11 Free and Cheap Date Ideas to Try in Salzburg
With its epic mountain scenes, charming historical feel, and quaint city centre, Salzburg is easily one of Austria’s most enchanting cities. For a city that offers so many activities and experiences, there’s no need to break the bank while planning for a romantic evening; here are 11 inexpensive or free ideas to try.
1. Go to a free jazz gig
Bar
Jazzit, Salzburg’s most legendary music venue, is a fantastic place for a night out and it also offers many free gigs. The club hosts regular ‘electro swing’ parties as well as various blues and jazz concerts that showcase local and international talent. Furthermore, the outdoor garden and the bar—both available to enter without purchasing a ticket—is a nice to relax and have a drink or two.
Visit a Christmas Market
Snow-dusted Salzburg is a beautiful sight, and exploring the cosy Christmas markets is sure to ignite some romance. Even if the date doesn’t involve buying any gifts, it’s fun to browse with a beer or a mug of glühwein and drink in the festive atmosphere. One of the best and most famous is Christkindlmarkt, a picturesque traditional market in Cathedral Square.
Explore the art scene
Although surprising given its initial antiquated aesthetic, Salzburg has a surprisingly interesting contemporary-art scene. While most of the galleries charge an entrance fee, find work by Salzburg’s most famous street artists, Jana & JS, along Steingasse. Alternatively, the Krauthügel Project offers different artwork every year during the summer.
2. Take a walk around St. Sebastian's Cemetery
Cemetery
3. Go to the gardens of the Schloss Mirabell
The Schloss Mirabell is well known for being a place of passion—many weddings are held on the grounds and in the magnificent marble hall (often cited as ‘one the most beautiful wedding venues in the world’) every year. It’s not hard to see why it’s a popular venue for romantic affairs thanks to the garden with flowers of every colour blooming and the marble hall is adorned with cherubs and an ‘angel staircase.’ It makes for a charming place for a date no matter the stage of the relationship.
The Schloss Mirabell, Mirabellplatz, Salzburg, Austria
Mirabell Palace in Salzburg | © Diejun/Courtesy of Österreich Werbung
Wander around Old Town
There are several sites to see for free in the city’s Old Town. A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, it is one of Salzburg’s most romantic and charming areas. After strolling around the sites, grab a coffee and slice of cake to share at Café Tomaselli.
Café Tomaselli, Alter Markt 9, Salzburg, Austria, +43 662 844 4880
4. Swim and sunbathe by Lake Fuschl
Take a bus or drive half an hour out of the city to Lake Fuschl, a pretty little spot with four beautiful beaches and a mountainous backdrop. Enjoy a day of swimming and sun bathing in the glittering emerald waters. The surrounding areas are also wonderful for a romantic stroll.
5. Hike
Salzburg is famous for being a great destination for hikes. Get the blood pumping and go for a trek around one of the many routes around the city. Alternatively, those who aren’t quite ready for a long walk alone together can simply take the Untersberg Lift to the top of the city’s most famous mountain and drink in the glorious views.
Untersberg Lift, Dr. Ödlweg 2, Gartenau, Austria
Grosses Wiesbachhorn/Salzburg Province | © Homberger/Courtesy of Österreich Werbung
6. Open-air cinema
Cathedral, Cinema
Free cinema nights take place in Chapter Square every year as part of the Siemens Festival. This five-day film bonanza is one of Europe’s largest public viewing events and always promises a great night out. Romantic views of Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress are in the background, and several food stands are dotted around, so grab a (generally inexpensive) bite to eat and enjoy a movie or two. The festival runs annually from June-August.
7. Watch the sun set on the Mönchsberg Cliffs
Take the Mönchsberg Aufzug up to the cliffs to the most stunning panorama terrace in Salzburg—a perfect place to drink a few cans and watch the sun set over the city below.
Salzburg with famous Festung Hohensalzburg and Salzach river illuminated in beautiful twilight during scenic Christmas time | © Canadastock/Shutterstock
8. Walk around Glanspitz
Talk a stroll through the streets of the recently renovated area of Glanspitz, now kitted out with a lovely landscape garden and rivers, a football pitch, water gardens, fruit trees, and picnic grounds. Public BBQs are allowed, so grab a portable grill and serve up some sausages on a warm summer’s day.
Glanspitz, Rechte Glanzeile 52, Salzburg, Austria
Save
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
- Post ID: 1505512
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload