The establishment of the town started in 1220 and it developed rapidly. By the 14th century the city walls were built around the Close. These walls have five gates and are open for visitors. The city center today stands around the Market Square and the remaining city has black and white timber-framed buildings.

The Salisbury Cathedral is the centerpoint of the city. The Guildhall is also a prominent structure in the city center. The Salisbury City Hall Entertainment Centre is another popular attraction in the city. The Wilton House is a stately mansion located in the outskirts of the city. The house has a wonderful collection of famous art work. The Old Sarum Castle is an enormous Iron Age hillfort of Old Salisbury but today visitors can just see the ruins. There is also a gift shop, café and several picnic areas in the surroundings.

The Old Wardour Castle is also located in the outskirts of the city and visitors can take guided audio tours and also visit the landscaped gardens and have fun at the picnic areas. The Rockbourne Roman Villa is located in the countryside and is a well-preserved villa. Close to the villa is a modern museum that has interesting historic artifacts.

The city has a few museums worth visiting. The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum is inside the Cathedral Close and has a redesigned gallery on Stonehenge and several pottery and art works. The Wardrobe Military Museum is located next to the Cathedral and has some interesting exhibits. The Mompesson House is a historic Queen Anne architecture house that has a collection of beautiful art work. The Salisbury Arts Center, Wilton Carpet Factory and the Medieval Hall are other interesting sites to visit.

Salisbury has a range of independently owned stores that sell jewelry, toys, souvenirs, antiques and clothes. Some of the shopping centers in the city are Maltings Shopping Centre, Old George Mall Shopping Centre and Wilton Shopping Village. The Salisbury Charter Market held all around the year has several stalls selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, carpets, kitchenware, furniture, paintings and food items.

The Muslim Association of Salisbury is the only masjid in the city. Information on Halal food can be obtained from the masjid.

Traveling in the city is pretty easy. Salisbury has a prompt bus service but taxis is also a good means of transport in the city.