Salzburg surprised me completely on this trip to Austria

I went to Austria with modest expectations and left completely won over, largely thanks to time spent in Salzburg. The city has a pace and character that travel guides undersell. Found a great spot for Wiener Schnitzel on day two and went back every day after that.

Schönbrunn Palace was the big planned experience and delivered as expected. But it was world-class classical music that became the unexpected highlight — something I stumbled across rather than planned. 20 days was just right for getting below the surface without rushing.