#1 Gellert Baths

The Gellert Baths are not only one of the most iconic places in Budapest to rest and relax, but they are also some of the most beautiful. The art nouveau style design of the thermal spa has put awe on the faces of bathers for ages. The baths were built between 1912 and 1918, but the healing waters were used as far back as the Middle Ages. The Turks built a Sárosfürdő (“muddy” bath) in the 16th century and called the area the “magical healing spring.” One of the most beautiful areas of the space is the main hall, which has a stained glass Art-Nouveau-style roof. But my favourite space is the old male spa (which now can be enjoyed by all genders). Blue mosaics encase this room in a relaxing aura. Click here for my first-timer’s guide to thermal baths!

#2 Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion has one of the greatest views across Budapest. But the Bastion itself is a stunning architectural masterpiece atop Buda Hill. Its neo-Romanesque lookout terraces and spiralling turrets make this place a joy to behold. Walk along the 35-meter-long parapet, which acts as a balcony to the Danube River. The seven towers which decorate the roofline represent the seven chieftains of the Hungarians who founded Hungary in 895. There are so many angles from which to get your favourite shot of the Bastion. From above or below, this structure has so much majesty. It can get busy with tourists, but since it’s so large, it’s easy to find a quiet area for your perfect shot.

#3 View from the Funicular in Buda Castle

The Buda Hill Funicular has been a stalwart method of transportation in Budapest for more than a hundred years. It takes guests and tourists alike from the base of Buda Hill to the top of Buda Castle. This historical cable care has been running since 1870. It was destroyed in a WWII bombing raid, but it has been lovingly reconstructed. They ensured the new design kept the original, retro style. As the funicular goes up the hillside, you’ll have an incredible vantage point across Budapest. And see if you can fit some of the other vintage cable cars in your shot for those extra details!

#4 St. Matthias Church

St. Matthias Church, or Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle (as it is more formally known), is a Roman Catholic church at the heart of Buda’s Castle District. The original church built on this site was constructed in 1015! The current version is a restored structure from the late Gothic style built in the 14th century. Since the Turks converted the church into a mosque in the 16th century, many of those elements remain. Creating this fusion between Christian and Islamic architecture. In the 19th century, diamond-patterned roof tiles were added to create perhaps the most appealing part of the church. While controversial at the time, today, this bold choice has made the church highly sought after by tourists and photographers alike.

#5 Buda Castle

Buda Castle was where Hungarian kings and queens spent their days ruling the empire as early as 1265. The Baroque palace we see today was built between 1749 and 1769. There is something about the repetitive windows and symmetrical baroque design which is utterly pleasing to the eye. And perfect for a photographer! But my favourite place in the palace is the Matthias Fountain. The fountain is located in the western forecourt. It depicts King Matthias Corvinus surrounded by his beloved hounds, who have killed a deer. Above him are a statue of a hawk and a doe. They stand among a pile of fallen rocks with water running between them. They feel like they have been frozen in time and add a bit of life to the still life of the castle.

#6 New York Palace

The New York Palace is a luxury hotel on the Grand Boulevard in Budapest. Stepping inside its front doors feels like entering a royal residence, despite the fact that it is just a hotel. Despite the inclusion of the word “New York,” the palace bears no resemblance to the US city. This is simply because the building was built by the New York Life Insurance Company, which used it as its head office starting in 1894.

While the hotel might break the bank for most visitors, their cafe on the first floor is a great alternative. The cafe and bar are still costly, but the interiors are worth the price of admission. The gilded restaurant is covered in lush tapestries, frescoes, fantastical faun sculptures, and enormous swirling marble columns. The cafe has always been a hub for Hungarian poets and writers and is sure to inspire all those who enter.

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#7 Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar

You can’t say you’ve been to Budapest without visiting a Ruin Bar. In the early 2000s, old, dilapidated buildings in the Jewish Quarter were given new life. Szimpla Café opened up inside one of these abandoned structures. The bar owners had little money to renovate the space but wanted to open it up. So, instead, they embraced the ramshackle environment and used their creativity to create an erratic, bohemian environment. They offered young customers cheap drinks inside this crumbling building. Over the years, artists came in and added their own touches. Custom graffiti, vintage oddities, and mismatched furniture created a king of curated chaos. Which ends up being quite mesmerizing. The environment inside is boisterous and joyful. Discovering all the different creations inside the bar is the best part of visiting a Ruin Bar. It feels like a little scavenger hunt!

#8 Flippermúzeum Pinball Museum

Deep underground in Budapest, you’ll find one of the most interesting and colourful exhibitions: the Flippermúzeum or Pinball Museum. This exhibition/museum/arcade features over 130 machines spread out inside its underground lair. The pinball machines date from as early as the 19th century and into the modern era. There is something wonderfully mysterious about the dimly lit basement set ablaze by these iconic arcade games’ bright neon and flashing lights.

#9 The Hungarian Parliament Building

The most iconic image of Budapest is the famous Hungarian Parliament Building. It sits on Kossuth Square on the Pest side of the city. The building is nestled against the edge of the Danube River. The proximity to the river means a reflection of the building is almost permanently emblazoned onto the water. The symmetrical neo-Gothic architecture was designed by architect Imre Steindl in 1902 and is still one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city today.

There really isn’t a bad angle you can get on this building, but my favourite time of day to shoot it is at night. Parliament looks like it had been cast in gold and shines against the midnight blue of the river. Seeing it from across the other side of the Danube, you can really take in the entirety of the building reflected in the water.

#10 Central Market Hall

When you step inside Budapest’s Central Market Hall, delightful sunlight pouring through the glass windows creates the most welcoming effect. Built-in 1896, it is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. The brightly coloured vegetables, rich red paprika for sale, and beautifully designed wrought iron railings create the most inviting backdrops for your photos.

#11 Ruszwurm Cafe

This tiny bakery in the Buda Castle district feels like something out of Marie Antoinette’s Versaille. The gorgeous pastries inside the glass cabinets look almost too good to eat. The interior is one of the coziest little shots, paired with the antique decor. Ruszwurm Cafe was first established in 1827, and you can still eat the same recipes they served on their opening day! Be sure to try the Mille Feuille cake; it might be one of the best versions of this recipe, even if it is not available in France!

#12 Széchenyi Thermal Bath

The Széchenyi Thermal Baths were built in 1913 in grande Neo-Baroque style. The enormity of this spa makes it almost feel like a public park. Families are chatting, old men are playing chess, kids are playing, and newlyweds are cuddling up. The only difference is that everyone is in their bathing suits and caps! One of the best parts of the Széchenyi Baths is the brightly coloured outdoor space. Under the blue sky, you can soak in the relaxing waters set against a sea of golden-yellow buildings. There is something just so radiant and cheery about this space. It’s hard not to want to take a million pictures while unwinding from the stress of travel!

#13 Heroes’ Square

Heroes Square, or Hősök tere, is one of the largest squares in Budapest. Around the perimeter are statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders. They were cast in copper and set in between towering columns. In the centre of the square is a huge column topped by the statue of archangel Gabriel. In his hand, he holds the Holy Crown of St. Stephen (Istvan), the first king of Hungary. There is something so powerful about having a picture of yourself in this square. The juxtaposition of your tiny frame and the large statues brings their enormity to the forefront.

#14 Dohány Synagogue

The Jewish Quarter in Budapest is my favourite part of the city. It is full of history but also super modern in a bohemian way. The streets feel so alive even when they are empty. In the centre of the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find the great Dohány Synagogue. The Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and towers over the rest of the district. The twin onion domes, banded in gold, shimmering in the sunlight, draw you in.

The synagogue was built in 1854 in Moorish revival style, with inspiration and designs from Islam, north Africa and medieval Spain. I could spend hours studying the different ornamentations and patterns that decorate this space. It is awe-inspiring. Whether you only see it from the outside or choose to venture inside, there are so many beautiful angles from which to study this synagogue. It’s a photographer’s dream.

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#15 Széchenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city together over the Danube River. The bright green ironwork of the bridge was an innovation by English engineer William Tierney Clark made in 1849. The colouring feels like something which makes the bridge stand out in the middle of the city. But when it was first built, it was more than just functional. The bridge was a symbol of Hungary’s advancement in technology and engineering. It was of national significance, linking the East and the West together as one part of a great city.

The bridge became something that brought calmness and balance to the two sides. To this day, walking down the bridge still gives you a sense of this harmony. This bridge is as important as the Brooklyn Bridge in New York or the Golden Gate in San Francisco. Getting a picture of yourself on the bridge is a great way to mark your arrival or departure from Budapest.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of my favourite photo spots in the city! Let me know in the comments what you’re most looking forward to seeing!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Uncover the Beauty of Budapest: A Guide to the Top 15 Amazing Photography Locations first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

While some people find this to be a bit like a living museum, that’s exactly what I liked. I always try to imagine what these ancient cities would have felt like in their day but here in Dresden you actually get a taste of what that might have been like – but with wifi. The city is both bursting with gorgeous architecture but also has its fair share of cute cafes, bars and restaurants ideal for instagrammers. Here are some of my favourite locations that photo savvy travellers must visit on their next trip to Dresden! There is a google map at the bottom of this post you can use to find each and every location mentioned on the list.

Table Of Contents

1. Old Masters Gallery
2. Coselpalais
3. Brühl’s Terrace
4. Münzgasse 
5. Zwinger
6. The Royal Palace
7. Procession of Princes
8. Royal Stables
9. Neumarkt
10. Pfunds Molkieri
11. Neustadt Street Art
12. Kunsthof Passage
13. Cinema Thalia
14. Yenidze
15. Stammhaus

Old Masters Gallery

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (or Old Masters Gallery) is honestly the best art gallery I ever had the pleasure of visiting. It doesn’t feel too big nor too small. It’s like a grand old home that someone has decorated with exquisite pieces of arts — a stellar collection that’s lovingly curated. While it may seem much smaller than the Louvre or the Prado, there are over 700 paintings on display, all ranging from the 15th to 18th century. Treasures from major Italian Renaissance artists, Dutch and Flemish masters and other works by German, French and Spanish painters combine to form this hidden gem in Dresden. Standing amongst these iconic images feels like standing inside a great storybook and makes for such an incredible photo.

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Coselpalais

Food and architecture fans will find common ground here at the Coselpalais. The old palace has been reconstructed in late Baroque style and now serves as a charming little cafe and restaurant in the old town. The original building was built in 1550 and looks like a buttercream yellow castle out of Beauty and the Beast. Grab a latte, and a fanciful teacake served on the iconic Meissen porcelain and enjoy the views all around you on the patio under the blue skies. If you’re looking to try a traditional German dessert, order up to the apple cake with streusel!

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Brühl’s Terrace

Brühl’s Terrace is known as the Balcony of Europe. It is an enormous platform that stretches along the shores of the Elbe River. Here you’ll see both tourists and locals alike, strolling down the promenade enjoying the fantastic views. The terrace was once built as a fort to protect the city from invaders, but in the 19th century, it was transformed into this lovely pedestrian walkway. Along this riverside path, you’ll see framed the iconic skyline of the city and gorgeous flowerbeds colouring the grey concrete. During the holidays this is a great place to come for pop-up markets, especially exciting during Christmas time!

Münzgasse 

Münzgasse is a street just across from the Elbe River which feels almost too curated to be real. The two blocks of apartments flanking the road frame the stunning Frauenkirche perfectly. Walking down the street feels like stepping into a painting. On either side of the pedestrian street are various touristy restaurants which are not worth your money but do provide the the backdrop for this stunning scene.

Zwinger

The Zwinger is to this day one of the most incredible baroque buildings in Germany. It was built for Augustus II the Strong, who had been inspired by King Louis XIV. He had returned from a visit to his new court of Versaille and was eager to create a similar elaborate palace for himself. But this was would be located in his hometown of Dresden.

The Zwinger was built in the late baroque style called ‘Rococo’. The Rococo style embraced curves and elaborate ornaments but amped-up the drama. Rococo added a sense of play to the designs. Rococo designers felt that architecture should have a sense of motion, and they used dramatic curves, which made the viewer feel as though the building was alive. The Rococo style loved to emphasize piety. Plants and vines are featured prominently, carved into so many parts of the Zwinger. Construction began in 1710 and it took over 18 years to be completed. Anywhere you look here there are gorgeous shots to be found. Since the Zwinger is so large it’s easy to find more private spaces, ideal for framing that perfect shot.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden, originally built around 1200. Additional wings were constructed over the years, creating an almost patchwork quilt of architecture styles from Renaissance to Baroque and Romanesque. These days, the royal family no longer resides inside. Instead, the building contains a museum complex where you can explore the treasury, the armory and even see collections of prints and drawings as well as old photographs of Dresden before the bombing. The exterior of the Palace is where the real visual treat lies. It’s fascinating to see this Palace so integrated with the rest of the city, instead of walled off like so many other royal residences around Europe.

Procession of Princes

Along Schloßstraße, you’ll find one of the greatest remnants of old Dresden, the Procession of Princes. This 101-meter long porcelain portrait depicts the entire history of Dresden through the men who built, controlled, governed and sparked new thoughts and ideas within it. It features Dukes, Electors, Kings and other leading figures from the arts and sciences. This is the world’s largest porcelain artwork. The mural was first installed in 1871 and took more than five years to complete. Shockingly enough this mural withstood the great Dresden bombing of WWII. It suffered minimal damage and was a beacon of hope to the people of Dresden after the war. Today its still one of the most striking images you can find in the city.

Royal Stables

Just down from the Procession of Princes is the Stallhof und Langer Gang or Royal Stables. These stables were used as the location for horse tournaments since the 15th century. Some of the most exciting jousting activities took place here and where the who’s who of Germany elite came to be entertained. Today, the stalls are the site of the Dresden Christmas Market. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the holiday season, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most magical sights in the world. There really is nothing like a Christmas market in Europe when the snow is falling and catches the twinkling fairy lights as it touches the ground. But throughout the rest of the year the architectural curves and the effect of the light in the arcade is out of this world!

Neumarkt

The Neumarkt is the cultural centre of the Dresden’s historic district. The original Neumarkt was designed in the German Baroque style. Baroque designers loved pastel colours, not just on their frescos; but everywhere they could put them. Today it feels like walking through a miniature buttercream village. Standing in the center of the square is the iconic Frauenkirche, which was completely destroyed during a bombing run in WWII. But after the bombs had fell, hundreds of volunteer collected the burn rumble from the original church and stored it away, waiting for the day it would be rebuilt. And it was, and used many piece of that original structure which so many people help preserve for future generations.

Pfunds Molkieri

Pfunds Molkieri, covered floor to ceiling in the most incredible tiles and Meissen porcelain, is the oldest dairy shop in East Germany. Built in 1879 this shop was the first place where German’s could buy high-quality, concentrated milk. Although the dairy was mostly destroyed in WWII, the family made sure to rebuild in the exact same fashion as the original. Now, visitors can come to see and taste the extraordinary place which is Pfunds Molkieri. Guests can try different kinds of milk from farms across Germany as well as cheese, wines and more!

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Neustadt Street Art

While most of the historical parts of Dresden were destroyed in WWII, the “new” town built across the river was spared from the destruction as it proved no real military threat to the attackers. This meant that despite being called “new town” the structures here are actually older than the reconstructions found in the “old town”. Neustadt or “new town” remains a bohemian stronghold in Dresden and even today is where you can find some of the coolest shops, bars and exciting nightlife. But if those things aren’t for you, just wandering the streets is a feast for the eyes. Neustadt has become a popular neighbourhood for local street artists who bring otherwise boring walls to life with colours, textures and even sculptural details. You can find some of the most lively street art found anywhere in Dresden right here.

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Kunsthof Passage

Inside the walls of Neustadt, you’ll find the famous Kunsthof Passage. These dreamlike courtyards come from the visionary mind of various Dresden artists who turned these empty spaces into an art experiment. There are four different themed courtyards to visit; Elements, Animals, Light, and Metamorphoses. Each one features strange and intriguing details which draw in your eye and ask your to question what you’re looking at. In the Courtyard of the Elements, you’ll find a piece inspired by the Rube Goldberg Machine which turns rainfall in a symphonic orchestra! Even without rain it’s a gorgeous work of art to admire.

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Cinema Thalia

Inside the inner walls of the Neustadt, you’ll find one of the oldest cinemas still standing in Germany. Built in 1889, Cinema Thalia once used to host people from all over Dresden, and at one time the cinema would extend into what is now the beer garden to hold over 700 people! After being destroyed in 1945, it lay dormant, untouched by the modern era until it was plucked from obscurity in 2004 and returned to live as a hipster mecca. The large theatre was transformed into a cafe and cinema where, and until 2008, people were still allowed to smoke, hence the name on the front “Cinema. Coffee and Cigarettes”. Today it’s still a gorgeous icon east German, retro design.

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Yenidze

To experience one of the most unique beer gardens in the city and catch a stunning view across Dresden, head over to Yenidze. From afar you might think that this building is an Ottoman mosque, but originally it was actually a tobacco factory. Built in 1907 by Hugo Zietz, the Yenidze tobacco company, was designed in “oriental” style to recall the “exotic origins of tobacco”. The chimney used to process smoke from the factory was incorporated into the architecture as a fake minaret. Today, the building is used as an office but the top floor is home to an incredible restaurant with rooftop views across the city and over to the mountains in the distance.

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Stammhaus

The most iconic picture from Germany must be of a beer hall, and the Stammhaus in the centre of Dresden is one of the best! This brewery dates all the way back to 1858! Inside the new three-story restaurant, beer gardens and bar are antiques collected by the brewing family from over the years. The food is as traditional as you can get and it all washes down deliciously with a glass of Feldschlößchen Pilsner or Zwickelbier. Sitting in the restaurant, you feel like you’re dining inside a piece of Dresden’s history! My favourite visual of the restaurant is the giant copper brewing lid which serves as a roof atop the bar!

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Dresden is such a wonderful place to explore and get away from the crowds which you’ll find in more popular cities across Germany like Berlin and Munich. It’s still that untapped gem which only those in the know are want to find. If you’re interested in explore more of Dresden, check out my guided walking tour which will take your across old town to discover the history and people who helped created this amazing city. Let me know if you’ve visited Dresden before and what your favourite photo spot was on your last trip to Florence of the North.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The Most Instagrammable Places in Dresden, Germany first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Mirabell Gardens
2. Salzach River
3. Hotel Sacher
4. Makartsteg
5. Monchsberg
6. Karajan Square & the “Horse Pond”
7. Getreidegasse
8. Through-Houses of the Getreidegasse
9. University Square 
10. Mozart’s Birthplace
11. Sigmund-Haffner-Gass
12. Café Tomaselli
13. Alter Markt
14. Fountains in Residenzplatz Square
15. Waagplatz Square
16. Domplatz
17. Salzburg Cathedral
18. St. Peter’s Catacombs
19. Kapitelplatz or Chapter Square
20. Hohensalzburg Fortress
21. Staatsbrücke
22. Imbergstiege
23. St. Sebastian’s Church
24. Hellbrunn Palace

Mirabell Gardens

No matter what time of the year it is, Mirabell Gardens and Palace are one of the most colourful and scenic places in Salzburg. Standing at the top of the stairs, at the entrance to the Pegasusbrunnen or Pegasus Fountain (marked on the map) you have one of the most unimaginable views across the gardens and up towards the Salzburg Fortress. The gardens are immensely peaceful and definitely my favourite spot to spend the morning wandering with a cup of coffee.

The garden’s floral design changes throughout the year to reflect seasonal colours and local flora. They always make for super bright and colourful pictures. Early in the morning is one of the best times to go since it’s nice and quiet and the sunrise looks awesome over the greenery.

Sound of Music Spot!

Next be sure to get a shot running down the iconic tree lined archway which was used in the film, ‘The Sound of Music’. In the winter the leaves don’t create the same sort of canopy effect so it’s best to visit the garden outside wintertime. And don’t worry – no one will mind if you sing a few tunes along the way.

Salzach River

Walking down from the Mirabell Gardens, head towards the Salzach River. From this northern point, you have a beautiful view of the entirety of the city, capped with the towering Hohensalzburg fortress atop the Festungsberg hill. I was lucky enough to catch this view at sunset when the lights of the city were just starting to bloom but during the early morning the peaceful vista is just as awe-inspiring.

Hotel Sacher

Continuing down the riverbank stop for a look at Hotel Sacher, one of the many pristine baroque buildings along the riverside. These pastel, candy coloured buildings are as stunning now as they were a hundred years ago when they were first built. The trees popping up beside the river look almost like toys, they are so perfectly trimmed.

Makartsteg

Waling east along the riverbank, you’ll come upon the love lock encrusted Makartsteg bridge. Thousands of love locks now cover the bridge and while some other cities have tried to stop this ritual, Salzburg embraces it fully! Get a snap of your love lock on the bridge for something even more personal.

Monchsberg

Head towards the Museum of Modern Art by taking the Monchsberg lift to the top of Mönchsberg Mountain. From this little mountain on the side of the city you can walk along the terrace to view some of the most incredible views across Salzburg’s historic district. There really is nothing like this vantage point. Even on a rainy day, grab your umbrella and make the trek up here, it’s not to be missed.

Karajan Square & the “Horse Pond”

Take a walk down the hill from Monchsberg and take a quick stop at Karajan Square and the “Horse Pond”. This pond with it’s evocative statue of the horse and rider and set of frescos was used as a set in ‘The Sound of Music’. The square was built in 1603 in honour of the prince’s horses who used to be washed in this fountain after any parades. Today the fountain is a popular spot to get a photo beside your favourite horse.

Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse is the bustling heart of the old city. While the shops which line the street are now fairly international and ubiquitous, looks past the brands and find the hidden gens. Traditional inns and unique businesses steeped in history are still to be found here today. But what makes this street a favourite with photographers are the artistic wrought iron guild signs which hang above unusual doorways.

Through-Houses of the Getreidegasse

The Through-houses of Getreidegasse are arcade passageways which connect the Getreidegasse to University Square. Inside these passageways are some incredible hidden galleries and one-of-a-kind shops. The layered shop canopies piled against bright green flower boxes and colourful window awnings makes for the perfect photo!

University Square 

University Square was, and still is, the site of a farmers market which dates back to 1857. Today the square is an adorable little getaway from the tourist rush with some amazing 14th century burgher houses. The designs around the window sills are stunning and now matter the weather outside, look bright and cherry.

Mozart’s Birthplace

#9 Getreidegasse marks Mozart’s Birthplace. The bright yellow building is unmissable! Mozart was born here in 1756 and lived here for the first 17 years. It was where his musical talent began and was fostered. Today it houses a wonderful museum but it simply stunning to look at from the outside. The yellow is so bright it appears like a shining sun against the rest of the plain buildings.

Sigmund-Haffner-Gass

This spot on Sigmund-Haffner-Gass is great for a photo! From here you can can capture the beautifully framed scene of the Old City Hall clock tower in between the baroque burgher row on either side. Since this street is also slightly less touristy it is often much less crowded than Getreidegasse. So your shots will be more free of human clutter.

Café Tomaselli

Café Tomaselli’s stunning green and white striped umbrella’s and bright fuchsia flowers set against the pale yellow building facade is one of the most picturesque views in Salzburg. The cafe is the oldest in the city. And was one of the local haunts of artists and writers during the 18th century, including Mozart himself. Today it’s a wonderful place for a photo and cup of coffee. Although the prices might be slightly inflated you’re paying for the history and incredible location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Alter Markt

The Alter Markt is the location of the oldest weekly market in Europe. During the winter, the Christmas market lights up the square with fairy lights and the sights and smells of Winter Yule. Throughout the rest of the year the square is equally as charming. The baroque burghers’ houses with their remarkable pastel facades make for incredible pictures. Stop by the octagonal fountain of St. Florian von Lorch which stands in the centre of the square. It was built in 1685 and if you look closely you can make out of the coat of arms of Salzburg carved onto the column.

Fountains in Residenzplatz Square

Salzburg has no shortage of squares, in fact there are five of them throughout the city. But the largest of all the squares is Residence Square. Residence sqaure is named after the Royal Residences which once were located beside this public area. But the real draw to this place is the incredible baroque horse fountain. Once more this fountain was used in the film ‘The Sound of Music‘. The fountain is truly awesome, it contains four snorting horses springing out from a large pile of rocks. Three giants stand on top of the rocks and carry a scalloped basin where three dolphins hold a final basin where King Triton sits, water shooting from his conch-shell trumpet. It’s an awe inspiring piece of art work and makes for an incredible shot.

Waagplatz Square

Waagplatz is right beside the more popular Mozart Square. In the 15th century this square was used as a hay and bread market. Due the the working class majority, this was also where the first pub in the city was established. Today, this square is a favourite with photographers due to the bright orange building with blue shudders and views of the Old Town Hall Tower.

Domplatz

Domplatz is the location of Salzburg Cathedral. Standing in the square you have the most incredible views of the double, onion domes of the Cathedral. Standing in front of the Cathedral is a large ‘Marian Statue’, which features the figure of the Virgin Mary atop, enthroned on a mountain of clouds made of Untersberg marble and a globe.

Salzburg Cathedral

If you have the time to see the interior of the Salzburg Cathedral, be sure to come inside to view the remarkable baroque, painted dome. Not only are the frescoes painted on the dome wonderfully detailed but the colours remain in the pale hues of baroque pastel which makes it even more appealing for modern photographers.

St. Peter’s Catacombs

It might seem macabre but the catacombs of St. Peter’s in Salzburg have some of the best views. The bright green copper domes of the surrounding churches frame the rest of the old city. The catacombs were built out of the side of the rocks of Mönchsberg and date all the way back to the 1100s. They are a treat to climb and study but once at the top you can look out and the view below.

Kapitelplatz or Chapter Square

The old Kapitelplatz or Chapter Square was once the location of a large monastery but after its dissolution in the 1800’s it was transformed into a public square. The views up towards the fortress are outstanding but what makes the square even more interesting is the enormous golden globe and over sized chess set. After snapping a few photos, don’t be shy to play a few games in the square since the pieces are there for locals and visitors alike to play a few games together.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

From the top of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, you have best view down across the city. Hiking to the top of one of the towers also gets parts of the fortress in your shot as well. The contrast of the bright white exterior against the blue and green landscape makes for a stunning shot! The fortress itself is a wonderful piece of Salzburg’s history and a great place to explore.

Staatsbrücke

Staatsbrücke is another one of Salzburg’s iconic bridges. This bridge is the most prominent since it connects the Old Town to the City Hall and the Linzergasse area. Standing on the bridge looking out to the west you can see all the pastel coloured houses of the Old Town, as well as the bright orange face of the Town Hall Clock Tower. The Austrian flag which blows in the bridge is a beautiful addition to any shot!

Imbergstiege

Across the city, there is a semi-secret walkway nicknamed “The Dark Staircase” which leads down from the Kapuzinerkloster Monastery. Along this path there are several small lookouts over the city which really do provide some of the most incredible views. This view from the north side of the city is markedly different than the south, so if you have the chance to visit both, don’t miss out.

St. Sebastian’s Church

Late Baroque St. Sebastian’s Church, with its striking onion-dome tower and Italian Camposanto (holy field), is the final resting place of some of Salzburg’s elite personalities. The magnificent sepulchers and striking archways make it a photographers delight as well as a somber place to reflect on life.

Hellbrunn Palace

If you’re willing to travel a little outside the city, the brilliant golden facades of Hellbrunn Palace are one of the most incredible places to visit for photography. The bright yellow paint against the green gardens and surrounding forest makes for unimaginable pictures. The palace itself is also a wonderful place to visit with trick water fountains designed in the 1600’s by the prince-archbishop of Salzburg to entertain and amuse his guests. The palace also contains the famous glass gazebo where the duet between Fritz and Liesl as well as the song between Maria and Captain both were shot for the film, you know it…‘The Sound of Music’.

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