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Home » Europe » Austria » Salzburg

EPIC SALZBURG Itinerary! (2024)

Nestled along the Eastern Alps and the border of Germany, lays Salzburg, Austria’s storybook city. With crisp, clean air, tidy streets, and snow-capped mountains, countless visitors are allured by Salzburg’s fairytale-like enchantment.

Many people know Salzburg as the primary location used for filming the famous movie, “The Sound of Music,” as well as the birthplace Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Creativity in Salzburg runs deep and is evident in every aspect of the city’s culture, heritage, and history.

To help you explore the city with ease, we’ve laid out the perfect Salzburg itinerary! Whether you’re spending 2 days in Salzburg, or two weeks, we’ve packed it full of useful information that will ensure you hit the city’s highlights, as well as some hidden gems!

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Best time to visit Salzburg

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Salzburg!

The Summer months (June – August) are a great time to visit Salzburg in terms of warm weather. However, the pleasant temperatures are accompanied by plenty of rain. Precipitation in summer is abundant, and up to half of the days of the season have significant rainfall.

If you’re planning a 2 days’ trip to Salzburg during June, make sure to stick around for the annual Dult Fair! This is one of Salzburg’s top festivals, it’s a traditional folk festival for young and old!

During the fall (September – November) months the temperatures will start to decline, and the first snowfall of the season usually starts in November. If you don’t mind cooler temperatures, this is a great time to travel to Salzburg and beat the tourist crowds!

The winter months (December – February) are cold with temperatures at, or just below, freezing. Touring Salzburg in December is very popular as the whole town is decked out for Christmas and transformed into a winter wonderland.

Spring in Salzburg (March-May) sees a rise in temperatures, however, snowfall in March and early April is common.

With a Salzburg City Pass , you can experience the best of Salzburg at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Choosing the right accommodation that fits with your travel plans will complement your Salzburg itinerary and make your trip that much more satisfying. There are lots of options in varying styles and budgets to choose from.

Salzburg is a small and compact city, and the majority of the ‘must-see’ Salzburg attractions are located within or near the Old Town. Therefore, you can’t go wrong choosing an accommodation option in this area.

If you have more time to spend in Austria and are looking for accommodation outside the busy center of Salzburg, Saint Gilgen is a great option! This charming town is located just 17 miles from Salzburg’s city center and will allow for a more peaceful and relaxing vacation.

This small village has a scenic setting and is a great place to base your Salzburg itinerary from. Whatsmore, it’s well connected to the Old Town of Salzburg by public transportation, so getting in and out of the city will be a breeze!

Best Hostel in Salzburg – Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg

If you’re planning a budget vacation in Salzburg, the Yoho International Youth Hostel is for you! Some of the popular perks include free Wi-Fi, an on-site bar and restaurants with happy hour specials, and buffet breakfast available every morning (for a fee).

Best Airbnb in Salzburg – Modern Apartment in the Heart of Altstadt

Located in the middle of the historic old town in Salzburg, this newly built and furnished apartment is ideal for first time visitors to Salzburg. It consists of a bedroom, a small fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom and a dining area. Walk around and explore the city of Mozart, and come home to this comfortable place to rest from the weary day of sightseeing.

Best Budget Hotel in Salzburg – Hotel Turnerwirt

Dating from 1437, Hotel Turnerwirt is a family-run accommodation spot located a convenient 1.2-miles from the city center. The hotel has three parts – the main building, the atrium, and the romantic villa with a terrace! The building is quaint, but the rooms are modern, with free Wi-Fi running through the property and the usual hotel facilities provided.

Best Luxury Hotel in Salzburg – Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt

If you’re looking for lavish, 5-star accommodation, the Radisson Blue Hotel Altstadt is the best place to stay in Salzburg! It’s located right in the Old Town, next to many popular Salzburg points of interest. Rooms are tastefully furnished and there is an on-site bar, restaurant, and room service.

Whether you’re spending 2 days in Salzburg, or more, you’re going to need to know how to get around the city. Public transportation is very efficient in Salzburg and transportation fares are reasonable.

Salzburg has a comprehensive bus route that covers all the major areas of the city and popular Salzburg landmarks!

If you’re planning on using public transportation as your primary means of traversing Salzburg, you’ll save money by purchasing a one-day unlimited travel ticket. This will give you access to the whole public transportation system in Salzburg in increments of 24-hours. Or, if you’re spending a week in Salzburg, a weekly pass is also available.

However, we should note, the city is very compact and is easy to navigate! It’s entirely possible you’ll only need to make use of public transportation once or twice during your time in Salzburg, if at all.

Cycling is another popular option for transportation, and Salzburg is a very cycle-friendly city. However, do keep in mind that Salzburg’s weather can be unpredictable at times. Make sure to check the forecast and take the month you’re traveling to Salzburg into consideration.

Once you decide how many days in Salzburg you’ll be spending, you can decide which method of transportation fits better with your plans!

Mirabell Palace and Gardens | Getreidegasse | Mozart’s Birthplace | Residenzplatz | Hellbrunn Palace

Spend the first day of your Salzburg itinerary wandering the city’s Old Town! Discover the imposing beauty of the architecture, the stunning scenery of the landscape, and the historical highlights of Salzburg!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Mirabell Palace and Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: Marabell Palace and gardens offer a romantic history and stunning scenery.
• Food nearby: Cafe Fingerlos J.M. Fingerlos is a cozy coffee shop offering classic Austrian fare, including sweets and great coffee!

Mirabell Palace is a historic building in Salzburg that dates back to 1606! The palace was constructed in baroque architecture and is a must-see Salzburg attraction.

Inside the palace, you’ll find the famous Marble Hall, which is regarded as one of the world’s finest wedding venues. Make sure to look out for the imposing sculptures that adorn the marble staircase leading to the hall!

This is one of the best places to visit in Salzburg for music lovers. The palace and its gardens were used as the filming location for several scenes from the 1965 movie “The Sound of Music.” Young Mozart also performed many concerts in the Marble Hall!

The palace is additionally known for its pristine gardens so do check out the impressive landscaping. The gardens are a horticultural masterpiece and will offer some of the best photo opportunities during your Salzburg itinerary!

Make sure to check out the Pegasus Fountain, encircled by statues representing the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire! Also worth checking out is the Dwarf Garden, where you’ll find sculptures modeled after real-life people from the 1700s. Note that the Dwart Gardens are closed during the winter months.

The palace and gardens are open daily and entrance is free!

Insider Tip: The palace was used to film the famous Do-Re-Mi sequences from “The Sound of Music”!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Getreidegasse

• Why it’s awesome: Getreidegasse is a famous shopping street in Salzburg. It’s also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!
• Food nearby: Cafe Mozart offers a full menu in a relaxed setting. The prices are very reasonable and the cafe is open long hours every day.

Getreidegasse , also referred to as Grain Lane, is a busy shopping street in the historic Altstadt of Salzburg. It’s situated in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

This iconic street offers upmarket boutiques set amongst medieval streets. The narrow, tall row houses epitomize Salzburg’s medieval architecture. Admire the wrought-iron signs and portal windows from an Austrian era long-ago era. Many buildings also lead to picturesque passageways and courtyards offering a quiet reprieve from the busy crowds!

Besides stylish boutiques, you’ll also find a handful of stores selling Mozart souvenirs and “The Sound of Music” memorabilia. Cozy coffee shops and local restaurants are also abundant in the area!

The streets other popular claim to fame is the fact that it’s the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! The famous composer was born at Number 9, where he lived until the age of 17.

Whether you’re a serious shopper or not, this historic area of the city is a must-see stop on your Salzburg itinerary.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Mozart’s Birthplace

• Why it’s awesome: This museum is the childhood home of one of the world’s most famous composers!
• Cost: USD $12.00
• Food nearby: Burgerista serves quality make-your-own style burgers. There are lots of toppings to choose from and veggie burgers are also available.

Mozart’s Birthplace , or the Mozart Museum, is located in the house formerly occupied by the Mozart Family. Following his birth in 1756, he lived in this location with his family until 1773.

Mozart’s former house became a museum in 1880 and contains numerous original artifacts from the composer’s lifespan, as well as from his widow and children. Discover the brilliance of Mozart as you view the exhibitions in the rooms of the house where he was born.

Start your visit on the museum’s third floor, which will provide you with an introduction to the Mozart family. Look inside the room where Anne Maria Mozart gave birth to her son and view the violin Mozart played as a child. Learn about Mozart’s sons, Karl Thomas, and Franz Xaver Wolfgang, both of whom also grew up to be famous, well-known composers!

On the second floor, you’ll see a sampling of costumes and models from Mozart’s greatest operas. You’ll also be able to listen to musical excerpts and see the original scores. The first floor focuses on Mozart’s day-to-day life.

Journey back in time as you view the original furniture, family memorabilia, and Mozart’s own musical instruments from the 18th century!

The Mozart Museum presents a fascinating insight into the life and talent of a musical genius, you don’t have to be a history buff or a music lover to appreciate this stop on your Salzburg trip itinerary!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Residenzplatz

• Why it’s awesome: This large historic square contains several popular Salzburg attractions and is an important venue for cultural events.
• Food nearby: Gasthaus Zwettler’s is a fun place to eat out in Salzburg. Their menu showcases the local cuisine and includes a variety of vegetarian options!

Right in the heart of Old Town Salzburg, you’ll find Residenzplatz . This large, stately square is one of the city’s most popular places to visit! It’s home to two bishops’ palaces, both of which are excellent examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

Designed in the late 16th century, Residenzplatz contains many iconic Salzburg tourist attractions! The centerpiece of the square is the Residenzbrunnen (Residence Fountain) fashioned with intricate horse, dolphin and Atlas sculptures. This grand fountain was also used as the backdrop in several scenes from the movie “The Sound of Music.”

The Salzburg Residenz lays on the west side of the square. This regal palace dates back to the 13th century and contains 180 rooms! If you have time, take a self-guided audio tour through the palace. Visit the opulent rooms and learn the rich history of the building.

See the Rittersaal Room where Mozart performed! Also of note when you tour the palace is the Residenz Gallery’s fine collection of European art.

On the east side, you’ll find several interesting museums to explore, including the Panorama Museum, which contains a circular painting of Salzburg in 1829. Guests can view the large 85-foot circumference painting through telescopes!

Mozartplatz is located just next to the square. The large courtyard is best known for its memorial statue of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, it’s definitely worth a quick stop for a photo opportunity!

If you’re planning an itinerary for Salzburg during December, the Residenzplatz really comes alive with festive holiday cheer. Christmas markets are set up around the residence fountain and the stalls are filled with Christmas crafts and food vendors. Pick up some mulled wine and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Hellbrunn Palace

• Why it’s awesome: A lavish palace noted for its gardens, waterworks, and trick fountains!
• Cost: USD $14.00
• Food nearby: Park Cafe Schloss Hellbrunn is a friendly cafe located next to Hellbrunn Palace. They serve typical cafe fare (sandwiches, soups, and salads) with the addition of Austrian specializes, including dessert!

Hellbrunn Palace , or Schloss Hellbrunn, is an early Baroque palace. It was built from 1613 to 1619 as a place for celebrations and also as a summer residence for Markus Sittikus, who was both a prince and an archbishop.

While the whimsical interior of the palace is worth a visit, the palace is most famous for its trick fountains, located inside the 148-acre gardens. Sittikus designed the fountains to entertain and trick his guests.

The fountains spray at seemingly random moments.  If you’re traveling to Salzburg with kids, they’ll love running through the water shooting from the different statues and structures of the fountains.

Built in 1750, the Mechanical Theater is the newest feature of the fountains. It portrays a Baroque city and has approximately 200 water-operated characters. It’s definitely one of the most unique Salzburg attractions you’ll see when visiting.

A tour of Hellbrunn Palace includes visiting the water games area with a guided tour, a castle tour with an audio guide, and a visit to the Folklore Museum.

If you’re only planning a 2-day itinerary in Salzburg, visiting Hellbrunn Palace will most likely be the only time you’ll need to use public transportation. The palace is about 4 miles from Salzburg city center, hop on a bus or hail a taxi to save time.

Insider Tip: The palace gardens are free to enter and are open every day until dusk. If you visit, make sure to visit “The Sound of Music” pavilion where the famous ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ scene was shot.

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Grünmarkt | Love Locks Bridge Salzburg | Salzburg Museum | Salzburg Cathedral | Petersfriedhof | Fortress Hohensalzburg

Your 2-day itinerary in Salzburg will see you discovering more of the local culture and history. You’ll get a chance to rub elbows with the locals and dive deeper into the city’s history. All of the sites we’ve included are located in Old Town and can easily be reached on foot. 

Let’s get started on your self-guided Salzburg walking tour!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Grünmarkt

• Why it’s awesome: Grünmarkt is your typical European market, it provides a welcoming social atmosphere and plenty of delicious local food!
• Food nearby: You’ll find lots of food options in the market, but one of the more popular items is definitely the giant pretzels sold at the Salzburger Brezen stand!

Grünmarkt, or Green Market, is a farmers market in Salzburg. Since 1857 the market has served as a popular meeting place for young and old. Locals and tourists love to visit to pick up fresh goods and souvenirs.

You’ll find dried and fresh fruit, cured meats and cheeses, fresh-baked bread and pastries, as well as handicraft items such as baskets, leathers, clothing, and much more! Stroll the stalls and discover more of Salzburg’s local culture.

The market is open full-day hours during the week, half-day hours on Saturday, and is closed on Sundays. Saturday is the market’s busiest day, so if you’re spending a weekend in Salzburg, this is a great time to visit it experience the market in high drive.

Insider Tip: If you’re visiting one of Salzburg’s gorgeous parks, the Grünmarkt is the perfect place to pick up some picnic provisions beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Love Locks Bridge Salzburg

• Why it’s awesome: The Love Locks Bridge in Salzburg celebrates love and is a great quick stop on your Salzburg itinerary for a photo opportunity! 
• Food nearby: Swing by Sternbräu for classic Austrian fare and a great beer selection.

While you’re in the area of Grünmarkt, swing by the Love Locks Bridge Salzburg. It’s only about a 5-minute walk from the markets and definitely worth a visit! You’ll be able to snap some great photos of the locks and the bridge with the beautiful Alps in the background.

If you’re spending time in Salzburg, Austria with your significant other, partake in the century old-tradition of inscribing both of your initials in a lock! You can then attach it to the bridge, and toss the key into the river.

Every time you travel back to Salzburg you’ll be able to revisit the bridge and see your ‘love lock’!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Salzburg Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The Salzburg Museum is dedicated to the artistic and cultural history of the city and region of Salzburg!
• Cost: USD $10.00
• Food nearby: Gasthof Goldgasse offers delicious food prepared using locally sourced ingredients. They’re also highly rated for their friendly service and fun atmosphere!

The Salzburg Museum serves as an informative and educational museum of art and history and traces the development of Salzburg as a city. In 2009, the museum received the European Museum of the Year Award. It’s a celebrated institution that showcases everything from Roman excavations to royal artifacts.

Visit the museum and receive a comprehensive history of the city, from its historic past to its present-day culture. The museum contains both traveling and permanent displays. Permanent exhibitions include artifacts and displays on the subjects of art, science, architecture, literature, music, and more.

The music exhibition is particularly well-done and interesting. You’ll find an entire room of historic musical instruments. This section of the museum tells of the musical taste of past eras, historical events, and musical personalities.

The Salzburg Museum is partnered with the Panorama Museum. These museums are connected to each other by the underground Panorama Passage, which exposes a section of a Roman wall covered with murals and models of Salzburg at related points in its development.

If you’re planning a 3-day itinerary in Salzburg, this museum is another popular attraction in the city and definitely worth checking out! The Salzburg Museum is open every day except Monday.

Insider Tip: Free guided tours of the museum are offered every Thursday at 6:00 pm.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Salzburg Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: This grand cathedral is one of Salzburg’s most important historic sites and is one of Europe’s most magnificent churches.
• Food nearby: If you’re looking for a healthy place to eat in Salzburg, head to the Wokman Natural Kitchen. This veg-friendly restaurant provides tasty food and very reasonable prices.

The Salzburg Cathedral is famous for its long and dramatic history. The church dates back to 774 when it was consecrated as a cathedral.

The building has survived eight fires, however, the fire of 1598 ruined much of its original structure. The cathedral was completely rebuilt in Baroque style in the seventeen century to its present appearance!

One of the cathedral’s most prominent features is its stunning,  large dome! At 232 feet high, it’s the most impressive architectural design of the Salzburg Cathedral. It’s adorned with 16 frescos in two rows, each was painted by Donato Mascagni of Florence and portrays scenes from the Old Testament.

Mozart also has ties to this historic church. He was baptized inside the cathedral the day after his birth and he later became the cathedral’s organist, from 1779 to 1781.

The cathedral is a masterpiece of early Baroque art. It’s open every day and is free to visit, although donations are welcome!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Petersfriedhof

• Why it’s awesome: Historic cemetery with baroque tombs as well as 12th-century catacombs.
• Food nearby: Stiftskeller St. Peter serves creative dishes in an elegant setting. It’s also reputed to be one of Europe’s oldest restaurants.

The Petersfriedhof, or St. Peter’s Cemetery, together with the burial site at Nonnberg Abbey, is the oldest cemetery in Salzburg. It’s located at the foot of Hohensalzburg Castle and the Festungsberg Mountains!

The cemetery’s origins date back to around 700 when the adjacent St. Peter’s Abbey was established by Saint Rupert of Salzburg. The abbey’s cemetery was first mentioned in an 1139 deed! The cemetery continued to be used until it was closed in 1878.

However, in 1930 the monks of St. Peter’s successfully urged for the admission of new burials. Today, it continues to be used as an active burial site. Many notable Austrians were buried here, including Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang Mozart.

A highlight of St. Peter’s Cemetery is the catacombs, which are carved into the rock of the Festungsberg Mountainous. The mystical caves served as burial sites and today they can be visited year-round for a small admission fee.

Climb the stone-carved stairs and work your way back into the rock-cut rooms. You’ll be able to view altars, faded murals, and inscriptions. Located on this site are also two small chapels: The Maximuskapelle and the Gertraudenkapelle.

The cemetery is relatively small and tucked into the mountainside. Walk the stone-paved paths through the beautifully-maintained grounds and enjoy a quiet break from the city.

Petersfriendhof is located next to FestungsBahn Cable Railway. This is the cable car service that will take you to the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the next stop on our Salzburg itinerary!

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Fortress Hohensalzburg

• Why it’s awesome: Fortress Hohensalzburg is a mountaintop fortress that is one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.
• Food nearby: Panorama Restaurant Zur Festung Hohensalzburg is the attached castle restaurant, stop in for quality food and spectacular views.

Just a short cable car ride from the city center of Salzburg, you’ll find the imposing Fortress Hohensalzburg. Hop on a cable car and cruise up the mountain to check out one of Europe’s most impressive fortresses.

The castle was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard. The complex has served as a fort, a private residence, a prison and military barracks.

Today, you can visit the walled castle and browse the art exhibitions and museums found inside! As you tour the rooms, you’ll see where royalty once lived. Admire the intricate Gothic wood carvings adorning the walls of the Golden Hall, and marvel at the Golden Chamber, where you’ll find lavish furnishings befitting a king!

You can tour the fortress on your own, or pick up an audio guide for a more insightful view of the castle. The audio guide will explain various aspects of the rooms, torture chamber and battlements!

While you’re here, climb the Reckturm watchtower for unparalleled views of Salzburg and the surrounding area! There are also three museums to explore, including the Marionette Museum, which displays puppets from the Salzburg Marionette Theater.

Fortress Hohensalzburg is open every day. The cable railway runs every 10 minutes and will take you from the city to the castle in just minutes! Alternatively, you can walk up Festungsgasse lane until you reach the fortress courtyard.

The city views and well-preserved castle complex makes this one of Salzburg’s most popular attractions!

Insider Tip: The castle complex hosts a number of cultural events during the heavily touristed summer months. If you’re planning a Salzburg itinerary during summer, check the Festung Hohensalzburg website for a scheduled list of concerts and events!

YoHo International Youth Hostel Salzburg

• Free Laundry Facilities

Haus der Natur Salzburg | Freilichtmuseum Salzburg | Stiegl-Brauwelt | Gaisberg Mountain | Volksgarten Salzburg 

If you’re planning a 3-day itinerary in Salzburg, you’re going to need a few more activities to fill your time. Here are 5 more fun attractions we recommend checking out!

Haus der Natur Salzburg

• Large, interactive science and natural history museum
• Open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Adult admission is USD $9.00 child admission (ages 4-15) is USD $7.00

The Haus der Natur Salzburg is a natural history and technical museum that offers a variety of displays and interactive exhibits. It mixes entertainment with education and is geared towards all ages.

The first floor of the Science center is dedicated to musical acoustics. From the wave nature of sound to the transfer of sound to the human ear, visitors will learn about everything relating to the theme of sound.

The museum also offers an aquarium where you can view exotic and indigenous aquatic creatures up close! There are 42 display tanks, the largest of which is 60,000 liters! See these underwater animals in their environment, designed to resemble those found in the wild.

Trying to decide what to do in Salzburg with kids? Take them to this museum! They’ll love the different hands-on programs and will be thoroughly entertained for hours.

Freilichtmuseum Salzburg

• A great way to experience the best of Salzburg’s history
• On-site restaurant and picnic area
• Guided tours are available

Covering a total of 124 acres, the Freilichtmuseum Salzburg is Salzburg’s largest museum. Discover 100 authentic and original historical buildings rebuilt on the museum grounds, each with a fascinating story to tell.

Uncover the history of farming, trades, crafts, and manufacturing as you explore old farmhouses and learn about the lifestyle of days long gone. Displays and exhibits fill the buildings and include everything from the history of the land, climate, and geology, to detailing what day-to-day life was like in the old days of Austria!.

To complete your experience, take a ride on the historic steam engine heritage railway. Travel through the scenic natural landscape and the houses of the museum grounds.

Stop by the museum shop to pick up unique souvenirs, including handmade items and chewy sweets! If you’re looking for more unique Salzburg things to do to fulfill your itinerary, add this museum to your list of places to visit!

Stiegl-Brauwelt

• Open every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am
• Beer tasting and exhibits on brewing history
• Brewpub and restaurant serving Austrian cuisine

Stiegl-Brauwelt was founded in 1492 and is one of the oldest breweries in Austria! Today, you’ll find many fun attractions inside this famous brewery. It offers a multi-sensory experience where you can see, hear, smell, and taste this country’s beloved drink!

Visit the museum and learn the history of the country’s most famous beer! Browse displays and exhibits and trace the timeline of Stiegl’s delicious beverage.

Watch the museum’s film, “The Nature of Beer.” This interactive cinema impresses visitors with its 270-degree view and powerful floor projection that transports guests to the heart of the action. You’ll go behind the scenes of beer production, from the origin of their raw materials to beer bottling.

Guided tours of the brewery are also available. English tours are given once daily, at 3:00 pm, all other tours offered are in German. You can also listen to their free downloadable audio guide, available in 6 different languages!

If you’re hungry or craving a cold beer, stop by their pub and restaurant for a beer tasting and classic Austrian pub grub!

Gaisberg Mountain

• Located to the east of Salzburg
• The perfect place to enjoy some adrenaline-filled activities or a nice hike
• One of the most popular local mountains in Salzburg

If you’re a nature enthusiast planning a Salzburg itinerary, you don’t want to pass up a chance to explore Gaisberg Mountain. The mountain is accessible year-round and located just a few miles from the city center of Salzburg!

You’ll find over 12 miles of well-marked trails ranging in length and difficulty level. Climb the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Salzburg. For adrenaline junkies, the Gaisberg is an inviting destination for mountain biking and paragliding during the summer months.

The mountain is easily accessible thanks to a bus link that runs from Mirabell Palace. Take the public bus No. 151 through the Gnigl part of Salzburg and straight up the Gaisberg. Experience a different side of Salzburg and explore the expanses of the Gaisberg Mountain!

Volksgarten Salzburg

• The park is open 24/7 and entrance is free!
• A quiet piece of nature in the middle of the beautiful city
• Easily accessible by public transportation

Volksgarten Salzburg is a spacious urban park with plenty of activities to offer. During the summer months, guests can take advantage of the two large outdoor swimming pools, which are the oldest and second oldest swimming pools in the city.

The spacious pool area also offers sunbathing areas, drinking fountains, lockers, a snack bar, table tennis, and parlor games. The pool area is open daily from May to mid-September, from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm and the entrance fee is USD $6.00.

There are also beach volleyball courts, soccer fields, gym equipment, and miles of running/walking paths!

Every summer the park sets up a summer cinema series where weekly movies are screened, and admission is free! Make sure to check the park’s event calendar for the full list of dates.

If you’re looking for things to do in Salzburg in winter, the area turns into a winter wonderland! There is an ice rink set up for hockey and ice skating!

Whether you’re spending one day in Salzburg or more, pay attention to your safety.

Overall, you should have nothing to worry about when you’re visiting Salzburg. The city is considered extremely safe for tourists to travel to and just like all the other areas of Austria, it has an extremely low crime rate.

However, the usual common-sense precautions still apply. Avoid walking alone late at night, never leave your drinks unattended, and always keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Pickpocketing does occur, although rarely, in the busy areas of the city and on public transport. Some locals have reported the areas north of the train station and near the Basilica of Maria Plain to be a bit dodgy at night.

If you’re traveling to Salzburg for 2 days via an overnight train and spending the night in a sleeping compartment, keep all of your valuables in the special container provided under your bed.

Overall, the risk of warning and dangers in Salzburg are low across the board. 

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Day trips from Salzburg are a great way to explore even more of Austria’s gorgeous landscape! They also offer travelers a chance to learn more about the culture. These trips highlight the areas outside the city and are a great option if you’re spending 3 days in Salzburg, or more! 

From Salzburg: Eagle’s Nest Mountain Retreat Tour

Cross the German border into the Bavarian Alps and visit Hitler’s former conference center and mountain retreat – the Eagle’s Nest. The building was originally gifted to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday, and he held many meetings inside its walls. Explore the old conference room, dining area, and a small tea room with terraces.

This popular attraction offers great historical insight and information into the life of Hitler. The Eagles Nest retreat is located in the Kehlstein Mountains, and the grounds of the complex, as well as the drive up, provide guests with spectacular mountain views!

Tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg

Enjoy a day of exploring Hallstatt, a village on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Pass through the famous Salzkammergut en route to Hallstatt, known as the Pearl of the Salzkammergut. You’ll see charming villages and be provided with an introduction to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut!

In Hallstatt, take in the sights and sounds as you explore the city! Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake and marvel at the cozy houses clinging to the mountainside. Pass by the Muhlbach waterfall and visit the local museum. The Bone House is one of the city’s most popular attractions and will give you an interesting view of local family life!

Salzburg Sound of Music & Salt Mines Combined Tour Package

Salzburg is famous as being the location where the 1965 musical “ The Sound of Music ” was set, therefore, visiting the famous locations associated with the movie is the ultimate Salzburg experience! Travel to the beautiful areas in and around Salzburg, relive your favorite moments from the film, and take in the beauty of the natural landscape!

Explore another popular Salzburg attraction, the underworld caverns of the Salt Mines. Learn the history of how salt gave the area its economic wealth. Enjoy a day of history, adventure, and amazement as you relive the story of the Von Trapps, explore the lush landscape of Austria, and gain a better understanding of Salzburg’s past.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road Day Trip

Discover the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the heart of one of Austria’s best national parks , the Hohe Tauern National Park. Here you can learn about the fascinating landscape, geology, and environment of the area!

Stop by Hochmais for a quick photo opportunity and admire the surrounding mountains. Continue on to the Haus Alpine Naturschau and enjoy a short tour of the indoor and outdoor exhibitions!

Lastly, hike towards Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and the Wilhelm-Swarovski Observatory or on the Gamsgrubenweg trail, depending on your desired hiking difficulty level. Enjoy a perfect day of sightseeing and experiencing the iconic mountains of Austria!

Bavarian Mountains Tour from Salzburg

Enjoy a day of fun and adventure as you travel to the famous Bavarian Mountains, also called the Bavarian Alps. Spend a day in awe of the towering mountain peaks and pristine lakes! Enjoy a relaxing stroll along Königssee (King’s Lake) to Obersalzberg, where the second headquarters of the Third Reich used to be located.

Marvel at the legendary Watzmann, one of the mountain’s most prominent peaks. Lastly, visit the charming town of Berchtesgaden on your way back to Salzburg, where you’ll be able to sample some Bavarian specialties, like apple strudel!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Salzburg itinerary.

How many days should you spend in Salzburg?

Staying 2-3 full days in Salzburg is plenty enough time to get to know the city and see the most important attractions. However, that won’t give you time to just chill, so if you can add more time to your stay, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience.

What should you not miss in Salzburg?

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is probably one of the most popuar attractions in Salzburg – and for good reason – it’s a totally unique place with interesting history.

What is the best time to visit Salzburg?

Visiting during the summer months (June to August) opens the most attractions to visit, however, coming in winter means beautiful decorations, a charming vibe and amazing Christmas markets.

Is Salzburg worth visiting?

Salzburg is one of the prettiest cities in Austria and definitely worth a visit. With crisp, clean air, tidy streets, and snow-capped mountains, countless visitors are allured by Salzburg’s fairytale-like enchantment.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our itinerary for Salzburg and that you’re able to put it to use!

This charming Austrian city has so much to offer, from imposing palaces with spectacular scenery to cozy cafes and quaint architecture. 2 days in Salzburg is a traveler’s dream! All the main sights are close to the city center, and it’s entirely possible to spend all day walking around – without having to use any public transport!

It’s impossible not to fall in love with this magical city, and you’ll be entertained your whole trip, as Salzburg is stuffed to the brim with cultural sights and other delights! If you’re pushed for time, then why not visit Salzburg on a day trip from Vienna .

• The BEST areas to stay in Innsbruck?
• Things I wish I knew before traveling
• EPIC hikes in Austria to add to your bucket list
• Your ultimate guide to backpacking Vienna
• Where to stay in Vienna

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Best Things to Do in Salzburg: 3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary

Posted on Published: January 13, 2020  - Last updated: May 17, 2022

Categories Austria , Blog , City Guides , Europe , Travel Guides

Thinking about traveling to Salzburg? We adored this Austrian city, especially the Old Town pedestrian area and both sides of the river, Salzach. I’m thrilled to write this Salzburg travel blog post because I truly fell in love with the city (and I hope you do, too).

While I highly recommend wandering around, drinking coffee, and exploring every little side street, here are the best things to do in Salzburg Austria for every interest. Here’s the perfect 3 days in Salzburg itinerary, a wonderful city with small town charms.

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

Table of Contents

Getting to Salzburg

In our case, we travelled to Salzburg from Cesky Krumlov , Czech Republic. Justin and I opted for a shuttle service as it was the easiest and quickest option. Green Shuttles picked us up directly at our accommodation in Cesky Krumlov ( Orangerie Apartment ) and dropped us off at our apartment in Salzburg ( Salzburg Place to Stay ).

Our apartment was in the pedestrian area of Old Town and our shuttle couldn’t drive us right up to the front door, so we did have to walk for a few minutes with our luggage. More on our accommodation at the end of the post!

Salzburg Sightseeing: Get the Salzburg Card

If you want to see Salzburg attractions for free or at a great discount, be sure to get your hands on a Salzburg Card . You can buy the card for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours, depending on how much time you plan to spend there. It provides you with many ideas for the best things to do in Salzburg Austria.

The Salzburg Card gives you loads of benefits. First, you receive free one-time admission to all city tourist attractions and museums. This includes Hohensalzburg Fortress, Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains, Mozart’s Birthplace, the Museum of Modern Art, and more.

You will also receive free transportation in Salzburg. While you might find yourself walking a lot in Salzburg, feel free to hop on a public bus to get around. Also, a river cruise with Salzburg City Cruises can be redeemed with the card. Cable railway transportation to Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Monchsberg Lift, and the Cable Car in Untersberg are also included with the card.

The prices for the Salzburg Card are very reasonable considering the benefits you get from ordering one. Plus, I loved not having to worry about admission tickets or transportation around time, so it also saved lots of time and hassle. We highly recommend getting one when you visit Salzburg.

Salzburg Itinerary Day 1

We reached Salzburg in early June on a bright and sunny day. Justin and I were immediately noticed the grandiose Salzburg Cathedral, the interesting statue of a man on top of a giant golden globe, and Hohensalzburg Castle up high on the hill. As there are so many things to do in Salzburg Austria, let’s start our plans right away!

Things to Do in Salzburg: Stroll Around Old Town

I always love wandering around a new place when I first arrive. After we settled in at our apartment, we set off and explored the pedestrian area of Old Town. It’s definitely one of my favorite things to do in Salzburg Austria.

Salzburg has a very charming, small town feel. Take the time to roam up and down every narrow side street. If you’re in the mood to shop, you might find some souvenirs or treasures along Getreidegasse, the main shopping street. There are also quaint cafes around every corner, and even shops selling traditional Austrian clothing.

In Kapitelplatz, there’s an interesting sculpture called Sphaera by Stephan Balkenhol . It’s an ordinary looking man standing on top of a giant golden globe. While it’s a very striking work of art, the artist leaves its interpretation completely up to the observer. As this square was right on the way back to our apartment, we passed by this 9 meters high sculpture several times daily. It’s certainly one of the most iconic Salzburg attractions, and surely one you’ll remember seeing for years to come.

Apparently, there’s a tiny woman statue, made by the same artist, hidden elsewhere in Old Town. Unfortunately, we never found her (but we didn’t look very hard). Maybe you’ll discover the tiny woman on your travels!

Salzburg Cathedral

I loved that we had a view of the Salzburg Cathedral’s dome from the window of our apartment. I recommend you visit the inside of this beautiful and ornate cathedral. It’s worth adding to your 3 days in Salzburg itinerary.

The Salzburg Cathedral was first founded by Saint Rupert in 774, and it was rebuilt in 1181 after a fire. Then, in the 17th century, it was completely rebuilt in the Baroque Style (how it appears today). Notably, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized here a day after he was born, on January 28th, 1756.

The three bronze gates at the front represent the three divine virtues of faith, hope, and love. They were added in 1957 to 1958. Above the three gates are three years: 774, 1628, and 1959, which are three years that the church was fully built or renovated.

Lunch at Backwerk

We were pretty hungry and wanted a quick bite to eat, so we picked up sandwiches at the BackWerk convenience store. There are assorted wraps and sandwiches, clearly marked as vegan on the shelf. Choose from a ranch tofu wrap, a guacamole wrap, a falafel wrap, or an avocado sandwich.

We brought these sandwiches back to our apartment and ate on the patio in the backyard, like a small picnic lunch. Interested in more vegan food from Salzburg? Check out our entire guide to vegan restaurants in Salzburg where we ate on our trip.

Places to Go in Salzburg: Across the River

We continued our walk across the river by using the Mozartsteg, an Art Nouveau pedestrian bridge. On the corner before you walk across, there’s a small coffee stand called We Love Coffee. Stop for a cup of joe to go if you’re feeling like a midday boost! And yes, they have plant-based milk for a latte or cappuccino.

Take a walk up and down the Linzer Gasse, another pedestrian zone with boutiques and restaurants. On your way back, meander down Steingasse, one of the oldest streets in Salzburg. This street is a quiet retreat from the busier shopping districts.

Walking around these peaceful meandering streets was one of my favorite things to do in Salzburg, even if it rained a little while we were there. Now that you’ve walked all over Salzburg, you’ve probably got a good feel for this delightful city.

Takeaway Dinner From My Indigo

My Indigo has several vegan options on the menu, including a vegan curry with soy chunks, salads, and vegan sushi rolls. We brought back some curry and sushi rolls to eat at our apartment. There’s also a small seating area inside should you wish to dine in. On another occasion, I also enjoyed a coffee here on their small outdoor patio facing the serene river.

Salzburg Itinerary Day 2

Now that you’re all settled in, use day 2 in Salzburg to check out some local attractions. There are so many fun things to do in Salzburg, you surely won’t run out of places to see. But first…don’t go out on your sightseeing adventure with an empty stomach!

On our way to breakfast, we crossed a different bridge that was covered with love locks. The Makartsteg pedestrian bridge offers scenic views across the river, and it’s also a place to mark your everlasting romance.

Breakfast at The Heart Of Joy

The Heart of Joy is a vegetarian and vegan cafe serving up hearty and delicious meals all day. On the breakfast menu, there are a number of breakfast plates. We both ordered the “Vegan Delight”, consisting of a soy latte, vegan ham, porridge with fruits, vegan butter, jam and spelt bread. What a nourishing way to start the day!

Mirabell Gardens

Would you like to visit one of the most delightful spots in the city? Not only is it tranquil, but it’s one of the best free things to do in Salzburg. The Sound of Music made Mirabell Gardens famous. Regardless of its notoriety in film, it’s an exquisite garden with a rainbow of flourishing blooms, sure to brighten your day.

One of the wonderful things about Mirabell Gardens? It’s open from 6:00am until dusk. If you’re an early riser or you want to get an earlier start to your day, you can visit Mirabell Gardens very early in the morning and perhaps even have it mostly to yourself.

While we would have loved to have visited Mirabell Palace , it wasn’t open when we were there. Next time, for sure! Be sure to take note of this important detail within this Salzburg travel guide. The palace is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00-16:00, and on Tuesday and Friday from 13:00-16:00.

Visit the Salzburg Farmer’s Market

At Kajetanerplatz, I randomly stumbled upon the Salzburg Organic Farmer’s Market . It only happens on Friday mornings, so it was very good luck that we happened to be there on a Friday. It’s very close to Mirabell Gardens, so you can stop here before or after your visit.

There are many vendors at the Salzburg Farmers Market selling fresh produce, flowers, and other treats. While I didn’t pick up any food or flowers, I managed to snag a couple of handmade vegan chocolate bars that were super yummy.

Hohensalzburg Castle

A trip to Salzburg isn’t complete without a visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress . It’s already featured in a few of the pics of I’ve posted here as the imposing castle up on the hill. Visiting Hohensalzburg is one of the most iconic things to do in Salzburg, and one of the top Salzburg attractions.

We rode a funicular up the hill and we were greeted by a lookout point. The views of Salzburg’s Old Town and beyond are stunning. Justin and I paused here for a while to take in the beautiful scenery. Views from Hohensalzburg Castle are among the best things to see in Salzburg.

Next, walk through the interior of the castle itself until you eventually get to the top. When we visited, it started to pour rain exactly as we got outside at the very top of the castle! Thankfully, we had an umbrella and tried our best to shield ourselves while snapping a few pictures and admiring the view.

Once you come back down from the top, explore the grounds within the inner walls of the fortress itself. You can really transport yourself back in time here as the grounds are perfectly preserved.

And a trip to the Hohensalzburg Castle wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Marionette Museum! Yes, there’s a museum devoted to the art of marionette puppetry inside the castle itself. Salzburg has a rich history in marionette theatre, including one that offers performances to this date.

It’s a small museum, but very cute and worth checking out. There are even a couple of interactive displays where you can try your hand at using a marionette for yourself. As you can see, in this Salzburg travel guide, we highly recommend going to Hohensalzburg Castle for both the exterior scenery and the history lesson found inside the castle.

One final last cute touch at Hohensalzburg Fortress was the adorable little tunnel called Liebesgrotte. You walk into the small stone opening with your partner. As it says on the plaque, “One kiss inside the love grotto and your love will be everlasting.” Of course, Justin and I had to smooch in the grotto!

Lunch at Uncle Van

After Hohensalzburg Castle, we hopped back across the river for lunch at Uncle Van . It’s a Vietnamese takeaway restaurant, specializing in vegan-friendly ingredients and sauces.

Make your own rice or noodle bowls by checking off which vegetables, protein, and sauce you’d like. There are eight sauces that are all vegan. You can add several different vegetables and tofu for a complete meal. There are also two vegan soups available to order.

While Uncle Van is primarily a takeaway restaurant, there are a few tables inside and outside, although these have a limited availability. Thankfully, we were able to snag a spot outdoors. Uncle Van has an interesting location, down a narrow, partially covered side street.

Our apologies for the food photos – it was a bit dark, plus Justin ate half of his before I took the picture! Blogger fail, Justin!

Coffee Break at 220 GRAD

After lunch, we wandered around a little bit more and stopped for a coffee near our apartment. I ordered an Americano that was rich and delicious. You might find that coffee is a little expensive right in the main tourist area of Old Town. However, there are many cafes and coffee shops in Salzburg in less frequented spots that are a little less expensive and have tasty brewed beverages.

What to Do in Salzburg: Salzburg Marionette Theatre

In the evening, Justin and I had reserved tickets to see a production of The Sound of Music at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre. We booked the tickets on their website in advance , and the tickets were speedily mailed to us in Canada. Definitely book your tickets ahead of time because you don’t want to miss this unique production show that you won’t see anywhere else!

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre is included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage . These marionette shows have delighted adults and children alike for decades. If you’re looking for what to do in Salzburg, seeing a production of The Sound of Music makes perfect sense.

It’s easy to become enraptured by the production and forget that the characters are even puppets being pulled by string. The sets are quite elaborate, and the marionettes themselves are very detailed in their expressions and movements. The puppeteers are highly skilled and I don’t even know how they pull off such orchestrated choreography so eloquently!

It’s important to note that there is no photography or videography allowed inside the theatre. I only snapped a couple of pictures inside the theatre before the show started. I’ll post one picture from the photo archive of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre so you can catch a glimpse of the marionettes themselves.

We would have never guessed it ahead of time, but this was one of our favourite things to do in Salzburg.

Late Night Pizza Dinner

After the theatre production, we were starving and opted to grab some pizza to go. Thankfully, Organic Pizza Salzburg was right on the way back home. They focus on fresh ingredients and cater to vegans. There are three vegan pizzas on the menu, each with vegan cheese and various vegetable toppings. The pizza was cooked perfectly and it was super flavourful.

Organic Pizza Salzburg is open until 10:00pm, making it a great pit stop if you’re looking for a late dinner or evening snack.

Salzburg Itinerary Day 3: Day Trip

You could easily spend 3 days in Salzburg, especially if you travel a little more slowly than we did. But, it’s also a great opportunity to take day trips from Salzburg, while maintaining your base in the city.

Originally, we planned to travel to Hallstatt for the day. As I was trying to figure out how to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg, I realized you either had to take a couple of trains or a bus, and then hop on a ferry across, plus you had to return before a certain time with the risk of being stranded there. I wanted a little more flexibility with our day, so we decided to rent a car.

However, as we heard more and more that Hallstatt was overly crowded in the summertime, we explored some other options. With some advice from a local and some last minute research, Justin and I decided the day would be better spent travelling to some of the smaller, lesser visited towns for an equally awesome experience. If you do have your heart set on Hallstatt, I discovered afterwards that you can take a Hallstatt day tour from Salzburg .

Plus, it happened to be my birthday that day, and all I really wanted was to witness some stunning Austrian scenery, no matter where we went. Yes, my wish was granted over and over again that day. Here’s an overview of a couple of Austrian villages near Salzburg that we visited, and you can discover them in more detail in this article about Mondsee and St Gilgen .

Mondsee is a lakeside village with an adorable downtown with beautiful, brightly painted buildings. It’s right on Lake Mondsee, so savour those gorgeous views of the lake with the mountains in the distance.

The most famous attraction in Mondsee is the St. Michael Basilica, as featured in The Sound of Music. You can also visit the St. Michael Basilica on a guided Sound of Music tour from Salzburg. It’s a very popular choice and a great substitute day tour if you don’t feel like renting a car and taking this day trip from Salzburg.

We walked around town, enjoyed a cup of coffee at a cute cafe, and wandered down to the lake. It’s easy to see this town in a couple of hours, making it the perfect pit stop on a road trip of Austria.

Our next stop was St Gilgen where we embarked on a cable car ride up to the top of the mountain. Taking the Zwölferhorn Mountain cable car was the highlight of our day trip as the views from the top were spectacular. The ride itself was scenic and a lot of fun. Be sure to pack something warm to wear as it was chilly at the top of the mountain, even in June!

After the cable car ride back down the mountain, we explored the town of St. Gilgen, Austria. We browsed some local shops, had a bite to eat for lunch (we found some pasta with tomato sauce as this small town wasn’t super vegan-friendly), and walked down by the lake.

We returned to Salzburg, dropped off the rental car, and headed out…in search of birthday cake!

GustaV for a Birthday Treat

GustaV is a vegan restaurant in Salzburg. While we didn’t have the chance to eat a full meal here, I was thrilled to stop for cake and coffee. I ordered a red velvet latte (colored red with beetroot juice) and a slice of their cake of the day, coconut cream. Both were melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

The Green Garden for Dinner

Later, we walked from our apartment to a vegetarian restaurant, The Green Garden . Even though I was following Google Maps, I still managed to get us twisted around and walking in the wrong direction. We climbed some stairs in an instance where we shouldn’t have, but the diversion ended up providing us with a stunning view of the city. Sometimes mistakes can be a good thing.

The Green Garden serves eggs and dairy, but the vegan menu choices are abundant and clearly marked. Justin treated me to an extra special birthday dinner. I started with a glass of lavender Prosecco that had a small flower in the glass.

For my main dish, I got the vegan burger with homemade potato wedges and dip, which really hit the spot. Even though it was super filling, I couldn’t skip the chance to have another dessert that day! I couldn’t resist ordering the chocolate brownie with caramelized peanuts and ice cream.

More Top Things to Do in Salzburg Austria

Not completely satisfied with this Salzburg itinerary? Don’t fret, there are even more things to do in Salzburg that I’m sure you’ll love. This is a great list if you’d like to spend all of your 3 days in Salzburg rather than venturing to the towns outside of the city.

Plus, it’s an addition to this Salzburg travel guide that you’ll find handy if you’re spending 4 days in Salzburg…or up to a week there. I loved this city so much that I could have easily spent a week there, wandering around its quaint cobblestone streets. Here are some more tours and Salzburg sightseeing to try:

• In this musical city, enjoy the sights and sounds of a concert at Mirabell Palace . Take in the classical music and atmosphere in the most magnificent room in Salzburg.
• For another musical experience, experience an evening of Mozart with a concert and dinner at the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• There are even more interesting things to do in Salzburg that we didn’t have time for, including the Hallein Salt Mine tunnels and adventures.
• Take a boat ride to Hellbrunn Palace and go for a tour.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Justin and I stayed at Salzburg Place to Stay , a Salzburg luxury apartment in the pedestrian area of the historic old town. While we rented this apartment for three nights, we could have easily stayed much longer. We really felt like we were returning to our home every night after our daily adventures.

We soaked up a gorgeous view of the Salzburg Cathedral and dome right from our own place. We were surrounded by old buildings in such a historic area of the city. Throughout the day, we heard the sounds of bells from several churches, each with their own tune.

Behind the house, there’s a tranquil garden with greenery and flowers growing everywhere. Steps lead up to a small seating area. One day, we enjoyed our lunch on the patio. It is such a quiet and peaceful place in the middle of a touristy town. Be sure to book your stay at this gorgeous Salzburg apartment, and take a look at more reviews of Salzburg Place to Stay written by fellow travelers.

3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary & Travel Map

If you’re more of a visual person and enjoy seeing places all mapped out, here’s our Salzburg itinerary and Salzburg travel guide on a map. Feel free to reference this Salzburg travel map when you go there, and you can also save it to your own Google maps for future reference.

Want to see more photos of Salzburg?

Browse our travel photography album to see all of our pictures from Salzburg, Austria. You can also buy prints, housewares, and more from all of our photos.

There are lots of fun things to do in Salzburg, so you can easily spend at least a few days there. From delicious vegan food to exploring historic sites and charming streets, I fell in love with Salzburg quickly and hope to return someday.

During our two week trip to Europe, we visited a lot of incredible towns and cities. Be sure to check out our other city guides and day trip ideas to have 2 fun-filled weeks in Europe: Prague , Cesky Krumlov , day trip from Salzburg , Bamberg , Berlin , and Amsterdam .

If you’re looking for more things to do in Austria, check out our one day guide to Innsbruck , a beautiful city in Tyrol.

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Wednesday 17th of April 2019

Hi, This is really nice. Me and my friends are planning to visit Salzburg for 2 days (in May 2019). Would you recommend - (i) Hallstatt excursion ? OR (ii) Werfen Caves? OR (iii) Exploring other less crowded places like you did (this option as evident from your blog seems really attractive)?

We are looking to visit and explore places that are somewhat less crowded, scenic and worth the time.

David Burnell IV

Tuesday 4th of September 2018

Justin and Lauren great coverage of this wonderland. ''Like'' button for all the pictures. We recently shot a movie there and I instantly fell in love with Mirabell Gardens. Keep up the great work. - David Burnell IV

David, thank you so much! I fell in love with Salzburg! Mirabell Gardens is such a beautiful place, I'd go back there in a heartbeat. Can't wait until the day I return to Salzburg and I'm glad you got to visit, too!

Monday 4th of June 2018

lovely review. we are visiting salzburg in sept . this will help!

Monday 14th of May 2018

Every weekend i used to go to see this site, because i want enjoyment, for the reason that this this web page conations really pleasant funny data too.

Friday 13th of April 2018

It seems you did a lot in 3 days. I want to visit Salzburg this fall and I was wondering how long to stay. Do you think 3 days is enough?

3 days is definitely enough time! You can see Salzburg in 2 days and then spend a third day exploring the surrounding region - that's what we did! Have fun!

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Salzburg Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 21st, 2024

There are many reasons to visit Salzburg. This Salzburg itinerary is packed with all the great things to do, food to eat, and how to get to Salzburg for one day or two days trip. An ultimate travel guide to Salzburg!

Salzburg, literally translated as “salt fortress” is the fourth largest city in northwest Austria with spectacular views of the Eastern Alps at the German border. Well, most people are familiar with the fact that Salzburg is the place where the world-famous classical movie “The Sound of Music” was filmed and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the greatest classical composer of all time.

The preserved picturesque city has many wonderful attractions including baroque architecture, splendid gardens, and medieval fortresses, all made Salzburg listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Many people visit Salzburg as part of the Central Europe trip by spending one and a two-day trip in Salzburg. However, the strategic location of Salzburg at the border of Germany and Austria, makes Salzburg a great home base to explore nearby places like Hallstatt, Berchtesgaden, and Munich.

Let’s check out our Salzburg travel guide blog , including what to do and see, the best food to eat, and some useful tips when visiting Salzburg.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Salzburg

Salzburg is readily accessible from every direction due to its ideal location at the border of Austria and Germany. There are many options available to the City of Mozart; air, rail, bus, or car.

By Flight : Airlines flying non-stop to Salzburg including British Airways and RyanAir in a cheaper fare. Salzburg W.A. Mozart Airport (SZG) is the second largest airport in Austria with a 4-km distance from Salzburg city center. The public bus connected the airport with the city center and train station in 15 minutes ride with a single ticket cost €2.50. While a taxi ride should cost less than €20 to the city center.

See Skyscanner for best rate

By Train : Located right on the border with Germany, Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is administered jointly by Austrian Railways (ÖBB) as well as German Rail (DB). The excellent rail network well connected Salzburg with numerous domestic as well as international cities. Travelers can visit Salzburg from Budapest, Bregenz, Linz, Innsbruck, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich with a fast and convenient rail journey.

By Bus : Long-distance coach travel is often the best option for budget travelers. Numerous bus companies including FlixBus, GoEuro, and Leo Express offer a fast, simple, and great money-saving way of getting to Salzburg. Bus stations are located right in front of Salzburg Main Station.

By Car : Salzburg is easy to access by car and is a great stop point for a road trip through Austria and Bavaria. However, all parking is fee-based in downtown Salzburg. So it is still highly recommended to use public transport to travel to the city center. If you need to rent a car to visit Salzburg, make sure to compare your price at Rentalcars.com with the best rate offer and high reputation from customers.

Getting Around Salzburg

Salzburg is a compact city with most main attractions are within the city center in Old Town (Altstadt). All places can be reached on foot and mostly are pedestrianized. While certain places like Untersberg, Schloss Hellbrunn, and Salzburg Stiegl-Brauwelt are located out of town they are required to take public transport to get there.

Salzburg has an excellent public transport system which greatly helps visitors to explore the city. A single ride on the bus cost €1.80 pre-paid, and €2.50 on board. Consider getting the 24 hours Transportation Pass if you don’t plan to visit any attraction but are required to ride the public transport. Save By 24 hours Transportation Pass. 2x will ride cost €5 while an unlimited 24-hour pass at €5.50!

Where To Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options in Salzburg. We will help to explain the best places to stay in Salzburg that we recommended based on your preference and budget.

For your best sleep in Salzburg, we recommended below:

• Best Luxury Stay :  Hotel Bristol Salzburg  and  Hotel Schloss Mönchstein
• Old Town :  IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg  and  Hotel am Mirabellplatz
• Nearby Salzburg Station :  H+ Hotel Salzburg  and  ACHAT Plaza Zum Hirschen
• Best Place to stay on a budget :  Pension Jahn  and  MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center

More accommodation options and detail :  Where To Stay in Salzburg: Best Hotel For Holiday

Salzburg Travel Tips

Salzburg Card is essential as an all-inclusive travel card when visiting Salzburg. With a Salzburg card, free admission to mostly all Salzburg attractions including a museum, city attractions,s and a discount on concerts or other events. It also includes the free public transportation ride in the city center, including the rides on the Festungsbahn funicular, Untersberg Cable Car, Mönchsberg lift, and Salzach River Tour I.

Salzburg Itinerary

There are so many interesting places to plan for your 1-Day Salzburg itinerary. While most people are mainly looking for what to do and food to eat in Salzburg. No worry. We listed below must visit and eat in Salzburg for your day trip.

Things To Do for One Day Salzburg Itinerary:

Ride The Cable Car At Untersberg

Splash by water at trick fountains, schloss hellbrunn, enjoy the salzburg beer in stiegl-brauwelt, take the sound of music tour, exploring salzburg’s old town, visit the mirabell palace and garden, exploring linzer gasse platzl, wandering at getreidegasse, visit mozart birthplace, residenzplatz with salzburg cathedral and domquartier, take funicular ride to hohensalzburg fortress, kapitelplatz with golden sphere.

Whether you want to visit top sights in Salzburg or only indulge in some super fun based on your interest is all depends on you. Trust me, even in just visiting with one day Salzburg itinerary, there are so many unusual but joyful things that can be done in Salzburg.

Untersberg is one of the mountain peak recreation areas for locals and visitors. With just 10 minutes of the Untersberg cable car ride, you can have an incredible panorama view of Salzburg City and the nearby Berchtesgaden, Germany at the height of 1,776 m.

Once you reach the top, you will be mesmerized by the majestic view at the peak of the mountain. In good visibility, you can even see out to the Salzkammergut lakes as well as Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria. Hikers can also spend time exploring the hiking trail at Untersberg.

Schloss Hellbrunn was the summer palace built by the prince-archbishop of Salzburg, Markus Sittikus as a place to relax and entertain between 1612 and 1615. While the Trick Fountains were once used by Markus Sittikus to entertain his guests by surprising them with hidden water spray. Trick fountains can still be visited today to surprise unsuspecting visitors when touring the Palace.

The Wasserspiele Tour can be very fun and refreshing to kids or even adults, especially during the hot summer. The good thing about the Trick Fountains is you can join this fun tour for free by Salzburg Card

One of the oldest breweries in the world opened in 1492 and still working today. Salzburg Stiegl-Brauwelt is a popular brewing exhibition and offers tours to visitors to know more about history.

The guided tours are only running in German but the 270 brew cinema and exhibition display are clearly labeled in different languages including English. You will get some souvenirs and a glass of beer for free at the end of your visit.

A Salzburg trip cannot be deemed complete unless you take the Sound of the Music tour. It will be once in a lifetime experience especially if you’re a fan of the classic movie.

On Sound of Music Half Day Tour , original shooting locations can be visited. A trip down memory lane, with the scenes from the Sound of Music being experienced live.

The good thing about Salzburg is most of the attractions are concentrated around the old town (Altstadt) within walking distance from one another. Exploring by foot is one of the best things to do in Salzburg.

Their proximity makes it easy for visitors who only have a short amount of time to spend in Salzburg.

Stop by at Mirabell palaces and its beautiful garden. For Sound of Music fans, Mirabell Garden is not to be missed. The Pegasus fountain in the Mirabell garden is where the children danced around and sang “Do Re Mi” in the movie scene.

If you have time, don’t forget to visit Mozart’s Residence , a lane away from the Mirabell Garden. Mozart-Wohnhaus is special for Mozart’s fans and now is a museum where you can admire several artifacts used by the famous composer himself. An audio self-guided tour takes approximately 30 minutes.

Linzer Gasse Platzl is one of Salzburg’s most enchanting little pedestrian streets. The street is filled with great restaurants, charming coffee shops, and storied hotels. It is a great place to go for a walk and enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture.

Cross The Makartsteg Bridge

Take a short walk to the Makartsteg Bridge – the bridge of love . The bridge on the Salzach River is lively with beautiful views and thousand of padlocks left by locals and visitors, merely seeking to “lock” their love or memory of visiting Salzburg.

Cross the bridge to the other side after you admire the nice scene on the bridge.

Continue your short walk to the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous shopping street . Enjoy wandering around the cobbled stone street with wrought-iron guild signs hanging along the street. You can also spend some time shopping if you feel like it. 

To continue your exploration of the city’s rich history, you can visit Mozart’s birthplace in Old Town Salzburg, on no. 9 Getreidegasse street.

The canary yellow building is where Mozart lived from birth until age 17. You will find impeccably preserved writings and musical instruments on display including one of Mozart’s baby-sized violins.

Heading east until you reach the 16th-century square with a baroque fountain in its center. The square, called Residenzplatz , is bordered by the Salzburg Cathedral on the south side and Salzburg DomQuartier on the west.

Salzburg Cathedral is a seventeenth-century Baroque cathedral and was rebuilt in 1181 after a fire. While DomQuartier Salzburg is a large Baroque complex with tours that let you learn more about Salzburg’s art and cultural history with numerous paintings, old furniture, and religious art.

Salzburg is overlooked by its key landmark, Hohensalzburg Fortress on the southeastern summit. Take the short funicular ride or pleasant 20 minutes walk to the Hohensalzburg Fortress on your Salzburg day trip.

This ride is officially known as the Festungsbahn. Once you make it to the fortress, there are museums including Fortress Museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, and Golden Rooms to tour. However, the best part of visiting the fortress was the awesome view over Salzburg and the countryside with mild wind keep blowing.

After getting down from Hohensalzburg Fortress, continue walking to the western side of Salzburg to Kapitelplatz. Kapitelplatz features an oversized chessboard and a golden large sphere in the middle. This prominent attraction is an art piece called “Sphaera” with a perched on top.

Best Time To Visit Salzburg

Salzburg can be visited year-round. Similar to many other European cities, the peak season for visiting Salzburg is July until August during the summer holiday. While Salzburg Festival is held during this time, so expect large crowds to come to visit Salzburg.

If you want nice weather but fewer crowds, the best time to visit Salzburg would be May, September, and October.

Day Trip To Nearby Salzburg Attractions

Salzburg is located close to the border between Austria and Germany, so it’s pretty easy to cross the border to the west to Germany for the best day trip from Salzburg. Consider adding a few days’ stays at Salzburg into your itinerary to fully appreciate the beauty of Austria.

Here are some recommended places for a day trip from Salzburg:

Hallstatt and the Dachstein Salzkammergut – undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in Austria. Take a day trip to Hallstatt to explore the “world’s most beautiful town” from Salzburg. Consider staying one or two nights at Hallstatt to visit the Hallstatt Salzwelten, one of the oldest salt mines, and Dachstein Krippenstein for its Giant Ice Cave and Five Finger.

Related Read:  Travel Postcard: Hallstatt, World Most Beautiful Lakeside Town

Berchtesgaden National Park – Germany’s only Alpine National park with tons of offers. The beautiful Berchtesgaden can be reached by an hour of bus ride from Salzburg. Admire spectacular views at Eagle’s Nest which was created as a gift for Adolf Hitler, and was well preserved from World War II. Or take a ferry boat tour to Bavaria’s deepest lake at Konigsee to see the crystal clear water and quaint Church of St Bartholoma.

Related Read: Day Trip to Berchtesgaden from Salzburg

Bavarian capital, Munich – Direct train links connect Salzburg and Munich for an incredible city with a lot of things to see, foods to eat, and beer to drink. Join the crowds of tourists at beer halls like Hofbrauhaus for a pint of beer.

Related Read: Munich itinerary: One Day in Munich Travel Guide Blog

Recommended Tour from Salzburg

For hassle-free, you can consider taking the day trip from Salzburg. There is plenty of tours that can be planned on your Salzburg itinerary.

• Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg
• Salt-Mines and Bavarian Mountains Tour from Salzburg
• Hallstatt Half-Day Tour from Salzburg

Wrap-Up: Planning on Salzburg Itinerary

With a well-planned Salzburg itinerary , it is possible to see Salzburg in one day! Places to visit in Salzburg include the world-famous Hohensalzburg Castle, Mirabell Palace, and Gardens, Mozart’s birthplace, or as simple as strolling around the Salzburg old town. For sure, it is impossible to indulge in all of them in just one day. But if you have a well-plan Salzburg itinerary, you’ll still be able to see most of the top sights and attractions on your Salzburg one-day trip.

During our trip to Salzburg, we spend one whole day in Salzburg and found there are lots of things to do and see. We join the Wasserspiele tour at Schloss Hellbrunn, enjoy a glass of fresh brew at Stiegl-Brauwelt, and visited most of the famous attractions in the old town. Unfortunately, Untersberg is close to maintenance in April. Else it will be great to put the cable car ride and Schloss Hellbrunn together as both are located in the south of Salzburg.

There are so many things to do in a 1-day Salzburg itinerary. If possible, make your Salzburg visit for two days to explore the town or nearby in more detail.

Lastly, here is some travel guide for you to plan on your trip to Salzburg:

• Best stay in Salzburg: Where To Stay in Salzburg: Best Hotel For Holiday
• What and where to eat: Salzburg Food Guide

Other Beautiful Places For Central Europe Visit

Done planning on your Salzburg itinerary? If you are interested, please continue to read about our Central Europe visit to countries and places nearby. Hopefully, our nice scene photo will inspire you to start planning on your travel journey.

How To Plan Your Central Europe Itinerary: Top 3 Must Visit Countries

• [Czech Republic] Three Perfect Days in Prague
• [Czech Republic] Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov
• [Austria] How To Visit Salzburg In One Day
• [Austria] Hallstatt, World Most Beautiful Town
• [Austria] Vienna, City Full of Art, History and Fairy Tales
• [Germany] Berchtesgaden, The Hidden Natural Gem
• [Slovakia] Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia
• [Hungary] How To Spend Three Full Day in Budapest

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary

Last Updated on January 15, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Are you visiting Austria and considering planning a 2 to 3 days in Salzburg itinerary? Well, look no further.

Located in the west of Austria not far from the German city of Munich , Salzburg has been a popular place for visitors for decades and is famous for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting of the 1965 film The Sound of Music . However, Salzburg has much more to offer than simply these two facets.

If you’re considering a visit to this pretty, compact and historic city, planning out an itinerary is essential to maximising the time you will spend there. For such a small city, there really is a lot to do and you’re sure to quickly fall in love with this beautiful town!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Salzburg?

Before I jump into the details of what to do in the city, you’re likely wondering how many days to spend in Salzburg.

As I’ve mentioned previously, there are plenty of things to do in the city, however, it is also quite compact and many simply opt for a Salzburg day trip from cities like Vienna or Munich. While this is certainly doable, you will get much more out of the city if you spend a bit more time there.

Ideally, you want to try and spend at least 2 days in Salzburg. This will give you enough time to see the main sites while also visiting some museums, taking in a concert and simply allowing you to enjoy the city at a more leisurely pace.

If you have even more time to devote, then consider spending 3 days. This will allow you to visit some areas that lie a bit outside of the city centre, whether that be some historic castles, ice caves, alpine lakes, waterfalls and more. The countryside in this part of Austria is some of the most beautiful in Europe and really worth visiting.

Getting To & Around Salzburg

Salzburg is a major metropolitan area in Austria and is also quite popular with tourism, so this isn’t a difficult city to reach by any means.

Depending on where you are coming from, there are a number of ways to reach Salzburg. There are numerous direct trains and buses from cities like Innsbruck , Munich and Vienna and you can even easily reach the city from Prague or elsewhere in neighbouring countries. You can browse train schedules here.

Many visitors to Salzburg will also arrive by car, especially if they’re on an extended road trip through Austria.

While you certainly don’t need your own vehicle to get around the centre of Salzburg (this would actually be massively inconvenient), having a car can be quite beneficial if you plan to spend 3 days in Salzburg and are going to do a day trip or two as this will give you quite a bit of flexibility. If you choose to rent a car, you can browse options here.

Once in Salzburg, you’ll find that the best way to navigate the city is on foot. Salzburg is very compact and you can pretty much walk from one end of the city centre to the other in about 15-20 minutes. And, besides the area around the fortress and Monchsberg, the city is quite flat so it isn’t too difficult to plan to traverse everything on your own two feet.

2 to 3 Day Salzburg Itinerary

Day 1 – main sites & fortress.

The first day of this itinerary takes you by the main sites of the city. Though Salzburg is quite small and compact, make sure to wear some good walking shoes today as you will be covering quite a bit of ground!

Coffee at Cafe Bazar

Begin your day at a classic Austrian cafe along the River Salzach — the Cafe Bazar.

Though cafe culture may be more associated with a city like Vienna rather than Salzburg, the tradition is actually quite pervasive throughout Austria and it’s something you can experience in cities throughout the country whether you find yourself in Linz or Graz or Salzburg or Vienna . But if you want to get a true Austro-Hungarian cafe experience in Salzburg, Cafe Bazar is really a great place to do it.

Here you can get classic Italian espresso drinks like a cappuccino or a macchiato or you can be a bit more local and get a traditional Austrian coffee, such as a kliener brauner (a shot of espresso served with milk). This is also a good place for breakfast should that be what you’re after.

Getreidegasse

After you’re sufficiently caffeinated, take a stroll across the river to explore the historic centre of Salzburg and take in one of its most iconic streets – Getreidegasse.

Winding through the beautiful baroque architecture, this is the high street of central Salzburg and comes with international shopping options along with a number of historic sites to see.

For instance, while you see how the shopfronts of McDonald’s or an H&M have been seamlessly incorporated into the aesthetic of this street, you can also wander by the birthplace of one Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s most famous resident.

Mozart himself moved to another residence across the river once he was older, however, both homes are available to visit if you should wish.

If you do want to visit both of these museums, it can be worth purchasing the Salzburg Card , where entry is included in the price along with most other attractions in the city.

Once you’ve strolled through the main drag, head a bit further into the city centre and browse through the Grünmarkt – an open-air market that is in operation every day of the week except Sunday.

While this isn’t Salzburg’s main market (that takes place across the street from Mirabell Palace on Thursdays), it does have an array of interesting things to browse through and will allow you to pick up some unique souvenirs from local sources.

Salzburg Cathedral

After browsing through the Grünmarkt, stroll over to the pivotal focal point of central Salzburg – its grand cathedral.

Salzburg was run by the Catholic Church until the early 19th Century and didn’t even become part of what is now modern Austria (then part of the Hapsburg empire) until 1816. Because of this, there are grand Catholic churches dotted around Salzburg but there is one that stands above others — and that is the Salzburg Cathedral.

Entry into the Cathedral is free (though there is a stand at the entrance that will solicit donations — this is optional) and it is really worth going inside and taking in the grandiosity. Another interesting facet of the Cathedral is the entrances, of which there are three doors.

Above each door, there is a date. The first door the year 774 is inscribed above it, describing the year that the first cathedral was built at this site. The second has the year 1628, when the construction of the main cathedral was completed and the third has 1959, when the reconstruction of the cathedral was completed after having been bombed in the Second World War.

Kollegienkirche

If the Salzburg Cathedral wasn’t enough for you to visit, head a few hundred metres away and visit the Kollegienkirche, or the Salzburg University Church.

This church is used mostly as a concert hall these days and is quite unique inside. Where the cathedral has classic frescos and stained glass, the Kollegienkirche is notable for its stark white interior, which is bright and incredibly beautiful.

Like the Cathedral, entry to this church is free of charge.

Residenzplatz

After taking in these amazing sites, find your way to Residenzplatz — Salzburg’s main square.

This large open area is where you will find a beautiful fountain surrounded by the former residence of the Archbishop of Salzburg (which houses a classical art museum), the Salzburg Museum, which is home to a number of historic artefacts from the city through the ages, and the Salzburg Glockenspiel, a belltower that plays songs three times per day.

Residenzplatz is also home to Salzburg’s biggest and most iconic Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt.

You can see all of these sites and more (along with gaining some important historical context) on the Salzburg Free Walking Tour . This tour runs daily and must be booked in advance. Though the tour is free of charge, it is customary to tip the guide at the end as this is how they make their living.

If the free walking tour doesn’t suit your schedule, there are also paid walking tours that run more frequently.

After all of this sightseeing, it’s likely that you’ve worked up quite the appetite. We recommend heading over to the nearby Mus Deli for some modern Austrian & European food at affordable prices. The menu is only in German, however, the staff speak English and will help you with what is on offer.

Now that you’ve refuelled after an eventful morning of sightseeing, it’s time to visit Salzburg’s most imposing and famous landmark — the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Sat atop a hill overlooking the city, this is the most iconic part of the city’s skyline and it is considered to be one of the best-preserved fortresses of its kind in Europe.

You can access the fortress either via funicular or by walking up the hill and paying for entry at the top. Entry with the funicular costs €14 per person and without it it is €10.80. Because of all of the walking (and the hike as the next activity on this Salzburg itinerary), I would recommend spending the extra money in order to take the funicular. It is possible to pre-book tickets here.

The fortress consists of several different museums and viewpoints where you can learn about the history of this iconic fortification. There is also a marionette museum there which I found to be a bit creepy, but may be of interest to some.

Hike on Monchsberg

After visiting the fortress, take the time to explore the hill this beautiful building lies on (and get some iconic views, as well) – Monchsberg.

There is a network of hiking trails along Monchsberg that are all incredibly well-maintained and popular for walkers to explore. We recommend walking on the trail in the direction of the Museum of Modern Art before heading down to the Augustiner Brau brewery.

If you’re looking for a great photo-op that includes both the city of Salzburg and amazing views of the fortress, take the time to stop outside of the Museum of Modern Art before continuing on.

The walking trail that I am recommending is well-maintained and relatively flat so it is really an easy hike until you reach your final destination (and comes with some beautiful views, as well).

Augustiner Brau

As a reward for all of the walking and hard work, end your hike at the Augustiner Brau brewery, a classic Austrian beer hall that is sure to give you an authentic Salzburger experience.

This beer hall has different areas where you can enjoy a stein of freshly brewed beer and also food stands where you can grab a snack or a meal (you are also welcome to bring your own food). If the weather is nice, we recommend finding a place in the larger beer garden.

When getting a beer, you can choose between 300ml, 500ml or 1-litre sizes. You pay for your beer at the counter, the cashier will give you a ticket, then you pick up your ceramic steins, rinse them out in the communal tap, and bring them to the barman where he will fill it up for you (in exchange for your ticket!). Make sure to follow the lead of the seasoned locals in front of you to pick up on the etiquette.

This is an excellent experience in Salzburg that I highly recommend.

Evening Concert

After an exhausting day of seeing all of the sites, spend your evening taking in another thing that makes Salzburg famous — classical music! There are countless options to be able to take in a concert in Salzburg depending on which night you’re visiting and what you’re after.

If you’re looking to book some tickets online, some options include this “Best of Mozart” concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress or this concert at Mirabell Palace.

Day 2 – Gardens, Palaces & Museums

If you’re spending 2 days in Salzburg, the second day is a bit more mellow than the first and will allow you to dig a bit deeper into the city and visit a few museums. We’d recommend looking into the Salzburg Card to save some money on entry into several museums and sites around the city.

Schrannemarkt

If you happen to be starting the second day on a Thursday, then make sure to visit the Schrannemarkt.

I, personally, love visiting open-air markets wherever it is that I’m visiting and Salzburg is no different. Located across the street from Mirabell Palace, this market is massive and has countless stalls selling fresh, seasonal produce and local products.

This is an excellent place to pick up some fixings for a picnic later or even buy some gastronomical souvenirs to bring home.

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

If it’s not a Thursday or if markets don’t interest you, start your day at the Mirabell Palace & Gardens. Perhaps most famous as a filming location of The Sound of Music (notably in the “Do-Re-Mi” song), these gardens, in particular, are absolutely gorgeous and worth strolling in and enjoying for as long as you may fancy.

The palace itself is also open for visitors and is notable for its beautiful Marble Hall, which, prior to 2020, hosted over 1000 weddings each year.

The palace (and gardens) are free to enter and you can visit the Marble Hall — it is located on the first floor and is behind a closed door (however, if it is unlocked you can enter so don’t be discouraged!).

This is a primary filming location of The Sound of Music but if you want to dive even more into the making of the film in Salzburg, you can book a Sound of Music tour that will take you by all of the filming locations and more!

Visit a Museum

After enjoying the Mirabell Palace and gardens, take the time to head to a museum or two to learn more about Salzburg, or its most famous resident — Mozart.

You can opt to head to the nearby Mozart House on the north side of the river or to his birthplace on Getreidegasse. Alternatively, visit the Salzburg Museum or even the Museum of Modern Art.

There are countless museums in the city that you could easily fill the entire day.

You’ve likely worked up a bit of an appetite with your sightseeing for the day so take the time to have a quick lunch break at one of Salzburg’s great eateries.

If you’re looking for some international fare, we can recommend Xinchao , a Vietnamese place that has excellent bahn mi.

If you’re after Austrian Cuisine, Gasthaus Zwettler comes recommended, however, we did not eat here ourselves.

Cruise on the River Salzach

On day one of this Salzburg itinerary, you had the opportunity to see Salzburg from above on the view from Monchsberg. Now, it’s time to get a different (and slightly more relaxing) perspective of the city by going on a river cruise.

There are lots of options to cruise up and down the Salzach, such as this 40-minute tour that leaves several times a day.

Sunset Hike up Kapuzinerberg

After a relaxing cruise along the Salzach, it’s time to get a bit active once more and hike up the other major hill dominating Salzburg’s skyline, Kapuzinberg.

This hill, located on the north side of the city, provides a different perspective and excellent views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the city below. If you want to get the best photos, head up there just before sunset to really see the city glow under the later afternoon sunshine.

After a busy couple of days, it’s time to reward yourself with a locally brewed beer! You’ve already been to Augustiner Brau so plan to go somewhere a bit more trendy this time, Die Wiesse.

This brewery has several locally brewed wheat beers on tap (some seasonal brews, as well). They have a large and inviting beer garden that is lovely to relax in on warm days and also have a full kitchen, so it’s a great place to grab dinner should you wish, as well.

Day 3 – Explore the Surrounding Area

If you are lucky enough to have 3 days in Salzburg, you can spend your third day going on a day trip somewhere in the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for some outdoor adventures, beautiful natural wonders or historic castles, there are lots of options available.

Mondsee & Wolfgangsee

If you want to enjoy some tranquillity or watersports in an Alpine lake, then look no further than the lakes Mondsee and Wolfgangsee.

Both are located not far from central Salzburg, these are easy to reach and are absolutely beautiful to visit. Mondsee is bigger and a bit more developed, with lots of watersports and lakeside pubs and restaurants available.

Wolfgangsee is a bit smaller and not quite as busy, however, the town of St Gilgen on the northwest end of the lake can get very popular with tourists. All in all, both lakes are very easy to visit from Salzburg either by car or public transport and are well worth it.

Mondsee and Wolfgangsee are excellent alternatives to the over-visited town of Hallstatt — especially the charming town of St Gilgen on Wolfgangsee.

Werfen Ice Caves & Hohenwerfen Castle

If you’re looking for something jaw-dropping and active, consider visiting the Werfen Ice Caves. Located in the town of Werfen about 40km south of Salzburg, these ice caves are truly spectacular.

They are only open from May through October and a general level of fitness is recommended if you’d like the visit these caves. They are accessed either by a panoramic cable car ride or a steep hike. You can buy tickets in advance online.

Nearby the ice caves lies Hohenwerfen Castle , a medieval castle sat atop an imposing peak overlooking the town of Werfen.

It is considered to be a sister castle to the Hohensalzburg Fortress and is also known as a filming location for the 1968 film Where Eagles Dare . Hohenwerfecn Castle can also be seen in the background during the beginning of the “Do-Re-Mi” scene in, of course, The Sound of Music .

Schloss Hellbrun

Another excellent place to visit just outside of Salzburg (and actually included in the aforementioned Salzburg Card) is Schloss Hellbrun.

This palace is situated very close to central Salzburg and is a wonderful place to visit with children. Filled with beautiful fountains and grottos, you can wander through the water features and feel lost in a mystical world.

Gollinger Waterfall

And finally, if you’re looking for a day of hiking, look no further than the Gollinger Waterfall. Located roughly 30km south of Salzburg, this waterfall is absolutely stunning and is accessible to see from a short hike from the car park.

You get a view of the waterfall almost instantly, however, there is a well-marked and maintained trail that you can take to see the waterfall from different vantage points (this will take about 30 minutes in total to hike).

If you want to go further, there are a number of different hiking trails of various lengths that you can embark on in this area, as well.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Gästehaus im Priesterseminar – If your budget allows for a bit more than a hostel, then this guesthouse could be a great option. Centrally located in the heart of Salzburg, this beautiful baroque building offers several great rooms.

Boutique Hotel Auersperg – If you’re after a bit of luxury while in Salzburg, then look no further than this elegant hotel. Family-run for generations, this hotel is centrally located close to all of the city’s top attractions. they have luxe rooms available and countless other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Private Rental – If you want to feel like a local while in Salzburg, then a private apartment rental is a great choice for you. There are countless options available in the city, such as this bright central apartment that will suit all kinds of travellers.

Yoho International Youth Hostel – If you’re visiting Salzburg on a budget or are simply looking for a social atmosphere, then this centrally located hostel is a great option. They have both private and dorm rooms available and, for those who want it, a screening of “The Sound of Music” every evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Salzburg hotels!

Planning the perfect 2 or 3 days in Salzburg itinerary can be an overwhelming task when you consider how much there is to do in this small city. However, if you plan your time well, you’re sure to get the most out of this beautiful and historic Austrian town.

Are you visiting Austria? Have you been planning a trip to Salzburg? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect Day Trip to Salzburg from Vienna

Salzburg or Vienna: Which Austrian City to Visit?

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Austria , Cultural Travel

Why You Should Visit Salzburg, Austria – The City Beyond Mozart & The Sound of Music

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

There are many reasons to visit Salzburg, Austria, and in this travel guide, I highlight what this city is about beyond its well-known parts and cliches detailed in the things to do in Salzburg lists, and beyond only Mozart and the Sound of Music. 

Let’s pretend all of Austria’s major cities are siblings. Vienna would be the classical one with a hidden, gritty second personality. Innsbruck would be sporty, and Graz would have a Mediterranean flair. Salzburg? She would be exquisitely beautiful and musically gifted. Everyone wants to see Salzburg.

Why You Should Visit Salzburg, Austria – The City Beyond Mozart & The Sound of Music

The Reason to Visit Salzburg, Austria

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There’s more to Austria’s fourth-largest city than Mozart and the Sound of Music, of course, but the city is first and foremost a musical metropolis, even if this is not your sole purpose for visiting.

Salzburg’s streets are filled with buskers, opera singers and all manner of harmonic performers, continuing to serve with melodies a city that bore one of the greatest composers of all time.

Annually the city hosts over 4,000 cultural events, including the internationally renowned Salzburg Festival. In-between, die-hard fans of the Sound of Music seek out the film’s famous film scenes, just as I did, and winter in Salzburg sees people come to visit the origins of the Silent Night Christmas Carol.

READ MORE: The History of the Silent Night Song in Austria

It’s no wonder Salzburg takes the tagline “Stage of the World”. That’s a lot of performance to pack into a compact city.

Yet, Salzburg is also a great place to wander and absorb the history that marks it out from other Austrian cities etched with typical Habsburg style and their distinct atmosphere. Salzburg is timeless while having carved out a youthful vibrancy; distinctly famous without being disgustingly overcrowded and charming in a way that you always hear about, but which you only connect with once you are there.

Salzburg – always the city of music on every corner.

Things to Do in Salzburg Beyond Musical Fame

My journey began in the Schloss Leopoldskron , the historic palace 20-minutes from the city centre . The epitome of majestic Salzburg, this landmark building from 1736 sits upon the banks of a shimmering blue lake (of Sound of Music fame), with manicured gardens and a mountainous backdrop.

In 1918 it was taken over by the famous theatre director and founder of the Salzburg Festival, Max Reinhardt who renovated to how it stands today with stunningly decorated rooms and a grand library – all of which you have free reign to wander.

Once the gathering place of writers, composers and other creatives, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to a city I had longed to visit for many years. After an emotional arrival (for reasons I cannot work out I just wanted to burst into tears the second I stood on the grounds here) and gorging on Palace interiors, the city was calling.

Want to book? ► Stay in the Schloss Leopoldskron

The Sound of Music Lake at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg

The beautiful Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, seen from the other side of the lake pond.

The library of Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria

The Horse Head Gate, made famous in Sound of Music.

Salzburg’s historic city centre has been a World Heritage Site since 1997 and is seen as the most significant baroque city north of the Alps. It was built to be exquisite and display prosperity. Occupying a unique position in Europe as a Roman stronghold on the junction of a military road that linked the north and south of Europe, it came into being in the 7 th century (year 700) when it was founded and ruled by independent Catholic Prince Archbishops.

Its absence of grandeur Hapsburg touches was replaced by those of the secular kind – with Cathedrals and beautiful baroque church spires, all set within large open Italian flair squares which today brim with artworks and views to the castle on the hilltop. The Archbishops’ power and affluence continued well into the 19 th century, who built the city from the wealth accumulated through salt trading (hence the city’s name). It only became a part of the Habsburg Empire in 1816.

Riverside view of Salzburg city, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Austria

In the very heart of the city centre of Salzburg, Austria

One of the grand public squares in Salzburg.

Salzburg’s Golden Fountain.

Old City Gate’s of Salzburg – the still visible doorways to the past.

In place of pastel candy coloured noble houses and overshadowing the art nouveau touches of the Austrian monarchy, you’ll find alternative splendour in pretty avenues. One particular highlight is Getreidegasse – a notable street and stunning shopping mile full of traditional confectioners, tailors and weavers alongside international brands.

The defining feature of Getreidegasse is the uniform design of the shop signs. Notice how McDonald’s even adheres to the signage styling.

The famed Getreidegasse shopping street in Salzburg.

Beyond the centrepieces of Sound of Music Fame, the palace structure, manicured gardens and opulent fountains of the Schloss Mirabell and the Mirabell Gardens are a must for a sample of quintessential, classic Salzburg. Views are topped off with a scattering of mint-coloured rooftops as you gaze towards the castle complex on the hill. 

Famous fortress view from the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg.

The grand gate of the Mirabell Gardens.

The smallest house in Salzburg (No. 10a Alter Markt) is less than 1.5 metres wide, yet perfectly blends in. The legend is that a young man went to his future wife’s father to ask for her hand in marriage. The father permitted the marriage only if the man could provide his daughter with a house and this was all his funds permitted.

The truth is the house was built to fill an old Medieval alleyway between the larger houses on either side of it and is, today, a jewellery store. 

10a Alter Markt – the smallest house in Salzburg.

Admire the city’s 1,000 protected buildings from various elevated viewpoints in the city. The best is the rooftop of the Museum of Modern Art , which is a full window on the city that includes the 11th-century  Hohensalzburg Fortress – the medieval castle that watches over the city (itself a frequented panoramic vantage point).

Get up to the modern art museum at the Hohensalzburg Fortress for the best view over Salzburg.

The best panoramic shot from Salzburg from the top of the Modern Art Museum

On the subject of modern art, Salzburg doesn’t just covert the best of it in museums. Modern artworks like the man on the golden globe and the giant interactive chessboard , add colour and curiosity to old squares as you stop and gaze at the baroque structures that dominate.

I always like to see how old cities add some modern spark to stay exciting and relevant to all manner of visitors. Salzburg is opulent, but it isn’t without a subtle coating of gritty, youthful vibes and modern creative inclusions, which are fun to find and push you to explore outside the architectural boundaries of the historic centre.

Two of the best modern artworks in Salzburg’s historical city centre.

Salzburg is a city with over 500 years of beer heritage. It’s a rite of passage to immerse yourself in Salzburg’s beer heritage and sip on a Steiner at the Augustiner Brewery as you marvel at the history of the monks.

Ancient beer halls of the Augustiner Brewery in Salzburg.

First, you choose the size of your Steiner, pay for it and then let one of the guys fill you up from the barrel. Find a table, socialise with locals and grab some traditional foods, which you can find served outside the giant beer halls.

Even if you are on your own, as I was, you will strike up a conversation since sharing tables is a part of the beer culture. My good friend, Steph, demonstrates the scale of the beer from her visit a month before mine.

Still thirsty? Head to the 17 th century established Stiegl Brewery that is still in operation today.

Cross the River – See Salzburg Differently

It’s easy to spend all your time on the side of the river where the historical centre and old town is. Yet, a simple river cross to the other side reveals another side of Salzburg, where trendy neighbourhoods are thriving in timeworn alleyways and cosy city corners. 

Get to Steingasse, across the river from the Historic Old Town. Stone Street (as it translates) is the oldest street in Salzburg, and this quiet, historical alleyway of the city is not forgotten but is a place where street art and trendy neighbourhood vibes are emerging.

The beautiful and hidden Steingasse – the oldest street in Salzburg.

Street art and old shop signs merge on the trendy Steingasse street.

While you are on this side of the river, wander through the neighbourhood of Andräviertel. It’s quieter, has some independent stores and cafes, adding to a growing bohemian feel that makes it feel like a different ‘halve’ of Salzburg across the water.

Salzburg’s Andräviertel Neighbourhood. The other side of the city.

Local Salzburg in Andräviertel.

A University City, you’ll stumble across from the hum of coffee houses in courtyards, trendy bars and bistros that feed the young heart. Salzburg is where ‘Lederhosen Donnerstag’ (Lederhosen Thursday) was established, where young people come together in traditional clothing to socialise and muse in a modern establishment on this chosen day of the week. The city is known for its endless array of Dirndl and Lederhosen shops, and this fun movement keeps the culture alive in a modern setting. 

What to Do in Salzburg for the Music

Hollywood can often ruin a city, especially one made famous by the longest standing musical film of all time that attracts over 300,000 tourists a year. However, while some of the 1965 film’s scenes are within the centre of the city, many remain outside of it, accessible only by your meticulous planning (and special permission) or via The Sound of Music Panorama Tours bus.

The Sound of Music bus tour in Salzburg

I admit I was a little pessimistic about a bus tour since I like to bounce around on my own time. But here’s the honesty. It was one of the most fun mornings I’ve ever had – a bus full of excitable Sound of Music fans hyper on Do Re Me, My Favourite Things, How do You Solve a Problem like Maria and all other tunes, while staring out of the window at Salzburg’s green vistas. Panorama Tours have created a sing-along, multi-stop schedule that runs every day of the year (because it is THAT in demand).

It stops at various highlights including the other side of the Schloss Leopoldskron pond (access is only available if you stay at the property), the white gazebo known for “Sixteen going on Seventeen”. It passes the outskirts of Villa Trapp, heads out to the church where Maria and Captain Von Trapp got married and ends at the beautiful Schloss Mirabell in the city. So you can dance on the Pegasus (Do-Re-Mi) fountain and snap yourself on the famous stairs at the Mirabell Gardens.

The Do Re Me Bridge from the Sound of Music, crossing the Salzach River in central Salzburg.

The “Sixteen going on Seventeen” gazebo.

Mondsee Cathedral, used for the marriage scene.

The Pegasus fountain in the Schloss Mirabell from Do-Re-Mi.

The film famous stairs at the Mirabell Gardens.

The tour is also a way of getting out in the surrounding nature of Salzburg, where you can spot the Untersberg – the panoramas used in the opening scenes of the Sound of Music. While the city pops with gardens and cycle paths, the mountain ranges of the Mönchsberg, Festungberg and Kapuzinerberg hug the city, whose old and modern districts get divided by the river Salzach.

On the Panorama Tours bus, you weave through these mountainous valleys and past half a dozen lakes, getting an introduction to the diversity of Salzburgerland state.

The panoramas used in the opening scenes of the Sound of Music.

Scenes from the Panorama Tours bus.

Mozart is the city’s most famous son, born and bred in Salzburg and forever a part of its legacy.

The Mozart Statue in Mozart, honouring his legacy in his birth city.

Born in Getreidegasse 9 (in 1756), today fans flock for a picture outside the building’s brightly painted yellow façade, which now incorporates a permanent exhibition about his life and career.

Getreidegasse 9 – Mozart’s Birth House.

Afterwards, you can indulge in a Mozartkugel chocolate, whose silver and blue wrapper marks it out as the “Original Salzburger Mozartkugel” – the real deal compared to the red and gold wrapped ‘souvenir’ style Mozartkugels found elsewhere in Austria. There’s a lot of pride here over the Mozartkugel – a delicious mesh of green marzipan layered with nougat and dark chocolate, which you can buy from Fürst on Brodgasse .

In 1890, master confectioner Paul Fürst invented this treat and named it after the city’s composer, who was not even that famous at the time. It is still produced by hand to this day with the original recipe and tastes a lot better than the mass-produced ones. 

The Fürst chocolate shop – home to the original Mozartkugel.

Winter in Salzburg is not just one of the most romantic places for all things advent and Christmas related; it is also where the story of Silent Night began. The most famous of all Christmas Carols, Salzburg is pivotal to the beginnings of the song with seven locations related to it. Joseph Mohr, who wrote the Silent Night songtext, was born in Salzburg and lived at Steingasse 31. In wider SalzburgerLand, around 30 minutes from the city, you can visit Arnsdorf village where school teacher Franz Xaver Gruber first composed silent Night before moving on to the neighbouring village of Oberndorf where you’ll find the Silent Night Chapel.

READ MORE:  Silent Night Song Locations in Austria  – A 200-Year-Old Old Story of the Famous Christmas Carol

Things to Know About Salzburg, Austria:

Honour the legends of sound when you get to Salzburg and take yourself on the musical journeys it is worthy of, yet know there are more stories. Stories in its architec ture, art, old alleyways and trendy neighbourhoods, giving this city more reasons for a visit.

• Salzburg has an airport, Flughafen Salzburg, with connections to major European cities and beyond. Travel to Salzburg is also easily accessible from anywhere in Austria, primarily via the other major city hubs. Salzburg is a 2.5-hour train ride from Vienna, 2 hours from Innsbruck and 4 hours from Graz, easily accessible via the ÖBB network .
• The Salzburg Card gives you access to all museums, transport and discounts in individual stores and other outlets. It’s especially useful if you want to visit the Museum of Modern Art just for the view while using it for other advantages. A 24-hour card costs €24, 48-hour €32 and a 72-hour card is €37. There are also Salzburg hotel and card packages from €119.

Salzburg attractions are not just limited to the centre of the city. From salt mines to mountain lakes, city walking tours to a broader exploration of the state of SalzburgerLand, there are many Salzburg sightseeing options to see the wider city and beyond if you are staying for a few days.

• City and Countryside Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
• See the Lakes and Mountains in Salzkammergut
• Half-day tour to Hallstatt
• Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour

One of my recommendations is to visit St. Johann im Pongau in Salzburg, home to the deepest gorge, the hiking point to one of Austria’s best mountain viewpoints, and next to the biggest ice cave in the world – Eisriesenwelt. 

READ MORE: Summer in St. Johann im Pongau , Austria – The Salzburg Mountain City After Ski

• Sound of Music fans should take the Panorama Tours bus  in Salzburg all around the key film locations and out into the surrounding lake areas. The musical is also shown at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre and at the Salzburg State Theatre (check if it’s a live sing-along!).

Hotels in Salzburg are plentiful, which options to suit all budgets.

• A suggested historical city centre Salzburg hotel is the 3* Bergland Hotel for the budget end and the real Villa Trapp for mid-budget.
• I recently stayed at the Stein Hotel – an old legendary city hotel, now renovated in the new art design. Located right on the banks of the Salzach River, its rooftop bar and restaurant provides a panoramic view of Salzburg.
• For those looking to sleep in a palace in Salzburg,  stay in the Schloss Leopoldskron for ultimate luxury and a magnificent backdrop of mountains,
• If you want to stay in a former fortification on the Kapuzinerberg in the centre of the city, check out the availability of the restored 1629 castle, Franziskischlössl . Since 2017 guests can stay in the renovated former private residences and two suites with an elevated view of Salzburg’s famous mint green rooftops.
• For more information on Salzburg’s world-acclaimed events including the summer Salzburg Festival, the Salzburg Easter Festival and ‘Mozart Week’ check out the online Salzburg events calendar.
• Check out the Salzburg Tourist information website. For further information about planning your trip around Austria visit the  Austria Tourism website and find additional information that supplements this Salzburg travel blog. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Stuart Forster says

29 August 2017 at 8:01 am

I’ve been over to Salzburg many times (I used to live in Munich) and reading your post makes me keen to return. Your photos really capture the mood of the city, as I remember it.

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One Day in Salzburg, Austria: Top Sights, Day Trip Itinerary, Map & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

The city of Mozart and ‘The Sound of Music’, Salzburg is one of the most popular travel destinations in Austria. And even though there’s plenty to see and do in the city and its surroundings to fill a week or two, many people only have one day in this beautiful city.

If you are also visiting Salzburg for one day and wondering what to see and how to plan your time, this guide should help you to plan a perfect day trip to Salzburg.

In this article, we share a  suggested 1-day Salzburg itinerary  that covers all the main sights that you really shouldn’t miss on your first visit.

At the bottom of this article, you can find a short overview of this itinerary with the approximate time indications to help you plan your day. We also include a  map  indicating all the places mentioned in our guide and share useful tips and recommendations based on our personal experience.

And while there’s no way to see ‘everything’ in Salzburg in a day, if you plan well, you can definitely see the ‘musts’, soak up the pleasant atmosphere, and enjoy some local specialties. Find out!

PRO TIP:  Be sure to get the  Salzburg Card  for your visit. It offers free entrance to all the main tourist attractions and also includes public transport, funicular, etc. Even if you visit Salzburg for one day, this city card is totally worth it.

With just a day in Salzburg, you will probably be arriving in the city by train. In that case, you can pick up this card at the Tourist Office at the railway station. Alternatively, you can get it at the Mozartplatz in the old town. If you are staying in the city, you might also be able to buy this card at your hotel.

Good to know: The card’s validity starts when you first use it, so not from the moment you buy it.

Here’s how we recommend spending one day in Salzburg:

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Start your day in Salzburg with a quick visit to Mirabell Palace   and Gardens.

Built in 1606, Mirabell Palace is one of the most beautiful places in Salzburg, often featured in travel guides and postcards. It’s also known as one of the ‘Sound of Music’ filming locations.

Nowadays, the beautiful palace is often used for weddings, concerts, and special events. Normally, you can visit the Angel Staircase (daily from 8 am to 6 pm) and the Marble Hall (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm and Tuesday and Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm). However, the palace can also close for special events, which was the case for several days in a row when we visited.

If it’s open and you can, definitely take a look inside. And otherwise, enjoy the beautifully manicured gardens with fountains and statues. If you visit Salzburg during the summer months, you can also admire the beautiful rose garden and lots of other flowers – it’s gorgeous!

TIP: If you want to see the interior of the palace, you can also come here  for a Mozart concert in the evening . More about this further below.

Mozart Residence

Just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Mirabell gardens, you’ll find the  Mozart Residence . Not to be confused with Mozart’s Birthplace in the old town, this is a house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived for a couple of years from 1773 until 1781, when he moved to Vienna.

The 8-room apartment on the first floor of the Mozart Residence is currently a museum. A visit here gives you a deeper insight into Mozart’s life in Salzburg and also the life of his closest family members.

The exhibition includes a few family portraits, Mozart’s original pianoforte, and lots of original documents. An audio guide is provided and if you take the time to listen to everything, you can learn a lot (in that case, count 1-1.5 hours for a visit).

Or you can just choose to listen to some info about a few of the exhibits and quickly see the museum in about half an hour. With just a day in Salzburg, I’d make it a quick visit – there’s a lot more to explore!

Practical information:  Mozart Residence is open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm. In July and August, it’s open from 8.30 am to 7 pm.

Good to know: If you visit just one of the two Mozart houses in Salzburg, most people choose Mozart’s Birthplace. However, a visit to the Mozart Residence is probably even more interesting and it doesn’t take that much time. While entrance tickets to both Mozart houses in Salzburg are quite pricey, both museums are free with the Salzburg Card . So if you get the card anyway, I recommend visiting them both.

Pedestrian bridge to the old town

After leaving the Mozart Residence, head to the river and take one of the bridges to the old town. Despite a small detour, we recommend the pedestrian bridge – Marko-Feingold-Steg – a bit more to the right.

The city views from this bridge are really nice, and because there’s no traffic here, you can actually take your time to enjoy them to the fullest.

This bridge is filled with love locks and is quite picturesque in itself. There are also some informational signs explaining the history of the Jews of Salzburg.

Good to know: On the right side of the bridge, you’ll see a small boat dock. This is where the sightseeing river cruises depart. The standard cruise is also included with the Salzburg Card, so if you want to do it later in the day, make a stop at the ticket office to reserve a specific time slot (5 pm would work well for this itinerary). More about it further below.

Mozart’s Birthplace

Located just across the river, on Getreidegasse 9 in the heart of the old town, you’ll see the bright yellow building with huge golden letters ‘Mozarts Geburtshaus’. This is Mozart’s Birthplace, one of Salzburg’s most visited attractions.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in this house in 1756. He spent his entire childhood here, until the age of 17 when the family moved to the bigger residence mentioned above.

On the ground floor of the building, you’ll see a supermarket – what a location, right?! The upper floors now house a museum. Inside, you can see the apartments of the Mozart family and the very room where Mozart was born. It’s an interesting place to learn a bit more about the childhood years of the famous composer.

The museum also contains a kitchen and several rooms that feature some 18th-century furniture; however, this is not the original Mozart-family furniture. There are also some portraits and other artifacts, including – supposedly – some of W.A. Mozart’s hair.

Good to know:  Mozart’s Birthplace is a rather small museum and the expositions are limited, so you’ll likely be in and out in about half an hour. Still, we found a visit here well worth it; even if just for the experience of being in the same room where Mozart was born.

Practical information:  Mozart’s Birthplace is open daily from 9 am. The entrance here is also included with the  Salzburg Card .

Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse is the main pedestrian street in the old town of Salzburg and an absolute must-see. So after visiting Mozart’s Birthplace, take some time to stroll around and explore this beautiful street a bit more.

You’ll notice that every shop has a really nice traditional-style shop sign hanging on the facade of the building. These signs make the entire street even more picturesque.

Be sure to also check out at least a few of the many side alleyways. They connect this street to other roads in the center, and some are really pretty with their own tiny shops located inside.

Good to know: While very quiet when the shops are closed, Getreidegasse can get extremely busy during the day, and especially on weekends. But the crowds are also part of the experience of visiting here.

TIP: If you want to escape the crowds and get just a little bit off the beaten path, check out the gothic church of the nearby Franciscan Abbey . In addition, you can also make a quick photo stop at Marstallschwemme – Pferdeschwemme . This fountain with a horse sculpture and big murals depicting horses was used to wash horses in the past.

Alter Markt, Residenzplatz, Mozartplatz

Next, head towards the Cathedral of Salzburg. In this area, you’ll find some of the most picturesque town squares and buildings in the city. There are lots of squares here with different names, but they all interconnect, so you don’t need that much time to see them.

First, you’ll pass the picturesque Alter Markt  (the Old Market) square. You could also stop for a cup of coffee and some pastries at the historic  Café Tomaselli , the oldest coffee house in Austria (its origins go back to 1700).

You can also walk through the Goldgasse , a picturesque little street that gets its name from the goldsmiths who used to have shops here.

Don’t miss the  Mozart statue  on Mozartplatz and the beautiful fountain in the middle of  Residenzplatz . Horse-drawn carriages are also parked here and seem to be very popular with tourists as well. We never do horse-and-carriage city tours, but it makes for some nice pictures.

On Residenzplatz, you can also see the  Salzburger Glockenspiel  (the Salzburg Carillon), an impressive bell tower. Its 35 bells play different songs three times a day (normally at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm). If you absolutely want to hear it, you could probably time to be here at around 11 am.

There are also  several museums  here including Panorama Museum, Salzburg Museum, Christmas Museum, and DomQuartier Salzburg. All of them are free with the Salzburg Card, so – depending on your interests – you could quickly check them out.

If you have 15 minutes to spare, I’d potentially consider a quick look inside the Panorama Museum. The giant panorama painting is quite impressive. On the other hand, if you have the time to visit just one museum, skip all the others and head straight to DomQuartier Salzburg (more info below).

DomQuartier Salzburg

DomQuartier Salzburg   is without any doubt the best museum in the city. So even if you just have one day in Salzburg and your time is limited, it’s absolutely worth it.

The impressive complex of baroque buildings was built in the early 17th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a former residence of the Prince – Archbishops that ruled over Salzburg.

DomQuartier was built and decorated by some of the best Austrian baroque artists of that time. It has 180 rooms and impressive halls that connect it with the Cathedral and the nearby St. Peter’s Abbey.

There are three museums inside, and the way it’s set up, you walk from one to the other in a circle. You could easily spend several hours here, but you can also quickly walk through the museum in about an hour.

Inside, you visit an art gallery that contains many masterpieces including paintings by Rubens and Rembrandt, to mention just a few. You can then enjoy beautiful views from the outside terrace which brings you to the upper floor of the Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum. The tour then continues to the Museum of St. Peter’s Abbey , the Long Gallery , and brings you to the most impressive state rooms of the palace.

Good to know:  The ticket includes all three museums and also an audio guide in different languages. And yes, a visit here is also included with the Salzburg Card .

Practical information:  The museum is open daily from 10 am, except Tuesdays. You can find more practical information  on their website .

Salzburg Cathedral & Kapitelplatz

Located just next door is the  Salzburg Cathedral . If you visit DomQuartier, you’ll already be able to see the interior of the church (albeit from the balcony above). So you could just check out the exterior and the Cathedral Square, and move on.

Otherwise, for a small extra fee, you can also visit the inside of the Cathedral (this is one of the few places not included with the city card, but you get a discount). Its baroque interior is really impressive.

TIP:  If you want to, you can also attend  an organ concert at the Cathedral (and see the interior at the same time). Concerts run  at noon  every day except on Sundays and take just half an hour. You can find  more information and get the tickets here . If it’s not too busy, you can get a ticket on the spot as well.

Just behind the cathedral, you can’t miss Kapitelplatz . This is yet another big town square, best known for the giant gold sphere with a statue of a man on top.

St. Peter’s Catacombs & Cemetery

Just a few steps from the Cathedral is another place you can easily include in your one day Salzburg itinerary – the site of St. Peter’s Abbey. Here, you can visit the old cemetery, St. Mary’s Chapel, and the catacombs.

St. Peter’s cemetery is really impressive, with old burial vaults and gated graves. Many famous citizens of Salzburg are buried here, including Mozart’s sister Nannerl and her husband Michael Haydn.

You may recognize this cemetery from one of the final scenes of ‘The Sound of Music’. The von Trapp family was hiding here as they escaped from the National Socialists after the concert.

At the back of the cemetery, you’ll find St. Peter’s catacombs . This Early Christian burial site was literally hewn out of the rock of the Mönchsberg mountain. The site is rather small and you can see everything in about 10-15 minutes, just be prepared to climb some stairs. The views from the terrace about halfway to the top are nice too.

Good to know:  The cemetery is open to everyone and is free to visit. The catacombs require a ticket. They are open daily except for some public holidays. They usually close for half an hour between 12.30 and 1 pm, so keep this in mind since you’ll likely be here around this time.

TIP: At St. Peter’s Abbey site, you can also see an old water wheel  and visit Salzburg’s oldest  bakery  – Stiftsbäckerei St Peter. It’s still operating today and the smell of fresh bread as you pass is irresistible.

By now, you’ll probably be getting hungry. You have lots of great options for lunch.

You could get something small from the above-mentioned bakery (pretzels are a popular snack in Salzburg) or head to Sternbräu beer garden and try some traditional Austrian food there.

Alternatively, there are plenty of nice restaurants in the old town and in the area around the Old Market Square.

And finally, you can also head to Hohensalzburg Fortress which is the next stop on this itinerary, and have lunch at one of the panoramic restaurants there.

Having a quick snack (vs a long lunch) would save you time and allow you to make the most out of your day in Salzburg. At the same time, you’ll likely want to sit down and rest a bit anyway. We opted for the panoramic restaurant at the top of the hill at Hohensalzburg Fortress. The views here are absolutely amazing and it was good to sit down and rest our legs after all the sightseeing. We decided to try some traditional Austrian desserts and save a long meal for dinner. Who said you can’t have dessert for lunch…

Hohensalzburg Fortress

No trip to Salzburg would be complete without a visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress . Dating from the 11 th century, this is one of Europe’s largest completely preserved fortresses.

The fort sits high on the hill overlooking the city center. You can either walk to the top or take a funicular, which is, of course, much faster and easier. The funicular ticket, as well as most of the museums on top, are also free with the  Salzburg Card (which has more than paid itself off by now). And, if you already have the card, you can also skip the queue at the ticket office and go straight to the funicular.

While many people just come here for the views, there is a lot to see and do inside the Hohensalzburg Fortress as well. And even if you just have a day in Salzburg, you should still be able to have plenty of time to check out a few of the main attractions here.

If you visit just one place, make it Fortress Museum . Inside, there’s also a smaller museum where you can see the impressive 16th-century state rooms of the Prince-Archbishops who ruled over Salzburg. Unless you come here early in the morning (before 11 am), this part of the museum isn’t included with the city card and requires a separate ticket. But it’s absolutely worth a few extra euros.

If you have more time, you can also do the ‘Panorama tour’ and visit the Arsenal which offers all kinds of interactive experiences (great for kids too).

Practical information:  Hohensalzburg Fortress is open daily. In summer (May – September), it’s open from 9 am to 8 pm, the rest of the year – from 9.30 am to 5 pm. You could spend 2-3 hours here, but if you are short on time, you can see the musts in about 1.5 hours.

TIP: One of ‘The Sound of Music’ filming locations – Nonnberg Abbey – is located not too far from here. If you want to see it, you can walk there on your way down to the city center. Alternatively, simply take a funicular back down to the old town.

River Cruise (optional)

As mentioned higher above, if you want to do the Salzach River cruise in Salzburg, it’s best to reserve a spot for one of the boats for the late afternoon. The standard ticket is also included with the Salzburg Card, but you have to reserve a specific time slot at their ticket office.

So if you did this when passing here in the morning, you could now come back and do the cruise after visiting the Hohensalzburg Fortress. I think you could plan to be here for the 5 pm cruise.

However, with just a day in Salzburg, I’ll leave it up to you to decide if this boat tour is worth it. It might be a nice way to rest a bit after all the sightseeing, but you aren’t missing that much if you decide to skip it. The boat ride takes almost an hour and the scenery is rather simple. In the meantime, there are so many other nice things to do that are probably worth your time more. For example, enjoying some amazing views – see below.

Viewpoints & rooftops

In addition to the amazing vistas from the terraces at the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress, there are many more nice places to enjoy spectacular views in Salzburg.

You probably won’t be able to visit all of them with just one day in Salzburg, but you could certainly visit at least one or two. Here are some of the best options:

• Kapuzinerberg. This is a smaller hill on the opposite side of the river from the fortress. There’s a monastery and a church on top, as well as two viewing platforms overlooking the city center. It’s a steep uphill walk (via the road or stairs), but it only takes a few minutes and the view is quite rewarding. This would be one of the best places to watch the sunset in Salzburg.
• Mönchsberg. This hill is located on the same side of the river as the fortress, but is somewhat further away giving you a nice sidewards look at the entire city center and the river. It’s very easy to get here by elevator, which is also free with the Salzburg Card. On top, you’ll also find a museum and a restaurant with a panoramic terrace. TIP: Just a short walk on the dirt path behind the museum, there’s a little hidden gem Humboldtterrasse . This viewpoint offers amazing city and river views from a slightly different angle.
• Rooftop bar Steinterrasse. Located on the top floor of Hotel Stein right next to the river, this rooftop bar/restaurant offers some of the best views in Salzburg. If you don’t feel like climbing to the top of Kapuzinerberg, this is a much more relaxing alternative. The rooftop bar tends to be very busy (and I’m not sure you can reserve a table for drinks in advance), but you can always give it a try and see if there’s a table free when you pass here.

Dinner & Mozart Concert

If you want to make an absolute most of your day in Salzburg, you could end it with a Mozart concert (before, after, or in combination with dinner).

Here are some of the most popular options:

• Mozart Concert with Dinner . This is a concert with opera singers in period costumes, and it includes a really good dinner. It takes place inside the Baroque Hall of St. Peter Abbey in the old town, close to the Cathedral.
• Mozart Fortress Concert with Dinner  at the state rooms inside the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can also opt for the  concert-only  (without dinner). If you choose this concert, you could visit the fortress later in the day and just stay on top of the mountain for the concert in the evening.
• Mozart Classical Concert  at Mirabell Palace (no dinner, just concert). 

For dinner, you could simply go to the traditional beer garden Sternbräu in the heart of the old town.

Alternatively, if you are looking for another special experience, you could also reserve a table at the  rooftop restaurant Imlauer Sky-Bar  at  Imlauer Hotel Pitter . This hotel also has a nice traditional restaurant Pitter Keller in the basement.

Of course, there are many other nice restaurants all over the city. If you want to dine at a specific place and/or time, it’s best to book in advance, especially if visiting on a weekend.

Salzburg 1-day itinerary: OVERVIEW & MAP

As promised, here is an overview of the suggested Salzburg day trip itinerary. Please note that the hours are just indicated for your reference, to give you a better idea of what’s possible and how you could plan your time.

1 day in Salzburg itinerary:

• 8.30 am:  Mirabell Palace & Gardens.
• 9 am:  Mozart Residence.
• 9.45 am:  Mozart’s Birthplace.
• 10.15 am:  Old town (optional – Salzburg Panorama).
• 11 am: Salzburg Carillon.
• 11.10 am: DomQuartier Salzburg & the Cathedral.
• 1 pm:  St. Peter’s Cemetery & Catacombs.
• 1.30 pm: Lunch.
• 3 pm: Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• 5 pm:  Back to the city center. River cruise (optional) or some of the best viewpoints.
• +-6-7 pm:  Mozart concert with dinner or dinner and concert separately.

To help you plan your visit, here’s a  map  indicating all the places mentioned in this 1-day Salzburg itinerary.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Some tips for visiting Salzburg

• I already mentioned it a gazillion times, but here it is once more. Be sure to get the Salzburg Card , it’s really worth it. We hardly ever buy city cards, but this one pays off after visiting just 2-3 places.
• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot.
• Reserve in advance. If you want to attend a concert or have dinner at a specific place, book in advance. It makes it so much easier to plan your day and you can be sure to be able to do the things you want to.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed, just skip a few places and concentrate on those that interest you the most. You can’t see everything in Salzburg in a day anyway, so just soak up the atmosphere, walk around the city center, and make it your own perfect day without trying to see every single place you read about. Also keep in mind that the days are much shorter in winter, so you’ll likely have to adjust this itinerary a bit if traveling in the dark season.
• If you don’t want to walk a lot , you can also book the Sound of Music bus tour for half a day. It’s also a very nice way to explore Salzburg and its surroundings (albeit different places), and you can still see a lot in the city center before or after the tour.
• Stay in Salzburg for the night (ideally, at least two nights). The city is a very popular day trip destination and can get extremely busy during the day. In the evening, the crowds disappear and you can explore the beautiful old town without the crowds.
• If you are staying in town, stay close to the old town so that you can simply walk everywhere. We stayed at Imlauer Hotel Pitter and I can highly recommend it (even if just for the most amazing rooftop terrace where they serve breakfast). Here are several other recommendations for all budgets:
• €€€€€  Hotel Sacher Salzburg  – the best 5* luxury hotel in Salzburg (+ amazing river views).
• €€€€  Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt  – a great price/quality in the heart of the old town.
• €€€  Star Inn Gablerbräu  – a great mid-budget option in the old town.
• €€  H+ Hotel Salzburg  – a modern 4* hotel close to the station, one of the most popular hotels in Salzburg.
• €  a&o Salzburg Hauptbahnhof  – one of the best lower budget options.

So, this is our guide to one day in Salzburg, Austria. I hope that this itinerary and our experience-based tips help you plan a truly memorable day in Salzburg.

Have a great trip!

TIP: If your trip isn’t fixed yet and this article made you realize that there’s a lot more to Salzburg than you may have thought, you may want to consider planning at least one extra day in the city. In that case, see our recommendations on what to see and how to plan your time via the link below.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Salzburg & Salzburg 2-days Itinerary

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More travel inspiration for Austria:

• Best Things to Do in Tirol with Kids
• Top of Tyrol – Stubai Glacier
• Tiroler Zugspitz Arena in Summer
• Seebensee & Drachensee Hike
• Zillertal in Summer
• Olpererhütte Hike
• Hintertux Glacier & Nature’s Ice Palace
• Stubai Valley in Summer
• Schlick 2000 in Summer
• Almabtrieb in Austria

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Seville, Spain
• Sintra, Portugal
• Toledo, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

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Perfect 2 Days In Salzburg Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 8, 2022 | Austria , Europe , Travel Tips

Salzburg is a beautiful Austrian city that sits on the border of Germany.

It is one of the prettiest cities in Europe thanks to its breathtaking backdrop of the Eastern Alps, hilly landscape, and impressive historical buildings. 

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So, how many days in Salzburg is enough? The city sees most visitors come for a weekend as you can easily fit all the highlights of Salzburg in 2 days.

Salzburg is also a cultural hub, being the birthplace of Mozart and the host of the world-class Salzburg Festival that happens every summer.

Therefore, there is always plenty to do and see, and this stunning Austrian city is well worth a visit.

To help you with your trip planning, we’ve put together this 2 days in Salzburg itinerary , including everything to see, do, and eat in Salzburg in two days.

Before we start, you should know that you can grab the Salzburg Card to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. The card gives you access to all the main sights including the fortress funicular, the panorama boat, and the cable car. As a bonus, you also get access to all the public transportation.

Grab Your Card

To start your first day in Salzburg off on the right foot, you’ll get to see famous landmarks, learn all about Mozart, try some delicious foods and even watch a show at one of the oldest marionette theatres in the world.

Morning – Hohensalzburg Fortress & Mozart’s Birthplace

Start your two days in Salzburg by visiting the two most famous landmarks of the city.

First, Hohensalzburg Fortress is a stunning 11th-century fortress that is viewable from anywhere in the old town. It sits atop Festungsburg hill.

Despite being so old, this fortress is well-maintained and offers magnificent views over the city. 

To get to the castle, you can take the Hohensalzburg Funicular up the hill. The €15.90 entry price to the fortress includes the use of the cable car.

There’s a lot to explore in the castle, including a vulture tower, various chambers, wings, courtyards, and a museum. 

Next, it’s time to check out what this city is famed for, Mozart’s Birthplace . The house where the much-loved composer grew up is now a museum that showcases his life and career.

Entry costs €12, but you will have to pay extra if you want a guided tour.

The museum has some remarkably well-preserved memorabilia, including Mozart’s first violin, buttons from his jacket, and even a lock of his hair!

Afternoon – Geteidegasse, Salzburg Cathedral & Petersfriedhof Cemetery

Mozart’s Birthplace is located on Getreidegasse , a picturesque street full of shops and restaurants.

If you’re yet to try a traditional Bosna (Austria’s take on a hot dog), grab one from the popular take-out spot, Balkan Grill .

You might have to queue here, but it’s worth the wait. The bread is crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, and the meat is spicy and flavorful. 

Another eatery here that you should not miss is the Confiserie Fürst chocolate shop , by world-famous chocolatier Paul Furst.

Furst is the original creator of the Mozartkugel chocolate balls. The shop is located right at the end of the street, so be sure to pick up some candy as you pass. 

Once your stomach is full, head to another of the city’s highlights, Dom Zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) .

This 17th-century baroque cathedral is a fantastic piece of architecture to enjoy, regardless of if you are religious or not. Plus, admission is free.

The last stop of the afternoon is Petersfriedhof Cemetery and Catacombs . This pretty burial site is not as dreary as it seems and is worth a visit as it is right by the cathedral.

Next to the cemetery are the intriguing catacombs, which costs €2 to enter. They are small but fascinating, and the site has a special atmosphere to it.

Evening – Salzburg Marionette Theatre

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre has been running for over 100 years, making it one of the oldest marionette theatres in the world. There is a show on most evenings, and two on every Friday.

The schedule alternates and features popular productions such as ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs,’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’

Ticket prices range from €30 – €40, and shows start at either 5 pm or 7:30 pm.

For your second day in Salzburg, you’ll get a chance to see the green side of the city by exploring gardens and hiking to a beautiful viewpoint, and of course, a stop at a beer garden in the evening!

Morning – Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Start the second morning of your Salzburg in 2 days itinerary by visiting Mirabell Palace and Gardens . While the palace itself is beautiful, the main attraction is the gardens.

If you’re a ‘Sound of Music’ fan, you’ll surely recognize these grounds as they were one of the musical’s filming locations. 

You’ll be impressed by how well-kept and clean these gardens are, like most parts of the city. Wander around and check out the fountain, rose garden, and cutesy dwarf garden.

Both the gardens and the palace have free admission, so this is a must-visit on your Salzburg trip.

From here, walk south towards Linzergasse Square . There are plenty of great eateries here to grab an early lunch.

One of my favorites is Zum Fidelen Affen , which is slightly north of the square. This restaurant has a gorgeous patio, tasty traditional Austrian dishes, and mouth-watering desserts.

The portions are large, too, so you can refuel ready for the afternoon.

Afternoon – Basteiweig Trail & Viewpoint

After lunch, it’s time to stretch those legs and explore more of this beautiful city. Take a walk down Steingasse lane, a historic cobblestone street that is adjacent to Linzergasse Square.

The narrow street is lined with shops and restaurants. Wander to the end of this lane, and you will come to one of Salzburg’s hidden gems, Basteiweg (Stadtmauer) . 

This short and peaceful hiking trail brings you to a broad viewpoint, giving an incredible panorama of the city and caste.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon here, taking in the peaceful vibes high up over the city. 

Evening – Augustiner Bräu (Beer Garden)

Don’t conclude your visit to Salzburg without visiting an Austrian beer garden. Augustiner bräu is undoubtedly the best beer garden in Salzburg.

Not only is the beer selection impressive and the quality high, but an evening here is always entertaining. 

Moreover, this beer hall isn’t at all touristy. You will see many locals here, making it a truly authentic experience to end your short stay.

You don’t have to sit down in the cellar either. Instead, go up the staircase, and you’ll discover a beautiful tree-covered courtyard, the perfect setting to taste a few on-site brewed beers.

Afterward, be sure to grab some food to soak up all the alcohol. Head across the street to Krimpelstätter or Bärenwirt for a killer schnitzel.

Where To Stay In Salzburg

An essential part of planning two days in Salzburg is finding a good hotel that meets your needs.

Salzburg has a wide range of accommodations for all budgets.

What’s more, as it’s a small city, any centrally-located hotel will be within walking distance to all the sights on your Salzburg itinerary.  

Best Budget Accommodation

Whether you are backpacking through Europe or you prefer to save your cash for experiences in Salzburg, YoHo International Youth Hostel is a great affordable place to stay.

The hostel is a mere 500 meters from Mirabell Palace, with six and four-bed dorms and private twin rooms. 

The dorms feature modern wood furniture, and the front desk is manned 24 hours a day. Plus, there is a small cozy bar and free WiFi throughout. Dorms start at €59 a night .

Best Mid-Range Accommodation

Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu is a traditional 4-star hotel with modern decor and furniture in all rooms.

It is conveniently located in the heart of the city center and offers a comfortable yet affordable stay for travelers. 

All rooms have private bathrooms with a bathtub and shower. They also feature air conditioning to control the temperature and soundproof windows to block out any traffic noise.

Single rooms start at €200, and double rooms are from €300. The hotel has a decent restaurant on site, too, serving both Austrian and international dishes.

Best Luxury Accommodation

If you’re looking for the best of the best, look no further than Hotel Schloss Mönchstein.

This luxury 5-star hotel is not cheap, but it is certainly something special. It is located on top of Mönchsberg hill and has an infinity pool, giving the most magnificent views of the city below.

There is also an outdoor hot tub, beautiful gardens, and a spa with a steam bath and sauna.

All the rooms at Hotel Schloss Mönchstein are  fit for a king, with antiques and marble bathrooms.

What’s more, the hotel presents its guests with a welcome drink, complimentary fruit basket, and homemade cake upon arrival.

Rooms start at €1,800, and a gourmet breakfast is included, served at the on-site Michelin star restaurant. 

Final Thoughts On Salzburg In 2 Days

When planning a trip to Austria, many travelers wonder “Is two days in Salzburg enough?”

Considering the city is only a 2.5-hour train journey from Vienna , it is an ideal weekend destination or for a short stop on any European backpacking trip.

What’s more, while Vienna is an incredible city to visit, Salzburg is one of Europe’s most beautiful and underrated cities.

Therefore, make the most of your trip to Salzburg with this in-depth itinerary.

Are you traveling to Austria soon? Read one of the following guides:

• How many days in Vienna
• Austria SIM cards
• Best places to live in Austria

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Travel Guide Salzburg

Salzburg is one of my favourite cities in Austria . Many people associate Salzburg with Mozart or with the Salzburg Festival, but the city has much more to offer than the commonly known sights! During a trip through Europe, Salzburg is always worthwhile and it’s easy to explore: Many beautiful spots in the city are within walking distance. And those who get a longing for nature are also in good hands in the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The most beautiful sights in Salzburg

In Salzburg’s old town you can find the most important locations within walking distance! From the Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Mönchsberg you have the perfect overview. And in the small alleys between the Domquartier and the banks of the Salzach river you can enjoy the dreamy old town with its historic buildings! Best Things to do in Salzburg

How to save money in Salzburg

To make sure that your trip to Salzburg won’t break the bank and you can still see all the sights, you should get the Salzburg Card * right before your stay. You will save yourself expensive entrance fees and waiting times in the most important sights. With your Salzburg Card, you can even use public transport in Salzburg for free!

Buy your Salzburg Card here! *

Mozart & Salzburg

Salzburg is also known as the Mozart city par excellence. The famous composer was born here and left many traces in the city: Mozart in Salzburg

Food & Drinks

Have a coffee at the traditional Café Tomaselli at the Alter Markt, or try the famous Mozartkugeln at the pastry shop Konditorei Fürst across the street. But modern and innovative cuisine is also very popular in Salzburg: You can find more culinary tips in my great Salzburg Food Guide !

Where to stay in Salzburg

Are you staying more than just one day? Salzburg is also well suited for a long weekend! And there are so many great and exceptional places to stay! Salzburg has an tremendously number of great hotels!

Find a hotel in Salzburg *

How to get there

Do you want to travel environmental-friendly? By train you can easily get to Salzburg’s main station, which is not far from the picturesque old town! Even from Germany there are always good train deals. If you want to combine a visit to Salzburg with a trip to Southern Germany or Bavaria, you should definitely consider travelling by train!

Check train fares from Germany to Salzburg here *

In this video, I’ll show you everything else you can experience in Salzburg:

All about Salzburg

12 cool Salzburg sights you absolutely have to see!

The Best Locations about Mozart in Salzburg

Salzburg: Mozart Week and Mexican mariachis

Salzburg Food Guide: The Best Restaurants and Cafés

How to Spend One Day in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary for Independent Travelers

Explorer’s note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a booking through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep providing tours and top-notch travel advice.

There are certain ingredients for the perfect day in Salzburg. In this article, I will give them to you. This article will help design your day from start to finish, so you don’t miss anything.

Listen to the Episode on the Free Walking Tour Podcast instead!

How to get to Salzburg?

Austria borders seven other countries. Therefore Salzburg is on the route between Munich, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, but travelers also come from Italy and Slovenia.

No matter if you arrive by train, bus, or plane, you always either arrive directly at the train station or take a bus, from the bus terminal in the south or the airport to the station, or Mirabell Square. The station is 10 minutes walking from Mirabell, and Mirabell is the perfect starting point to explore Salzburg.

If you arrive in Salzburg by car, you either have to pay for parking in one of the old town’s garages or park your vehicle at least 30 minutes walking from the city center to find free parking.

Is one day in Salzburg enough?

As much as I would like to talk you into staying longer, telling you about all the little details you can discover in the old town and all the beautiful places in the surroundings, I have to be honest. You can see and do the most important things in Salzburg in one day. Visit the fortress, see Mozart’s birthplace, stroll through Mirabell garden, try the original Mozart chocolate, and visit a beer brewery, among other things. Let me show you how!

Is Salzburg walkable?

Salzburg is one of the most walkable cities you can find. If you arrive by train, it takes you about 10 minutes to reach Mirabell garden, the ideal place to start sightseeing and 25 minutes to reach the fortress of Salzburg, the other end of the old town.

There is no need to take buses in the city center. In fact, most of the essential sights cannot be reached by public transport because the old town is a pedestrian area. If you nevertheless want to read about it, here is an article on public transport in Salzburg .

Is the Salzburg Card worth buying?

The Salzburg Card is an all-inclusive sightseeing card, including all the attractions in the city as well as public transport. It’s worth buying if you enter at least two paid sights. Let’s say you want to visit the fortress and Mozart’s birthplace. You would pay the same amount of money for single entrance fees as the Card costs, but the card includes many more attractions in Salzburg.

Therefore it’s straightforward to make the Salzburg card worth it, and I recommend it to almost everyone. Here is an article for you, if you want to know more about the Salzburg Card .

That being said, there are plenty of free things to see in Salzburg. Especially when you only have one day in Salzburg, you might just visit the main sights to see them from the outside without spending time in the museums and time on going more in-depth.

How to Spend One Day in Salzburg?

So what to do in Salzburg in one day? In short, my recommendation would be to visit the must-see sights in the morning and for the afternoon pick and choose activities according to your interests. To see the must-see sights takes you between two to four hours. Therefore, you could even cover them if you only have a few hours in Salzburg.

Where to have Breakfast in Salzburg?

But first things first. If you have not had breakfast yet, the best and most inexpensive places in Salzburg are bakeries. At some bakeries, you also can sit down and order a cup of coffee together with pastry. The pastry at bakeries is different from the pastry you get at a pastry shop. My favorite breakfast pastry is Zaunerkipferl, and here you find out about my favorite place to have it. Read this article to become an expert on Breakfast in Salzburg .

How to spend the morning in Salzburg?

Ideally, you sign up for the Free Walking Tour to get a simple overview and more recommendations, and to meet me. Still, you wouldn’t have a problem finding the sights on your own either.

Here they are:

• The perfect place to start is Mirabell Garden . It’s on the way from the station before crossing the river. It’s the main sight on the right side of the river. Mirabell is also a great place to ease into the city. While it might also be full of tourists, the garden is spacious and relaxed. Make sure to enter the castle and take the stairs to the first floor to glance at the Marble Hall.
• When you leave Mirabell towards Makartplatz Square, you face Mozart’s residence . Only enter in case you have the Salzburg Card. Otherwise turn right to cross Makartsteg, the love lock bridge of Salzburg.
• The left side of the river is where most of the important sights are. After crossing the bridge, you find one of the passages that are between all the houses. They take you to Getreidegasse . Not only the most famous street in Salzburg, but the yellow building with the Austrian flag is Mozart’s birthplace .
• Go through another passage, and you are in front of the University Church , one of the four most important churches in Salzburg, and one of the must-see sights.
• Behind the University Church, you enter the festival district and find the concert hall . That’s where the Salzburg Festival , the most prominent classical music festival in the world, takes place for six weeks every summer.
• From the concert hall, you visit the Franciscan church and head to Saint Peter’s monastery . Each of them is 2 minutes walking apart. At Saint Peter’s you want to walk through the cemetery after visiting the church.
• If you keep left at the cemetery, you reach Saint Peter’s Bakery , the oldest bakery in Salzburg. Their sourdough bread is an excellent option for a snack. If you keep right at the cemetery, you reach the funicular to the fortress.
• If you only pay for one attraction in Salzburg, I recommend the fortress . In case you have time and want to visit two or more attractions, get the Salzburg Card! If you pay for the fortress, you can save money by walking up. Here you find the history of the Hohensalzburg fortress , if you want to be prepared for you visit.
• After the fortress or instead of the fortress, you could head over to Nonnberg Abbey . Nonnberg is the oldest abbey in the world and the monastery from the Sound of Music. You can not visit the monastery but the church.
• From Nonnberg or the fortress, you visit the cathedral and thereby the heart of the city. The surrounding squares are the main squares of the old town. Especially Residence Square with the two archiepiscopal residences . Nowadays they house the best history museums in town.
• Next to Residence Square, there is Mozart Square and the Mozart statue . Don’t miss the chance to take a picture with Salzburg’s most famous son.
• Now you can either go down to the river and cross the Mozartsteg to walk on the other side along the Steingasse and up to the Saint Sebastian’s cemetery . These are some of my favorite sights, but not everyone would consider them a must.
• Alternatively, you head over to Alter Markt square (old market but there is no actual market) where you do not only get close to the food I would like to recommend for lunch but also find the original Mozart chocolate and the oldest cafe in Salzburg.

That’s how easy it is to get an overview of Salzburg. I sometimes guided Korean groups that arrive by bus and only spend an hour in the old town to walk from the cathedral to Mirabell to see the most famous sights. While that’s not recommended, it’s possible.

Notice that your walk will take longer if you visit museums. 

You could enter the fortress on the way, but if you are planning to get a Salzburg Card and enter museums, I would either recommend planning more time for your walk and visiting every museum on the way or coming back to activate and use it later. To activate the Salzburg Card later is the best option if you have time the next day. More on that below.

Street Food for Lunch

For lunch, you either go for one of my favorite restaurants listed in this article or go for street food.

I would go for street food if I were you. Here you can read about Austrian street food to understand its significance.

My recommendation is Bosna because you only find the original Bosna in Salzburg, but sausages at Raymond’s are an excellent choice as well. That’s not going to be the most comfortable lunch because you will be standing, but it’s delicious and time-efficient.

Coffee and Cake

After lunch, it’s either time for comfort at the coffee shop or to find yourself some takeaway dessert. Your visit to Salzburg wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the cafes or pastry shops. I have three choices for you.

Coffee and Cake at Konditorei Schatz

If you only spend one day in Salzburg, this would be my recommendation for desserts and coffee. Konditorei Schatz produces the best pastries in Salzburg while it remains an insider tip. But it’s not only about sweets. It also offers the authentic Austrian coffee house atmosphere, plus they produce their own excellent Mozart chocolate. Coffee, Cake, Mozart chocolate, and coffee house atmosphere. What else do we need?

Here is an article, if you want to know more about Austrian pastries and one if you would like to know the truth about the Mozart chocolate.

Traditional Austrian Coffee at Cafe Bazar

Cafe Bazar is the place you want to visit to experience an authentic Austrian coffee house in Salzburg. It’s the only one of its kind. Cafe Bazar opened more than 100 years ago. Throughout the 20th century, it was the place where intellectuals and artists gathered. Today it receives people from all walks of life. From old noble gentlemen to b-celebrities, tourists, and hipsters. The ideal place to get to know Salzburg.

Here is an article, if you want to read about Traditional Austrian Coffee Houses in Salzburg .

Take-away Mozart Chocolate

To try the original Mozart chocolate, head to Cafe Konditorei Fürst. They invented the Mozart chocolate and are the only ones allowed to call it the Original Salzburg Mozart chocolate. For more on that, read this article about the truth about the Mozart chocolate .

If you go to one of the two shops, you can only take away the chocolate. If you visit the cafe at the Alter Markt square instead, you can also sit down for coffee and cake.

How to Spend the Afternoon in Salzburg?

After getting an overview in the morning I recommend choosing one or two of the following attractions and activities in Salzburg, depending on your interests.

Should you still get a Salzburg Card?

The Salzburg Card is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. In case you followed the morning recommendation, feel like visiting two or more paid attractions, and still have time the day after, the Salzburg card is still worth it. You can use the card for 24 hours from activation.

If you don’t have time the next day but want to go for the museums in your one day in Salzburg, get the card in the morning! Take more time when discovering the must-see sights and use the card whenever you can by entering every museum along the way.

One of the best things you can do with a Salzburg Card is to take the cable car to Untersberg Mountain. You reach the Untersberg Cable Car valley station by bus number 25 . The same bus takes you to Hellbrunn castle and the trick fountains, which is also included in the card. That’s what I would do after you are done with the museums. That’s how you make the most of your day in Salzburg and of your Salzburg Card.

You could also do it the other way around and head to the cable car in the morning and visit the museums after lunch.

The Sound of Music Tour

Even if the Sound of Music Tour is among the least Austrian things to do in Salzburg, it’s by far the most popular tour. For some travelers, the Sound of Music is the reason to visit Salzburg. If you are one of them, you should consider the tour. In the afternoon, it starts at 2 pm, so there is enough time to explore in the morning before you hop on the afternoon tour.

These tours are never sold out. You can just show up at Mirabell Square to get your ticket. If you would like to prebook, you can use this affiliate link to support me without any extra cost for you.

The Sound of Music Tour doesn’t cover the old town because the old town is a pedestrian area. Therefore, it’s not repetitive and best combined with your self-guided walk or with my Free Walking Tour of Salzburg.

The Sound of Music Tour takes you to the palaces of Leopoldskron and Hellbrunn before heading to the lake district to look at St Wolfgang and at the wedding church located in Mondsee. In Mondsee, you would also have an hour to explore on your own.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress

For its stunning views, the funicular ride, and the historical buildings, the fortress is my favorite sight in Salzburg. You can’t see the Alps from the city center, but once you are in the fortress and on the platform on the southern side, you have the panoramic view of the mountains. In case you didn’t go in the morning, it would be a good idea to visit the fortress in the afternoon. Notice that if you visit two museums, you should get the Salzburg Card.

If you don’t want to spend money and you have time in the evening, you could sneak in after closing time. I know that sounds bad, but it’s legit. When the fortress closes, the gate remains open for another hour or two. The building remains open, and you can visit everything except the museums. There is a small door that only opens from the inside, so once you are inside, you can stay as long as you want, even if the main gate closes.

Climb Every Mountain, or One of them

In my opinion, it’s a must to see Salzburg from above while you are here. Luckily there are other options besides paying the entrance fee to the fortress. On each side of the river in the old town of Salzburg, there is a mountain. Mönchsberg on the left side of the river and Kapuzinerberg on the right side.

Mönchsberg ranges from the fortress all around the old town on the left side of the Salzach river. That’s the mountain you climb for lots of different views. It’s the mountain you want to climb for panoramic sightseeing. And if you don’t feel like climbing the mountain, you can take the Mönchsbergaufzug, the elevator to the Museum of Modern Art.

Kapuzinerberg, on the right side of the river, is the mountain you want to climb if you are longing for nature. On Kapuzinerberg, you are further away from the main sights around the cathedral. You, therefore, have an excellent panoramic overview of them.

If you would like to climb a real mountain, hike mount Gaisberg . To reach the peak of Gaisberg you have to overcome 900 meters of altitude. You can hike there all the way from the old town in three to four hours. The technical difficulty is easy. In case you don’t feel like hiking but still want to reach the top, take bus 151 from Mirabell square!

Here is an article on hiking in the city of Salzburg . The post deals precisely with these three mountains because these are the mountains in Salzburg you reach walking from the city center.

More Things to do in Salzburg in the afternoon?

• The Stiegl brewery in Maxglan is the biggest private brewery in Austria. It’s a short bus ride or half an hour walking from the old town. You can do a tour and a beer tasting, which is also included in the Salzburg Card.
• The Open Air Museum in Großgmain is a collection of old houses. Historic houses from rural areas in Salzburg were taken down and rebuilt in the museum. It’s one of the museums included in the Salzburg Card. Because it’s outside the city and like a natural reserve rather than an ordinary museum, the visit will take you all afternoon.
• The private airplane, helicopter, and racing car collection of the Red Bull founder at Hangar 7 is a place many desire to see. It’s not a must, but the Hangar is free to visit, and it only takes a 15-minute bus ride from the old town.
• The only way to take a day trip with one day in Salzburg while also exploring the old town would be to take a bus tour. You could go for the salt mines , the Ice Caves, or the lake district . Each of the tours takes four to five hours. You will be back in the evening but with €40,- to €50,- these tours are expensive. 

If you really want to take a day trip and you can manage, stay another day! Public transport is convenient, and even the way to each of the day trip destinations is incredibly pretty. Furthermore, you are not constrained by time when you are on your own instead of with a tour.

Here are the seven best day trips from Salzburg to help you contemplate staying a second day.

How to spend the Evening in Salzburg?

If you follow my recommendations, you will be not only tired but also hungry. Here are some further suggestions on how to spend the evening in Salzburg and finish the day.

Dinner at a traditional Austrian Restaurant

For dinner in Salzburg, there are plenty of options. Restaurants in Salzburg are generally good. There are not really any tourist traps when it comes to restaurants. None of the restaurants are highly overpriced or deficient in quality. Here my list of favorite restaurants in Salzburg , if you want to make sure you get the best experience.

What’s not on this list is the Augustiner Brewery. That’s because it’s a beer place rather than a restaurant. The Augustiner, however, has a food court. The stands offer a variety of Austrian dishes and street food. Especially if you are several people you can order small portions of different dishes and everyone gets to try.

How to Attend a Concert in Salzburg

Unlike popular belief and the fact that Salzburg is famous for classical music would suggest, concerts are surprisingly hard to find. My favorite place for concerts is the Mozarteum University. Many of the student’s rehearsals are open to the public and free. These rehearsals could also be available in the afternoon.

Check the schedule to find out.

If there are no student concerts, there are daily concerts for tourists at Mirabell Palace, at the Hohensalzburg fortress, and at Saint Peter’s restaurant. The latter two are dinner concerts. They are pricey, but Saint Peter’s is the oldest restaurant in Salzburg, claiming to be the oldest restaurant in Europe and the concert at the fortress is a chance to combine sightseeing with a concert and dinner. A valid option, if your time is limited.

Here you find more general information on concerts in Salzburg .

The Best Sunset or the Best Night View of Salzburg

On Mönchsberg Mountain, there are countless viewpoints. In front of the Museum of Modern Art, Winkler Terrace is the prettiest and the most convenient place to get a night view of Salzburg. Convenient because there is an elevator inside the mountain. The lift operates until late because there is a restaurant in the museum. Pretty because you overlook all of Salzburg and the fortress.

Just as beautiful is the view from the Hettwer-Bastei on Kapuzinerberg , the other city mountain. To get there, you climb the 261 steps to the Capuchin monastery or take the road to walk up. But I would prefer the view from Kapuzinerberg to the Mönchsberg view only during the day, and for Mönchsberg, you don’t have to hike. I hope this is a worthy conclusion to a full day in Salzburg.

Visiting Salzburg in one day is perfect to see the main sights, eat Austrian street food, experience authentic coffee house culture and get a Salzburg Card to visit the Museums, hike a city mountain or head to another place that’s of personal interest to you.

If you take a bus tour, you could even go on one of the popular day trips or a Sound of Music tour before you indulge in more Austrian food and maybe even a concert in the evening.

This itinerary for Salzburg in one day is designed to make the most of your time. One day is enough for the essentials. That being said, if you can arrange it, however, you should think about staying longer.

In case you have questions or need help planning your visit, don’t hesitate to comment below, send me an Email or a message on Social Media or on WhatsApp. I would be happy to help and to hear from you.

My name is Gerhard, Founder of Free Walking Tour Salzburg. I am an intrepid traveler myself and understand the passion for adventure that independent travelers feel. I love to interact with travelers, share stories, answer questions, recommend places to eat, and offer ideas of things to see and do.

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Salzburg is one of the best destinations to visit in Austria , and it’s one of my favorite European cities for solo female travelers. Plus, if you’re a Sound of Music fan, you’ll be singing your heart out as you explore this city. So here’s the ultimate Salzburg solo travel guide.

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I felt very safe in Salzburg. But, as with any destination, you need to take precautions as a solo traveler. Don’t walk by yourself at night, stay in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, use slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses, and always have a charged cell phone with you.

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May to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds, especially for the world-famous music festivals. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to ensure availability and save some money. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but these are the rainiest months of the year, so always have rain gear with you.

September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings, and the Fall foliage makes the city extra-colorful. Salzburg is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds.

Winter is the off-season when you can have Salzburg practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – February, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months, and ski slopes aren’t far from the city.

March and April are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. March usually still has snow in the surrounding mountains, so you can get some end-of-season ski deals. Daytime temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.

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Where To Eat

Austrian/German Food : Alter Fuchs ($$-$$$), Zum fidelen Affen ($$-$$$), Pauli Stubn ($$-$$$).

My Favorites : Augustiner Brau (Pub, Beer Hall, $$), The Heart of Joy Cafe (European, $$-$$$), Johanneskeller (European, $$-$$$).

Breakfast : Cafe Wernbacher ($$-$$$), 220 Grad ($$-$$$), Bloberger Hof ($$-$$$).

International : Osteria (Italian, $$$), Cabreras (Mexican, $$-$$$), Afro Cafe (International, $$-$$$).

Fine Dining : Andreas Hofer ($$$), Stiftskeller St. Peter (Austrian, $$$$), The Glass Garden (Austrian, International, $$$$).

Cheap Eats : Pommes Boutique (Burgers, $), Costa (Pizza, European, $$), Stieglkeller Beer Garden, $$).

Where To Stay

I stayed at the Hotel Sacher Salzburg , one of the dreamiest European hotels I’ve ever visited!

Salzburg has some incredible accommodations for every budget and preference. From boutique hotels to modern retreats to historic mansions, I’ve rounded up the best hotels and vacation homes in Salzburg.

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Hallstatt . This picturesque lake town is just a short drive or train ride from Salzburg. Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded during the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.

Werfen . This small Alpine town is about a 45-minute car or bus ride from Salzburg. Werfen is home to the Hohenwerfen Castle (featured in the movie Where Eagles Dare ) and the Do-Re-Mi field where The Sound of Music was filmed. You can hike a steep, difficult trail (with beautiful views) to the Do-Re-Mi field, or you can drive. And you can take a funicular to Hohenwerfen Castle.

The Eagle’s Nest . Also known as the Kehlsteinhaus, this mountaintop fortress was once a meeting place for Nazi party members. Now, it’s a stunning landmark with a restaurant, beer garden, and some of the best views in the country. The Eagle’s Nest is closed in the winter.

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Recommended tours in salzburg, frequently asked questions, is austria good for solo travel.

Yes! Austria is an excellent destination for solo female travelers. I felt very safe during my entire trip to Austria. But, as with any destination, you need to take precautions to keep yourself safe. Don’t walk by yourself at night, stay in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, use slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses, and always have a charged cell phone with you.

How many days do you need in Salzburg?

I recommend spending at least three days in Salzburg – two days for exploring the city and one day for a day trip.

The Best Things To Do in Salzburg:

Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.

Is it worth staying in Salzburg?

Yes! Salzburg is one of the best destinations to visit in Austria.

When To Go:

Winter is the off-season when you can have Salzburg practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – February, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months, and ski slopes aren’t far from the city.

March and April are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. March usually still has snow in the surrounding mountains, so you can get some end-of-season ski deals. Daytime temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.

Is Vienna good for solo female travelers?

Yes! Vienna is one of the best destinations to visit in Austria.

September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings, and the Fall foliage makes the city extra-colorful. Vienna is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds.

Winter is the off-season when you can have Vienna practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – February, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months, and ski slopes aren’t far from the city.

Is Salzburg safe for tourists?

Yes! Salzburg is an excellent destination for solo female travelers. I felt very safe during my entire trip to Austria. But, as with any destination, you need to take precautions to keep yourself safe. Don’t walk by yourself at night, stay in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, use slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses, and always have a charged cell phone with you.

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Is Vienna Austria expensive?

Vienna is one of the most expensive cities in Austria. To save some money, here are budget tips for visiting Vienna:

✅Free Admission to Museums. Most museums have designated days with free entry. So if there’s a museum you want to visit, check to see if it has a free admission day, and plan accordingly. ✅Street Food. Food from street vendors can still be a hearty, large-portion, full-meal for much cheaper than restaurants. ✅Drink Local Beer & Wine. Buy local beer and wine brands instead of the more expensive international brands. ✅Buy Train Tickets in Advance. Book your train tickets between cities and towns as soon as possible. Rates will increase closer to your travel days. ✅Use travel reward points to book your hotel and/or flights.

Is Vienna or Salzburg better?

Vienna and Salzburg are both incredible destinations, and they will give you very different scenery and experiences. I highly recommend visiting both of these incredible cities!

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This Salzburg solo travel guide is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Salzburg solo travel guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Salzburg solo travel guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this Salzburg solo travel guide.

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Best of Salzburg: Our Travel Guide & Tips

Oh Salzburg. This little town on the Salzach is so iconically beautiful that it never fails to amaze us every time. Although we have visited Salzburg on more than one occasion, we have not yet written a blog article with our best tips. So it’s about time we share all the goodies that await you on a weekend getaway to the beautiful Salzburg.

1. Best Sights and Attractions in Salzburg

2. top restaurants and cafés picks in salzburg, 3. regional culinary specialties, 4. extra travel tips for salzburg, 5. our hotel recommendation in salzburg.

Salzburg is easy to get around and you can reach almost all the attractions within walking distance. First thing you’ll want to do is head straight to the Old Town, where all the city highlights are located.

Walk through the Old Town to the Main Squares

We recommend that you start your city tour with a walk through the Altstadt (Old Town) just below the fortress. The historic centre of Salzburg is a winding labyrinth of alleyways and passages with a few magnificent Squares that seem to take you pleasantly by surprise.

In the heart of the Old Town you will find the most important Church building in all of Salzburg: the Dom or Cathedral – officially called Dom zu Salzburg . This baroque Cathedral is very well worth a visit.

The Cathedral is surrounded by some of Salzburg’s most important Squares : in front of the Cathedral gates, you will find the Domplatz (Cathedral Square), south of Kapitelplatz Square and north of the Residenzplatz (Residence Square) is where they merge into Mozartplatz (Mozart’s Square). Every Square is impressive in its own way. The views from Kapitelplatz into the direction of the Salzburg Fortress and the Baroque building ensemble on Residenzplatz are especially unique and beautiful.

Our tip: The most extravagant way to enjoy your coffee would be at Café Tomaselli, the city’s oldest Coffee House. You can read more about the cafes and restaurants further down in this blog article.

Getreidegasse

As you stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town) of Salzburg, there’s no doubt you will pass the Getreidegasse – probably the most well-known street in all of Salzburg. You will recognise it almost immediately as you stumble across the many wrought-iron shop signs (aka. guild marks), which are very eye-catching at first glance.

Another thing we find special are the countless passageways (called Durchhäuser), which tunnel you through from the Getreidegasse to the neighbouring streets.

The most famous house along Getreidegasse is House No. 9: Mozart’s Birthplace . Every hour of every day (except for the evening hours), you will see people gathering in front of the house to marvel and photograph the orange house front of Mozart’s birthplace. You can actually go inside and have a look – free admission for those with the Salzburg Card .

Fortress Hohensalzburg

The medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg is undoubtedly the icon of Salzburg and it towers high above the Old Town upon the fortress hill. If there is only one tourist spot you visit in Salzburg, let it be this.

The fortress can be reached both on foot and by the well-known funicular railway . Once at the top, you can either ‘simply enjoy the view’ of the city or visit the grand interior of the fortress.

Our personal highlight is the 360 ​​degree view from the Reckturm . It’s easy to miss this beautiful lookout point as it is rather badly sign posted. The entrance is located at the Info-Point and the price is included in the basic entrance ticket.

Admission: 12,90 Euros (free with the Salzburg Card )

View from Kapuzinerberg

One of the most marvelled views of Salzburg is found on Kapuzinerberg, which you can see from the fortress, is located on the opposite side of the Salzach. We highly recommend you come for sunset !

Moderate fitness is necessary, as ​​the fastest way up the Kapuzinerberg requires 250 steps before you reach the beautiful lookout point. The stairs over the Imbergstiege climb begins at Steingasse street.

If you have more time or would like to see the fortress from a different angle , then we would recommend you to walk along the fortress walls.

Mirabell Gardens & Mirabell Palace

You will find one of Salzburg’s most popular photo spots at the Mirabell Gardens, where the Mirabell Castle is also located. From the west side you have a view directly at the garden with the fortress as a background – could it get any more iconic?

The grandiose marble hall of the Mirabell Palace is also free to enter if you want to take a peek inside. Interesting fact: This hall is actually one of the most famous wedding halls in the world.

Just so you are prepared: The Mirabell garden is extremely popular in every season and always rather crowded . We were really lucky with our photo – usually you have to account for the crowds.

Mönchsberg and Museum of Modern Art

Yes that’s right, another viewpoint – and what a spectacular one at that! From Mönchsberg you have a beautiful panoramic view of Salzburg including the fortress.

What makes the Mönchsberg so special is its easy access: with the Mönchsberglift you can reach the observation deck at the summit in just a few seconds. Up here is also the Museum of Modern Art . (Both free with the Salzburg Card .) The contrast between the historic Old Town and the Museum of Modern Art could hardly be greater. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, then this place is for you.

Our tip: The M32 Restaurant on the summit is not cheap, but the view is spectacular. We can certainly recommend a stopover for coffee and cake.

DomQuartier

The Cathedral and the Residence together form the DomQuartier. You can visit these magnificent state rooms as part of a tour and the route will lead you through several museums over several floors. The collection is quite extensive – we actually expected the Domquartier to be smaller.

A highlight of the DomQuartier is the viewing terrace , from which you have a nice view over the Cathedral Square and the Residence Square. During winter, the Christmas markets really add to the atmosphere.

Admission: 13 Euros (free with the Salzburg Card )

Hellbrunn Palace

A very popular destination in Salzburg is the 400 year old Palace of Hellbrunn and its extensive park area . This particular palace is also frequently called ‘ The Water Games Hellbrunn ’. If you’re interested in the history of the palace, you can do a guided tour (40 minutes). The historic fountains are a small work of art but they never fail to surprise you. Conclusion: ideal for families with children.

Of course, you can visit the beautiful Palace Garden for free. Sound-of-Music fans will find a small highlight: the pavilion from the film is located here and can easily be reached.  

Admission: 13,50 Euros for Palace (audioguide) and Water Games (Guided Tour) – free with the Salzburg Card . Getting there: By car – just over 10 minutes outside the Old Town. By bus – Nr. 25 to “Schloss Hellbrunn”

Stiegl Brewery

Are you a beer lover? Then perhaps the Stiegl-Brauwelt may be something for you. The largest private brewery in all of Austria is located in Salzburg, and it is here you will find the popular Stiegl-Brauwelt – a hands-on exhibition that showcases the history of brewing in interactive way. At the end of the tour, there is a 0.3L taste test. Conclusion: Worthwhile going if you have time or if the weather is bad.

Admission: 12,90 Euros (free with the Salzburg Card ) Getting There: By car – just over 10 minutes outside the Old Town. By bus – No. 1 or 10 to “Bräuhausstraße”

Café Tomaselli

Perhaps the most extravagant place to enjoy your coffee and cake in Salzburg is the terrace of Café Tomaselli. The Tomaselli is the oldest Coffee House in Salzburg and the atmosphere is respectively dignified.

Our favourite spot? Definitely the terrace on the 1st floor. Even better, if you can find a table overlooking the Old Market. Interesting fact: If you want to order a cake or slice, the Cake Lady will come directly to your table with a tray so that you can choose your piece.

Address: Alter Markt 9, 5020 Salzburg

Our favourite place for a chill breakfast or lunch in Salzburg is the 220 Grad. They are actually based in two locations, but we are referring to the newer one just outside the Old Town in Nonntal. This former Mechanic Workshop has been converted into an industrial hipster café.

The menu here is more extensive than the original building located in the Old Town. They serve many breakfast variations and lunch dishes, as well as cakes, pies and of course their home-roasted coffee. Conclusion: Highly recommended and definitely worth the trip.

Address: Nonntaler Hauptstraße 9A, 5020 Salzburg (location on the photos) and Chiemseegasse 5, 5020 Salzburg (original café branch in the Old Town)

Kaffee Alchemie

This tiny cafe on Rudolfskai is perfect for a quick caffeine boost. It describes itself as “a cafe that’s somewhat different” – to which we couldn’t agree more. The ambience is very young, hip and simply unique. You can even take a seat outside by the window sill.  

The espresso macchiato was very good and the staff very friendly. Conclusion: Not a cafe where you would linger too long, but certainly one of the few places in Salzburg, where you get really good coffee.

Address: Rudolfskai 38, 5020 Salzburg

The Green Garden

A paradise for those who eat vegetarian or vegan food. The Green Garden attaches great importance to regional and seasonal products. The most beautiful spot is in the small Schanigarten right in front of the restaurant. You can come for lunch or dinner.

Address: Nonntaler Hauptstraße 16, 5020 Salzburg

Other restaurants and cafes in Salzburg we would recommend:

• Afro Café:  Colourful, young, hipster restaurant in the Old Town; delicious lunch dishes; good coffee.
• St. Peter Stiftkulinarium: A traditional restaurant with award-winning cuisine in St. Peter’s Abbey.
• Stieglkeller: Traditional inn with great beer garden and a nice view.
• KO & CO: Youthful ambience, traditional cuisine with creative ideas, very delicious.
• Ludwig Burger: Spacious, hipster burger restaurant with vegetarian & vegan options.
• Andreas Hofer Weinstube: Marion’s favourite restaurant, which was sadly fully booked during our visit.

Mozartkugeln

Unwritten law: No one may leave Salzburg without having tasted an original Salzburger Mozartkugel. There are countless suppliers of this nougat marzipan ball, but only one pastry shop in Salzburg can claim to produce the original Mozartkugel. We are talking about the Konditorei Fürst , which is located in the heart of the old town.

The Mozartkugeln are made by hand and this is reflected in the price: One piece costs around 1.40 Euros. But totally worth it in our opinion, because the Mozartkugeln from the Konditorei Fürst are simply the best.

Address Konditorei Fürst: Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg (This is the main branch, but there are a few others also located in Salzburg.)

Salzburger Nockerl

Salzburg’s most famous dessert is a pyramidal soufflé . Normally, one serving portion would be three Nockerl, symbolising the three local mountains surrounding Salzburg – Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, Gaisberg.

Granted, we (and others we know) are personally not huge fans of these, as we reckon there are much better desserts out there. However, there are those who rave about the Salzburger Nockerln as the best dessert ever. Without a doubt, we think it’s definitely something you should try at least once.

Is Salzburg Over-Crowded?

Salzburg is booming. The City of Mozart experiences an increase in the number of overnight stays year after year. Together with the many day visitors who pass through, Salzburg is certainly not a secret in Austria.

Although some would say that the winding Altstadt (Old Town) is simply too crowded and “overflowing” during certain months, Salzburg is still one of those cities, which you have to see at least once in your life. We   would personally not be deterred just by the number of tourists.

Best time to visit Salzburg

Generally speaking, you can visit Salzburg at anytime of year , although we would prefer to avoid the holiday and festival season – unless of course, you are attending the Salzburg Festival. We find that a warm spring or a sunny autumn weekend to be the most ideal. But even during the Christmas period, Salzburg is well worth a trip with its beautiful market stalls.

The Salzburg Card: Is it worth it?

What it does: The Salzburg Card is a bonus savings card, which you can either buy in 24, 48 or 72 hours . It gives you free admission to all sights and museums. It also includes public transport for free.

If you are planning to visit lots of places in Salzburg, then the purchase of a Salzburg Card will almost certainly pay off. Suppose you are in Salzburg for two nights and would like to enter the DomQuartier and Hellbrunn Palace next to the fortress. In this case, the purchase of the card would have already paid itself off.

You can buy the Salzburg Card in advance here: Salzburg Card

We stayed at the Arthotel Blaue Gans and can highly recommend this hotel as the location could hardly be more central: from our window, we had a direct view over Getreidegasse. What makes this boutique hotel so special, is that it’s located in a historic building. Therefore, the rooms are rather small, but very comfortably furnished.

The beds were extremely comfortable and we slept very well. The extensive breakfast definitely deserves high praise: you will find everything your heart desires and the atmosphere in the hotel restaurant is very pleasant. Conclusion: perhaps a little pricier than most other hotels, but we can highly recommended it as it’s a very unique experience.

You can view/book the hotel here: Arthotel Blaue Gans

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission from the company. But this will not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to the Salzburg region? If so, what did you think of it? If you have any further tips or questions, drop us a comment down below – we look forward to reading them all!

You might also be interested in this

Hallstatt Travel Guide: The Most Beautiful Sights & Photo Spots

Road Trip through Austria: The Best Travel Itinerary for 2-4 Weeks

Vienna on a Budget: Saving Tips for a Cheap City Visit

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Salzburg itinerary – the best things to do in Salzburg in 1, 2, and 3 days.

• January 23, 2024
• Austria , Europe

Salzburg, known as the birthplace of Mozart, is famous for its classical music scene and the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city offers a unique mix of culture and nature, from charming historic streets to the scenic beauty of the Alps.

Having lived in Salzburg for more than 10 years, I’ve come to know and love every corner of it. There are many things to see in Salzburg, and I know just how to make the most of your time here.

Salzburg itinerary overview – the best of Salzburg, Austria

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Below I’m sharing crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do in Salzburg in 1, 2, and 3 days.

In these itineraries, I share with you the city’s best-kept secrets and guide you to must-visit spots like the Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You’ll also have time to explore the city’s charming streets and hidden corners while enjoying the authentic local cuisine and traditional coffee culture.

Whether you’re a history fan, a music lover, or just in for some breathtaking views, this itinerary will ensure you experience Salzburg like a local.

In a hurry?

These are the absolute best things to do in Salzburg that you absolutely need to add to your itinerary:

Salzburg walking tour Salzach river cruise Sound of Music Tour Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg Hallstatt & Salt Mines day trip

These itineraries are designed to give you an authentic experience of Salzburg and invite you to get to know the city like a local.

I have filled these 1, 2, and 3-day Salzburg itineraries with the best experiences the city and its picturesque surroundings have to offer.

To ensure you have all the information you need, I will provide detailed descriptions and relevant links for each attraction or activity the first time it’s mentioned. To avoid repetition, I kept the shorter itineraries as a list and you can easily refer back up to their more detailed descriptions when needed.

Refer to this map of Salzburg landmarks to find the attractions mentioned below.

Salzburg’s compact size allows you to see most of its main attractions in one full day. 

However, if you’d like to fully experience the charm of the city of Mozart, explore the hidden alleys of the Old Town, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, I recommend spending two days in Salzburg . 

Having three or more days in the city will allow you to take a day trip and explore the surroundings.

When visiting Salzburg, the best area to stay is the Old Town (Altstadt). This area is the historical heart of the city major attractions like the Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace, and Mirabell Palace are within walking distance.

The Old Town is also filled with charming streets, traditional cafes, and authentic restaurants, making it a convenient and picturesque base for exploring the city.

Hotel Sacher

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

This historic 5-star hotel in Salzburg combines timeless elegance with modern comfort and is an all-time favorite.

CHECK PRICES

Johannes Schlössl

A CASTLE WITH VIEWS

On top of Mönchsberg this small castle offers a unique stay with beautiful gardens and a breathtaking view over Salzburg

Check prices

Apt. Stone-Lodge

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

These private Apartments offer a fully equipped kitchen and are located in a historic building with lots of character right in the Heart of Salzburgs Old Town.

Read next: Where to stay in Salzburg

Salzburg 3 day itinerary

Spending three days in Salzburg lets you fully experience the city’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. This itinerary covers all must-see attractions and allows you to explore the beautiful surroundings on a day trip.

Plus, it gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Austrian coffee culture with its delicious cakes, taste the authentic local cuisine, and savor Salzburg’s beer brewing traditions.

Mozart Birthplace

Begin your adventure at Mozart’s Birthplace, a must-visit for tourists exploring Salzburg. Situated in the lively Getreidegasse , this historic building is where the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756.

Today, the narrow, yellow house is a museum showcasing Mozart’s early life, his first musical instruments, family letters, and personal memorabilia. You can also explore the rooms where he lived and composed his music.

This historic building is a pilgrimage for music lovers and probably the most visited attraction in Salzburg. Come early to avoid the crowds and enjoy Mozart’s Birthplace in a quieter atmosphere.

Getreidegasse

Take a walk along Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous shopping street . It is known for its high, narrow houses with traditional wrought-iron guild signs and offers a unique mix of history and modern retail.

One of the main attractions on the street is Mozart’s birthplace , turning this charming street into a pilgrimage site for music lovers.

Next, take this walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town , the city’s heart and soul, and a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe tour is the perfect introduction to the city of Mozart and it will give you insights into Salzburg’s history, highlighting landmarks like Mozart’s Residence and the Salzburg Cathedral. 

As you explore, you’ll encounter baroque architecture, historic market squares, and quaint alleys. Remember, getting lost in the Old Town’s winding streets isn’t a mistake, it’s part of the adventure!

Book your adventure: Salzburg Old Town Walking Tour

St. Peter’s Abbey

Visit St. Peter’s Abbey, the oldest surviving monastery in the German-speaking world. Behind the Abbey, you can explore the Petersfriedhof (St. Peter’s Cemetery) and the catacombs.

Next to the Abbey you’ll find the oldest bakery in Salzburg known for serving the best mini brioche in town and you can smell the delightful sweet scent from afar. Make sure to grab some of these traditional Salzburg treats when passing by.

Residenzplatz

Residenzplatz is a huge square surrounded by historical buildings. It has been a hub of Salzburg’s social and cultural life for centuries and is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

Don’t forget to take a closer look at the impressive Residenzbrunnen , a baroque fountain that is one of the largest in Central Europe.

Salzburg Cathedral

The 17th-century Salzburg Cathedral is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The entrance is free of charge so make sure to take a closer look at its stunning interior, intricate frescoes, and the font where Mozart was baptized.

DomQuartier

Just a short walk from the Cathedral is the DomQuartier, home to the State Tooms, the Dommuseum, the St. Peter’s Museum, and the Residence Gallery, offering insights into art, history, and more. Make sure to also visit the observation terrace at DomQuartier, it offers great views over Salzburg from a unique perspective.

Festive Halls & Karajanplatz

The Festspielhaus (Festival Hall) is a cultural landmark known for hosting world-class performances in opera, drama, and concert as well as the prestigious Salzburg Festival . Here you can visit the stunning Great Festival Hall, the House for Mozart, and the famous Rocky Riding School.

Next to you will find Karajanplatz, a square named after the famous conductor Herbert von Karajan. It is home to the famous horse pond that was once used to wash the parade horses of the archbishops.

Lunch at Sternbräu

Enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch with a cozy atmosphere at Sternbräu. Here, you can indulge in a variety of local specialties, including Wiener Schnitzel and the famous Salzburger Nockerl. 

River Cruise

After lunch, embark on this river cruise on the Salzach. It’s a relaxing way to experience Salzburg from a different perspective. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Old Town, historic buildings, and the fortress.

Book your adventure: Salzach river cruise

Stroll along Salzach

Following the cruise, take a stroll along the broad path of the Salzach River. This is one of my favorite activities in Salzburg. The path takes you past several key attractions such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Old Town, making it an ideal route for sightseeing or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the area. 

Coffee at Café Tomaselli

Café Tomaselli was Mozart’s favorite coffeehouse . This historic café not only serves excellent coffee but has been a central meeting point for locals for over 150 years. Here, you can enjoy traditional Austrian coffee specialties and cakes, such as the famous Sacher Torte, as well as Mozart’s favorite drink – almond milk.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

After your coffee break, visit the Fortress Hohensalzburg. It is one of Europe’s largest medieval castles and an iconic landmark of Salzburg. Inside, you’ll find historical exhibits, grand halls, and an opportunity to delve into Salzburg’s past.

Exploring this medieval castle not only offers a deeper insight into the city’s rich history but also some of the best panoramic views of Salzburg and its surroundings.

To reach the fortress you can either walk up the scenic path, a journey that takes about 20 minutes, or you can take the cable car for a quicker ascent. Make sure to book your admission ticket in advance to avoid the queues at the entrance.

Book your tickets: Fortress Hohensalzburg admission tickets

Concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress

Enjoy this concert at the Fortress Hohensalzburg and experience Salzburg’s musical heritage in an extraordinary setting. You will listen to the most famous compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart while enjoying stunning panoramic views over the city.

Book your experience : Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Dinner at Pauli Stubn

Enjoy a truly authentic Salzburg dining experience at Pauli Stubn, my favorite restaurant in Salzburg. This restaurant comes with a traditional Austrian ambiance that makes you feel at home instantly.

The warm, inviting atmosphere combined with its delicious local cuisine offers the perfect end to your first day in Salzburg.

Mozartkugel at Café Fürst

Treat yourself to the famous Mozartkugel, a chocolate praline made of marzipan, nougat, and dark chocolate.

Salzburg is home to two different brands of Mozartkugel. Café Fürst is believed to be the original creator of the famous chocolate treat and still uses the original recipe. The Mirabell brand is more recognized internationally and you can find their Mozartkugeln in souvenir shops all over Austria.

As a local, I have to side with the Fürst family. But as someone visiting Salzburg, you should try them both –  I mean, it’s chocolate!

Mozart Residence

Cross the river to reach Makartplatz where you will find the Mozart Residence. This famous building was the home of the Mozart family from 1773 to 1787 and is now a museum.

Unlike Mozart’s Birthplace, which focuses on his early years, the Residence offers insights into his later life, including his adolescence and adulthood. Here you’ll see documents, portraits, and original instruments, providing a comprehensive overview of Mozart’s life and works.

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Next, explore the stunning Mirabell Palace with its baroque architecture and the famous Marble Hall, one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world.

Surrounding the Palace, you will find the Mirabell Gardens with beautifully arranged flowerbeds and statues. Take a stroll along the Gardens’ historic paths or take a seat at one of the benches to enjoy the view.

Fans of “The Sound of Music” will recognize Mirabell Gardens as one of the filming locations. Here you can see the steps where Maria and the Von Trapp children sang ‘Do-Re-Mi.’

Lunch at L’Osteria

For lunch, head to L’Osteria, my favorite Italian restaurant in Salzburg. L’Osteria is known for its lively atmosphere and friendly service and serves a variety of Italian dishes. But its delicious, oversized pizzas are the true stars and the reason why I come here regularly.

The Sound of Music Tour

In the afternoon, join the official Sound of Music tour . This guided tour takes you to various filming locations across the city and its surroundings, offering a unique way to experience the movie’s magic in real life.

Highlights include the Basilica St. Michael, where the wedding of Maria and Baron von Trapp was filmed, and Leopoldskron Castle, where the famous boating scene was filmed. The tour also includes behind-the-scenes stories and insights into both the making of the film and the true story it’s based on.

Believe it or not, most Austrians have never heard of the Sound of Music. Unbelievable, right? I was one of them until I finally saw the movie at the age of 19 and became a huge fan.

Book your adventure : Sound of Music tour

Hellbrunn Palace

The Hellbrunn Palace, was built in the 17th century by Archbishop Markus Sittikus and was used as a summer residence but the real attraction is the unique Trick Fountains featuring hidden jets that surprise visitors. The trick fountains reflect the archbishop’s sense of humor and are still a source of amusement for all ages.

With the help of an audio guide, you can playfully explore the Palace Gardens with its various Trick Fountains, but watch out for hidden water jets!

Dinner at Die Weisse

End your day at Die Weisse, an authentic Salzburg restaurant serving delicious Austrian food. Die Weisse is also one of Salzburg’s most famous breweries and is known for its variety of beers.

This is a great spot to enjoy a hearty dinner in a lively atmosphere and try the different homebrews. Salzburg has a long tradition of brewing beer, making it a vital part of the local culinary scene.

Salzburg’s location and great connections to surrounding cities make it an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Whether you’re interested in idyllic villages, historical sites, or natural wonders, there’s a day trip for everyone. 

The following are my favorite destinations for a day trip from Salzburg.

The village of Hallstatt with its ancient Salt Mines is often referred to as one of the most beautiful lake towns in the world. This picturesque village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a spectacular panorama of the idyllic lake and the alps in the background. 

The Eagle’s Nest , Hitler’s mountain retreat, sits in the Bavarian Alps in Berchtesgarden. The Nazis used this building for state occasions and government meetings. Today you can gain insights into World War II history and enjoy unforgettable views over the surrounding Bavarian Alps.

The Hohenwerfen Fortress is a medieval castle with a historic State Falconer and the Museum of Falconry. Here you can experience daily falconry demonstrations and enjoy the stunning views over the Salzach valley. Nearby you’ll find the Ice Caves, known as the biggest in the world, where you can explore a unique world of ice sculptures and formations.

Book your day trip: Hallstatt and ancient Salt Mines The Eagle’s Nest Hohenwerfen Fortress

Salzburg 2 day itinerary

Two days in Salzburg are ideal if you want to focus on the city’s highlights and are not interested in doing a full day trip. Follow the first two days of the itinerary above which takes you to the city’s historical and cultural landmarks, lets you experience the traditional Austrian coffee culture, and taste some of Salzburg’s famous beers and Austrian specialities. In the afternoon of day two you can choose between the Sound of Music tour or a tour to Hallstatt. 

Salzburg Cathedral & DomQuartier

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Concert at Fortress

Café Fürst & Chocolate pralines Mozartkugel

The Sound of Music Tour or Half-day Tour to Hallstatt

If you have just one day in Salzburg, focus on the city’s main attractions to get a taste of its unique character and charm. Explore the Old Town with its baroque architecture and historic sites while you visit landmarks like the Salzburg Cathedral, the Fortress, and Mozart’s Birthplace. 

This one-day itinerary ensures you experience the essence of Salzburg and don’t miss the chance to savor the delicious Austrian cuisine.

Chocolate pralines Mozartkugel

Gertreidegasse

Salzburg is a great city to visit all year round, but the best time to visit is spring and early autumn. At this time of the year, you usually have pleasant weather and see fewer crowds, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring the city. 

In summer the famous Salzburg Festival takes place and draws in visitors from all over the world. Expect more crowds and higher prices during this time.

As the snow falls, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland with festive Christmas markets, making winter my favorite season in Salzburg.

Read next: Things to do in Salzburg in winter

By Air: Salzburg is serviced by Wolfang Amadeus Mozart Airport1.8 miles (3 km) from the city center. For the quickest journey from the airport to the city, opt for a private transfer . It should take you roughly 10 to 20 minutes from the airport to the city center, depending on traffic.

By train: Salzburg also offers an excellent railway network, with trains connecting the city to various major destinations within Austria and neighboring countries. The train station is situated to the north of the city center and is easily accessible via bus or on foot.

By car : If you rather travel by car, reaching Salzburg is pretty straightforward as well. From within Austria, you can take the A1 or A10 autobahn, and if you arrive from Germany, use the A8. Make sure you get the vignette. Parking in downtown Salzburg is available but fees apply.

If you stay in Salzburg’s Old Town, most attractions will be located within walking distance. Most parts of the Old Town are a pedestrian area and the narrow streets are best explored on foot, allowing you to enjoy the charm of this historic area.

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore Salzburg. It takes you directly to the most important sights, and is a more efficient alternative to public transport, especially during winter traffic conditions.

While Salzburg has a well-connected public bus system, the buses are often late in winter, especially when there’s snow.

Salzburg also operates a local train with multiple stops across the city. This is a great option if you want to explore areas beyond the Old Town and you have a train station nearby. Especially in winter, trains are often faster than buses.

Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Alps, Salzburg’s got it all – a cute old town, stunning alpine views, and a Mozart connection. The baroque architecture, especially Hohensalzburg Fortress, and its association with The Sound of Music make it uniquely interesting.

Austria offers diverse experiences, from rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg, to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the Alps. For insights on must-visit attractions and tips to make the most of your experience in this wonderful country make sure to check all my articles on Austria!

Vienna: Vienna itinerary Where to stay in Vienna Vienna in winter Best day trips from Vienna

Salzburg: Where to stay in Salzburg Salzburg in winter

Hallstatt: Your guide to visiting Hallstatt

Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and I’ve learned that the hard way!

Now I always get insured before we leave and  Travel Insurance Masters  is my go-to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations  here.

Doris Aschauer

Doris is a Salzburg local who has lived in the Mozart city for the past 10 years. She’s had the pleasure of calling different parts of this beautiful city home, which helped her discover all its hidden gems and the city’s real charm. While Doris loves Salzburg in all its seasons, there’s something truly magical about winter, making it her favorite time of the year in Salzburg.

When she’s not in Salzburg, you’ll find her traveling to the best scuba diving destinations in the world and sharing her experiences on her blog Doris Gone Diving.

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Salzburg Travel Guide: Itinerary, Things to Do and See, Places to Stay and more

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Salzburg, Austria

Table of Contents

( Salzburg , Austria) – Divided by the idyllic river Salzach and bordered by the Alps to the north and south, Salzburg, Austria’s 4 th largest city, is a paradise for lovers of music, baroque architecture, and chocolate.

Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , his music is even piped in at the airport and the central train station. You’ll never be in doubt about where you are. The Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 because of its more than 20 baroque churches and buildings. Salzburg is the setting for the musical/film ‘The Sound of Music.’ As far as chocolate is concerned, there is the world-famous Sacher Torte to be sampled in the Café Sacher and Mozartkugeln, little chocolate balls filled with marzipan and pistachio beckon in many confiseries.

Add to this the majestic castle Hohensalzburg , the music festival, and the many delightful parks, and you will see that Salzburg is a city that offers something for every taste.

In this Salzburg Travel Guide blog article, we’ll give you travel tips to Salzburg with budget tips and advice on things to do and see, itineraries, money-saving tips, the best hotels to stay, and more.

Best time to visit Salzburg

The best time to visit Salzburg, Austria, depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. Salzburg experiences a continental climate with mild summers and cold winters. Here are the main factors to consider when deciding on the best time to visit:

Summer (June to August)

Mild temperatures range from 19°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F). Pleasant weather for exploring the city on foot and enjoying outdoor activities Festivals and cultural events, such as the Salzburg Festival, takes place during this time.

The higher number of tourists, resulting in crowded attractions and higher prices Limited availability of accommodations if not booked well in advance

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October)

Mild temperatures and fewer tourists compared to summer Beautiful spring blooms or vibrant autumn foliage, depending on the season. Lower hotel rates and fewer crowds make it easier to explore popular attractions.

Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rainfall. Some attractions may have shorter opening hours or be closed for maintenance.

Winter (December to February)

The magical atmosphere with Christmas markets and festive decorations Possibility of enjoying winter sports in the nearby Alps Fewer tourists compared to other seasons, allowing for a quieter experience

Cold temperatures range from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F) Limited daylight hours, with the sun setting early in the afternoon. Some attractions and outdoor activities may have limited availability. Ultimately, the best time to visit Salzburg depends on your preferences. Summer is a great choice if you enjoy mild weather and cultural events. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter is ideal for experiencing Christmas traditions and enjoying winter sports. Choose the season that aligns with your interests, and be sure to check the specific dates of festivals or events you wish to attend.

How to get to Salzburg

To travel to Salzburg, you have several transportation options available depending on your starting point. Here are a few common methods of getting to Salzburg:

If you prefer air travel, the most convenient option is to fly directly to Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart Airport), which is well-connected with major European cities. You can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or public transportation from the airport to the city center.

Salzburg is well-connected to the European railway network, making train travel popular. The city has good train connections with other major Austrian cities and neighboring countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is centrally located, allowing easy access to the city center.

If you prefer driving, Salzburg is conveniently located near major highways. The A1 and A10 highways connect Salzburg to other Austrian cities and countries within Europe. Remember that parking in the city center may be limited and expensive, so using public transportation is recommended once you arrive.

Several bus companies operate routes to and from Salzburg, offering affordable travel options. Buses provide connections to various European cities, including Munich, Prague, Vienna, and Zurich. Salzburg’s main bus station, Salzburg Süd, is located south of the city center.

Cycling to Salzburg is a great option for the more adventurous and eco-friendly traveler. The city is well-connected to regional and long-distance cycling routes, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Once you’ve arrived in Salzburg, the city offers an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, making it easy to get around and explore the city’s many attractions.

Getting around

Salzburg is one of those cities that want to be explored on foot. If you tire of walking, you can use any of the 20 lines of the Trolleybus system or the 5 of the S-Bahn. Parking within the Old Town is nearly impossible, so leave your car in one of the car parks near the train station.

Where to stay

Nothing beats the atmosphere of a family-run hotel; if it’s in the luxury category, that’s even better.

Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg

Address: 5020 Salzburg – Rainerstraße 6 Telephone: +43 662 88 978 – 813

[ Check Rates and Availability ]

The Imlauer Hotel Pitter in Salzburg’s Old Town fits the bill perfectly.

Recently renovated, it offers a splendid view from the Sky Bar on the rooftop and is centrally located so you can reach everything you want to see on foot.

Hotel Sacher Wien

Address: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria Phone: +43 1 514560

The best and most traditional Hotel in Salzburg, combing atmosphere with luxury and super service, is the Hotel Sacher.

It’s a very relaxing place to be located on the shore of the river Salzach near a bridge to cross over. Not to forget the Café Sacher with its wall of fame and traditionally dressed waitresses, which evokes the times of Salzburg’s café society.

These hotels are expensive, and I opted for a cheaper but equally fabulous hotel: Hotel am Mirabellplatz.

Hotel am Mirabellplatz

Address: Paris-Lodron-Strasse 1, New Town, Salzburg, Austria Phone: +43 662 881688

In Goldgasse, close to Domplatz and in the center of the Old Town. The rooms are very comfortable, and I also liked the minimalist décor in reception and the very friendly and helpful staff.

Where to eat

Austrian cuisine is rich, heavy on meat, gravy, and pasta of the local kind. Then there are the deserts to die for if you have a sweet tooth, like Kaiserschmarn, Apfelstrudel, and Salzburger Nockerln, which even have their own song. Here are a few suggestions for where you can best sample these Austrian specialties.

Top of your list should be Europe’s oldest restaurant. Stiftskeller St. Peter (official website)

This is for atmosphere and great dining with excellent service, wines, and quality food, but expensive.

A somewhat cheaper alternative for Austrian food is Zum Zirkelwirt in Pfeiffergasse 14. I had Sachertorte in the Café Sacher and food in one of the many stalls in the market. A Bratwurst with Sauerkraut for some €10 in the market lasted me all day.

What to do and see

I arrived in Salzburg by train from Munich and explored on foot, staying overnight in the Hotel am Mirabellplatz. My first stop was the huge and beautiful Mirabell Garden , one of several of Salzburg’s green lungs. If you are lucky like me, you might even witness a wedding Salzburg style.

From there, I went to the Birth House and Museum of Mozart and his home, a nearby different building.

I reached the river and made my first coffee stop in Café Sacher . Crossing one of the many bridges into the Old Town, I strolled along the tiny streets, named Goldgasse, Silbergasse, etc according to the trade carried out here in times gone by.

You wander from one baroque building to the next, from the Cathedral to Holy Trinity Church to the Festspielhaus (Opera) , the center of the world-famous Salzburger Festspiele in July/August.

If you want to attend, book at least a year in advance to ensure tickets and hotels.

I then enjoyed the vast marketplace and flower market before going to the medieval fortress high up on a cliff overlooking Festung Hohensalzburg . It’s one of Europe’s oldest and largest castles and, many say, the most beautiful. You can walk around endlessly, visit the permanent museum and the royal rooms, have a snack at the café, or participate in one of the many events in the castle over the year.

To reach the castle, you can either take the easy way by using the funicular or, if you are reasonably fit, you can walk. I went up in the funicular but walked down to enjoy the ever-changing views.

There are beautiful things to do and see just a few miles outside Salzburg, too: the park and castles of Hellbrunn and something unusual and modern: Hangar 7. It’s a multifunctional building owned by Red Bull, housing historical airplanes, helicopters, Formula 1 racing cars, and a Michelin, starred restaurant. Ikarus .

If you are so inclined, you can even go on guided tours to the film locations of The Sound of Music or follow on your own.

With so many things to do and see, you should plan two days to stay in Salzburg.

Salzburg Travel and Tour Packages

Salzburg day tour from munich.

• This tour starts in Munich, Germany .
• Explore a city so special they named the entire place a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Salzburg is famed for its old-world glamor, made all the more striking by a majestic backdrop of the snow-capped Alps.
• Visit the Mozart Museum in the hometown of genius composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
• See one of the world’s most famous “movie tourism” destinations because of the film “The Sound of Music”.

BOOK THIS TOUR

Salzburg Day Tour

• Enjoy the beautiful countryside view via comfortable round-trip bus transfers from Vienna to Salzburg.
• Stop by St. Gilgen and take stunning photos while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Wolfgangsee.
• Take a guided walk in the old town of Salzburg, stopping by the University Church, St. Peter’s Abbey, the Salzburg Cathedral, and the Festival Hall.
• Sing “do re mi” like Maria Von Trapp and the children at the Mirabell Palace.
• Visit Getreidegasse, where Mozart was born, and learn about his life.
• Feel free to explore the town at your own pace, shop for souvenirs or have some lunch during the free time.

Salzburg and the Lake District

• Visit the charming city of Salzburg, home of Mozart and have some free time to explore or go shopping!
• Travel through the Bavarian Alps and see the breathtaking countryside featured in “The Sound of Music”.
• Cruise across Lake Wolfgangsee (only available from April to October), and you can even take a boat ride to the White Horse Inn and the pilgrim church!

BOOK THIS TOUR Also Read:

• Düsseldorf, Germany’s Prosperous Gem
• Lausanne Travel Guide
• Visit Prague: Experience the City Like a Local
• First Impressions on Paderborn, Germany
• Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Madrid

Written by Inka PIegsa-Quischotte

Inka was an international attorney before turning travel writer and novelist. She contributes to BBC/Travel, VIE Magazine, GoNomad and several in-flight magazines. After some years in Turkey, she now lives in Spain's Costa Blanca.

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Salzburg travel blog — the fullest salzburg travel guide for first-timers.

Salzburg is a beautiful, vibrant city, a Unesco World Heritage Site with an astonishingly rich cultural heritage. It is also a great place to wander and absorb the history that marks it out from other Austrian cities etched with typical Habsburg style and their distinct atmosphere. The harmonious interplay of landscape and architecture, art and culture, as well as traditional and modern, all within a surprisingly small area, merely adds to the special charm of this place.

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• Visiting Dachstein Salzkammergut to climbing Dachstein mountains

So, is Salzburg worth visiting, how to visit Salzburg, what to do in Salzburg and how to plan a budget trip to Salzburg for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Salzburg travel blog (Salzburg blog) with the fullest Salzburg travel guide (Salzburg tourist guide, Salzburg city guide, Salzburg guide) from how to get to Salzburg, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Salzburg to help you maximize your trip as follows!

To experience at a relaxed, leisurely pace what to do and where to go in Salzburg in Austria, let’s find out through this guidepost to be useful on your journey!

Overview of Salzburg (# salzburg travel blog)

To know what a wonderful city of Salzburg is, let’s explore its highlights from history, the arts, culture, and nature, that interest you Salzburg involves these things.

Cultural Heritage

This old city on the Salzach River looks back on a long history as a metropolis of the arts and culture. The cultural heritage of this city shaped by the Baroque has its origins in a vibrant exchange with its southern neighbors, especially Italy.

It contains beautiful classical architecture, classical streets and squares, and famous structures such as Hohensalzburg Fortress, the emblem of this city, and Salzburg Cathedral. The left bank of the Salzach is also famous for the Getreidegasse, you will discover the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, creating a city having much of its identity as a metropolis of music and the arts.

Stunning Vistas of Salzburg (# salzburg travel blog)

Salzburg is a city of unparalleled beauty, surrounded by the famous Alps. This enchanting city offers plenty of opportunities to admire its elegant buildings; graceful domes; photographic mountains and Salzach River; and majestic countryside from a range of known and unknown lookout points and vistas.

Music and art (# salzburg travel guide)

Salzburg is home to the annual Mozart Festival, which attracts and features musicians and classical dramatic artists at the top of their professions. You can attend musical performances practically every night of the year at concert halls and theatres like the Salzburg Landestheater.

Salzburg enchants visitors with pure, unadulterated nature. It is immersed in colorful flower gardens, and green parks everywhere. You will get a sense of just how green Salzburg is the very first moment you set eyes on it. The tradition of landscape gardening is deeply rooted in Salzburg. Therefore, outdoor activities including bicycling, and walking shall be beloved by many visitors.

Salzburg is close to the border with Germany, spends only two hours from Munich and one hour from Vienna by train, and also has convenient domestic and international flights. This makes Salzburg an ideal destination to visit or combine with other European destinations.

When to visit Salzburg? (# salzburg travel guide)

The high seasons to visit Salzburg are in spring from April to June and fall from September to October. If you like warm days and sunshine, the summer high season is the best time to head to Salzburg. With blue skies, and temperatures hovering around 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, the surrounding hills are ripe for walking.

The spring weather is often changeable, with sunny days mixed with cloudy and rainy days, so it’s a good idea to bring a range of clothing. This is also a beautiful time to visit, as the city’s parks and gardens come to life with blooming flowers and green foliage. Especially noteworthy and Instagramable are the Magnolia trees on Makartplatz Square. You can participate in outdoor activities such as walking, and cycling, and visit popular attractions such as Mirabell and Hellbrunn Palaces.

In the fall, the city’s parks and gardens are ablaze with autumn colors, and the surrounding hills and mountains are blanketed in red, yellow, and orange foliage. The fall weather in Salzburg can be pleasant during the day, but temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings, making it important to pack warm clothing. You can participate in festivals, like the Mozart Festival and the Red Bull Foliage.

However, if you like winter air and don’t mind the cold, you can also visit Salzburg during the winter to enjoy the snow-covered landscape and participate in activities like skiing or enjoy indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and historical sites, as well as Christmas markets in December.

How to get to Salzburg from cities in Austria and Europe? (# salzburg blog)

The usual route is to travel between Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt within Austria, in addition, there is a small valley at the foot of the mountain, Innsbruck. You can refer to a detailed article on traveling between Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt here. Alternatively to get to Salzburg from cities in Europe by various means of transport as follows:

By plane: Salzburg has an international airport W.A. Mozart (Salzburg Airport), hence you can fly directly from major cities like Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Amsterdam. From the airport, you can travel to the city center by taxi, bus, or shuttle.

By train: The Salzburg Main Train station (Hauptbahnhof) is a 20-minute walk from Altstadt or the old city. Salzburg is at the intersection between Munich and Vienna as well as destinations in the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Munich (about 1.5—2 hours) and Vienna (about 2—3 hours) are the most frequented destinations with Munich even closer to Salzburg than the Austrian capital Vienna. Express train lines are also available from major cities.

By car: If you drive or rent a car, you can travel to Salzburg by road. Salzburg has national highways and highways interconnecting to nearby cities such as Munich, Vienna, and Innsbruck. However, be aware of applicable traffic regulations and fees to cross borders and on highways.

How to get from Salzburg airport to the city center? (# salzburg travel guide)

From Salzburg airport, there are several public buses that you can use to get from the airport into downtown Salzburg. Bus 10 to get to the Salzburg Rathaus (old town) from the airport takes you every 10 minutes. The most popular bus route is line 2 with the following details:

• Departure point: Salzburg Airport (Terminal 1)
• Destination: Salzburg Hbf Bus Stop—Salzburg City Center
• Schedule: Line 2 is from early morning to late night and has a frequency of about 10-20 minutes during the day. The route travels through several central stops and ends at the Salzburg Hbf bus stop (central train station).
• Trip time: The trip time from the airport to the city center is about 20-30 minutes, depending on the traffic.

How to get around Salzburg by public transport? (# salzburg travel guide)

The public transport system of Salzburg runs primarily on buses, trains, and trams acting as fillers. The same ticket can be used for traveling across the integrated travel network of Salzburg. Study the Salzburg city zone carefully, it extends to the Austria-Germany border.

Types of public transport tickets in Salzburg

The 24—hour ticket to the center of Salzburg costs €6.40 when you bought directly from the bus driver, which is €6.40. You can buy tickets in advance for less than €4.20 from vending machines or via the phone app. The saving tip is that you should buy a 24—hour ticket compared to a single 5—ticket for €9.50. Both the 24—hour ticket, the single ticket, and a 1—hour ticket (only available on the machines or in the app) are much cheaper when pre-purchased.

If you take a single ride in the center of Salzburg, it’s expensive because distances are short and there is a minimum charge. If you take a 2—minute ride, for example, you would pay €2,90 while you pay the same for the 20—minute bus ride to the airport.

One-hour tickets cost €2. These prices are only for the Central Zone i.e. Salzburg City and airport. These tickets can also be brought on regional trains. These tickets can be used on Buses, Obuses, and regional trains.

If you are going to explore Salzburg exhaustively and are going into two or more regions, then buy the two-region combined ticket for a week (priced at €29). This will allow the use of public transport networks in Salzburg Central and one adjacent zone for a week. If you want to cross borders and go to upper Austria or Berchtesgaden land, then buy a cross—border ticket for €4.

Salzburg Pass–Salzburg Card (# salzburg guide)

Though most of Salzburg is very walkable, some attractions like the Schloss Leopoldskron, Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg Zoo, and Untersberg Mountain are outside the city center and you should buy a travel card.

The card is of great value as it offers free admission to 30 attractions and discounts on events and concerts as well as access to certain tours. Free use (subject to conditions) of the cable car to the Hohensalzburg fortress, the funicular on Untersberg Mountain, the ski lift to Mönchsberg Mountain, and the river tram.

When you buy the card, you will get a guidebook/brochure with a list of attractions and a map of the bus lines that you can use. The card can be brought in 24/36//72 hours. Ideally, buy the 72—hour card as it’s impossible to see all sights connected with the card in less than 72 hours.

What to eat in Salzburg? (# salzburg guide)

You will see that the oldest cooking methods are still alive here and are practiced with greater ease in making some of the most influential dishes. You will also find some blissful amalgamation of different cuisines from various countries in Salzburg. the best food mentioned in Salzburg must be tried as follows:

Schnitzel: One of the best-known dishes of Austrian cuisine, the Wiener schnitzel is a thinner, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet that is traditionally served with a dollop of lingonberry jam, lemon wedges, and either buttered parsley potatoes, a simple potato salad, or French fries. Pork is often used instead of veal because it’s more available and cheaper.

Knödel: Which we would translate into dumplings, is a popular and versatile dish in Austria and throughout central and Eastern Europe. They are made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, and can be either sweet or savory, depending on the filling and seasoning used. Knödel can be a side dish, but there are also main courses made of Knödel.

Nockerl: A traditional dessert of Salzburg. The dessert is made up of three large meringue mountains, typically served with raspberry jam and sometimes with sweet vanilla sauce. The three mountains are supposed to resemble the famous Salzburg city, the mountain of Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, and Gaisberg. And just like a light dusting of snow on a mountain, these dumplings are added with powdered sugar before being served.

Salzburger Bier: Beer has been brewed in Salzburg for more than 600 years: out of a love for indulgence and with an attentive eye to quality and purity. The result is an array of tradition-rich beers and breweries with a long history. Salzburg has many famous breweries and you can enjoy local beers such as the Stiegl-Brauerei goes back to the year 1492 and is now Austria’s biggest private brewery, while Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln has been producing beer since 1621.

Mozartkugel: A traditional chocolate candy named after the composer Mozart, who originated in Salzburg. Mozartkugel has been made of marzipan and pistachio core wrapped in nougat and dipped in dark chocolate quickly became the most popular sweet in the city.

Where to stay in Salzburg?

Salzburg has a wide selection of places to stay, from luxury hotels to family guest houses and rental apartments. Here are some popular areas to stay in Salzburg.

Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt): The Old Town of Salzburg is home to many stunning historic sites and monuments, each provides a unique insight into the rich history and culture of this beautiful city, and it is worth a visit. Moreover, it is easy for you to access a lot of sightseeing, restaurants, and shops. There are many luxury hotels and nice cottages in this area.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens: The area offers convenient accommodation options and is close to major city attractions.

Nonntal: The Nonntal area is located south of the old town of Salzburg city and is known for its beautiful views and quiet surroundings. This is a good choice if you want to enjoy a natural and peaceful space.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• H+ Hotel Salzburg ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel & Villa Auersperg Salzburg ( Agoda , Booking )
• Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg ( Agoda , Booking )
• arte Hotel Salzburg ( Agoda , Booking )
• MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center ( Agoda , Booking )
• Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre ( Agoda , Booking )
• Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Elefant Family Business ( Agoda , Booking )
• NH Collection Salzburg City ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Turnerwirt ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Salzburg on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Where to visit in Salzburg?

Salzburg is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Located in the northwest of Austria, it’s as popular among tourists for its well-preserved historical architecture as it is for its magnificent Alpine setting. Find out all the best places to visit while on vacation in this beautiful corner of Austria with our list of the best things to do in Salzburg.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe. It is located high on Festungsberg Hill, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings.

Salzburg’s old city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The best way to experience the historic old town is to simply walk around and see everything, even if you do not miss the highlight attractions such as the Salzburg Cathedral and the Salzburg Landestheater.

Mirabell Palace

One of Salzburg’s many unmissable tourist attractions is the magical Mirabell Palace and its gorgeous gardens. The panoramic views are some of the finest in Europe and were featured in some of the most famous scenes of the film “The Sound of Music” with the iconic sightseeing such as Pegasus Fountain and the clump of trees.

Mirabell Park (Mirabell Gardens)

Nearby Mirabell Palace, Mirabell Park is designed in a geometric Baroque style, they are so beautiful, especially in warmer months when all the flowers are blooming. The Gardens are a beautiful stretch of flowers and sculptures, where you can just sit down for a while to admire everything it has to offer. This is also the place used in wildly famous for being a part of the Sound of Music.

Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral, or Salzburger Dom, is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Central Europe and has an interesting story behind it. You can enjoy Baroque architecture and see the famous painting “Maria Immaculada” by Michelangelo Grigoletti.

Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn)

Hellbrunn Palace is a Baroque mansion located on the outskirts of Salzburg. The Italianate villa became a beloved retreat for the rulers of the state, who flocked here to eat, drink and make merry. It was a Garden of Eden to all who beheld its exotic fauna, and citrus trees. Hellbrunn Palace with the Trick Fountains is famous for spraying water on visitors. Therefore, they should wear clothes that dry quickly.

Mozart’s Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace is located in the house, being is the bright yellow building at Getreidegasse 9, where the composer Mozart was born and raised. You can explore Mozart’s life and work through artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays.

Salzach River

The Salzach River provides the perfect backdrop and a home base for your trip to Salzburg. The river is beautiful in its own right and provides easy access to the city.

Since it goes right down the middle of Salzburg, you’ll be able to get exactly where you want to go in no time with easy access to walking and bicycle tours as well. The Salzach itself is a gorgeous scene. With the backdrop of Salzburg’s Baroque architecture in the background, the river is well-lit with neat grassy banks.

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes, Austria has much to offer the adventurous traveler. Dive into its culture-rich cities, innovative culinary character, and variety. This guide is to the very best of Salzburg for first-timers. Whatever your passion, whether it be spectacular scenery, history, architecture, or music, you will find it all in this captivating Austrian city.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Salzburg you can refer to

• Salzburg Card
• Salzburg Day Tour from Vienna
• Hallstatt Day Tour from Salzburg
• Eurail Pass for Austria (Mobile Pass)
• 4G WiFi for Europe from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G SIM Card for Europe from Xplori (SG Delivery)

Read more Austria guide here .

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Exploring Salzburg’s Old Town- A Self-Guided Walking Tour

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One visit to Salzburg’s Old Town is all it takes to realize that the city incorporates the very best of Austria, into one pretty little package.

Sprawling mountain views, ornate baroque architecture, pretty palaces, bustling market squares and of course, the music of Mozart, all make Salzburg one of Austria’s top tourist destinations.

Our Visit to Salzburg

We spent a day and a half in Salzburg and found that to be the perfect amount of time to see the main sights, without feeling rushed.

Most of Salzburg’s tourist attractions are concentrated in and around the Old Town ( Altstadt ). Their close proximity makes it easy for visitors who only have a short amount of time to spend in Salzburg.

Getting to Know Salzburg’s Old Town

Salzburg’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps. Famous for its baroque architecture, alpine setting and picturesque location on the Salzach River, Salzburg and its historic centre charms and delights many visitors.

The Old Town of Salzburg earned a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997. The designation as a World Heritage Site and the city’s strict preservation laws, have helped protect the architecture and layout of Salzburg.

Countless narrow, cobblestone streets merge into famous squares dotted with historic buildings spanning the centuries. You may not know it, but you’ll see architecture from the Middle Ages, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance periods.

Exploring Salzburg’s Old Town

Salzburg has many interesting attractions and a stroll through the Old Town is just a starting point for discovering all that Salzburg has to offer. Here’s a sampling of places to see in Salzburg’s Old Town!

Old City Hall

A very noticeable landmark in Salzburg is the bell tower of the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus).

The building was originally a burgher house until the city purchased it in 1407 to use as the City Hall and court of justice.

The Rathaus still contains government offices, but the mayor and city council now conduct business at Mirabell Palace.

Mozart’s Birthplace

Seeing as how I’m not much of a museum person, I thought my favourite part of Mozart’s birthplace would be the canary-yellow façade.

It was actually quite interesting to learn about Mozart’s life and see the house where he lived from birth (in 1756) until age 17. There are many musical instruments on display including one of Mozart’s baby sized violins.

The Getreidegasse

Mozart’s Birthplace is located on the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous (and busy) shopping street.

I don’t like to shop but I did enjoy looking at the wrought iron guild signs hanging from the tall buildings. Make sure you take a peek down the passageways leading away from the main street. You’ll find some beautiful courtyards!

St Peter’s Abbey, Cemetery & Catacombs

Nestled at the foot of Mönchsberg mountain is St. Peter’s Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the world.

St. Peter’s Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable people including Santino Solari (architect and builder of Salzburg Cathedral), Mannerly Mozart (Mozart’s sister) and Michael Haydn (composer and Joseph Haydn’s younger brother).

Carved into the rock of the Mönchsberg are catacombs and two chapels believed to be of early Christian origin.

St. Peter’s Abbey is also very old, dating back to about 700 when it was founded by St. Rupert. That makes it one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking area. St. Rupert is entombed in the abbey.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Salzburg’s Old Town is overlooked by its key landmark, Hohensalzburg Fortress. This medieval castle is the largest fully-preserved fortress in central Europe. It’s so imposing that it has never been conquered by enemy troops.

Read our full post about Hohensalzburg Fortress .

Kapitelplatz

If you’re walking towards the fortress, you’ll most likely come across the Kapitelplatz, or Chapter Square.

On the south side of the Cathedral, this spacious square was once the site of the Cathedral Abbey, where the high clergy resided.

Today, the square’s prominent attraction is an art piece called “Sphaera,” a large golden sphere with a man perched on top.

Salzburg Cathedral

Standing tall above the Domplatz is Salzburg’s Cathedral, dedicated to St. Rupert and St. Virgil.

The pale marble façade and large dome will command your attention, but it’s the interior that is especially eye catching.

The cathedral has been destroyed by fire, and consequently rebuilt, a few times in its history. The entrance gates bear the numbers 774, 1628 and 1959 in memory of the cathedral’s three consecrations.

Residenz State Rooms and Gallery

Salzburg’s Residenz is where the prince archbishops held court and managed the affairs of their country. Today, 15 of the 180 rooms are open to visitors.

We didn’t go on a tour because we had already seen so many palaces during our five weeks in Europe , but I’ve heard they are quite lavish.

Residenzplatz

Residenzplatz is the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town. The west side is dominated by the Residence, the east by the New Residence.

Residence Square is home to what is considered Salzburg’s most beautiful fountain. The Residence Fountain is decorated with horses, dolphins, giants and is topped with a Triton shooting a jet of water from a conch shell.

The square is a popular place for watching concerts and live showings of sporting events. It also hosts Salzburg’s Christmas market.

Mozartplatz

As the name suggests, Mozartplatz is a square dedicated to Salzburg’s most famous resident, Mozart.

The square prominently features a statue of the composer, which was unveiled in 1842 in the presence of Mozart’s sons.

Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace is not in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, it’s just across from it on the right bank of the Salzach River.

The palace and gardens were my favourite spot in Salzburg and were the perfect place to take a rest from exploring the city.

Read our full post about Mirabell Palace and Gardens .

Our Next Trip to Salzburg

If we ever visit Salzburg again I would like to visit Hellbrunn Palace. It’s about 5 km from the city centre, on the southern fringe of the city. The palace’s main attraction is its hidden “trick fountains”.

Final Thoughts About Our Visit to Salzburg

There wasn’t anything we didn’t like about Salzburg, but for some reason we didn’t fall in love with the city. That’s okay though- it’s unrealistic to think you’ll connect on a deeper level with every place you visit. However, we did like Salzburg much more than Vienna , Austria’s other major tourist destination.

Tips for Visiting Salzburg’s Old Town

Getting There: Salzburg is about a 2.5 hour train ride from Vienna. The train station is conveniently located in the Old Town, about 2 km from Mozartplatz.

Tourist Information: Tourist offices can be found at Mozartplatz 5 and the main train station.

Salzburg Card: We didn’t buy the Salzburg Card, but it gives free admission to Salzburg’s attractions and free public transport in the city. This pdf brochure will give you more detailed information to help you decide if the Salzburg Card is a worthwhile investment for you. You can buy the card online, at tourist offices, city ticket offices, hotel reception desks, and the airport.

Information was updated January 2024, but can change without notice. Please confirm directly with service providers.

Tours in Salzburg

Here is a trusted site that has a large selection of tours and tickets for activities in Salzburg . You can book everything from city tours, Sound of Music Tours, concerts, boat rides, and day trips out of the city.

Accommodations in Salzburg

Here is a list of hotels in Salzburg . Please consider booking your Salzburg accommodations through the included link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

More Austria Destinations and Travel Guides

• Hallstatt, Austria- A Picturesque Lakeside Alpine Village
• Cruising Austria’s Scenic Wachau Valley
• Melk Abbey- A Jewel on the Danube
• Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens- History, Photos and Tips for Visiting

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How Salzburg Stole my Heart

Every so often I find myself in a city or town that captivates me as much as it inspires me, intrigues me, and as such completely overwhelms me with all of this happening at once. Cue Salzburg, one of Austria’s most charming cities that almost relies solely on tourism due to its old world charm, spectacular architecture, connection to the Sound of Music and for being the birthplace of the world’s most prolific composer, Wolfgang Mozart.

With an introduction like that, its little wonder this charming small city captivates the great majority of its visitors. So without further ado, here is how Salzburg stole my heart…

It doesn’t take longer than a day to fall in love with Salzburg. A great place to start is also one of the settings for the world’s most known musical film,  The Sound of Music.  Inside the Mirabellgardens , visitors can marvel over the freshly cut green grass that dazzles with an array of colourful flowers – colours that change each year according to tradition.

From there, its just a short fifteen minute walk over one of the many pedestrian bridges to make your way over to the Old Town of Salzburg – a UNESCO World Heritage listed area that is both charming and hypnotic, all at once.

Here inside the Old Town, be sure to visit a selection of the cities’ highlights, including: The Salzburg Dom Cathedral ; Hohensalzburg Fortress ; St. Peter’s Monastery ; Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse ; and wander around the many shops whilst there.

While just one day is enough to explore the walkable city of Salzburg, its a good idea to plan for more time to enjoy one of the day trips from the city. Whilst I would have loved to journey to Eagle’s Nest on a day trip from Salzburg or visit nearby lakeside town Hallstatt (also UNESCO World Heritage listed); I was quite content taking the day tour from Salzburg to visit the sights and sounds of the  Sound of Music tour . 

The tour lasted for 4 hours in length and visited all the filming locations in the city itself, followed by locations just outside of Salzburg and finishing in the lakeside town of Mondsee .

Back in the Old Town, there’s still plenty to see and do beyond the main tourist attractions that can be covered in a day. The city is so charming that it is quite easy to pass a few days here, sipping on an Aperol spritz in the summer time or a glühwein  in the winter. 

If you so happen to be in Salzburg during the winter seeking an authentic winter Christmas experience, you’re in luck. The city comes to life for the festive season with the world famous Christkindlmarkt and the surprisingly good Winterfest  (I was at first sceptical but pleasantly surprised with one of the best performances viewed this year). 

Getting Here:   Within Austria, Salzburg is well connected to Vienna by car and rail. Within Europe, Salzburg is easily accessible from Munich and Zurich, especially by rail. If you find yourself in nearby Cesky Krumlov (2.5 hours south of Prague), CK Shuttle offer a door-to-door shuttle service to Salzburg. If you’re flying in from outside of Europe, you may find it beneficial to fly internationally to Munich and catch the train to Salzburg.

Stay:  WoW stayed at the four-star Hotel Villa Carlton , located next to the Mirabellgardens. Staying on this side of the Salzach river is a great way to save a few dollars and the Old Town is a mere 15 minute walk away.

Eat: For Austrian cuisine with a modern twist, consider the popular Blaue Gans (blue goose) in the Old Town.

World of Wanderlust would like to thank Salzburg Tourismus for arranging my visit to Salzburg and creating a fantastic three day itinerary to introduce myself and my readers to this beautiful city! My views are, as always, my own.

Due to weather difficulties this blog post contains both my own images and those of Salzburg Tourismus.

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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The joke 'If it ain't baroque, don't fix it' is a perfect maxim for Salzburg: the story-book Altstadt (old town) burrowed below steep hills looks much as it did when Mozart lived here 250 years ago. Beside the fast-flowing Salzach River, your gaze is raised inch by inch to graceful domes and spires, the formidable clifftop fortress and the mountains beyond. It's a backdrop that did the lordly prince-archbishops and Maria proud.

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