A Taste of Austria

In charming Salzburg and Innsbruck, skip the popular tourist spots. Also, forget those chocolate-coated Mozart balls. Instead, discover family-run businesses, traditional fare, artisanal treats and other moreish surprises.

SALZBURG: DELICIOUS BAKES, FAST FOOD, SPECIALITY COFFEE, AND DESSERTS TO DIE FOR

Salzburg is a pretty destination, especially the Old Town. There are no structured road grids or grand boulevards like in some major cities. By contrast, the pedestrian-friendly place is dotted with sculptures, monuments and fountains,  and flanked by the imposing medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress. Grand abbeys, well-preserved baroque architecture and sprawling well-manicured gardens juxtapose with unassuming buildings in pretty pastels. 

Get up early to visit the Grünmarkt in the heart of town for breakfast-on-the-go. Right in front of Kollegienkirche — also called the church of the University of Salzburg — are rows of market stalls selling delicacies such as slabs of great speck (cured and lightly smoked ham) and all kinds of pretzels and pastries. Grünmarkt opens every day except Sunday. On Saturdays, it extends to another street, and locals love to congregate here to buy flowers and fruits and grab a bite.

During warmer weather, everyone enjoys the sun and buskers’ performances. Nearly every corner in Mozart’s hometown is filled with music. Around Christmas time, the vibe gets super festive as the city is festooned with sparkling lights.