Beattys Overseas

Our train from Munich (Germany) into Salzburg (Austria) on Tuesday morning was lovely, taking us through snowy landscapes and past charming farmlands. We decided to visit Salzburg for a few reasons: 1. It's a mid-sized Austrian city which is close to ski destinations in the Alps, and a few other cool other day trips; 2. Salzburg is a heaven for cultural and historical sightseeing, being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Michael Haydn; and 3. We found a sweet apartment rental on Craigslist that would allow us to stay very comfortably for nine days.

The apartment is making this long visit truly decadent. Finding a gem like this on Craigslist is unbelievable, as it’s so unique, being built onto the side of Mönchsberg mountain. The owner, we soon came to learn, is a woman living in the U.S., who rents out her Salzburg apartment when she is not in Austria. Sylvia has been an excellent hostess to us, even while in Florida, arranging for us to be picked up at the train station upon our arrival and providing loads of suggestions for sightseeing and dining. The apartment itself is situated steps from the historic Old Town with a direct view of the Salzach River. With unique décor, a fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and wireless internet, we are living very well here. The apartment is more than twice the size of our studio in Manhattan, so we’re spreading out, unpacking and making ourselves at home.  If anyone has an intention to visit Salzburg, check out Sylvia's holiday rental. 

Having such a long visit ahead of us has allowed us to relax our first few days here, walking around and getting to know the layout of the city, which is very easy to figure out. The Alstadt (Historic town area) is so adorable, especially now that it’s all dressed up for Christmas. Salzburg is renowned for their Noel festivities and shopping. Every streetside and plaza has dozens of little mangers with artisans selling homemade ornaments, candies, clothing, etc. Combine this with the dozens of Baroque architecture masterpieces standing on each block, and you’re in a little city that is exactly what you wish every European city looked like. Salzburg one of the prettiest places we’ve encountered in Europe, by my account.

- Whitney