City Breaks in Salzburg

The composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 in the Hagenauer house in the centre of Salzburg and lived there into his teens. Today, the interior has been lovingly restored to its original glory. Its large collection of memorabilia includes a selection of portraits and several instruments that Mozart actually played.

Quaint shops overhung with colourful, wrought iron guild signs line this narrow high street that winds through the old town. Stroll past boutiques selling fashion, jewellery, perfume and souvenir chocolates, or stop for refreshments at a cosy inn or restaurant.

This 17th century palace wows with its richly decorated state rooms full of trompe l'oeil wall paintings that deceive the eye. The real attraction, though, are the gardens with their hidden grottoes and trick fountains featuring hydraulic animals and mythical figures, especially magical in the evenings.

There's romance in the air at this stately mansion. The marble banqueting hall is one of Austria's premier wedding locations, as are the adjoining pleasure gardens, which featured in The Sound of Music. Highlights include the idyllic Rose Garden and the Dwarf Garden, which is guarded by 17 comical marble gnomes.

Giant tortoises, red pandas and snow leopards are among the 150 species represented at this popular family destination, whose history dates back to the 15th century. There's a petting zoo for younger children, and a night zoo so you can see how animal behaviour changes after sunset.