Beautiful European city 2 hours from London perfect for summer holidays but no one thinks to visit

When planning a summer holiday, the usual suspects often come to mind - Barcelona, Corfu, Amalfi. But there's one European city that's typically associated with Christmas, yet it's an absolute gem in the summer.

Salzburg, Austria's fourth-largest city, isn't usually on Brits' radar for a summer getaway. The city draws millions of visitors each year, particularly during the Christmas season, but it's truly a destination for all seasons.

Nestled amidst the stunning Alpine mountains, Salzburg is perhaps best known as the birthplace of influential composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. But the city has much more to offer beyond its musical heritage.

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So if you're seeking an off-the-beaten-path holiday hotspot, Salzburg caters to a variety of tastes.

What to see and do in Salzburg

Perched on the German border, Salzburg presents tourists with a wealth of historical, cultural and architectural gems. Wander through the Altstadt (Old Town), where Baroque and medieval styles blend seamlessly. It also happens to be the filming location for The Sound of Music.

It's impossible to list all the must-see spots in Salzburg, but a few highlights include Fortress Hohensalzburg, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg Cathedral, and Wasserspiele Hellbrunn.

For motorheads, the city is home to Red Bull Hangar-7, which houses the historical Flying Bulls aircraft fleet and a collection of Formula 1 race cars. The hangar also hosts art exhibitions.

Just outside the city, Untersberg Mountain offers outdoor activities like hiking, ice cave tours, climbing tours and paragliding tandem flights in summer. In winter, it's a hotspot for plateau ski tours, snowshoe hikes and skiing.

Salzburg is proud of its musical heritage as the birthplace of legendary composer Mozart. Visitors can explore his residence and birthplace.

Fans of The Sound of Music can follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapps on one of the many themed tours.

Salzburg is also a food lover's paradise, boasting a diverse range of culinary delights. From traditional Austrian dishes to international cuisine, the city is home to several Michelin-starred and recommended restaurants, as well as highly-rated eateries on TripAdvisor.

Their top spot, which bagged TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice Best of the Best for 2022, is Meet2Eat, a cafe specialising in German and European cuisine. Their menu boasts dishes like fillet steak served with pepper sauce, golden-brown croquettes and fresh vegetables; cordon bleu saddle of veal served with parsley potatoes and cranberries; and homemade dumplings with Austrian cheese sauce, fresh baby spinach and Parmesan.

For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, The Glass Garden is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a six-course meal for 190 euros (£163.47) or four courses for 140 euros (£120.45). Their menu features dishes such glazed veal sweetbread and gustino pork.

Getting there from London

Direct flights are available from most London airports to Salzburg, with an average flight time of one hour and 55 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by train, though some changes will be necessary along the way.

You can book flights with British Airways, easyJet and Wizz Air, with flights from Gatwick or Luton Airports. Tickets cost between £34 to £149 for each leg, depending on the date and time you travel.

For those who prefer a scenic drive across Europe, the journey will take approximately twelve and a half hours.