A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Salzburg has contrived to retain its historical heft while also becoming a key location for trade fairs and conventions, by taking a restrained approach. Surrounded by imposing palaces and castles, expansive parks and important museums, it’s easy to escape from the 21st century. There are fantastic views of and over the city to be had from the heights of Hohensalzburg Castle,

and a healthy, organic breakfast at your Motel One will lend you energy if you're planning to climb. The predominant Salzburg landmark, this fortress towers high over the Barque Old Town, and is the largest still-complete building of its kind in Europe.

Salzburg cathedral, just a few hundred metres away, is another must-see. Then from the cathedral’s environs, you’re not far from Getreidegasse number 9, where Mozart was born in 1756.

Festivals and night-life – Salzburg’s cultural highlights

Salzburg Festival, a major classical music and drama festival with a prominent place on the global scene, has been a major attraction for culture vultures since 1920. Focal points of the festival each July and August are the annual performances of the play “Jedermann”, various recitals of Strauss and of course Mozart, and a series of operas and concerts featuring widely renowned stars.

Even out of season, Salzburg never hibernates, and the locals keep up the cheer in Salzburg’s many convivial pubs. There’s no main night-life districts; the best places are strewn across the map. Places that may seen a slog away are in fact quickly reached. After a long evening on the tiles, you can look forward to returning to the bosom of your hotel, and dreaming of Salzburg’s past and present.