Hidden gems in Vienna and Salzburg

A favourite memory of Salzberg was to the Salzberg Marionette Theatre. They do shortened versions of Mozart operas, (I saw The Magic Flute) other classic works, and The Sound of Music. Visit Tomaselli’s for a Salzberg coffee house experience, wonderful pastries. Or visit Paul Furst home of the original Mozartkugel, a decadent chocolate treat. Not a hidden gem by any means, but a visit to Mozart’s birthplace is almost mandatory when visiting Salzberg.

There is a bakery in Salzburg, Stiftsbaeckerei St. Peter’s, right next to the water wheel, down the steps at the archway. It’s been there for 700 years. Visit and get bread fresh out of the oven. Wait for a fresh batch if needed. It is divine.

http://www.stiftsbaeckerei.at/e-index.htm

My wife and I were in Vienna (5 nights) and Salzburg (3 nights) in Aug/Sep this year. Our trip report might be useful reference for activities. parts 1-6: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-austria-bavaria-aug-sep-2025

It's difficult to make useful suggestions about hidden gems without knowing your interests--art museums? historical museums? historical sites? local markets? quirky architecture?

It's always worth checking the Atlas Obscura website. Here's Vienna: https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/vienna-austria

If you're the patient sort, especially if interested in places that might be attractive to young people, Spotted by Locals is worth a look. It's not particularly well curated, isn't necessarily up to date, and it's heavy on places like bars, but I've occasionally learned about a new museum there, or that something I was planning to see was no longer open. https://www.spottedbylocals.com/vienna/. Scroll about halfway down the page for the "View all hidden gems" option.

In Vienna we went to the Vienna Central Cemetery (Wiener Zentralfriedhof). Not everyone's cup of tea, but very interesting. Many notable artists, politicians, statesmen, musicians, etc are buried there. Beethoven, Brahms, Hedy Lamarr are some examples. Quite a beautiful location.

I'm am trying to think of quirky hidden gems for Vienna.

Starting with the Christmas Markets, you want to be sure to visit the ones at Freyung/Am Hof, Spittelberg and Karlsplatz.

I think that the best museum in Vienna at the moment is the Wien Museum.

For a good schnitzel, go to Anzengruber.

I suggest looking at a few of my recent posts for some ideas.

If you can give more clues about the types of things your wife likes, then I can make more suggestions.

https://www.amazon.com/Places-Vienna-that-shouldnt-miss/dp/3954512068