Salzburg is the main gateway to the ski resorts in Austria but it doesn't just have to be a place to fly in and out of. Its alpine setting and baroque architecture mean it's a stunning place to walk around and its steeped in history from Mozart to the sound of music. As Austria's fourth largest city it is undeniably touristy and theatrical but its original beauty has to be admired from the splendour of the castle on the hill the slender spires that crowd the skyline. This is a city where kitsch and class walk hand in hand. If sound of music is just itching to get out, you can embark on a cycle tour of the movie's sights; if Wolfgang is more your cup of tea, join the well-heeled crowd at the opera to hear the maestro's symphonies. For a romantic tour of the city take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled centre. In Salzburg embracing the clichés is positively encouraged. And why not? It's fun. Shopping and this city go hand in hand. From designer outlets to shopping streets like this one, you can be sure to find all sorts of things from ski accessories to crystal jewellery. Walking down the Linzer Gasse you can reach the most famous shopping mile of Salzburg in just a few minutes: The Getreidegasse is famous throughout the world because of its unique wrought-iron signs. Fabulous boutiques, gift shops, international fashion stores, perfumeries, shoe shops, jewellers and antique shops sell their wares in the Getreidegasse. In bygone days the passageways through the buildings were used to get to the river Salzach and the water quickly -- today there are numerous small shops located in the passage -- for example the jewellery passage or the treasure passage. All famous and big labels from Louis Vuitton to Prada and from Swarovski to Gucci are represented in this shopping area. Eating out in Salzburg is as eclectic as the shopping scene. From café culture to fine dining and casual eateries, Salzburg is also home to the oldest restaurant in Europe. Stift- skeller St Peter has been around since 803 and here you can dine at this historical venue while listening to the music of Mozart. Many visitors book a three course candlelit dinner, prepared as it would have been in the 17th and 18th centuries, while local opera singers and musicians perform some of Mozart's finest work. Christmas markets are an integral part of Salzburgs winter calendar and it's a chance for tourists to mingle with locals, browse through the stalls and enjoy gluwein and other local delicacies. The first christkindl market was held here in the 15th century and today you will find over 85 stalls on the Domplatz and Residentzplatz. The wooden stalls huddle together and the smell of mulled wine, bratwurst sausages and roast pork draw you to the markets. Warm drinks such as kinderpunch, mulled wine and hot chocolate will keep you warm as you stroll around the stalls. The purchases on offer are diverse from candles and Christmas decorations to toys made of wood which make perfect presents for children. If you are in search of culinary treats, there are stalls selling home made bars of chocolates while others sell famous fruit cakes which you can taste before you buy. opflight www.topflight.ie Video from the Unravel Travel TV travel programme on winter holidays www.unraveltravel.eu Unravel Travel TV You Tube Channel www.youtube.com/user/UnravelTravelTV

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