There are many different places to see in Salzburg. It is probably best you visit the Old Town first, since you will need to go through the old town to get to Holhensalzburg Fortress. In the Old Town you will see a number of interesting shops with signs hanging from the buildings. Explore Old Town but be sure to look up at the buildings for signs of shops or building signs that has historical significance.
Mozart's birthplace is also located in Old Town, a yellow colored building that is five stories high, but Mozart's birthplace is three floors. It is located in Old Town along Getreidegasse after you cross Hagenauerplatz (The address is 9 Getreidegasse). Be sure to look up or there should be a bunch of tourist pointing their cameras at the sign that says Mozart's birthplace. The birthplace acts a museum that consists of many paintings of Mozart as a young prodigee and his brilliant parents. There are also violins that Mozart played and a pianoforte. Admissions to the Mozart's birthplace and museum is about 5.50 Euros for Adults and 1.50 Euros for Children. It opens from 9am to 6pm daily except from July to August which opens from 9am to 7pm. But the last admissions into the museum is 30 minuts prior to closing time. If you are in the mood for some Eine Kleine Nautchmusik" this is definitely a highlight. Mozart performed throughout Austria and Europe, but Salzburg will always be his first home.
The famous statue of Mozart is NOT actually at the birthplace and museum, rather it is located at Mozartplatz which is also where the Salzburg Tourist Information Center is located and the Salzburg Museum. Definitely get a map here at the to help you navigate through the city and through Old Town.
The beautiful (OK, what is NOT beautiful in Salzburg), Dom Salzburg which is the Baroque style Cathedral. The Cathedral dates back to the 8th Century and is definitely a highlight not to miss out on. When you go in, check out the front entrance of the Dom and look up. It is ornate Baroque style designs.
For a more Roman-Gothic look, you may want to go to the Franciscan church which is the oldest in Salzburg. It is a quick tour but you might want to have a seat and just admire the architecture and the five pillars which reaches to the top. This is definitely a Kodak moment.
More to come on Salzburg. Great places to see and we will focus the next post on the Sound of Music and the outdoorsy side of Salzburg.
Showing posts with label Euro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Euro. Show all posts
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
When In Rome
Rome is one of the traveller's delight. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Rome and discover the ways of the Roman Empire. Rome is beautiful with lots of history and the architects are phenomenal.
This is only a brief overview of Rome and I'm no Rick Steeves. When you go you must be prepared to walk a lot. Plan out your day to see specific parts of Rome instead of just visiting one tourist attraction like the Coliseum, because most of the sites are so close to each other. No need to take the taxi, they have a good and easy subway system in Rome. Try to get your tickets to the attractions in advance to avoid standing in long lines, they do have will call lines. When you go to the Coliseum, make sure you don't stand in the long line to purchase a ticket IF you have a will call. There is an interior "line" that is for those who have will call tickets, this will save you a lot of time. Try to avoid taking pictures with the "Gladiators" outside the Coliseum unless you want to fork over 10 Euros.
When you are anywhere in Rome, DO NOT buy any bags, rugs, souveniers from street vendors. They are mostly unlicense and if you are caught buying them, guess who gets caught holding the bag.....literally YOU if you purchased a bag. The police will fine YOU the tourist who made the purchase and NOT the street vendor. They may be aggressive but the best way is to tell them "NO" or do not look interested at any of their products that they are selling.
You can go on your own to a lot of these places on self guided tours. They have audios that you ask for to be included in your admission fees. Be aware of potential pickpocketers especially in very crowded areas in tourist spots.
Till next time, will do a follow up blog on other destinations in Rome and Vatican and some places to eat. Will also follow up to other areas of Italy such as Siena, Capri, Sorrento, Pisa, and Florence.
This is only a brief overview of Rome and I'm no Rick Steeves. When you go you must be prepared to walk a lot. Plan out your day to see specific parts of Rome instead of just visiting one tourist attraction like the Coliseum, because most of the sites are so close to each other. No need to take the taxi, they have a good and easy subway system in Rome. Try to get your tickets to the attractions in advance to avoid standing in long lines, they do have will call lines. When you go to the Coliseum, make sure you don't stand in the long line to purchase a ticket IF you have a will call. There is an interior "line" that is for those who have will call tickets, this will save you a lot of time. Try to avoid taking pictures with the "Gladiators" outside the Coliseum unless you want to fork over 10 Euros.
When you are anywhere in Rome, DO NOT buy any bags, rugs, souveniers from street vendors. They are mostly unlicense and if you are caught buying them, guess who gets caught holding the bag.....literally YOU if you purchased a bag. The police will fine YOU the tourist who made the purchase and NOT the street vendor. They may be aggressive but the best way is to tell them "NO" or do not look interested at any of their products that they are selling.
You can go on your own to a lot of these places on self guided tours. They have audios that you ask for to be included in your admission fees. Be aware of potential pickpocketers especially in very crowded areas in tourist spots.
Till next time, will do a follow up blog on other destinations in Rome and Vatican and some places to eat. Will also follow up to other areas of Italy such as Siena, Capri, Sorrento, Pisa, and Florence.
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