In this Salzburg travel guide, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step Salzburg itinerary designed to help you make the most of 1 day in Salzburg or extend your adventure over 2 days. From wandering the elegant lanes of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to standing atop the Hohensalzburg Fortress and tracing Mozart’s legacy, the city combines history, culture, and Alpine scenery in a way that feels naturally immersive.
This guide outlines the best things to do in Salzburg, providing thoughtful tips, timing advice, and local insights so you can enjoy the city at a relaxed pace. Whether you’re here for music, mountain views, or simply the joy of discovering somewhere new, this itinerary will help you uncover Salzburg’s unique charm from the very first step.
2 days Salzburg Itinerary
Salzburg, Austria, is a compact and walkable city, making it easy to explore. It’s an ideal destination for a one-night stay or a weekend getaway. Additionally, it serves as a great complement to a ski holiday at nearby resorts in SalzburgerLand, such as St. Johann Alpendorf.
Here is our 2-day itinerary, which is convenient and flexible for short stays in Salzburg. This enables you to change things, add, or remove anything. In addition, I have included some fantastic suggestions: the best area to stay in, restaurants, and how to get around Salzburg in one or two days.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens with Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background
Day One Activities in Salzburg
1. Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town)
Begin day 1 by strolling through the narrow passageways and streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, also known as Salzburg’s Altstadt. Stroll down Getreidegasse (Grain Lane), Salzburg’s most famous and busiest shopping street, where you’ll find pastel façades shops, each with its own unique wrought-iron guild signs, representing different products.
While there, also check out the various through-houses that lead to charming courtyards, each offering its own surprises. The shops include a mix of big-name brands, trendy boutiques, souvenir shops, and places to eat. If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is the area to visit.
2. Eat local chocolate at Café Tomaselli.
If you’re looking for a coffee or a quick break, I recommend stopping at Café Tomaselli. It’s situated in Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt), on Alter Markt Square, where you started your day. This historic coffee shop, founded in 1700, is one of Austria’s oldest and most renowned coffeehouses. You can enjoy a coffee, indulge in one of the many pastries, or try the traditional Mozart cake.
If that doesn’t take your fancy, then I suggest trying a Mozartkugel, a chocolate praline with marzipan, pistachios, nougat, and dark chocolate, created in Salzburg in 1890.
Mozartkugel, the famous Salzburg chocolate treat
3. Visit Mozart’s Birthplace
While on Getreidegasse street, visit Hagenauer Haus No. 9, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. He is one of the most celebrated musical figures in the world. Built in the 12th century, the bright yellow townhouse is now one of the most visited museums in Salzburg, dedicated to the composer’s life. You need about an hour or two hours here to look around inside.
Inside, you will find original furniture filling the rooms, along with many artefacts such as musical instruments, manuscripts, and informational sheets stored in beautifully lit cabinets. There are also portraits, mostly created during Mozart’s lifetime. The museum is free with a Salzburg Card. Alternatively, you can purchase a single entrance ticket to his birthplace or opt for a combined ticket that includes a visit to the residence.
4. Try local Austrian Cuisine at Cafe-Restaurant Nussbaumer.
If you are hungry or need a break, I suggest stopping by Cafe-Restaurant Nussbaumer. A charming but straightforward cafe located near the entrance of the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. They serve typical Austrian dishes, such as bratwurst and Wiener schnitzel. It is simple, yet delicious and reasonably priced for the location. Plus, you have great views of the Fortress above.
5. Take the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress.
After lunch, take the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched above the city on Festungsberg Hill. It is one of the top things to do in Salzburg and can be seen from nearly all parts of the city. Explore its medieval rooms and museums, then head up to the viewing platform at the Reckturm Tower to soak up sweeping 360-degree views over Salzburg and the Alps.
You can spend a good couple of hours here wandering around, if you want to see everything. Other ways to reach Hohensalzburg Fortress include the Monchesberg elevator or walking. Entrance tickets to the Fortress exhibitions and rooms, as well as the funicular ride up, can be purchased here.
6. Visit St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery & Catacombs.
If you have time on day one or are up for exploring more of Salzburg after Hohensalzburg Fortress, then head to St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery & Catacombs. Located below the Mönchsberg cliffs, less than a 5-minute walk from the Funicular Cable Car. It is a well-known location for fans of “The Sound of Music.”
Enter St. Peter’s Monastery and explore the Cemetery (Petersfriedhof), filled with ornate tombs, flowers, and wrought-iron crosses. Discover the catacombs carved into the rock, where early Christians once worshipped quietly in caves. If you’re hungry, go to Stiftsbäckerei St Peter bakery, next to St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery & Catacombs.
Visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the main attractions in Salzburg, Austria.
2 days in Salzburg – Things to do
7. Wander around Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Begin your second day in Salzburg at the stunning Mirabell Palace and Gardens, which are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Walk up the Angel Staircase to the renowned Marble Hall and explore the beautiful flowerbeds, sculptures and fountains. The Marble Hall is regarded as one of the most magnificent halls in the world, and numerous intimate concerts are held here each year. Be sure to check for available concerts and book a ticket while you are there.
Afterwards, wander around the geometrically arranged gardens that frame perfect views of Hohensalzburg Fortress. If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, you’ll recognise the steps and the Pegasus Fountain used in the film. Though the gardens are free to explore, take a 2-hour walking tour to the Mirabell Gardens and learn about the Sound of Music and Mozart.
8. Go inside Mozart’s Residence
Mozart’s residence is located at No. 8 Makartplatz, on the same side of the Salzach as Mirabelle Palace and gardens. Mozart lived here with his family from 1773 to 1787. It was known as the Dance Master’s House, also called Mozart’s Wohnhaus or Mozart’s residence. The eight-room apartment was destroyed during World War II, but was rebuilt.
Today, it serves as a museum, much like Mozart’s birthplace. Portraits, documents, and multimedia displays offer a detailed insight into the composer’s life. You can buy a single entrance ticket to the Mozart residences or opt for a combined ticket that includes his birthplace. I recommend booking a private walking tour of Mozart’s life with a guide if you’re a fan.
Walking down Getreidegasse street, the oldest in Salzburg
9. See Mozartplatz Square
Cross the Salzach River using the famous Makartsteg Bridge (also known as Marko-Feingold-Steg) and make your way to Mozartplatz Square, formerly known as Michaelsplatz. This square is located in the centre of the Old Town, close to Salzburg Cathedral. While you’re there, you can visit the Salzburg Christmas Museum or the Salzburg Museum and take a moment to admire the statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
If you’re looking to take a break, I recommend Café Glockenspiel, which is located in front of the Mozart statue. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee and cake while watching the people pass by. Additionally, the city’s tourist information office is situated in the square.
10. Visit Salzburg Cathedral & Residenzplatz
Visit Salzburg Cathedral, one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks. Located within the enclosed squares of Residenzplatz and Domplatz, less than 5 minutes from Mozartplatz Square. Its baroque architecture and impressive interior make it a must-see.
A key highlight is hearing the cathedral’s seven organs being played daily at noon, resonating through the city streets. The entry fee for the Cathedral is minimal and can be purchased online, with an audio guide. You can also book the organ concert, which includes entrance and lasts 30 minutes.
The view from the lookout tower of Hohensalzburg Fortress over the old town of Salzburg
Gastronomy in Salzburg
11. Try an authentic meal at Wirtshaus Elefant
Enjoy an authentic meal at the cosy Wirtshaus Elefant, which translates to Elephant Inn. It is a traditional Austrian eatery located at Hotel Elefant in the Old Town, near Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall). It’s the ideal spot to enjoy local delicacies such as Wiener schnitzel with a Salzburg Nockerl, paired with regional wine.
Other recommendations include Austrian beef goulash and apfelstrudel (apple strudel). I do suggest booking, as it is a popular restaurant and you do not want to be disappointed.
12. Eat at Austria’s oldest restaurant, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.
Enjoy dining at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Austria and Europe. Established in 803 AD, it has been a popular meeting place for princes, bishops, and citizens for over 1,200 years. Dining here is as much about history as it is about delicious Austrian cuisine.
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is situated within St. Peter’s Abbey, close to St. Peter’s Church. It is a traditional, refined fine-dining establishment that serves inventive Austrian dishes and beverages. Some of the dishes worth trying include Ragout of Austrian venison or homemade tagliolini with black truffle.
Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg city – Pic provided by the Tourism Board.
13. Go to Augustiner Braugasthof Krimpelstätter
Augustiner Braugasthof Krimpelstätter is one of the last traditional inns in Salzburg-Mülln. They serve authentic, delicious traditional dishes at reasonable prices. Inside, the restaurant has a rustic, homely atmosphere, and outside is a spacious, relaxing beer garden.
I came across this eatery while walking along the Festungsberg wall on the Kapuzinerberg route, and I am so glad I did. It was a sunny day, so I sat outside in the beer garden and enjoyed a Salzburger bratwurst with sauerkraut, washed down with a local cold beer from the nearby Augustinerbräu brewery.
14. Have Wiener Schnitzel at Restaurant Triangel
Restaurant Triangel is an excellent choice for either lunch or dinner, especially if you crave a delicious Wiener schnitzel. It is located near the cathedral and Festival Hall in Salzburg’s historic centre. The restaurant is a relaxed yet refined setting that serves authentic Austrian cuisine.
I had the house schnitzel with salad, and it was really lovely and light. I would definitely order it again. The restaurant also had a pleasant atmosphere, and I enjoyed sitting there on my own, taking it all in.
Wiener Schnitzel Restaurant Triangel, where to eat in Salzburg
Additional things to do in Salzburg for 3 or 4 days
15. Take in Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens
Visit Hellbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens, located near the Salzburg Zoo and easily accessible by bus 25 from the city centre. One of the main attractions is the trick fountains, which feature playful water installations designed to surprise and delight visitors. Consider booking a river cruise tour that includes Hellbrunn Palace and a tour around the famous trick fountains.
16. Ride the Untersbergbahn cable car
Take the Untersbergbahn cable car up Untersberg mountain for the best views of the entire Salzburg area. It is open year-round. The entrance station in Grödig/St. The ascent from Leonhard (456 m) to the top station Geiereck (1,776 m) is 1,320 m. The Salzburg Card can be used.
17. Do a Sound of Music Tour
If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, I recommend taking a tour to visit iconic filming locations such as Leopoldskron Palace, Basilika St. Michael and the beautiful lakeside settings just outside the city. It’s a fun way to explore Salzburg’s cinematic and cultural heritage.
Use a Salzburg Card during your 1 or 2 days in the city.
I recommend purchasing a Salzburg Card during your 2 days in the city to save money and enjoy free transport. It grants access to most of Salzburg’s main attractions and museums, such as Mozart’s birthplace and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
The Salzburg Card also offers discounts at restaurants, hotels, and concerts. You can buy a Salzburg Card for 1, 2, or 3 days. Simply select your preferred duration when purchasing online.
The best way to get around Salzburg in 2 days
The best way to explore Salzburg’s main landmarks and attractions in 2 days is by walking, especially in the Old Town, where you can stroll through narrow alleyways and picturesque lanes. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, such as trainers or walking sandals, as there are hilly areas and cobbled streets. My preferred walking shoes are my Merrell Women’s Siren. They are lightweight and comfortable.
Using Salzburg public transport for over 1 or 2 days
If you don’t want to walk, public transport is reliable and great for reaching attractions like Hellbrunn Palace. Salzburg has an eco-friendly trolleybus system with electric trolleybuses and easy-to-use, easy-to-navigate bus routes. You can buy a single ticket or a 24-hour ticket for the centre of Salzburg. Visitors who purchase a 24- or 48-hour Salzburg Card can use public transport free of charge during that period.
We used the Salzburg Card for the sites during our two-day stay in the city.
Where to stay in Salzburg for 2 days
I stayed at the JUFA Hotel for my 2 days in Salzburg, which was within walking distance of the landmarks and historical sites. The Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city’s most popular attraction, is only a 15–20-minute stroll away. It is a modern, family-friendly base that blends comfort and convenience at a budget price.
JUFA Hotel Salzburg features an on-site café and restaurant, spacious lounge areas, and child-friendly amenities. Breakfast, which is available at an extra cost, is served generously. The hotel appeals to couples, families, and solo travellers seeking good value for money.
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Have you ever been to Salzburg, Austria, for a day or two? Is there anything else I should include in this Salzburg itinerary? Please let me know in the comments below.
⇒ Ensure you have travel insurance for your trip to Austria, in case of any unexpected events.
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Useful booking links you can use for 2 days in Salzburg
- Check availability in Salzburg for one night or a weekend break on Agoda, my go-to accommodation site for the cheapest deals.
- I flew directly from London to Salzburg with EasyJet. Check flight prices on Trip.com.
- Here is a selection of tours you can book for your 2 days in Salzburg city.
- Book a car from Salzburg to explore Salzburgerland.
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