Salzburg

Picturesque Salzburg is inextricably linked with music – the birthplace of Mozart is also the backdrop to The Sound of Music.

Austria’s fourth-largest city is ringed with snowy mountain tops and boasts culinary attractions from beer halls and hearty fare, to cocktail bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.

When your private jet lands at Salzburg airport in the northern foothills of the Alps, it’s just a 3km hop to the city centre.

artHotel Blaue Gans may sound contemporary, but it’s Salzburg’s oldest inn which has been welcoming guests for 600 years.

The interiors blend tradition (timber beams and flagstone floors) with cutting-edge design and most of the major city sights are just a stroll away.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch has the look of a plush Austrian country house, with hunting trophies and old prints on the walls, ancient stone arches and first class service.

If you want to stay outside the city to enjoy the crystalline air and stunning mountain views after your private jet hire lands, try Romantik Hotel Gmachl.

It boasts a panoramic spa with an infinity pool, sun terrace and gourmet dining, blending 675 years of history with modern decor.

If you want to eat outside of your hotel, Barenwirt restaurant, which has been open since 1663, serves hearty Austrian fare such as Kasnocken (dumplings with cheese and onion) and apple strudel with whipped cream.

For something more cutting-edge try Ikarus at Hangar-7, an aircraft hangar owned by the Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

The site houses the historical Flying Bulls aircraft fleet, a collection of Formula 1 race cars, two bars and a cafe.

The menu is as unusual as the venue – Danube salmon with black sausage, chinese cabbage, grapefruit and ginger; and Ivoire chocolate ice-cream, plum and balsamic.

Esszimmer is a more historic spot, with moody lighting, an open fire and a glass floor through which diners can see a water channel from the Middle Ages beneath their feet.

The Michelin-starred cooking treats diners to a set menu, which changes with the seasons.

For the best cocktails in Salzburg – or gourmet coffee or a glass of the famous gluhwein – along with one of the best views of the old town across the river, pop in to Monkeys Cafe Bar.

Salzburg may not be one of Europe’s largest cities, but there is plenty to keep visitors occupied.

You can visit the birthplace of Mozart, indulge in a Mozart dinner concert, sign up for a Sound of Music tour, or visit the Mirabell Palace – built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his beloved Salome Alt and regarded as one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world.

In fine weather, a cruise on the Salzach, wandering round the cobbled old town or a trip into the mountains will show off the city’s natural charms.

For the best weather, book your charter plane from June to August for warm summer weather, or December to February for Christmas markets, a week of celebrations to mark Mozart’s birthday in January and fresh snow for skiers.

One visit to this alpine jewel of a city and you will be singing its praises.