiques, porcelains and accessories. Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse is good for classical music. And the Gruner Market takes over elegant Universitatplatz, with stalls piled with giant pretzels, Alpine cheeses, fruit and schnapps.

The Europark center is the largest shopping center in Austria with over 130 shops offering well-known brands such as Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss, amongst many others. Bargain prices can be found at Designer Outlet Salzburg located close to the Salzburg Airport.

VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a special tax applied to goods and services alike. The rates vary from country to country; in Austria, the rate is 20%. The service charge is included in restaurants and hotel bills presented to you. You can arrange for a refund of VAT if you can prove that the goods on which you paid tax were carried out of Austria. To get a refund, you must fill out Form U-34 (available at most stores). Check whether the store gives refunds itself or uses a service. Keep your U-34 forms handy when you leave the country, and have customs officer validate at your point of departure.

In an Emergency dial 133 for police, fire 122, and ambulance 144.