should i visit salzburg

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Austria , Cultural Travel

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

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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.

Arial view of the riverside Salzburg Historical Old Town with it pastel buildings, mint green rooftops and castle on the hill.

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.

Two bearded men in hoodies - one playing a wood board drum and the other playing a white keyboard, busk next to the padlock covered river bridge in Salzburg.

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 shimmering blue, mountain backed, tree-lined Sound of Music Lake at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria.

The Sound of Music Lake at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg

A white mansion house in Salzburg in Austria, pokes between a mass of trees and sits facing huge body of water.

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

The library of Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria

Two white stone horses' heads either side of a black metal gate overlooking a lake surrounded by trees. The 'Horse Head Gate' was made famous in The Sound of Music and is found at 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.

A row of rectangular buildings in pastel colours, spires and towers with mint green roofs and a castle complex on a hill - a riverside view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzburg city.

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

A horse carriage driver, looking towards the white buildings in Salzburg Old Town, stands in between two carriages, each with two horses.

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

A white building with two towers with mint green spires, dominates a Public Square with a statued fountain in Salzburg, Austria.

One of the grand public squares in Salzburg.

A Public Square with beige and white building with mint green spires surround a Golden Fountain in Salzburg.

Salzburg’s Golden Fountain.

A darken cream stone old city gate in Salzburg with a modern yellow building build above and around it. A man and his children walk in the gate's archway.

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.

People walking down Getreidegasse - a shopping street in Salzburg known for its pretty, stylish signage.

The famed Getreidegasse shopping street in Salzburg.

The delicate and pretty gold and metal shop signs that line the shopping street of Getreidegasse 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.

People walk through the manicured gras and flower beds of the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, which has a view towards towards the fortress on the hill.

Famous fortress view from the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg.

Two tall statues with arms outstretched are the decor on the Gate of the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, Austria. In the distance is the hilltop fortress.

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.

A narrow, 1.4 metre wide grey stone building with a jewellery shop front is wedged between two larger buildings. It is the smallest house in Salzburg.

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).

View down a long street lines with pastel coloured buildings and which looks up to a large rock wall with a white fortress on top.

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

A panoramic view of Salzburg in Austria, with a scattering of white buildings cut in half by a river and backed by low mountains, as seen from the top of the Modern Art Museum.

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.

Modern artworks in Salzburg include a man standing on a giant golden globe and a large interactive chessboard. Both are found in a public square below a hilltop fortress.

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.

Dozens of people gather around large tables, holding tall ceramic mugs of beer in a huge hall with classic white and dark wood interior.

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.

Two people walk down the oldest street a Salzburg – a wide cobblestoned street lined either side with light pink and yellow building with metal window bars and street lamps.

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

An old shop front with brown shutters, a brown door and a yellow and brown shop sign that reads "Tändlerei" is covered in modern street art paintings of women sitting in doorways and windows.

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

A woman in a white t-shirt and green trousers walking in a narrow cobblestoned alleyway towards a white wall arch in old Salzburg, Austria.

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.

View of the Andräviertel Neighbourhood in Salzburg comprised on yellow and pink pastel coloured buildings, mint green rooftops and spires and a worn, golden brown four story building with the sign, "StRupert Antik".

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

View down a long street with a brown archway and a baby pink building and clock tower with a mint green spire. Black tables and chairs can be seen in the street.

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.

People walking towards a red and blue tour bus decorated with images of the characters from the Sound of Music.

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 dark metal poles, handrails and archways of a bridge in Salzburg made famous in the Sound of Music.

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

A woman dressed in black poses in a dance style outside a white and glass gazebo in Salzburg made famous in the Sound of Music.

The “Sixteen going on Seventeen” gazebo.

A woman dressed in black stands on the jagged white and grey pavement outside of the yellow and white, two-towered Mondsee Cathedral in Austria.

Mondsee Cathedral, used for the marriage scene.

A woman in black jeans and a pink t-shirt walks on the edge of an opulent stone fountain set in a grand and manicured garden, made famous in the Sound of Music.

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

A woman in black jeans and a pink t-shirt stands at the top of the stairs, at the black gated entrance to a palace garden, with her arms raised. Behind her is a manicured garden with a fountain, and a raised fortress complex.

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.

A woman in a pink t-shirt and with long hair stands on a raised green pasture overlooking village houses, rolling green and a wide lake in Salzburg, Austria.

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

People on the Sound of Music tour bus taking pictures of the hills and mountains of Salzburg through the bus window.

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.

A man busks on the street in Salzburg, playing a guitar next to a green and grey statue of Mozart.

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.

People stand outside a tall, rectangular yellow house with a red and white stripped Austrian flag. The words on the building read: "Mozart's Geburtshaus" (Mozart's Birth House).

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.

White chairs and tables outside a pink building with white window trims, golden lights and the name over the door arch: "Fürst" - a famous chocolate shop in Salzburg.

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

Silent Night Chapel Oberndorf Village Austria

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.

The green rooftops, church spires and quaint architecture of Salzburg, Austria, seen from an elevated viewpoint looking towards the hill with the mountains in the far background

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.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Salzburg At Least Once

Salzburg has so much more to offer visitors other than just Mozart and the Von Trapp family—it is a quaint, cultural, and romantic city with plenty of attractions and activities to entice tourists. Here are some of the events Salzburg provides that locals and visitors alike will enjoy.

Christmas markets.

Salzburg comes into its own over the festive period, and the cosy markets look wonderfully quaint set against the Baroque architecture and distant snow-topped mountains. The Christkindlmarkt on Residenzplatz pulls out all the stops for its guests. With origins dating back to the 15th century, it is no amateur when it comes to putting on a spectacle. Hug a mug of gluhwein in gloved hands while browsing the cosy stalls offering homemade treats and trinkets.

1. Food and Drink

Cuisine local to Salzburg includes many Bavarian- and Tyrolean-influenced meals as well as Austrian-national favourites, such as schnitzel, apple strudel and Sacher torte. At the farmer’s markets —the Grünmarkt , outside the University campus, is particularly popular with locals—visitors find many strong cheeses, cured meats, and delicious baked pastries and cakes. Gasthof Goldgasse and Gablerbräu , both authentic Austrian restaurants, also come highly recommended.

original austrian apple strudel | © c_pichler/Flickr

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Beautiful Landscapes

Salzburg has the best of both worlds—with striking rural and urban landscapes to enjoy. After exploring what the city streets have to offer, escape to the wilderness or to the quieter neighbouring towns, such as St Gilgen, Anif, or Werfen.

Classic view of the historic city of Salzburg with famous Festung Hohensalzburg and Salzach river illuminated in beautiful twilight during scenic Christmas time in winter, Salzburger Land, Austria

Art and Culture

Although Vienna is often considered to be the cultural heart of Austria, Salzburg has a burgeoning art and cultural scene. The most recently-opened building (there are two) of the Museum of Modern Art lives atop of the Mönchsberg and peers down upon the Old Town. Spread across four levels, the halls contain a wealth of contemporary art in a unique and stylish setting. Among the permanent loans include works by an exciting range of artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, including many pieces by Austrian artists.

The world-famous Salzburg Festival takes place each summer in the city and has an incredible programme of classical music. However, tickets can be expensive and difficult to get ahold of. Free screenings of the festival’s performances can be viewed at the open air cinema in the Old Town. Alternatively, The Electric Love Festival , with a line-up consisting of mainly Dubstep, Electro ,and House will appeal to younger visitors.

Romantic Haunts

Those looking for the destination for the perfect weekend away with their other half, look no further because Salzburg is a dreamy place for a mini break. The Romantikhotel Die Gersberg Alm Hotel , as its name suggests, offers various packages designed for an enchanting retreat. The chalet-style building boasts beautiful views, a sizable swimming pool, and a gourmet restaurant.

Salzburg attracts waves of winter-sport fanatics to the surrounding mountains—and not just skiers (although this is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Austria). Snowboarders, skaters, and sledders all populate the resorts around the city, taking enthusiastic advantage of the snowy season. Saalbach-Hinterglemm , about an hour and a half’s drive from the city, offers one of the best areas for skaters and has one of the largest ski facilities in all of Europe. For the warmer months, hiking around the hills is a great option.

Architecture

Baroque and medieval styles dominate the historic-city streets, but Heizkraftwerk Mitte provides one of Salzburg’s most-intriguing structures. A brutal beast of a building designed by architects Marie-Claude Bétrix and Eraldo Consolascio, it caused an uproar when revealed to a public who deemed it not ‘in keeping’ with the city’s pretty aesthetic. However, its slightly unsightly appearance undoubtedly creates an interesting and refreshing contrast to the otherwise pristine designs. The winding streets surrounding Getreidegasse , the birthplace of Amadeus Mozart, are an example of the most dainty architectural side of Salzburg.

Building, Monastery

The city of Salzburg’s history dates all the way back to the stone age, and it houses many historic monuments to explore and uncover its rich past. One of the oldest-documented buildings is a monastery that stood in the 5th century. Meanwhile, building the mighty fortress that stands on Festung Hohensalzburg began in 1077, and it is currently one of the city’s most-visited attractions. In 1997, the city became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

the fortress | © hjjanisch/Flickr

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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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.

Mirabell Gardens & Hohensalzburg Fortress

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.

Getreidegasse - one of Salzburg's iconic streets

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.

Salzburg from the Hohensalzburg Fortress

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).

View of Fortress while hiking on Monchsberg

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.

Augustiner Brau is a must visit on any Salzburg itinerary

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.

Beautiful views of Salzburg from the River Salzach

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!

Iconic archway featured in The Sound of Music in Mirabell Gardens

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!

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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

10 reasons why you should visit Salzburg

If you think salzburg is all about mozart, opera and boringly traditional you should press the refresh button and follow me to today’s salzburg. a modern spot with a brilliant food and lifestyle scene, heaps of varied opportunities how to spend a day and welcoming locals who are proud of their city and treasure the high quality of life salzburg offers. yes, there is this cultural and historical component no one wants to miss either because it is part of salzburg and, honestly, austrian culture can be a fun thing too, i promise. i’m not saying we’re dressing up like mozarts but have you visited an oktoberfest yet it’s really fun, social and entertaining. let’s look beyond the mozart thing and see the reasons why you should visit salzburg and why you will love it., 1 – the food: a feast for all senses.

Admit it. You thought dining in Salzburg means traditional food in traditional restaurants, right? Actually, yes. You will find these restaurants and they serve amazing food only of the best quality. But not only that. Salzburg has a wide range of modern places with a creative kitchen as well as international and exclusive restaurants with an exquisite cuisine. How about a place where each month a different international top chef cooks his creative dishes? Or an off-beat restaurant with changing concepts and paradoxical dishes? A spot with daily changing menus? Industrial chic style with modern cuisine mixed with traditional roots? Salzburg is a true paradise for foodies and these are my favorites: Ikarus , Wilhelm-Spazier-Straße 7A: The world best top chefs enchant your senses within the architectural masterpiece of Hangar 7. Did you know? You can try exceptional recipes of the best chefs invited by Ikarus . Paradoxon , Zugallistrasse 7: Paradoxical meet sensual. Stratman , Siezenheimerstraße 39b: Industrial flair meets modern cuisine Pasta e vino, Wolf-Dietrich-Straße 31: Dolce Vita, fresh pasta, wine. Nothing to add. Afro Cafe, Bürgerspitalplatz 5: Exotic food and art for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Magazin Restaurant , Augustinerstraße 13: Vinotek and Shop, wine and dine

And here’s Happy Celiac’s gluten-free survival guide for Salzburg.

2 – A divine view that makes you forget life around you

Do you know how I forget a rough and shitty day? Give me a rock, a hill or a mountain I can walk on and let me look down. A beautiful vista lets me forget the world around me and fills me with new energy. Sounds like your kind of fun? The thing in Salzburg is, that you actually have to make a choice because there is quite a nice selection of viewpoints. And the good news is, that most of these viewpoints can be reached within the city. That’s awesome, isn’t it? The two mountains in the heart of Salzburg shape the cityscape: Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg. The view from the Museum der Moderne on Mönchsberg combined with a glass of chilled white wine on the terrace of the restaurant M32 is divine. If you love city views but rather stay on the ground, you can enjoy a cocktail at the skybar of the Crown Plaza.

3 – Greeeeeen

If you love nature and need the green for a living, then Salzburg is your place. How about joining the locals for an after-work beer in the meadows by the river? The Salzach shore is a great spot to escape the old town during hot summer evenings. You’ll find the punks and the youngsters around Markartsteg, the museum of music students further in the North and all others at Mozartsteg or further South of Salzach river. If you’re looking for some minutes of peace and tranquility you will find it within the historical St. Sebastian cemetery in Linzer Gasse 41. If you’re lucky you might hear an opera singer from the nearby Mozarteum music university practicing. If a cemetery is too morbid but you are longing for the green why don’t you grab your yoga mat and head over to the park in Hellbrunn ? Now I understand the locals who say that the quality of life in Salzburg is one of the best in the world. Another reason why you should visit Salzburg and enjoy the green spots there.

4 – Lakes, lakes, lakes

There are so many lakes around Salzburg that you can spend each weekend exploring another one. The lakes are little paradises, each treated like a treasure, even with drinking water quality. Think of the world’s pollution and then you’ve got lakes where you could actually drink from. I am really not sure if there’s any other place on the earth where you can do that. A jump into the coolish water makes you feel great and fresh and happy. I love spending a day with friends at the lake chatting, laughing, eating, being silly and ending the day with a sundowner. Is there anything better than that? Even 5 minutes bike ride from Salzburg Waldbad Anif is a great location for summer and with good food, music, swimming and a separate area for kids for tree climbing it’s easy to lose a day. A great spot for a sundowner is Edenberger in Fuschl, where the Red Bull folks enjoy their after work drinks while others are in cars or trains for the after work commute. A glass of wine and the feet in the cool lake water after the end of a busy day. Sounds great? If you need a bit more action, you can have it. There are plenty of water sports activities that make you forget that the word boredom even exists. Need some more Salzburg travel tips? Here we go.

5 – Outdoor activities

You don’t have the sea, but you’ve got the lakes. Water is covered. And then you’ve got the mountains. Loads of them: high peaks for the mountain goats among you and easy ones for beginners and short hikes. The adventurers cherish the area because of the endless possibilities to indulge their mountain lust : from short hikes to long distance high altitude hikes with an overnight lodging in one of the huts where you can eat homemade dumplings with bacon and cheese. Is canyoning your kind of fun? Or exploring the numerous flumes or waterfalls? Discovering the salt mines or ice caves? Oh and have I mentioned that the area around Salzburg has amazing ski resorts? Depending on what you’re up to, you will find family resorts, party resorts or cute little ones for a quiet ski holiday all of them providing slopes for beginners, enthusiasts and pros. If skiing or snowboarding is not your thing, you’ll end up for a snow hike, sledding down the hills or burn some calories with cross-country skiing. If that’s too old-fashioned, grab a Lumumba, a hot chocolate with rum, and enjoy the beautiful landscape covered in snow.

6 – Hipster Haven

Yes, Salzburg does the hipster thing, too. I saw it myself. Julia’s Favorite Kamer Conceptstore (Paris-Lodron-Straße 12) is a Scandinavian oriented interior and accessories store with a coffee shop and petite self-made snacks and pastries. It’s a place you could spend hours sitting by the window sipping your coffee and buy some cute little things for your home or a gift for friends. Just around the corner, there is Frau von Grün , a grocery store offering delicious smoothies, healthy snacks and grocery without packaging. Bring your own cereal bowl and just refill it. Thanks for helping to reduce plastic. Are you a meat lover? Then you should visit Meat & Eat by Jules , the cool butcher shop in the Andräviertel where you can not only buy meat and sausages but also have a seat, drink a glass of wine and enjoy an amazing beef tartare. If you love markets, you’ll be happy to visit the Farmer’s market „Grünmarkt“ every day except Sunday or “ Die Schranne” am Mirabellplatz, a weekly market on Thursdays with local specialties at a fair price. In the Panzerhalle , you will find plenty of restaurants, weekly brunch clubs and eat & beat events – the location is really awesome. The Barber Shop in the basement of the Villa Carlton Hotel (Markus Sittichs Straße 3) is a really cool spot for the guys, especially the guys with beards. Sit down and enjoy the atmosphere while you sip your glass of scotch. And if you’re into tattoos, you might want to get yours there? If you love ink, but the other one, have a look at the bookstore „Neues Leben“ in Bergstraße 16. You might find some real rarities and if you’re lucky, you will hear a regular visitor playing the piano or guitar while you study the second-hand books. Speaking of books: head to the city library (Schumacherstraße 14), grab a coffee from the panorama bar and start reading while you enjoy the view of Salzburg.

7 – Cafés with a home feeling

I am a coffee junkie and love sitting in cozy cafes writing, watching people and talking to random strangers about their lives and loves. Salzburg offers a good range of traditional cafes with a long history and culture where you sip your coffee and read the newspapers. But it also has a new coffee scene: modern, young and hip. Vintage furnished little places with fair trade coffee, aryuveda porridge, vegan sandwiches, Matcha Latte, Kurkuma Latte – the whole scope of the BoBo coffee thing. Everyone should have a favorite café, a second living room to spend mornings and days chatting, reading and listening to the soothing sound of the newspaper rustling and you’ll definitely find yours in Salzburg. These are mine: GustaV , Wolf-Dietrich-Straße 33: Vegan café and bistro with old furniture and fabulous coffee. Denise’s Chocolate-mint-raw torte without sugar is just awesome. Cafe 220 Grad , Chiemseegasse 5: minimalist interior meets feel-good ambiance and the best breakfast in Salzburg Alchemie , Rudolfskai 38: One-of-a-kind coffee, international atmosphere and a view on the Salzach and Kapuzinerberg. Café The Heart of Joy , Franz-Josef.Str. 3: Need a Zen moment? This café is inspired by poet and spiritual master Sri Chinmoy Schweiger Deli serves newly adapted traditional recipes and invites to stop for a glass of wine and Doll Vis-à-Vis is a cute mini concept store with a cafe

8 – Bars, music & art – the modern way

In the narrow alleys of Salzburg, you won’t have difficulties finding a small bar with great music and drinks to spend the night at. Salzburg plays it all: jazz clubs (Jazzit, Elisabethstraße 11), rock house (Rockhouse, Schallmooser Hauptstraße 46), festivals (Electric love festival, jazz festival), gin bar (Little Grain, Getreidegasse 34), cocktail bars, beer garden and breweries, wine taverns, Irish pubs, meet-the-locals-after-work-locations (Edenberger in Fuschl) discos or clubs (Half Moon, Gstättengasse 4-6). If you’re an art lover , you will love the huge number of art galleries, you can literally do an art gallery hopping if you want to. From established artists to newcomers – Salzburg’s galleries offer a diverse program for everyone and every interest. Not to forget the modern museum on the Mönchsberg with changing exhibitions or one of my favorites, the Fotohof, a gallery for contemporary and artistic photography.

9 – Salzburg goes International…

…but not only once a year in summer when Salzburg turns into a cultural center and the famous Festspiele take place. The VIPs and wannabes stream into town, dress up in their most beautiful or sometimes most awkward dresses, show their big smiles and actually yes, they also visit the cultural happening, too, the reason why they came to Salzburg after all, right? But not only brings the Festspiele international audience, Salzburg is global headquarters to a few companies you might know. Red Bull has an amazing campus located on the edge of Fuschl am See with 800 employees there – a great architectural building to shoot, by the way – and right in Salzburg is the HQ of their innovative media house company and TV station Servus TV. Look past the 1500 employees of Red Bull that have come from around the world to call Salzburg home and you will find the HQ of Atomic Skis and the home base of the Porsche dynasty. English is the second language so don’t worry if you do not speak German. Nearly everyone understands and speaks English. You can order your favorite pastry, visit a doctor or buy your medicine without difficulties. A very good reason to love Salzburg.

10 – The location

The location of Salzburg is just perfect. It is pretty much in the middle of everything . Pack your skis and wedel down the slopes within 30 minutes. Pack your bathers and jump into a crystal clear lake within just a couple of minutes from the city center. Reach the capital of Austria, Vienna, within a 3-hour train ride or the international airport of Munich in less than two hours drive in case you can’t reach your desired destination from Salzburg airport. The number of cities or places you can reach in under 4 hours drive or train is pretty remarkable: Istria Peninsula or Pula, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Venice Milan, Garda Lake, Lake Como and the list goes on and on… Nothing to add here, right? You’ve probably heard of Hallstatt, a famous little city very close to Salzburg. Here’s your guide for a day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt .

Three voices who love Salzburg and its surroundings:

Marko , 32 from Croatia has moved to Salzburg with his wife and little son of 3,5 years 2 years ago. He’s originally from Koprivinca, a tiny city and he loves the peace and quietness of Salzburg and the surroundings. Marko is amazed by the well-organized infrastructure and safety which makes it a great place to live, especially with a family. „There are so many opportunities that you can actually do something different every weekend“.

Maxime , 25 is from the south of France and has moved to Salzburg city about one year ago. Salzburg reminds him of the south of France with its exceptional quality of life and the way people spend their time outdoors with so many different activities. He loves the great food and the variety of restaurants offered. And he really enjoyed his first Oktoberfest in traditional clothes – A great opportunity to break the ice with the locals. Do it first and they will accept and love you.

Melitta , 58 (but 25 in her heart and mind) has lived in Salzburg for 10 years. She loves the variety of the cultural scene: from tradition to contemporary to totally out of the usual, from serious to hilarious. She likes the little, innovative stores away from famous Getreidegasse and loves to stroll through Salzburg’s art galleries. If you intend to move to Salzburg, here’s Melitta’s tip: „Although everyone speaks English, push yourself and learn German to show the people that you respect the country and the people.“

Did my 10 reasons why you should visit Salzburg convince you? Then find your best hotel deal here:

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Salzburg Travel Guide

17 Best Things To Do in Salzburg

Updated May 16, 2022

Would you rather live like a king or a world-renowned classical composer? If you choose the former, you'll find yourself at home in the Schloss Hellbrunn admiring its furniture and the grounds, or in the Mirabellgarten while perusing the flowers.

All Things To Do

Altstadt (Old Town) Altstadt (Old Town) free

Since this central district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – contains some of the city's most popular attractions, such as Mozarts Geburtshaus and the Salzburg Museum , you will undoubtedly spend hours exploring here. Fellow travelers recommend not rushing through it, however, since there are tons of architectural marvels, markets and shops to see.

Wander around Altstadt's Judengasse (the Jewish District) and examine the St. Florian Fountain in the Alter Markt, a marketplace that dates back to the 13th century. And for architecture buffs, spend plenty of time gazing at the neighborhood's array of buildings. Some structures were originally constructed during the Middle Ages, while others are more contemporary and show Alstadt's progression over time.

Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) free

A giant monument to this city's religion, power and wealth, Dom zu Salzburg awes visitors with its turquoise domes and towering facade. Built, burned and rebuilt multiple times in the past millennia, the current structure – which was renovated in the 1940s and 50s after the roof suffered damage from World War II – demonstrates the pinnacle of early Baroque ecclesiastical architecture.

During your visit to this 17th-century monument, pay particular attention to the structure's smaller details – such as the statues of apostles Peter and Paul at the front, or the individual murals on the copulas – to appreciate its supreme craftsmanship and ornamentation. And music lovers will appreciate the cathedral's prominence in Mozart's life: The building served as the location of the musical prodigy's baptism, as well as where some of his pieces were composed during his time as an organist.

Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) free

This 17th-century paradise on the east side of the Salzach River shelters notable sites like the Pegasus Fountain, the Dwarf Garden and the set of stairs where Julie Andrews and company practiced "Do-Re-Mi" in "The Sound of Music." Visitors like to explore the beautiful winding paths, snap photos of the unique sculptures or simply drink in the sights. Angel Staircase, a supreme example of the Baroque style, impresses visitors daily.

If you can, visit in summer. That's when Mirabellgarten's flowers are in bloom. In the backdrop, you'll see Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace), which hosts Salzburg's municipal government.

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Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress) Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress)

Never conquered by enemy troops, Festung Hohensalzburg opened to the public in the late 19th century. It was originally built in 1077 in preparation for a conflict between Pope Gregor VII and Emperor Henry IV. Over the centuries, the complex has grown, serving as a prison, an army camp and, of course, a military stronghold. Today, a torture chamber, several courtyards and three small museums – the Fortress, the Rainer Regiments and the Marionette – reside within its walls.

When you visit, you'll notice this fortress' rugged purposes did not dissuade rulers from adorning the interior lavishly. Some of the oldest Gothic-style rooms have intricate wood paneling, elaborate door frames and vaulted ceilings, all of which have been beautifully maintained, according to past travelers. And despite the eclectic decor, most people appreciate the imposing exterior. For stunning views of Salzburg and the surrounding area, make your way to the top of the compound – a highlight for many recent visitors.

Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace) Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace)

Although "The Sound of Music" was shot at a handful of locations throughout Salzburg, the movie's gazebo scene, where Liesl and Rolf sang "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," was filmed at Schloss Hellbrunn. But even without the cult movie's following, travelers say this 17th-century palace would still be enormously popular. The simple exterior hides exquisitely decorated rooms, ballrooms and halls (check out the octagonal music room). Here, you'll preview the lives of Salzburg's archbishops, the former religious and political rulers of the region who built its pleasure palaces, which were primarily used for enjoyment and recreation.

Immaculately maintained, the gardens have stolen much of the thunder from the actual residence. This 17th-century palace is the only royal estate in the world that will squirt you with water if you aren't looking. The Wasserspiele, or trick fountains, send streams of cool water at visitors from humorously placed jets – an archbishop's idea of a joke. So, if you're not looking to get wet, make sure to wear a poncho while wandering the gardens.

Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn) Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn)

Winter sports enthusiasts, hikers and those in search of a panoramic view will all appreciate the Untersbergbahn, a cable car that takes travelers up the Untersberg mountain range in just 8.5 minutes. At the top of the mountain, which sits more than 6,000 feet above sea level, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of Salzburg, the Berchtesgaden region and the Rositten valley.

Originally opened in 1961 and renovated in 2018, the funicular features two cable cars that can each accommodate up to 50 passengers. When visitors disembark at the top, they'll find themselves in alpine terrain with a variety of hiking trails at their fingertips. Closed-toe footwear that provides traction is necessary, as is appropriately warm clothing – even summer may be chilly. To get back down, visitors can hop back on the Untersbergbahn.

Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace) Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace)

If you're looking to tour a quintessential Salzburg attraction, then a stop at Mozarts Geburtshaus is a must. Born on Jan. 27, 1756 on the third floor of this property, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart resided with his family here until 1773. Now the building houses a museum that chronicles the musical prodigy's early years. Artifacts from his life are spread out between this site and Mozarts Wohnhaus , where the famous composer also lived.

If you're short on time and can only visit one of these melodious houses, however, spring for Mozarts Geburtshaus. On display there are exhibits like Wolfgang's childhood violin, portraits and family letters. Exhibits are stretched among three levels: Visitors learn about Mozart's family and birth on the third floor, progress to his opera-composing period on the second, and get an insight into his everyday family life on the final ground floor. Travelers claim all of the exhibits are extremely informative and interesting, even if you aren't big on classical music.

DomQuartier Salzburg DomQuartier Salzburg

In the 1500s, Salzburg's prince-archbishops planned an Italian Baroque-style city center that today is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elaborate buildings they commissioned reflected the prince-archbishops' power over both religious and more earthly matters. The resulting DomQuartier is a series of harmoniously conceived buildings: a cathedral, Residenz precinct and St. Peter's Abbey.

Visitors to the Residenz can tour the prince-archbishops' elaborate state rooms, which feature Italianate frescoes, soaring arched ceilings and elaborate flooring. The Residenzgalerie boasts a collection of European paintings spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. Meanwhile, the Cathedral Museum permanently exhibits artwork from the Salzburg Archdiocese that date back as far as the eighth century, as well as temporary art exhibits. St. Peter's Abbey is also easily accessed in the DomQuartier.

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Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn

For nature lovers, there is an animal for everyone at Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn. Home to 150 species and more than 1,500 animals, the zoo groups animals by continent of origin and provides spacious, naturalistic enclosures. Among the animals you'll spot here are African penguins, cheetahs, lemurs, kangaroos and a variety of reptiles.

For those visiting Salzburg for its history, there is plenty of that at the zoo, too. In the 15th century, the area was part of a wildlife park at Hellbrunn Estate. The palace and fountains remain popular attractions in their own right.

Haus der Natur Haus der Natur

Conceived as the "new natural history museum," Haus der Natur was founded in 1924. Today, it offers family-friendly nature presentations spread out across more than 75,000 square feet. There is an aquarium, an outer space hall, and exhibits on dinosaurs and the human body.

Haus der Natur brings visitors face to face with fish and reptiles at its Aquarium & Reptile Zoo. Meanwhile, the Science Center offers hands-on experiments – a reprieve from the no-touch rules at Salzburg's historic sites – that explore everything from physics and music to electricity and water. What's more, there are a dozen permanent exhibits and a rotating cast of temporary exhibits. An observatory, a cafe and a gift shop round out the offerings.

St. Peter's Abbey St. Peter's Abbey free

St. Peter's Abbey was founded in 696, making it one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking region. It includes St. Peter's Church, Friedhof St. Peter (a cemetery), the oldest library in Austria and the oldest restaurant in central Europe. The cemetery's catacombs date to antiquity, and are considered a must-see for "The Sound of Music" fans (the von Trapp family hid here before escaping the Nazis).

Against the backdrop of beautiful 17th-century abbey architecture (much of it restored and updated in varying styles), Mozart composed "Dominicus Mass," which the abbot commissioned in 1769. Not long after, Haydn was similarly commissioned to write "Rupert Mass." The strong musical tradition continues today, with concert events and dinner concerts in various parts of the abbey complex.

Petersfriedhof (St. Peter's Cemetery) Petersfriedhof (St. Peter's Cemetery) free

Friedhof St. Peter is one of the world's oldest cemeteries, believed to date back to late antiquity. Nestled in the St. Peter's Abbey complex, it is the final resting place of many of Salzburg's aristocratic families, as well as Maria Anna Mozart – Wolfgang Amadeus' older sister, and a musician in her own right. Its catacombs are another highlight here. They were carved into the Mönchsberg mountain and are believed to date back to the 1100s.

Along with its notable inhabitants, the cemetery is famous for its beautiful architecture. This includes the Romanesque Chapel of the Holy Cross and St. Margaret's Chapel. The cemetery's beautiful setting and haunting catacombs made it an ideal filming location for a dramatic scene in "The Sound of Music."

Salzburg Museum Salzburg Museum

The Salzburg Museum has a wide range of archaeological and artistic treasures: from a 17th-century carillon (a set of mechanized bells) that plays Mozart compositions to religious Renaissance paintings and artifacts from Salzburg's early Roman origins. The most remarkable exhibit (listed as a separate museum for admission) contains several 360-degree panorama paintings. Still, recent visitors profess the true marvel of the museum is the facility itself.

In 2007, the Salzburg Museum reopened at a new location in Altstadt . The museum is located inside the Neue Residenz, an "overflow" palace for royal guests, diplomats and advisors. While most recent visitors were impressed with the building, they offered less praise for the displays, which some described as boring. However, if you're hoping to gain a better understanding of Salzburg history, in addition to the impact of current events, this could be a worthy stop.

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After drinking in Salzburg's history, help yourself to a taste of its beer. Stiegl Brauwelt is the city's largest private brewery. Boasting a brewpub, a beer garden, a beer bar and a gourmet restaurant, as well as a museum, Stiegl-Brauwelt takes its craft seriously. They have to – 90,000 bottles of Stiegl beer are filled each hour!

Once you enjoy a drink or a meal, tour the museum to learn about the history of brewing at Stiegl. Many different interactive tours are offered. The general guided tour includes three beer tastings. There are also family friendly options, including a student program and treasure hunt. Self-guided visits are also available.

Mozarts Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence) Mozarts Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence)

Before Mozart relocated to Vienna , he wrote many cherished symphonies, concertos and operas at Mozarts Wohnhaus, the composer's former home, which sits across the Salzach River from Mozarts Gerburtshaus and Festung Hohensalzburg . Unfortunately, only a third of the original house remains intact due to a World War II bomb blast. An office building was initially constructed in the devastated section, but was torn down in 1994. The property has since been restored to its original state.

Exhibitions at Mozarts Wohnhaus display the composer's original drafts and sheet music written in Salzburg. Most notably, Mozart's original pianoforte resides here, as well as a famous portrait of the Mozart family. And although some recent visitors wished more information was provided about Mozart's life, many appreciated the artifacts on display. However, if you only have time to visit one Mozart site, visitors suggest his birthplace rather than this museum.

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Home » Travel » Destinations » 2 Days in Salzburg: Itinerary for First Time Visitors

2 Days in Salzburg: Itinerary for First Time Visitors

2 Amazing Days in Salzburg Itinerary - tulips and fountain in Mirabell Garden

If you love snow-capped mountains, opulent buildings, and breathtaking views, a trip to Salzburg is a must. It’s a city steeped in history, from medieval castles to Mozart to The Sound of Music . And if you spend 2 days in Salzburg, you can see it all at a leisurely pace!

2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary - tulips view of Mirabell Gardens.

Typically, I cram a ton of exploring into each day of travel. But our trip to Austria was far more relaxed, because we were also celebrating my husband’s birthday. Instead of speed walking from sight to sight, we savored the little things that made our Salzburg itinerary special.

Fortunately, the main area of Salzburg is small enough that you can take your time, and even revisit places you really enjoyed. We went to Mirabell Gardens three times! I might have been a little obsessed with the tulips and wisteria…

And if you only have 1 day in Salzburg, I’ve got you covered. There’s a modified itinerary near the end of the post that covers what to see in Salzburg in one day.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Salzburg Itinerary for 2 Days

Know before you go, the best time to spend 2 days in salzburg, day 1: salzburg walking tour, day 2: salzburg sightseeing.

What if I Only Have 1 Day in Salzburg?

Map of 2 Day Salzburg Itinerary

Where to go after your 2 days in salzburg.

Estimated budget for 2 day Salzburg itinerary (excluding transport and accommodation): €90

Austria uses the euro (€). Salzburg is very card-friendly, even at smaller cafes and shops. However, you should always have a few euros on hand for leaving tips.

Be sure to check your restaurant bill to see if service is included. If not, it’s customary to leave 10-12% as a tip.

Austria’s official language is German. Although every service worker we encountered spoke English, I highly recommend learning a few travel terms and phrases before you arrive.

Two days in Salzburg doesn’t require much knowledge of German, but knowing a bit of the language goes a long way. If you don’t have Google Translate installed on your phone with the German dictionary downloaded, do that before you leave.

Here are some German phrases to help you along:

Yes – Ja ( ya )
No – Nein ( nine )
Please – Bitte ( BIT-eh )
Thank You – Danke ( DON-kuh )
Pardon Me – Entschuldigung ( en-SHUL-di-gung )
I don’t speak German – Ich spreche kein Deutsch ( ish SPRE-ke kine doitch )
Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch? ( SPRE-ken ze English? )
Water – Wasser ( VA-sa )
One – Ein ( eyen )
Two –Zwei ( zveye )

Panoramic view of Salzburg city center including cathedral spires and mountains.

Because the city’s main area is so compact, you probably won’t need to use public transit at all during your 2 days in Salzburg. The train station is only a 10-20 minute walk from the main hotels and attractions.

But in case you need it, there is a trolley and bus system that serves the city. For about €2, you can purchase tickets from a machine or tabacco shop, or from the conductor.

There are also 24-hour transit passes available from the machines/shops, but for this Salzburg itinerary, it won’t be necessary.

Uber does not operate in Salzburg, so you’ll need to arrange for a taxi if you need car transport.

Getting from Salzburg Airport to Salzburg Station

Two bus routes–the No. 2 and No. 10–run from Salzburg Airport to Salzburg Hbf. You can buy tickets at the machine near the stop for under €3.

The No. 10 will get you to the station in 15 minutes, about 10 minutes faster than the No. 2. Note that only the No. 2 runs on Sundays.

Getting to Salzburg from Munich

Sometimes it’s cheaper or more convenient to fly into Munich instead of Salzburg, and take a train between the cities. This is the route we took, and it was very straightforward.

The simplest route is via Munich West (München Ost). Depending on your departure time, you’ll take either the S1 or S8 from the airport to Munich West, and then change platforms for the train to Salzburg. The total travel time is 2.5-3 hours.

Although you can buy tickets from the machine near the platforms, it’s so much easier to download the DB Navigator app . I relied on this app heavily during my 2 days in Cologne .

You can buy e-tickets with QR codes that the conductors will scan. And you can set up notifications in the event of a train delay/cancellation.

Getting to Salzburg from Vienna

You can take a direct train from Vienna Central Station to Salzburg Hbf in under 3 hours. The cheapest way is to book tickets in advance via the OEBB website (remember to print your tickets!). Buying same-day tickets can cost you nearly double.

If you’re traveling on a busy weekend or holiday, I strongly recommend paying for a seat reservation. Otherwise, you could end up standing or searching for one for a long time.

Westbahn also operates a double-decker train from Vienna to Salzburg. Tickets are more expensive than advanced-purchased ones from OEBB, but you shouldn’t need a seat reservation due to the ample seating.

I’ve heard some people say the Westbahn is “more scenic”, but they actually share tracks with the OEBB trains. Though I suppose being on the 2nd level lets you see more out of the window…

Old stone house facade with brown doors and hanging plants seen during 2 days in Salzburg itinerary.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

To make the most of your 2 days in Salzburg, you should choose accommodation in the city’s main area. There are a range of options here, from the affordable YoHo Hostel to the opulent, riverfront Hotel Sacher .

We chose to stay at the Star Inn Hotel Premium , and it was a fantastic experience. Between the central location, comfortable bed, and proximity to delicious restaurants, it was a perfect home base for our Salzburg adventures. We were especially fond of the ice cream shop across the street (maybe a little too fond).

If you’re more of an apartment person, there are some great options across the city. This centrally-located townhouse near the station is ideal for day tripping to Hallstatt or other Austrian towns.

Colorful painted Easter eggs found when visiting Salzburg in spring.

From late summer carnivals to charming Christmas markets, it’s hard to choose the best time to visit Salzburg! Here are a few seasonal highlights to help you decide when to do this Salzburg itinerary:

December – February: December sees the old town decked out for Christmas, with holiday markets selling traditional crafts, food, and mulled wine. Advent festivities make Salzburg one of the best places to visit in Europe in December ! January and February are decidedly cold, with temperatures at or below freezing, but it’s your best chance of seeing snow.
March – May: Easter is a popular time to visit Salzburg, with celebrations including a parade, concerts, and traditional markets. March and April can be unpredictable in terms of weather (we had sunny, 20 C days for our trip, while the week before was rainy and 9 C). May offers great weather and traditional Maypole festivities.
June – September: Summer brings the most festivals and tourists to Salzburg. The Salzburg Dult Fair in June and St. Rupert’s Day Fair in September are the most popular, with traditional food, folk dancing, and carnival rides.
October – November: The shoulder season brings cool weather and autumn leaves. Though you won’t experience any major celebrations, you’ll be free to roam the city without the crowds.

Elisabethkai

Kick off your 2 days in Salzburg with a lovely riverside stroll. The Salzach River divides the city in half, and the tree-lined Elisabethkai follows it along the eastern side.

Start at Saint-Julien-Straße and head south until you reach the Müllnersteg bridge. Then, turn left and head down the pathway towards Mirabell Gardens.

There are multiple access points to the gardens, and this route offers great views of the famous Pegasus Fountain and the flower-lined walking paths.

Mirabell Gardens

In case you didn’t know, Salzburg is home to several filming locations for The Sound of Music . And Mirabell Gardens featured prominently in the Do, Re, Mi scene. I may have hummed the tune approximately 500 times during our trip…

The gardens and palace have been around for 400 years, but the iconic Pegasus Fountain was added in the early 1900s. I had fun imagining the Von Trapp children and Julie Andrews running along the fountain’s edge.

If you’re visiting Salzburg in the spring, you’ll find wisteria and cherry blossoms in addition to the seasonal flowers that form the intricate lawn patterns.

Most people only explore the tree tunnel and walking paths between the palace and the Makartplatz exit. But there’s also an upper level to the gardens with a lovely Orangery and hedge theater.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens are the most popular Salzburg sightseeing attractions. So if you’re planning to take photos, be prepared to wait your turn at the popular spots (in front of the fountains, at the main gate, etc.).

Book your Sound of Music tour here!

After you’ve re-lived your Sound of Music fantasies, head south and exit the gardens at the Makartplatz. Walk a block south/southeast to reach the iconic arch of Sauterbogen.

RELATED: Ultimate Salzburg to Hallstatt Day Trip Itinerary

City Center

Salzburg’s crooked alleys and colorful shops add a ton of charm to the city. And there’s no better way to experience that charm than by wandering (somewhat) aimlessly.

Rather than prescribe a specific route to take through the city’s east side, I’ve made a list of highlights to seek out during your walk:

Linzer Gasse: A lovely historic street lined with shops and restaurants.
Bäckerei Josef Funder: This traditional bakery is the perfect place to grab a pastry snack.
St. Sebastiankirche: Home to several royal tombs, with a beautiful cemetery in the back.
Parish Church St. Andrä: An iconic part of the Salzburg skyline directly across from Mirabell Palace.

After you’ve finished exploring, head towards the river for a quick photo-op at Salzburg’s love lock bridge.

Makartsteg (Salzburg Love Lock Bridge)

Salzburg love lock bridge spanning the Salzach river.

Europe’s cities are full of love lock bridges, and Salzburg is no exception. The curving Makartsteg is covered in thousands of metal locks announcing the everlasting love of the couples who placed them there.

However, there are environmental consequences to leaving a big piece of metal dangling over a river. For the sake of the planet, please don’t add a lock to the bridge .

Enjoy the views, snap a few photos, kiss your partner, and leave no trace.

Kapuzinerkloster

One thing I didn’t know about Salzburg was how many active abbeys and monasteries there were in the city.

Kapuzinerkloster is a 400-year-old, hilltop Capuchin monk monastery. Though there are select times when you can see the interior, the surrounding grounds are open to the public and offer panoramic views of Salzburg.

There are two ways you can reach the top of the hill. You can either follow the winding Kapuzinerberg road (the entrance is an arched tunnel off of Linzer Gasse). Or, you can take the more direct passage via Imbergstiege, which involves about 250 steps.

After that long trek, you’ll probably be hungry for a hearty lunch! I highly recommend Zum fidelen Affen , which has excellent Austrian food and traditional Salzburg beers.

Save me for later!

Collage of mountain view and pink tulips with palace, with text overlay - "Salzburg Itinerary 2 Days".

When I was planning our Salzburg walking tour, I was surprised that the Giselakai wasn’t suggested. It turned out to be my favorite street in the city!

From this riverside street-turned-path, you get excellent views of the old town’s pastel facades. And with the fortress towering above, it felt like something out of a storybook. It reminded me a bit of Edinburgh’s skyline, actually.

You can walk as far down as you want, but I recommend stopping where the path becomes a street again. From here, you’ll turn around and cross the river at Mozartsteg.

Mozartplatz

West of the river lies Salzburg Old Town, a maze of alleys and must-see historic sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For the purpose of this Salzburg walking tour, you won’t be entering any of the buildings (that’s for tomorrow).

Once you cross the Mozartsteg, follow the road to reach the Mozartplatz. It’s a unique spot in the city, with a Mozart statue, beautiful fountain, and mountain views.

Take a stroll around the square to reach Pfeifergasse. Follow the charming alley until the intersection, turn right, and walk south until you reach the cross-section with Kapitelgasse.

Kapitelplatz

Kapitelschwemme fountain with willow tree and view of Salzburg fortress above.

Kapitelgasse leads straight to Kapitelplatz, an expansive city square lined with shop stalls and pretty buildings. Most of Salzburg’s festivals take place here, and it’s often bustling with travelers.

The highlight of the area is the Kapitelschwemme, a gorgeous fountain pond with a view of Hohensalzburg directly above.

Domplatz, Residenzplatz, and Old Town Alleys

Horse and carriage in the Salzburg Old Town courtyard.

Part of why Salzburg’s Old Town feels so impressive is its mix of massive, open spaces and cozy little alleys.

You can walk north from Kapitelplatz and reach Domplatz, where the gorgeous Salzburg Cathedral towers overhead. And just north of that is the Residenzplatz, the bustling, colorful heart of the old town.

If you’re visiting Salzburg for Easter, you’ll find a charming market selling painted eggs and traditional crafts.

From here, you can start exploring the old town’s shop-lined streets. The main highlights are Getreidegasse and Universitätsplatz, but I found each alley to have its own set of charms.

Mirabell Palace

Spending 2 days in Salzburg means you have the time to properly savor Mirabell Palace! The palace was a gift from the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg to his mistress, Salome Alt. 400 years later, the palace serves as a tourist attraction and opulent wedding venue.

Highlights include the grand Marble Hall and Angel Staircase (can you imagine the fairytale weddings they must have here?!). Admission to the palace is free, though hours for the Marble Hall vary. Check the website for more info.

And for a truly magical music experience, you can attend a Mozart concert inside the Marble Hall!

Book your Mirabell Palace Mozart concert here!

Mozart’s Birthplace

Of all the things to see in Salzburg in 2 days, this is probably the most touristy. However, if you’re a fan of classical music and want to learn more about Mozart’s past, this is the place for you.

Mozart’s Birthplace (not to be confused with Mozart’s Residence across the river) is an authentic reconstruction of the composer’s childhood home. You can walk through the furnished apartment and envision what life was like in the late 1700s.

And the exhibition includes Mozart’s original musical instruments, personal letters, and other treasures.

The museum is open every day, and admission is €11.

Salzburg Cathedral

Aside from the fortress, Salzburg Cathedral is the city’s most iconic building. It’s a stellar example of Baroque architecture, with stunning white walls, carved details, and murals.

In warmer months, the main doors are left open to allow visitors a free view inside. However, to go past the threshold, you must make a donation (there’s no specified amount).

Once inside, you can get a better view of the ceiling murals and the famous baptismal font where Mozart was christened.

Franciscan Church

The Franciscan Church dates back to early medieval times, though what you see today is a result of much reconstruction. Though it’s not as opulent as Salzburg Cathedral, the beautifully vaulted ceilings and ornate alter make it a must see.

And with free admission, there’s no reason not to go in!

Stift St. Peter (St. Peter’s Monastery)

View of St. Peter's Monastery facade and tower.

Note: Stift St. Peter is closed for renovation until September 2019.

I was really looking forward to St. Peter’s Monastery, particularly the garden-like cemetery. The catacombs also feature in The Sound of Music , when the Von Trapps are fleeing from the soldiers.

Unfortunately, the monastery was closed for renovation, so we could only see some of the exterior.

Admission to the main buildings and cemetery is free, though you’ll need to pay to enter the catacombs. Check the website for more details.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

View of countryside and mountains from Salzburg fortress, the highlight of my 2 days in Salzburg.

From medieval architecture to sweeping mountain views, there are so many things to love about Hohensalzburg. And if you fancy a hike, you can take in some amazing city views along the way there.

Head to the Concert Hall (a.k.a. House of Mozart) and walk around the left side. Here, you’ll find a set of concrete steps up to a walking path that leads all the way to Hohensalzburg Fortress.

The climb does get rather steep in places, but being among the rooftops and spires of Salzburg more than makes up for it.

If you’d rather skip the hike, there’s a funicular that will take you straight up to the fortress. I suggest taking advantage of the online ticket discount if you’re going this route. Otherwise, it’s €13 for the all-inclusive no funicular ticket, which includes Prince’s Chambers and the Magic Theater (a multimedia retelling of the fortress’ history)

The fortress is the largest intact medieval castle in Europe. Walking past the whitewashed walls and through the main square truly feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

However, my favorite parts of Hozensalzburg were the views. You can gaze over the rooftops via the cannon windows. There are multiple cafes whose tables overlook the countryside and snowy mountain peaks. And the area near the funicular has a lovely view of the Freyschlössl tower.

After a long day of exploring, you’ll undoubtedly want a hearty dinner. We had an excellent meal with a view at Restaurant Stieglkeller , which sits just below the fortress. They have an English menu and fantastic sauerkraut dumplings.

What if I only have 1 day in Salzburg?

Luckily, the city is compact enough that you could spend 1 day in Salzburg and see most of the sights! To make this a 1 day Salzburg itinerary, follow these steps:

Start at Mirabell Gardens
Check out the love lock bridge
Walk along the Elisabethkai and Giselakai
Cross the bridge and start the Day 2 itinerary from Mozart’s House, with extra time to see the old town streets like Getreidegasse and Universitätsplatz

You can also book a Salzburg hop-on hop-off bus tour to get around the city faster and learn some history along the way!

Google Maps snapshot of 2 days in Salzburg itinerary map.

Click here to view the full interactive map!

Innsbruck: Take a 2 hour train ride to Innsbruck for more mountain town charm, baroque buildings, and quality skiing.
Hallstatt: Visit Europe’s most picturesque village on the lake by taking a Salzburg to Hallstatt day trip (or better yet, spend the night).
Vienna: Spend 2 days in Vienna exploring the city’s opulent palaces, gorgeous architecture, and iconic cafes.

12 thoughts on “2 Days in Salzburg: Itinerary for First Time Visitors”

Looks like there is SO much to do there and it looks gorgeous and very clean! Love that it is so walkable — I haven’t been just yet, but it looks like my kinda place!

Salzburg has a lot to offer! Being able to walk everywhere and soak in the mountain views was amazing.

Love this comprehensive 2 day itinerary! It’s so detailed and covers all the questions I have before heading there. It’s also so easy to navigate and read. Thank you!

Thanks so much, Chloe! It’s nice to have all the details in one place 🙂

We are visiting Austria in September 2020 and will use your itineraries as our “go to”! Thank you

So happy I could help, Lori Beth! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Austria.

thank you for sharing your experience with us. next time you can come visit me in my lash studio. really nice blog about Salzburg 🙂 xoxo

Thanks so much, Tina! I look forward to visiting Salzburg again 🙂

I haven’t been to Salzburg but I want to. Thanks for the itinerary. The view from the fortress looks gorgeous.

Best regards,

This is so detailed. Great, great job! Pinned it for my upcoming trip.

This is so helpful!!! Where is that restaurant on one of the last pictures with the mountains view?😍

Glad you enjoyed it! That restaurant is located in the Hohensalzburg Fortress (you can see a different angle right under the Hohensalzburg Fortress heading in the itinerary).

How To Spend One Day In Salzburg – Full Day Itinerary

One of the must-visit cities in Austria is without doubt Salzburg, also known as the birthplace of Mozart!

Salzburg will for sure surprise you with its UNESCO-protected architecture since the city exists since Roman times! If you like magnificent churches, historical architecture, impressive castles, classic music and of course the movie The Sound of Music, then this is the ideal day trip destination for you!

As you probably noticed from my description, there is a lot to discover if you only have one day. I visited Salzburg in the summer of 2021 and felt overwhelmed as well. But don’t worry, in this post I’ll go over all Salzburg’s highlights (from my personal experience) so that you know exactly what to visit in one day!

Let’s take a look at this Salzburg itinerary!

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Salzburg itinerary map

One day in Salzburg itinerary

Below I’m going to give you some suggestions as to what to include in your one-day Salzburg itinerary. Fortunately, you can visit all these places on foot since this is the easiest way to get around the city of Salzburg! If you still want to use public transport to get around the city, consider buying the Salzburg Card.

Start at Hohensalzburg Castle and follow the order of my recommendations below for the rest of your day!

Hohensalzburg Castle

Hohensalzburg Castle is just one of the impressive medieval castles that can be found in this region of Austria. For most people, a visit to Salzburg isn’t complete without a visit to its castle!

This castle dates back to the 11th century and is located high upon a hill (as the name says) with a magnificent view over Salzburg and the region. Right now, the castle provides a true experience for both parents and children, it’s even possible to plan your child’s birthday party here!

I would definitely recommend buying the full ticket that gives entry to all the halls of the castle which you can explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can book a group or family tour with a guide.

In addition, the castle is home to a puppet museum as well as other museums that tell about the history of this castle and Salzburg. If this all sounds like a lot to you, I understand! Make sure to count at least a few hours to spend here!

Practically, it is possible to walk up to the castle, but if you want an easier route, you can just take the funicular starting from the city center. You’ll pay a bit extra for the ride but it definitely saves you a hard climb!

Residenzplatz & Mozartplatz

After your visit to the Hohensalzburg Castle, you should make your way to the Residenzplats which is the most central square in the old city center of Salzburg. From here, you’ll be able to start your visit to the city!

But before you run away to the next destination on your Salzburg itinerary, don’t forget to admire the beautiful fountain and take a look at the Mozartplatz where you’ll find a statue of Mozart himself.

You’ll also see horses and carriages stationed on the Residenzplatz, which can take you for a tour around the city if you wish.

Dom of Salzburg

At the Residenzplatz, you’ll also find the dom of Salzburg. To me, the dom is one of the most impressive buildings in this city. This baroque style dom has a history that goes back to the eighth century and is abundantly decorated on the inside.

Usually, you can visit the dom every day of the week, and occasionally you can even enjoy a concert here! A ticket to explore the church costs €5 and if you come around noon, you have the chance of enjoying an organ recital!

St. Peter’s Abbey & its catacombs

The catacombs of St. Peter’s abbey are a true hidden gem in Salzburg. When you enter the courtyard of St. Peter’s abbey and make your way to St. Peter’s Friedhof (the cemetery) you’ll be catapulted back in time.

The garden is home to several wonderfully decorated, historical graves and if you know it’s here, you’ll also find the entrance to the catacombs. For a few euros (literally), the lady at the entrance will let you go up the stairs into the rocks that were carved out to form the catacombs.

As you’ll also read in the info folder, this used to be the home of monks hundreds of years ago and until today, you can still see the original altars where they used to honor their God.

Birthplace of Mozart

If you say Salzburg, you say Mozart. This is the city where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been born and everywhere in the city you’ll find proud signs of this, from Mozart’s statue and square to his birth house!

If you’re curious about Mozart and his life, then you definitely want to take a look at the bright yellow house where he was born as well as the house where he spent a substantial part of his life.

At his birthplace, you’ll be able to visit an exhibition about his life , called Mozarteum, which takes approximately 1 hour and will cost you about €12 (2022 admission). A must if you’re interested!

Shopping at Getreidegasse Street

Name plates Getreidegasse Street in Salzburg

If you’re into shopping, I’d definitely recommend you to take a walk through Getreidegasse street where the best shops in Strasbourg are located, as well as Mozart’s birthplace!

Even if you’re not into shopping, this street is a must-see because of its still historical look (besides the fact that there are modern shops of course) since all stores still have a traditional nameplate hanging above their door. Plus, if you’re looking for some traditional Austrian clothing, this is the place to be!

At the end of this street, you’ll also find the St. Blasius Church, a rather small, but aesthetic-looking church that is definitely worth a short visit!

Stroll along the waterside

When you have time left and you’ve had your fair share of the history of Salzburg it is definitely worth it to take a stroll along the river Salzach. There, on the Franz-Joseph Kai, you’ll find a long line of stands where locals will try to sell their crafts.

This is the perfect place to pass by when you’re on your way to the Mirabell Garden or the Augustiner Bräu Gastgarten!

Go for drinks & snacks at Augustiner Bräu Gastgarten

When you say Austria, you say schnitzel and beer, right?

Well, for the largest beer festivities in Salzburg, you should leave the old city center and make your way to the Augustiner Bräu Gastgarten. This place is probably the most stereotypical place you’ll find regarding the beer culture in Austria!

When you’re above the legal drinking age, you can enter this “beer garden” and enjoy beers from traditional beer jars as well as typical snacks such as sausage with sauerkraut, etc. Either enjoy the exciting atmosphere on the terrace or take a seat in one of the traditional wooden halls inside. There’s a great chance you can join locals in traditional attire at one of their circle dances!

Even if this place is not entirely your thing, I believe it is something you should at least have seen. Order a beer and discover the place, because this is one of the most Austrian experiences you’ll have here!

Go for lunch or dinner at Augustiner Braugasthof Krimpelstätter

terrace Augustiner Braugasthof Krimpelstätter

If the Augustiner Bräu Gastgarten is not really your thing (which I can understand because it is a lot to digest), then you can visit the restaurant next door to enjoy a better quality, traditional Austrian meal in a calmer atmosphere.

This is the time to try a schnitzel if you haven’t done so already, with one of the light beers they brew at the brewery further in the street.

I can highly recommend this place for a good Austrian food experience where you can enjoy your meal at ease!

Mirabell Garten

On the opposite side of the river, you’ll find Mirabell garden, which is without doubt one of the most beautiful, must-see places in Salzburg. This garden has been featured in the movie The Sound of Music so fans can really indulge themselves here!

Mirabell garden is the garden of Schloss Mirabell, a castle dating from the 17th century. In spring and summer, you’ll find the park in full bloom covered in wonderful colors of all kinds of flowers. Also, don’t forget to take a look at the sculptures of the dwarfs you’ll find here!

For the fans, make sure to take a look at the Pegasus fountain and walk down the stairs where Maria and the Von Trapp children sang one of their most famous songs! The best part of all, the entrance is completely free !

Viewpoint Kapuzinerberg

The last stop to make when spending one day in Salzburg is the splendid viewpoint at the Kapuzinerberg. Depending on how high you want to climb you’ll have a wonderful view of the historical city of Salzburg, this time not seen from the castle but from the other side of the river.

On your way up, don’t forget to pass through the Felix gate, one of the city’s historical gates, and stop by the Kapuzinerkloster, where you can light a candle in the church of the monastery.

Other suggestions

If you decide to spend more time in Salzburg or you prefer other activities than the ones I explained above, you might want to take a look at the suggestions below!

The Sound of Music tour

There is one major reason why I regretted spending only one day in Salzburg and that is because I didn’t have the time to take The Sound of Music tour!

This tour starts at Mirabell Garden and takes you to places outside of the city where several important scenes in the movie The Sound of Music have been recorded.

The tour is in English, takes about 4 hours, and will take you to 5 additional destinations outside of Salzburg such as the Leopoldskron Palace, where the boating scene was filmed, and Nonnberg Abbey, where the real Maria has been a novice.

In short, this tour is for you if you’re a huge fan of The Sound of Music! If you only have one day, you might want to swap your visit to the Hohensalzburg Castle with this tour!

Visit one of the many castles around Salzburg

The Salzburg region is full of castles. Thus, if you haven’t had enough with the Hohensalzburg castle, I recommend taking a look at the following castles:

Burg Hohenwerfen – very nice to do with kids
Castle Leopoldskron – you can actually stay here!
Castle Hellbrunn

Should you buy the Salzburg Card?

The Salzburg Card gives you access to many of the museums and tourist attractions for free, plus public transport. If you’re actually planning to visit many attractions in one day, then this card can be more affordable than buying separate tickets for everything.

When following this itinerary, yes, it is beneficial to buy the Salzburg Card. Overall, buying the Salzburg Card will cost you less than paying for all the attractions separately .

The card will cost you €30 for a day which will cover your entrance at the Hohensalzburg Castle, the funicular, the Mozart museum, the St. Peter’s catacombs, Hellbrunn castle, and many other museums!

It is also possible to buy this card for a period of 2 or 3 days, which is even more affordable!

How to get to Salzburg

Salzburg is easy to reach by many different modes of transportation.

First of all, the easiest way to reach Salzburg is by car . You’ll find several parking lots all over the city but be prepared to pay at least €20 for a day of parking your car. I parked my car at Tiefgarage Barmherzige Brüder which is basically at the old city center and very easy to reach.

from München: 1h40
from Vienna: 3h
from Hallstatt: 1h10
from Innsbruck: 2h10

Of course, it is also possible to arrive in Salzburg by train . From the main train station, it is only a 20-minute walk to the historical center or a 15-minute bus ride. This is also the easiest option if you’re arriving from a nearby city for example for a day trip from Vienna.

from Vienna: 2h15
from Hallstatt: 2h20
from Innsbruck: 1h45

If you’re visiting more places in the Salzburg region and you’re coming from further away, then you might want to arrive by plane at Salzburg airport. From there, you can easily take a taxi to the city center.

When to visit Salzburg

Salzburg is most alive in summer when you’ll find many foods stands in the streets, horses and carriages riding tourists through the city, and locals enjoying all Salzburg has to offer.

But, if you want to experience Austria in all its facets, you might also like the winter season, especially when Salzburg is covered in snow and decorated with Christmas lights!

However, the least busy periods might be spring and winter. Summer can attract many tourists to the city so if you want a calmer and more authentic experience, you might want to visit in either of these seasons!

Where to stay in Salzburg

Salzburg has many more than decent options to stay. In general, the best area to choose your hotel is, without a doubt, the old city center!

If you love a bit of luxury, you might want to consider staying at an actual castle, namely Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron . Although not located in the center, it is a truly unique experience for sure!

Close to Mozart’s birthplace, you’ll find a more affordable option, Sishaus Hostel . This location couldn’t be better!

Day trips from Salzburg

One of the other highlights in the region of Salzburg is Hallstatt. This quaint village enclosed by the mountains at the side of a magnificent lake is one of the most picture-perfect destinations in Austria.

Enjoy a magnificent view of the valley through a boat tour on the lake or by walking down the skywalk above the village. The colorfully decorated houses and cute shops will teleport you back to Austria hundreds of years ago!

Castle Hohenwerfen

Castle Hohenwerfen is together with Castle Hohensalzburg one of the three main fortresses in the Salzburg region. As the name says, this castle is located high on a rock in the mountains giving a magnificent view of the region below.

This castle has been the scene for the well-known movie Where Eagles Dare and through a guided castle tour you can get to know the ins and outs of what living in this castle used to look like! Complimented with an exposition about Where Eagles Dare and a falconry show for the kids, this is a perfect day trip for the entire family!

Is one day in Salzburg enough?

If you’re only interested in visiting the main highlights of Salzburg, yes, then one day in Salzburg is enough. However, if you want to explore all facets of this city at a calmer pace then I would recommend staying an entire weekend.

Personally, I regret a bit staying only for one day and I would recommend you to consider staying one day longer since there is just so much to discover in Salzburg!

I hope this guide helped you to plan your day trip to Salzburg successfully and I wish you all the best on your trip!

If you feel that I forgot to include something important about Salzburg that should not be missed on a one-day itinerary, feel free to comment below!

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

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

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.

Pretzel at the traditional beer garden Sternbrau in Salzburg

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.

Mirabell Palace and gardens - Salzburg in a day

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.

Mozart's original piano and family portrait at Mozart Residence in Salzburg

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.

Marko-Feingold-Steg foot bridge and city views in Salzburg Austria

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).

Mozart statue on Mozartplatz town square in Salzburg

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 .

Prince archbishops state rooms at DomQuartier Salzburg

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.

Salzburg Cathedral and Cathedral Square (Domplatz)

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.

Cemetery of St Peter Abbey (Friedhof St. Peter) in Salzburg Austria

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).

Salzburg old town view from Hohensalzburg Fortress

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.

Hohensalzburg Fortress view from the Panorama Tour, Salzburg

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.

Golden Hall in Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg

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.

Imlauer Hotel Pitter Sky Bar in Salzburg

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

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

One day in Salzburg, Austria - places to see, best things to do, and detailed 1-day itinerary

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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Wandering our World

Your Journey Begins Here

by Wandering our World
Posted on April 17, 2023

Salzburg vs Vienna: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

Last updated on April 17, 2023 by Wandering our World

W hen it comes to travelling Europe, Austria is one of the continent’s best-kept secrets. It’s smaller than many of its neighbours, but this little country has so much to offer.

While Austria may be small, you’ll find it packed with exciting things to see and do. In particular, Vienna and Salzburg are Austria’s biggest cities, and they’re the two that you’ve probably heard most about. But because they’re both brilliant places, if you’ve only got time to visit one it’s going to be hard to choose.

Vienna is the capital city, and it’s known for its coffee culture and Hapsburg-era palaces. It’s got a big city vibe, and it’s full of upmarket shops, decadent palaces, and a lot of delicious food.

Salzburg on the other hand, is best known as the setting for the Sound of Music, and for its breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps. It’s smaller than Vienna, but still bursting with culture, cobbled streets, and classical music.

Do they both sound like the perfect holiday destination? That’s because they are!

Luckily, we know both cities well, so we’ve put together an honest comparison to help you make up your mind.

A Quick Overview

Which Is Better For Nightlife?

Which is better for food, which is better for nature, which is better for shopping, which is better for couples, which is better for families, which is cheaper, where to stay according to your budget, which is better for history, which is easier to get around.

An infographic pitting Salzburg vs Vienna and showing some of the key differences that will be discovered later in the article.

A Quick Overview: Salzburg vs Vienna

Salzburg: a quick overview.

Salzburg is the second largest city in Austria, and it’s right on the border with Germany. It’s so close to Germany that you can get to Munich quicker than you can get to Vienna!

So, if you’re travelling overland from Germany and you’re short on time, Salzburg might be a good destination.

It’s a small city, and while it’s home to just over 155,000 people, it’s very popular with tourists. In the high season, you’ll find more tourists in Salzburg than locals!

The name means “Salt Castle”, which came from the city’s early years when the main industry was salt extraction. It’s not known for that any more, however, and instead you’re more likely to know of Salzburg as the setting of the “Sound of Music” film, or as the birthplace of classical musician Mozart.

Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site worthy old-town, and while you’re wandering the streets you’ll be able to look up and catch a glimpse of the Austrian Alps, just 20 minutes out of the city centre.

Image of Salzburg during twilight dramatic sunset.

Vienna: A Quick Overview

Vienna is the biggest city in Austria, and around 2.9 million people live here – that’s more than a quarter of Austria’s entire population!

It’s the capital city of Austria, and it’s located near the border with Slovakia. From Vienna, you can get to Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia, in less than an hour!).

Vienna is known for its incredible old town and the baroque buildings that were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Beethoven and Mozart both called this city home, as well as psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.

There’s a lot of music, art, and culture to explore in Vienna, including the Hapsburg Era palaces, and the wonderful museums.

It’s built on the banks of the Danube River, with many bridges and parks worth stopping to catch the sunset from. Vienna also has a great reputation for food, including Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte Chocolate Cake, and a great cafe culture.

Aerial cityscape image of Vienna capital city of Austria during sunset.

In Salzburg, you won’t find a big city nightlife, but there are still some excellent bars and clubs to visit if you’re in the partying mood! There are some sophisticated cocktail bars, and there’s also more than one authentic Irish pub.

You’ll easily be able to find bars like the Augustiner Braustubl which offer an authentic Austrian experience and are complete with an in-house brewery.

Or, for something different, you could visit the Salzburg Whiskey Museum and taste some of the hundreds of whiskeys they have available.

If you’re looking to experience some Austrian nightlife, Vienna is a great place to visit. There’s a good techno and electronic music scene in Vienna, and you’ll find bars and clubs located along the Donaukanal (Danube Canal) which are great for partying all night long.

If electronic music isn’t your style, don’t worry, because there’s something for everyone in Vienna.

You’ll easily find Jazz clubs, rowdy pubs, and karaoke bars. One spot you can’t miss is Loos American Bar . Despite its name, this is a real Viennese bar and it’s been serving cocktails to its patrons for more than 100 years.

Overall, if you’re looking for nightlife, then Vienna is the best city for you. It’s bigger than Salzburg, with a larger range of bars, clubs, and pubs. Whether you’re looking for a quiet cocktail or a place to dance the night away, you’ll find it in Vienna.

Vienna is famous for its food, starting with the Wiener Schnitzel. This is named after Vienna, as “Wien” is what Austrians call this city.

It’s a piece of veal, breaded and lightly fried, and delicious. There’s more to Vienna than just schnitzel, however, including the Austrian classic meal of Knodel, Käsespätzle, or wurst (sausages).

When it comes to sweet food, Vienna has just as much to offer. The Sachertorte chocolate and jam cake was created at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna, so you can visit them and taste the cake for yourself.

You’ll easily find great cafes in Vienna to sip on a Viennese coffee (espresso topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder), or perhaps nibble on some world-class apple strudels, or Kaiserschmarn.

And if you’re in the mood for something different, perhaps some international flavours, you’ll be able to find them in Vienna.

As well as other European restaurants including French and Italian cuisine, you’ll also be able to find Chinese food, Indian food, and so much more. Vienna offers high-class dining, and it also offers street stalls for quick eats, so you can find something to suit your budget here.

Salzburg doesn’t have quite the same range of restaurants or internationally recognised food, but don’t let that put you off. There are still a lot of good restaurants and cafes in Salzburg, and there are many good spots to enjoy a meal out.

The local market, or “Grünmarkt” is held in the centre of the city Monday – Saturday, and it’s full of stalls selling delicious Austrian delicacies.

For something specifically from Salzburg, the Salzburger Nockerl is a dessert you can’t miss. Made from sugar, egg yolk, flour, and vanilla, the Salzburger Nockerl is baked into the shape of three peaks, said to represent the hills surrounding Salzburg. It’s usually served dusted with sugar, and perhaps a raspberry sauce.

Another Salzburg classic is the Mozartkugel, a marzipan ball covered in chocolate, nougat and pistachio.

This was first created in the late 1800s and has been served in Vienna ever since. The original Mozartkugel was created by Salzburg local Paul Furste, although there are many imitations around now.

Overall, Vienna is the best city for food. You’ve got some local must-try delicacies to hunt down, and then for the rest of your meals, there’s so much range that you’ll find whatever you’re looking for.

Caucasian woman traveler in Vienna market. She is shopping and travel.

Salzburg is built on the edge of the River Salzach, and there are plenty of parks and walking tracks spread around this area. More importantly, though, Salzburg is located on the edge of the Austrian Alps, and the city is surrounded by hills.

You can get out of the city and into the Alps in just a few minutes. The Untersberg is the closest alpine peak, measuring in at over 1,900m high and only 16km (10 miles) from the city centre.

So if you’re looking for somewhere to go hiking or biking, Salzburg is the place for you. When you’re in Salzburg, it’s easy to immerse yourself in nature.

Vienna doesn’t have as much to offer when it comes to striking scenery and mountains, but there are some great parks and nature reserves here if you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs.

The Volksgarten and the Vienna Zoo are great options for some well-curated nature areas.

Another place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the Schonbrunner Gardens . In summer these gardens are home to beautifully maintained trees and flowers, and you can easily enjoy an afternoon wandering through.

In winter, the plants might be covered by frost or snow, but instead, you can sip on a cup of mulled wine, and enjoy the Christmas Markets.

For nature, and getting out adventuring, we’d say that Salzburg is the best city to visit. The Austrian Alps are spectacular, and they’re just on your doorstep with a visit to Salzburg.

Schafbergbahn mountain train, Schafberg mountain, Salzkammergut region, Salzburg Land state, Austria. Journey to the top of Alps through lush fields and green forests.View of lake Wolfgangsee.

If you enjoy shopping, there’s a lot for you to experience in Vienna. You can’t miss a stroll down Mariahilfestrasse , right in the centre of the old town. This street is full of stores worth a visit, including local chocolatiers, fashion designers, jewellers, and bookshops.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for there, then there are several big shopping malls in this city, including the Ringstrasse Galerien .

This is also in the middle of the old town, and there are more than 50 shops here, with several well-known brands. Or for something more splendid, you can visit the shops in the Goldenes Quartier, a shopping mall which is home to international luxury brands – they certainly come with a price tag!

Salzburg doesn’t have as much to offer for a shopping experience. For your everyday shopping, there is Europark Salzburg Mall, which has a wide range of stores to visit, and a lot of stores that you could find anywhere else in Europe.

For something more uniquely Salzburg, take a walk down Getreidegasse . This street is in the middle of the old town, and it’s the same street that Mozart’s birth house is on.

You can find all kinds of stores here, including fashion, jewellery, traditional Austrian clothes, and groceries. It’s beautifully decorated and maintained, including antique-style store signs, so it’s worth a visit just for window shopping, even if you choose not to buy anything.

However Vienna is hands-down the better city to visit if you’re looking to go shopping. With a big range of malls, shops, and boutiques, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here.

Vienna has a reputation as an incredibly romantic city to visit. The old town is lined with cobbled streets and delicate baroque architecture which provide a beautiful backdrop for you to steal a kiss in front of.

The Danube River also provides a great backdrop, and you can even take a cruise along it to see Vienna from a different angle. For something romantic, we recommend a sunset cruise!

There are also other romantic attractions to visit if you’re visiting Vienna with your partner. One is the Gustav Klimt painting called “The Kiss”, which is housed in the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere Museum.

This painting has been in Austria for over 100 years, and its nature has caused much controversy over this time.

Just like Vienna, Salzburg also has cobbled streets, and beautiful buildings to wander by. What Salzburg has that Vienna doesn’t though, is the Alps to gaze up at. These majestic mountains provide spectacular views at all times of day and night.

To make your visit to Salzburg extra-romantic, a visit to Schloss Mirabell is a must. This beautiful palace was built as a symbol of everlasting love, and it comes complete with marble floors, a “staircase of angels”, and a blooming flower garden.

It’s been called one of the most popular wedding venues in the world, but it’s still worth a visit even if you’re on a first date!

We really can’t decide whether Vienna or Salzburg is the best destination for couples to visit. Both of these cities offer romance, charm, and passion, so you won’t run out of date ideas in either city.

Young couple walking holding hands around Vienna

If you’re travelling with children, or the whole family, there’s a lot to see and do in Salzburg. It’s a very family-friendly city, largely because it’s small.

That means that Salzburg is easy to explore and hard to get lost in! Because many attractions are right next to each other, you won’t get too tired travelling from place to place.

There are a lot of great, child focussed attractions in Salzburg too, for example, the Toy Museum , which has hundreds of toys from different centuries to play with.

The nature museum, “Haus der Natur” is also a great place to spend an afternoon.

This museum is full of interesting, interactive exhibitions including ones on the human body, outer space, and dinosaurs that will keep children and adults entertained for hours. If you’ve ever wondered how Mozart made his music, head straight for the giant “walk-in” violin!

Vienna also has some great spots to visit if you’re on a family trip. Just like Salzburg, it’s a very safe city, and there’s so much excitement to experience, so don’t let the classical music and historical architecture fool you.

If you’re travelling with children, the Prater Park amusement park in Vienna is a great place to visit, and you can easily spend a day or more here.

For something with a more educational focus that will still keep the kids entertained, check out the Spanish Riding School, the House of Music, or the Vienna Zoo. These attractions have excellent, child-focussed exhibitions which will keep your children interested, and learning!

Vienna and Salzburg are both great cities to visit with children. Overall, however, we think that Salzburg is better to visit with families, as it’s easier to get around and there’s still a lot to do.

Beautiful sunset view of Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) at Residenzplatz square in summer in Salzburg, Salzburger Land, Austria.

Salzburg is not a cheap city to visit. The cost of food, accommodation, transport, and visiting attractions will start to add up quickly.

Despite this, you can still find hostel-style accommodation in town, and if you hunt out places like the market to eat, you can plan a trip to Salzburg to suit your budget.

Vienna is also an expensive city to visit. You can plan a trip to Vienna to suit your price range, and there are plenty of hostels and budget-friendly meal options in Vienna.

Overall, however, prices in Vienna are more expensive than in many other cities around Europe.

Unfortunately, neither Salzburg nor Vienna is particularly cheap. If you’re looking for a bargain holiday, you’ll need to plan carefully and book well in advance to make the most of any deals.

Despite that, we say that Vienna is slightly cheaper than Salzburg, because of the larger range of food and accommodation options available.

Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, Vienna, Austria, with danube in foreground

Budget: A stay at Sauerweingut will have you residing in apartments in a traditional Austrian building, and just a 10 minute walk from the old town. The service is great, as is the setting. See photos and rates!

Luxury: The five-star, grand-looking Hotel Sacher Salzburg is a stunning place to stay in the heart of Salzburg. Once you see this hotel you’ll understand straight away why it’s a popular venue for upmarket weddings. See photos and rates!

Budget: Hotel Beethoven is a lovely budget hotel set in the city center, just a few steps away from the Naschmarkt Open-Air Market and the Theater an der Wien. Considering its location, the services (they even hold a classical concert every weekend for guests), and the classy interior, the rate may surprise. See photos and rates!

Luxury: It doesn’t get more grand than a stay at the famous 5-star Hotel Imperial . Built during the Austro-Hungarian empire, this hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in Vienna, but it’s those who get to step inside that get to see the real opulence on display. This place is a once-in-a-lifetime stay. See photos and rates!

Aerial view of city center Vienna from St. Stephen's Cathedral

If you’re looking for historical sites, then look no further than Salzburg. This city is the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart, and you can take a tour of his house, right in the centre of the city. It’s one of the many historical sites to visit here.

The old town of Salzburg has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, because of its cultural importance, most notably the intermingling of German and Italian cultures that’s taken place here over the centuries.

While the city centre was heavily bombed in World War Two, many buildings have been carefully preserved, and there’s still a lot of baroque architecture around Salzburg today.

Vienna has also been an important city for both Austria and Europe for many centuries. There’s a lot of history here, dating back to the Hapsburg Empire, the Napoleonic Wars, and the World Wars.

Just from the last few hundred years, in Vienna, you’ll find the homes of Sigmund Freud and Beethoven.

The predominant baroque architecture style of the city, as well as the carefully preserved old town, make this a fascinating place to wander with a historian’s eyes, and you can sign up for a free walking tour to find out more about it.

There are also fantastic museums in Vienna, dedicated to different aspects of the city’s history, for a more curated experience.

Vienna and Salzburg are both fantastic cities to visit if you’re interested in history. We really can’t choose between them, and you’ll be able to drink in so much knowledge whichever city you choose!

Aerial view of the historic city of Salzburg with Hohensalzburg Fortress in beautiful evening light in fall, Salzburger Land, Austria.

Salzburg is a small city, which means that most of its main attractions are located in the same area. Getting around the city centre is easy, and you can walk nearly everywhere you want to go.

When you’re not in the mood to walk, Salzburg has great public transport. In particular, there are regular, efficient buses and trolley cars which connect a lot of the city.

The trolleys are electric powered, which is a big bonus if you’re looking for eco-friendly transport.

If you plan to use public transport, then the SalzburgMobil App is great for planning your trips. It also might be worth buying the Salzburg Card.

You can choose to buy a card for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and during that time you get all public transport for free, as well as free admission to city attractions and museums!

Vienna is easy to walk around as well, although it’s a lot bigger than Salzburg. This means that attractions are more spread out, and you’re likely to spend longer walking from one place to another.

The old city is especially good for walking around because many streets have been pedestrianised and you won’t have to share with cars.

The public transport in Vienna is another good way to get around. There are buses, trams, trains, and subway networks which will all help get you where you need to go.

You can book tickets on the WienMobile App, and we recommend looking at the Vienna City Card. Just like the Salzburg Card, you can choose to buy 1, 2, or 3 days, and get free use of all public transport during that period, as well as discounts at attractions throughout the city.

However overall, Salzburg is easier to get around. It’s a smaller city, attractions are closer together, and it has excellent public transport. What more could you want?

Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.

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Author: Wandering our World

Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe. View all posts by Wandering our World

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Salzburg or Innsbruck: Which City is Worth Visiting?

It’s an inevitable question when planning a trip to Austria – which city is worth visiting – Salzburg or Innsbruck? I too wanted to know which is more scenic.

Is it Innsbruck Austria, the alpine town in the middle of the majestic Nordkette mountain range? Or is it Salzburg, the historic cultural city? Yes, and yes!

Salzburg vs Innsbruck – they both deserve to be seen. But which one will be your preference depends on what type of traveller you are. As travellers, we’re all different. We all have different interests and budgets.

Innsbruck or Salzburg In this article, I break it down for you from its attractions, to food, to day trips. This will help answer the great debate of Innsbruck vs Salzburg Austria – which is worth visiting.

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Salzburg or Innsbruck Summary

Here is a quick at a glance summary of which is better Innsbruck or Salzburg based on your traveller interests and preferences.

chart breaking down the differences between salzburg vs innsbruck

Salzburg and Innsbruck: What are the Cities Known For?

Is salzburg worth visiting.

view of city of Salzburg with mountains and castle when comparing innsbruck or salzburg

Salzburg is an Austrian city that lies very close to the border of Germany and is divided by the fast-flowing Salzach River.

The skyline of Salzburg is unbelievable. Picture this: the domes and spires of Old Town, the clifftop fortress looming above and the Eastern Alps in the background. It’s postcard picture perfect!

And for that reason alone, this picturesque destination attracts millions of visitors each year.

Salzburg is known for its storybook Old Town, or Altstadt which is full of beautiful Baroque style buildings. And, most famously known for being the birthplace of Mozart, the famous composer.

Also, fans of The Sound of Music , the Julie Andrews classic movie, will recognize some of the city’s top sites as filming locations.

Is Innsbruck worth visiting?

view of rooftops and mountains in innsbruck vs salzburg

Innsbruck, the capital of Austria’s state of Tyrol, offers the most majestic views of the jagged rock spires of the Nordkette mountain range.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes, Innsbruck boasts unparalleled natural beauty. The mesmerizing scenery alone makes it worth a visit.

This city in the Alps is best known as a world-class destination for winter sports and hiking in the warmer months. Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice – 1964 and 1976 – this is a world-class skiing destination!

Innsbruck is also known for its architecture. The late-medieval Old Town is another storybook vision just like Salzburg, only a little smaller and more compact than its rival.

Innsbruck or Salzburg: Top Attractions

Salzburg attractions.

mountain with alpine town with church steeple when comparing innsbruck vs salzburg

Old Town (Altstadt): Begin your Salzburg adventure in the heart of the city, the Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , it boasts narrow cobblestone streets, medieval structures, and vibrant squares. Don’t miss the iconic Getreidegasse, a charming shopping street where Mozart was born.
Hohensalzburg Fortress: Perched atop the Festungsberg hill, this medieval fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the Alps. Even if you decide not to explore the museum inside the views from the exterior courtyard are worth it!
Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Step into the beauty of Mirabell Palace, known for its stunning gardens featured in “The Sound of Music.” The Baroque architecture and well-maintained greenery make it a serene escape in the heart of the city.
Mozart’s Birthplace and Residence: Dive into the life of the musical prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, by visiting his birthplace and residence. The exhibits provide an intimate look into the life and times of the renowned composer.

Innsbruck Attractions

white building with pink flowers in window boxes with mountains in Innsbruck Old Town when comparing salzburg and innsbruck

Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl): In the heart of Innsbruck’s Old Town, the Golden Roof is an architectural masterpiece adorned with 2,657 gilded copper tiles. The structure, built for Emperor Maximilian I, is a symbol of the city’s imperial past.
Imperial Palace (Hofburg): Explore the Imperial Palace, a window into the Habsburg dynasty’s influence on Innsbruck. The museum showcases lavish rooms, artifacts, and the beautiful Giant’s Hall.
Nordkette Cable Car: For a thrilling Innsbruck things to do, take the Nordkette Cable Car. Ascend from the city to the Nordkette mountain range for breathtaking Alpine vistas. In winter, it transforms into a haven for skiing enthusiasts.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds: A short trip from Innsbruck, this unique attraction in Wattens is a glittering wonderland of art and design featuring the world-renowned Swarovski crystals.

✅ Salzburg gets my vote for top attractions, as they are more concentrated and within walking distance. What to do in Innsbruck is a bit beyond the city limits.

Salzburg vs Innsbruck: The Food

Let’s start with dessert. You can’t visit Salzburg without trying Sachertorte. This dense chocolate cake that melts in your mouth is layered with sweet apricot jam in the middle and is always topped with fresh whipped cream.

Then there is Mozartkugel, a chocolate-marzipan confection named after the musical genius himself.

Other specialties include the Austrian classic Weiner Schnitzel and Bosna which is street food consisting of a bread bun stuffed with bratwurst sausage rubbed with spices and onions.

I recommend enjoying Wiener Schnitzel, at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, one of the oldest restaurants in Europe that dates back to the 9th century.

For an authentic Austrian beer experience, head to Augustiner Bräu. This historic brewery, founded in 1621, offers a rustic beer garden where you can enjoy locally brewed beers.

Traditional and hearty meals are what you’ll find in most restaurants in Innsbruck.

Dishes like cheese dumplings called Kaspressknödel are served with rich beef gravy or soup. I recommend indulging in this cheesy dumpling delight at Stiftskeller restaurant.

Or Kasspaetzle which are soft egg noodles or dumplings coated in cheese and baked (similar to our version of Mac & Cheese) with crispy fried onions. A typical Tyrolean lunch is Gröstl, pan-fried potatoes, bacon and onion with an egg on top.

Although there is no local brewery, I recommend a visit to Bierol Biergarten.

✅ Salzburg gets my vote for food! I can never turn down marzipan chocolate or delicious Sachertorte.

Innsbruck vs Salzburg: Day Trips

Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus): Venture just 30 km south of Salzburg to the Bavarian Alps, where the Eagle’s Nest perches atop the Kehlstein mountain. Hitler’s former mountain retreat offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a scenic drive and a guided tour to delve into the history of this unique site.
Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains: A short 4 km from Salzburg, Hellbrunn Palace is a charming retreat with stunning gardens and the famous Trick Fountains. Explore the palace grounds, and don’t miss the entertaining water features that have amused visitors since the 17th century.
Berchtesgaden Salt Mines: Located around 25 km southeast of Salzburg, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines provide a fascinating underground experience. Embark on a guided tour to learn about the history of salt mining while sliding down wooden slides and cruising across an underground lake.
Werfen Ice Caves (Eisriesenwelt): Approximately 40 km south of Salzburg, the Werfen Ice Caves are worth the slightly longer journey. Explore the largest ice cave system in the world, filled with intricate ice formations and awe-inspiring chambers.

square with green hedge and pink and white building in Innsbruck austria

Nordkette Mountain Range: Just a stone’s throw from Innsbruck, the Nordkette mountain range offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Innsbruck Austria things to do include taking the Nordkette Cable Car to Seegrube and Hafelekar for hiking, skiing, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Austrian Alps.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Wattens): A short 20 km trip east of Innsbruck leads you to the mesmerizing Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens. Explore the art installations and crystal wonders created by international artists, making it a unique and enchanting day trip.
Hall in Tirol: Within 10 km east of Innsbruck lies the medieval town of Hall in Tirol. Wander through its well-preserved historic center, marvel at the colourful facades, and visit the Mint Tower to learn about the town’s minting history.
Achensee Lake: Approximately 30 km northwest of Innsbruck, Achensee is Tyrol’s largest lake, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, explore charming villages like Pertisau, and savour the serene Alpine atmosphere.

✅ Salzburg gets my vote for day trips! One of the best experiences I’ve had is visiting Berchtesgaden National Park , and I think there is more variety of things to do nearby.

Innsbruck or Salzburg: The Seasons

Innsbruck or salzburg in summer.

Visit Salzburg in the summer and you will be treated to renowned Salzburg Festival, a world-class event that attracts music enthusiasts from around the globe.

Summer in Salzburg means enjoying the blooming beauty of Mirabell Gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The city’s outdoor cafes and restaurants spill onto the streets, providing a charming backdrop for indulging in Austrian cuisine.

In contrast, Innsbruck, offers an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with breathtaking alpine scenery, opportunities for hiking and adventure sports, and nearby lakes like Achensee for water activities.

Salzburg or Innsbruck in Winter

Salzburg’s Old Town, adorned with festive lights, becomes a magical setting for holiday strolls, with Christmas markets offering seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts.

Meanwhile, Innsbruck, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, exudes a cozy Alpine charm. The Nordkette mountain range becomes a winter playground for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

FAQ About Innsbruck and Salzburg

How far is salzburg from innsbruck, and can i visit both in one trip.

Salzburg and Innsbruck are approximately 185 kilometers (115 miles) apart. While it’s possible to visit both cities in one trip, the travel time between them is around 2 hours by train, so consider your itinerary and preferences.

How many days in Innsbruck and Salzburg?

Both Salzburg and Innsbruck can easily be seen in one day. However, if you want to experience more beyond just seeing the Old Town, I recommend you spend 4 nights in Salzburg and 2 nights in Innsbruck.

Can I easily access the Austrian Alps from Salzburg and Innsbruck?

Yes, both cities offer easy access to the Austrian Alps. Innsbruck is closer to the heart of the Alps, making it a more immediate gateway for mountain adventures. Salzburg is well-connected to alpine regions as well.

Are there good shopping opportunities in Salzburg and Innsbruck?

Both cities offer diverse shopping experiences. Salzburg’s Getreidegasse is famous for boutique shops, while Innsbruck’s Maria-Theresien-Straße is a bustling shopping street. Each city combines traditional and modern shopping options.

As a Holidaymaker

Salzburg or Innsbruck, have you decided which city is more scenic and worth visiting?

Depending on what type of traveller you are, one is likely to appeal to you more than the other. They both are incredibly beautiful and offer travellers many things to see and do.

You might be wondering how I added both to my itinerary? I took the ultimate road trip through Alpine Road. It started in Berchtesgaden near Salzburg with a mid point in Garmisch Partenkirchen , Germany which is near Innsbruck. With a final stop in Lake Constance.

If you love European travel as much as I do, join my VIP Travel Club and you will be treated to weekly travel tips, news and stories exclusive to my subscribers.

castle on hill when comparing salzburg or innsbruck

Creator, Founder of Dream Plan Experience

She specializes exclusively in European travel and crafting unforgettable day trips within her home province of Ontario, Canada.

She has been travelling to Europe for over 35 years and has lived abroad in Germany twice. Revisiting countries and exploring them extensively to create in depth travel itineraries, destination guides and helping travellers plan their trips to Europe through her customized services.

She also is a co-partner in a woman-led company that offers luxury retreats in Europe offering immersive cultural experiences.

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Oct 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Mirabell Gardens with historic Fortress in Salzburg versus St. Francis of Assisi Church in Vienna

Mountains, music and sweets mit Schlag : Austria’s charms are irresistible, and draw millions of visitors each year.

Two of the country’s most populous cities, Salzburg and Vienna are – justifiably – also two of its most popular. But which one offers the better introduction to Austrian art and culture? Below, two well-published experts offer the case for their preferred place.

Festung Hohensalzburg, Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg: Austria in a (beautifully baroque) nutshell

Kerry Walker lost her heart to Salzburg when she first authored the Lonely Planet Austria guide in 2007. Since then, she has roamed every crowd-free alley and climbed (almost) every mountain on the city’s fringes.

Nowhere says “visit Austria !” like Salzburg – not even Vienna. This is, after all, where Mozart was born, got off to a flying start as a composer at age five, and where his tunes still reverberate in gilded concert halls that are among Europe’s finest.

This city was built grand and glorious by filthy-rich and madly ambitious prince-archbishops, who plonked a massive fortress high on a hill 900 years ago and went on to fill the Altstadt (now a Unesco World Heritage site) with palaces, galleries, domes, churches and baroque plazas. And it was here that everyone’s favorite yodeling nun – Maria von Trapp (played Julie Andrews) – taught the world to sing in The Sound of Music .

Pedestrians walk by shops in Getreidegasse, Salzburg, Austria

Then, of course, there is that cinematic Alpine backdrop you can’t quite take your eyes off, which will send your soul soaring higher than Julie’s octave-leaping vocals.

Vienna has its whirl of Habsburg palaces, galleries stuffed to the rafters with Klimts, coffee houses haunted by the ghosts of Sigmund Freud and Stalin, and the stately Ringstrasse boulevard. But its grandeur can be overwhelming, and the city can feel standoffish.

Not so with Salzburg. Sitting astride the turquoise Salzach River, this perfectly sized and laid-out city is crammed with a lifetime’s worth of culture and history – but you need never battle traffic or so much as hop on a tram or U-Bahn to see it. All you need is cobble-friendly shoes (and stout boots for straying into the mountains). And its petite proportions mean you can dive deep in a long weekend.

Original Sacher torte at Hotel Sacher in Salzburg, Austria

While the rest of the world rushes through the 21st century, Salzburg rolls back the centuries. The Residenz palace is a joyous romp through time, with its chandelier-lit state apartments and gallery brimming with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and their ilk. Trot a few minutes uphill and you’re at Stift Nonnberg , a Benedictine abbey echoing with 1300 years of history and festooned with Romanesque frescoes. (This was where novice nun Maria proved a problem in The Sound of Music .) Arrive at 6:45am, as the sun rises and the nuns sing Gregorian chorales, for a hairs-on-end moment. From here, you can walk above the city’s spires and rooftops to Salzburg’s cake-topper castle, Festung Hohensalzburg , and along the steeply wooded cliffs of Mönchsberg to Museum der Moderne , with its high-caliber exhibitions of contemporary art.

Not bad for a morning’s stroll, right?

Back at ground level, there’s more: the fabulously baroque Dom cathedral and Erzabtei St Peter , the oldest abbey-church and monastery in the world, founded by an itinerant bishop named Rupert in 696. Skip across the river and you reach Schloss Mirabell ’s gardens, with roses, mythical sculptures and fortress-framing views that drive Instagrammers wild.

Food? Salzburg pushes all the right buttons: whether you want to fill your tankard at the pump and scoff pork knuckles and giant pretzels under the chestnut trees in the beer garden at monk-founded Augustiner Bräustübl ; dig a dainty fork into chocolate cake at Sacher (yep, Salzburg has posh coffeehouses, too); or go all out with a romantic date-night dinner at the Michelin-starred likes of The Glass Garden (who’s in for chamois haunch with spruce, blueberry and wood sorrel?).

Christmas market in the Altstadt, Salzburg, Austria

And there’s always a reason to dust off your dirndl or lederhosen in this high-spirited city, with the party peaking during summer’s epic, five-week Salzburg Festival , one of the world’s greatest celebrations of opera, drama and classical music. At Christmas, Salzburg sparkles festively, with markets, snow dusting the surrounding Alps and carollers singing “Stille Nacht”(“Silent Night”), which was penned right here by homegrown priest Joseph Mohr in 1816.

About the crowds: yes, if you mosey up in August you will find Salzburg fit to burst. If you prefer things quieter, visit in spring and autumn instead. But even in summer, you can escape to the river or leg it into the mountains. Untersberg gives you a proper blast of the Alps, 1973m (6475ft) up, and you can hoof across ragged karst heights to Bavaria . Or take a picnic to Schloss Hellbrunn , where Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus dodged his spiritual duties and threw drunken parties in exotic gardens full of trick fountains in the 17th century.

If you want the full-on Austrian dream, Salzburg, in the country’s Alpine heartland, delivers. With a grumble, even the Viennese will admit that.

A horse-drawn carriage called fiaker with coachman passing by the Hofburg palace at Michaelerplatz, Vienna, Austria

Vienna: grandeur that knows no bounds

Luke Waterson used to live one hour outside Vienna, and has written about the city for outlets such as Adventure.com and Morning Calm magazine .

From its landmark sights to eating out and entertainment, from its haughtiest baroque palace to its most daring ultramodern building, Vienna casually swats away most competitors in Europe who dare to challenge its appeal. And it won’t even break a sweat.

Getting panicky about potential rivals elsewhere in the world has never been Vienna’s style. The city has been all about coolly, calmly establishing itself as Nummer Eins for a good few centuries now.

The exterior of Schloss Belvedere, Vienna, Austria

So it’s an interesting run-in to pit Austria’s other key cultural heavyweight, Salzburg, against the capital.

But since these two have similar claims to the king of classical music, Mozart, the cultural clash boils down to The Sound of Music versus Gustav Klimt’s groundbreaking art, Lucien Freud’s psychoanalysis, some of the most important compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven and chamber music maestro Joseph Haydn, the world’s most extra chocolate cake in Hotel Sacher’s namesake torte, and a roster of other triumphs there isn’t space to detail here. And however much we all grew up watching Julie Andrews frockling in Salzburg’s surrounding mountains, is that really what you’re after now?

Aesthetically, yes, Salzburg does sport that devastatingly gorgeous mountain backdrop – but in Vienna you don’t need to gaze into the far distance, since many of Europe’s grandest buildings are jostling for your attention in the foreground. Cue the Hofburg palace complex, from which the Habsburg dynasty once controlled one of the world’s mightiest empires, where the crown jewels mesmerically twinkle and where the most famous equine ballet on the planet breathtakingly takes place at the Spanish Riding School . Cue the Schloss Belvedere palace and grounds, built to compete in ostentatious beauty with Versailles. It’s all nonstop finery, radiating out from the Unesco-listed historic center.

Patrons at Coffee Sperl in Vienna, Austria

And that’s why I love Vienna. The taste the Viennese have acquired through the course of their history for life’s loveliest things just rubs off on you and makes you think that’s how life should be everywhere. Except it’s not – not to the same impeccable standards. Perhaps this is why the city secured top spot on The Economist ’s Global Liveability Index for four of the last five years.

What precisely makes it so livable? Everything. There are hundred-odd museums here, including numerous world-class repositories of art like the Leopold Museum – and at least as many other sorts of sights again, tributes to Vienna’s glamorous lives and great deeds past and present. Viennese coffeehouse culture has Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage status, not only for the ornateness of the premises but for the pedigree of former patrons (you’re drinking where Klimt, Freud, Trotsky once did – if these walls could talk…) and types of drink served with their locally specific backstories (like the Einspänner , a double espresso topped with foam so city coachmen could keep their hot drinks insulated in the cold).

The exterior of Spittelau waste-incineration plant, Vienna, Austria

The city relishes its wine just as much – and as one of the world’s few capitals with appellation wine grown within it quaffs the good stuff in dedicated Heurigen (wine taverns). It’s rich in social improvement projects, too, such as Magdas – a hotel staffed by refugees. Even its waste incineration plant in Spittelau is a stunning tourist attraction, bedecked in the vibrant art of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Let’s not forget, either, that the capital gave the world both the waltz and opera glasses.

No further evidence needed that this city embraces the good life like nowhere else.

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Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Munich for Nightlife, Music, Couples, and Backpackers

Pros & Cons
Attractions
Backpackers
Public Transit
Walkability
More time in Salzburg or Munich?
Which is Cheaper, Salzburg or Munich? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Munich?

When to Visit Salzburg or Munich?

Should you visit Salzburg or Munich?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Munich, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salzburg is a recognizable, historic, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Salzburg and Munich: Pros and Cons

Popular museums and historical sights
Good music scene
Scenic old town
Family-friendly
Good for couples and romance
Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Impressive beauty
Quaint atmosphere
Less popular for nightlife
Active nightlife
Big city activities

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Munich?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich than Salzburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Munich is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Salzburg attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Munich and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Munich is famous for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace.

How is Salzburg different from Munich?

Which is better for a holiday.

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Munich and Salzburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salzburg or Munich?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salzburg or Munich.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salzburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Is the Food Better in Salzburg or Munich? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Munich.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Munich is a must-see party destination. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for Music?

Both Salzburg and Munich offer amazing live music venues.

In Salzburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Munich is known as a music capital around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Salzburg can be explored in its historical center. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Munich?

Both Salzburg and Munich are amazing shopping destinations.

Salzburg is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Munich. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for Families?

Salzburg and Munich are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

Munich is a very family-friendly destination. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Munich is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is terrific for backpackers. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Munich is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Salzburg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for Students?

Salzburg and Munich are both amazing destinations for students and younger travelers.

Salzburg is a great destination for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Munich is a very popular city for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Is Salzburg or Munich Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Munich is terrific for its public transit. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Munich can take you anywhere. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Visitors to Salzburg can move around easily with public transportation. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Salzburg or Munich a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Munich both are superb when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

Munich is very walkable. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? and Is Munich Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in Munich or Salzburg?

How long in salzburg or munich.

In either Salzburg or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Munich has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Munich than Salzburg . In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Munich. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Salzburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Munich. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salzburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich than Salzburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Munich.

How many days in Salzburg or Munich? Ideal Length of Stay Salzburg 3-5 Munich 2-5

One day in Salzburg or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Munich is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salzburg or Munich?

Salzburg is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Munich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Munich, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Munich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Munich, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the recognizable destination of Salzburg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Munich is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria , The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany , and The Best Walking Tours in Germany .

Which place is cheaper, Munich or Salzburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

Salzburg Prices Austria Prices Munich Prices Germany Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Salzburg € 155 Munich € 148

The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is €155, while the average daily cost in Munich is €148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Salzburg and Munich in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Salzburg € 91 Munich € 89
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Salzburg € 182 Munich € 178

Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg or Munich? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Salzburg

Hotels in Munich

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Salzburg € 19 Munich € 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

Airport Transfer: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg by Luxury Car: $104
Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
Cesky Krumlov: Private One-Way Transfer to Salzburg: $632
Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $91
Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93
From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $214
From Salzburg to Prague, Private Transfer with 2h of Sightseeing: $286
Kitzbuhel, Flachau, Transfer From Salzburg & Airport SZG: $291
Private Salzburg Airport luxury transfers to Salzburg city&Hotels: $66
Private Scenic Transfer from Salzburg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $280
Private Transfer From Salzburg To Innsbruck, English Speaking Driver : $264
Private Transfer From Salzburg To Zell am See, Innsbruck or Kitzbuhel: $116

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:

Single Zone Trip on Subway € 2.30
Inner District Subway Day Pass € 5.20
City transport day ticket € 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

Airport Transfer by Bus: $12
Shared Departure Transfer: Munich Central Station to Munich Airport: $14
Shared Arrival Transfer: Munich Airport to Munich Central Station: $14
Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
Munich Airport (MUC) to Erding Thermal - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $59
Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Van: $64
Munich Airport (MUC) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Arrival Transfer: $71
Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Car: $73
Transfer in private vehicle from Munich Airport (MUC)- Munich City: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich and Salzburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food Meals for one day Salzburg € 41 Munich € 27

Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:

Lunch Salad € 9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $61
Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $61
Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $82
Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $84
Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $84
Mozart Concert with Dinner: $84
Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $86
Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $87
Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $95
Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $107
Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $112

Typical Food Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:

Bratwurst € 5.00
Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich) € 1.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
Munich Food Tour with Beer Tasting: $48
Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
Beer Tour & Bavarian Dinner with a Local Beer Expert: $75
Bavarian Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $92
6 gears dinner show menu: $100
Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $137
Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $142
Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $211
Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $231
Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Salzburg € 30 Munich € 29

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.24
Cathedral Entry Ticket with Audio Guide Option: $5.40
City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.47
Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
Sound of Music Sightseeing Walk with Audio Guide: $6.99
Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.02
A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
Sightseeing with the Sound of Music: A Salzburg Audio Tour: $7.47
City Exploration Game and Tour: $8.10
Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
Salzburg Cathedral: Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.72
Salzburg Oldtown: Sightseeing Walking Tour with Licensed Local Guide: $9.91

Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

Schack Gallery Entrance € 4.00
Munich Zoo Entrance € 9.00
Pub Crawl Munich Tour € 14
Neuschwanstein Castle (2) € 24

Tours and Activities in Munich

Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.23
Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.78
Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.32
Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.40
Escape Game and Tour: $5.40
From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.40
Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.37
City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.43
Munich Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.59
Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.02
Alcohol Drinks for one day Salzburg € 26 Munich € 37

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:

Beer € 3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $25
Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $37

Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:

Hofbrauhaus € 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $29
Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $38
Cheese & Wine tasting: $96
The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $142
Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $291
Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $297
Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $405

When comparing the travel costs between Salzburg and Munich, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salzburg Expensive? and Is Munich Expensive? .

Munich has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Munich, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Salzburg or Munich?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Salzburg or Munich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Munich. The summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

Salzburg is around the same temperature as Munich in the summer. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Munich this time of the year. In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Munich during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Munich. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Summer Average Temperatures July Salzburg 20°C (68°F) Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Munich. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Munich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salzburg in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Munich. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in October than Munich. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Autumn Average Temperatures October Salzburg 11°C (52°F) Munich 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Munich can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. In January, Salzburg is generally much warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around -0°C (31°F), and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Munich during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Munich. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Winter Average Temperatures January Salzburg -0°C (31°F) Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Salzburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Munich for the activities around the city during these months.

Salzburg is around the same temperature as Munich in the spring. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Munich. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Munich. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Spring Average Temperatures April Salzburg 11°C (51°F) Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Salzburg

Related articles for salzburg, related articles for munich.

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Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Munich or Salzburg: Which One To Choose For A Few Days?

Travelers to Europe often ask whether they should choose Munich, a major city in Germany, or Salzburg, a small town in Austria, for a short stay in the area.

The two cities are only about an hour and a half away from each other by car or public transportation, and both are attractive from a visitor’s standpoint, each in a very different way.

Munich is a modern city with great nightlife and a Bavarian cultural scene, world-class museums, impressive castles, and a famous beer festival. Salzburg is a picturesque town with a stunning medieval old town, an impressive hilltop castle, and gorgeous nature and mountain surroundings.

Munich is the third largest city in Germany with about 1.5M souls. It sits near the Southern border of Germany, about an hour’s drive from Austria, on the Isar River close to the Alps mountains.

Munich is the capital of the Southern state of Bavaria. It has thriving automobile and high-technology industries. It’s one of the most prosperous and fastest-growing cities in Germany. The city is home to international organizations, major universities and museums, and highly active theatres.

Salzburg, Austria is a small town (150.000 inhabitants) with a very rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Sitting on the edge of the Alps, it was the salt trade that made Salzburg a European powerhouse in the Middle Ages.

Salzburg attracts millions of visitors each year. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with baroque-style buildings and narrow streets. Salzburg is also surrounded by the scenic Austrian Alps.

Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and has many museums, concerts, and other cultural events dedicated to the composer.

What travelers say

Salzburg is much smaller and more compact than Munich, with a small-town feel. Most of the scenic sights in the old town can be visited on foot in one or two days. Munich is a big city with many things to see and do, which requires more time
Salzburg is charming and relaxed and has gorgeous architecture, churches, and history. It has attractive squares and pleasant cafés with a nice vibe for hanging out. Travelers are often mesmerized by Salzburg’s small-town beauty.
Salzburg has breathtaking scenery, stunning hilltop castles, a few Baroque churches, a scenic river, and many day trip options for exploring the surrounding nature and mountains.
When it rains in Salzburg, finding things to do comfortably is harder, whereas Munich has plenty of indoor options including museums, concerts, and historic cafés.
Many people love Munich because it has history, technology, nature, great public transport, and a cosmopolitan population with a significant international community.
Munich has great museums (art, technical, cars), the famous English Garden scenic park, the Viktualienmarkt (a very large, 1800s outdoor food market), and the proximity to the Alps. It also has great castles, lakes, and Bavarian food.
Munich is an active city with lots of visitors. It’s much more modern than Salzburg. Three days can only scratch the surface of the interesting things in and around Munich.
For nightlife, Munich wins hands down. While Salzburg has a great deal of atmosphere and it’s nice to stroll its old town, especially at night, the sights are relatively limited.
Salzburg is sometimes dubbed the Disneyland of classical music.
If you choose Munich but dislike it, you can always take the train to Salzburg for the day, and on to Hallstatt the next day.

Getting around

Munich has the second busiest airport in Germany following Frankfurt, with flights to and from a large number of European and international destinations.

Munich is a traffic hub with excellent international, national and local connections, running a fast and reliable public transport system.

From Munich, if you want to see the castles, renting a car is a good option and will cost you the same as public transportation for two or three people.

Salzburg has an eco-friendly transportation system with electric trolleys running at 10-minute intervals and regular buses running at 15-minute intervals during the day. You can get a card for use across all public transport at the train station.

Vibe & people

Munich’s center is more modern with a big city feel, not as atmospheric as Salzburg. It still has an Old World type of feel, however, with a very open, vibrant, and sociable vibe. While it helps if you understand some German, many of the locals speak good English.

Contrary to the “cold” German stereotype, the locals in Munich are welcoming, including in small villages outside the city – which commonly have festivals, hiking groups, etc.

Munich is closer to the Bavarian lifestyle, distinct from other parts of Germany. The city is surrounded by rural areas and has the Alps as a backdrop.

Although most of the architecture was demolished in World War II, Munich’s center is beautiful with many old restaurants and pubs. It’s always full of tourists seeking to drink good beer and eat Neuschwanstein.

Munich is generally quite expensive with many well-paid foreign expats living in the city. It’s a safe city with very low crime rates by German standards.

Salzburg is a very walkable and attractive little city with stunning views, e.g. from the walking bridges toward the old town, including at night.

The old town itself is scenic with its cobbled streets, hidden alleyways, and the great-looking mountains and castle above.

Next to the center, the Kapuzinerberg area with its 640-meter-high mountain, dense forests, churches, abbey, and hiking paths, is also a major attraction.

Travelers choose Salzburg for its unique beauty, but also for the welcoming locals, good restaurants (outside the tourist traps), and easily-to-access surrounding sights.

Compared to Munich, Salzburg provides a more relaxing experience strolling around the streets, gardens and squares, markets, sitting at coffee houses, and chatting with people. The people are friendly and cheerful, and many locals speak pretty good English.

Travelers sometimes complain about the high number of tourists in Salzburg including in off-season months. The city’s shopping street gets invaded by Mozard memorabilia buyers, and costumed street performers are just about everywhere. Some visitors get “Mozart overload” after visiting Salzburg.

Salzburg is a music mecca. There are always several day and evening concerts going on in Salzburg. Going to an evening concert in Mirabell Platz is memorable.

Sights & culture

Munich has numerous architectural attractions, international sports events, exhibitions, and conferences. The annual Oktoberfest attracts a considerable number of tourists annually.

A key attraction in Munich is the BMW museum where you can see great motorcycles, historical vehicles, and concept cars with futuristic designs. See this article for some cool details.

Historically, Munich was the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria, so it has many royal palaces to visit. Munich is full of old European castles including Burghausen Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg Palace (former home of the Wittelsbachs dynasty), Linderhof Palace, Munich Residenz, and Hohenschwangau Castle.

In Munich, the center of animation and sightseeing is Marienplatz. From there you can take a stroll to the English Garden Park (Europe’s largest urban public park, larger than Central Park) or the Olympia Park , and walk into a few beer gardens and beer halls for some Masses of Helles beers.

Munich has impressive museums, including Science and Technology, the Deutsches Museum, and the world-class Alte Pinakothek art gallery. The city also has great churches with stunning architecture like the Frauenkirche and St. Peter’s Church.

River surfing on the Eisbach River is very popular in Munich in the summer months – more here about river surfing in Munich.

Here are some of the main attractions In Salzburg:

Hellbrunn Palace , a stunning 17th-century Baroque villa. Closed in the winter
Hohensalzburg Fortress : one of the largest medieval castles in Europe (11th century) with great views from atop the 500m hill. Nice cable car to get there.
Cathedral : a beautiful, bright, Baroque church with gorgeous frescos and an impressive Romanesque front.
Franciscan Church : a beautiful mix of Romanesque nave and Gothic choir, Baroque chapel
Mozart’s birth house and Museum – bring Mozart to life
Mirabellgarten : elegant gardens and floral displays in front of the Mirabell Palace
Salzach River cruises
Sound of Music locations: visit to places and homes where the international hit movie from the 60s was filmed in (and where the Trapp family lived) in and around Salzburg
Tour of the Festspielhaus where the Salzburg Festival is held
1913 Marionetten Theater (puppet theater)

Wandering around the old town, you can see most sights in around 2 hours. The Salzburg card gives you access to many sights (Hellbrunn Palace, river cruiser, castle, Mozart locations, mountain trip including bus) at a cost-effective price.

You can take a walk up to Mönchsberg, then have a coffee at M2 Restaurant.

In Salzburg, you’ll find regular classical and folk music shows. the Bavarian State Opera has outstanding productions.

You can also take great trips to scenic lakes and mountains (see the “Day trips” section below).

Food & nightlife

In Munich, you’ll typically have a nice Schweinshaxn in traditional beer halls (Biergartens) near Marienplatz – a popular Bavarian dish made of a pork shank cooked for hours and served with sauerkraut. You may also have a Leberkäsesemmeln (corned beef pork and bacon) or a Brezen (pretzel).

You can catch a great brunch at Ratskeller or at Art and Boards (Belgradestrasse) on Sundays. For a nice dinner, check out Hofbrau Munchen .

Hofbräuhaus München, “the court’s brewhouse”, is a large brewery in Riem on the outskirts of Munich. Very touristy but lots of fun. Travelers often recommend doing an evening beer tour in Munich.

Salzburg has a few great places for having a meal, such as the Stiftskeller St. Peter , considered one of the oldest restaurants in Europe – many travelers love the food there.

Gablerbräu is another example, located in the Linzer Gasse Hotel in an old Patrician house in the new town. The place serves copious Austrian food and great dark beer.

Zum Fidelen Affen , in the new town, is a small traditional guest house and restaurant catering mostly to locals.

Untersberg Hut is a rustic hut on top of Untersberg Mountain, accessed by cable car.

Salzburg also has some very nice coffee houses such as Café Schatz , a small café and pastry shop next to Mozart’s birthplace in the old town, or Café Tomaselli , another historic but touristy and crowded place.

If you walk along the river from the station on the right bank, you’ll find little shops serving great strudel and cafe by the river.

When it comes to nightlife, evening castle concerts at the Fortress and Schloss Mirabell are a must-see.

Salzburg has a handful of Irish Pubs including O’Malley’s, Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, Shamrock Irish Pub, and Dubliner. There is also a Jazz Club on Elisabethstrasse. Bricks Music Bar is another lively which opens until 4:00 am.

The Salzburg Festival held in late July and August brings a lot of life and animation.

Munich has several luxury shopping streets such as:

The renowned Maximilianstrasse, a 1 km long stretch of luxury shops
The Theatinerstrasse, also an upmarket shopping area,
Kaufingerstrasse, the city’s prime pedestrian shopping zone
Sendlinger Strasse, one of the oldest shopping streets in Munich with primarily smaller, family-owned local shops.

During the Christmas season, Munich has large and impressive street markets, often considered the best in Germany. It also has a fair number of conveniently located malls and shopping centers.

Getreidegasse is a historic street lined with high-end fashion brands, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops.
Mirabellplatz is a popular shopping destination with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The Old Market is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Vendors selling fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Europark Salzburg has a wide range of stores and brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.

These are a few recommendations from travelers in Munich:

The Carlton Astoria in the pleasant Schwabing district, a small hotel with few spacious and comfortable rooms, near a U-Bahn stop and the art museums. Just off lively Leopoldstrasse with its many shops.
Mueller Hotel near the Sendlinger Tor and Marienplatz
The Einhorn , a simple but Art Deco-style hotel near the train station and shopping district

In Salzburg, travelers like the Auersperg boutique hotel, a nice and clean hotel with friendly staff, within walking distance of the train station and the old town area (a 10-minute walk).

Hotel Goldener , a small and quaint place in the old town, is another recommended option.

Auerhahn Gasthof is just a short walk to the right as you leave the train station. The food is fantastic and very authentic. It has an outside dining area to relax and have a meal or a drink.

Austrotel Salzburg is a 4-star hotel in the new town. It’s centrally located and has buses stopping at the door. It’s not particularly attractive but has very friendly staff and good service. Rooms on the backyard side are quieter than those on the street side.

As Salzburg can get quite touristy, some travelers prefer to stay in the surrounding towns instead, which are all well-connected through efficient and affordable public transportation.

Mondsee for example is a lakeside town with beautiful nature and nice dining options 45 minutes from Salzburg.

Munich is an excellent base for day trips, namely to the Bavarian Alps – Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Mittenwald.

You can take a day trip to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain summit about 1h30 away from the city.

You can also visit medieval citie s like Landshut, and Regensburg through day trips.

You can also visit the Neuschwanstein fairytale castle about 2 hours away on the edge of the Alps near Fussen. You can also stop at Starnberg Lake for a nice boat tour.

You can buy the Bayern ticket which gives you unlimited public transport travel within Bavaria for a full day.

The Dachau former concentration camp may deserve a day trip, a somber and powerful memorial to the victims of the Nazi regime. The site includes a museum with exhibits about the life of prisoners, preserved barracks and gas chamber.

Salzburg is close to the countless small and beautiful villages of the Salzkammergut region . Renting a car is a good option for driving to St Wolfgang, Bad Aussee, Mondsee, St. Gilgen (scenic route, lovely mountain hikes), all under an hour away. You can also take the bus to most villages.

Other day trips around Salzburg include visits to the Hohenwerfen Castle , the Schafberg mountain and its spectacular views, the world’s largest ice caves , the 7000-year-old Hallein salt min and museum. Hallstatt is a beautiful town.

You can visit nearby Berchtesgaden (Germany) which has Hitler’s historic Eagle Nest retreat and other World War sites.

There are several castles in the Salzburg area such as the very ornate Herrenchiemsee Palace in Prien (West of Salzburg), which is accessed via a scenic boat ride. You can also visit Melk Abbey and its incredible church and library.

If you’re into hiking, you can take an excursion to the Untersberg alpine mountain, by bus then cable car to the mountain top where you can go hiking in the snow. The Salzburg card includes a trip there.

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Jesse Massard

I'm Jesse, I've lived in and traveled to many different countries, and each time around I've done tons of research on the different places I could visit. I've always loved comparing cities before (and after) see them. Apparently I'm not alone, so I decided to make a website out of it and share my experiences and research. All packed?

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Top Things to do in Salzburg, Austria
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1 Day in Salzburg: The Perfect Salzburg Itinerary
1 Day in Salzburg: The Perfect Salzburg Itinerary

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Things to know before traveling to Salzburg
What to pack for Salzburg. Summer temperatures in Salzburg are pleasantly warm. Shorts, a skirt or summer dress, and short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are the order of the day between June and the September, when the temperature reaches an average high of around 20-24°C (68-75°F). You might still get some cooler days in the summer, so pack ...
Why You Should Visit Salzburg
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.
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Salzburg At Least Once
1. Food and Drink. Cuisine local to Salzburg includes many Bavarian- and Tyrolean-influenced meals as well as Austrian-national favourites, such as schnitzel, apple strudel and Sacher torte. At the farmer's markets —the Grünmarkt, outside the University campus, is particularly popular with locals—visitors find many strong cheeses, cured ...
The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary
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.
Salzburg Ultimate Bucket List: Top 10 Must-Do's!
Salzburg is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning baroque architecture, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking a mix of art, history, and natural beauty.; The top 10 must-do's in Salzburg include: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter's Abbey, Getreidegasse, Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains, Mozart's Birthplace ...
The best time to visit Salzburg
The high seasons (June-August and December-February) are the best times to visit for perfect weather. 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 60-70°F (15.5-21°C), the surrounding hills are ripe for walking.
17+ BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria (+Map & Tips)
3. Mozart's Birthplace. Mozart's Birthplace is one of the city's main tourist attractions and definitely a 'must see' when you visit Salzburg. It was here - in this bright yellow building at Getreidegasse 9 - that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756.
The 12 best things to do in Salzburg
10. Cycle the banks of the Salzach. Unfurling from city to meadow and mountain, the banks of the Salzach River are a joy to cycle, especially when the city heaves in summer. Grab yourself a rental bike and pedal south, with views of the Altstadt's riot of domes and spires slowly fading as you pass the Volksgarten park.
Reasons why you should visit Salzburg
10 reasons why you should visit Salzburg. If you think Salzburg is all about Mozart, opera and boringly traditional you should press the refresh button and follow me to today's Salzburg. A modern spot with a brilliant food and lifestyle scene, heaps of varied opportunities how to spend a day and welcoming locals who are proud of their city ...
1 Day in Salzburg: The Perfect Salzburg Itinerary
2. Hohenwerfen Castle & Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave. If one castle in Salzburg wasn't enough for you, you'll definitely want to make the trip out to Hohenwerfen Castle. Found up in the alps on a hilltop south of Salzburg, this medieval fortress immediately makes a strong impression the first time you see it.
How to See the Best of Salzburg in 2 Days (+ Itinerary, Map & Tips)
Depending on your interests, some of the best tour options include The Sound of Music tour (4 hours, morning or afternoon), River Cruise + Hellbrunn Palace (2.5 hours, afternoon), or a half-day trip to Hallstatt (5.5 - 6 hours, afternoon). For this itinerary, we recommend 'The Sound of Music' tour.
17 Best Things to Do in Salzburg
These tropical vacation spots boast affordable accommodations, incredible scenery and more. Ranking of the top 17 things to do in Salzburg. Travelers favorites include #1 Altstadt (Old Town), #2 ...
2 Days in Salzburg: Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Where to Stay in Salzburg. To make the most of your 2 days in Salzburg, you should choose accommodation in the city's main area. There are a range of options here, from the affordable YoHo Hostel to the opulent, riverfront Hotel Sacher.. We chose to stay at the Star Inn Hotel Premium, and it was a fantastic experience. Between the central location, comfortable bed, and proximity to delicious ...
How To Spend One Day In Salzburg
2 One day in Salzburg itinerary. 2.1 Hohensalzburg Castle. 2.2 Residenzplatz & Mozartplatz. 2.3 Dom of Salzburg. 2.4 St. Peter's Abbey & its catacombs. 2.5 Birthplace of Mozart. 2.6 Shopping at Getreidegasse Street. 2.7 Stroll along the waterside. 2.8 Go for drinks & snacks at Augustiner Bräu Gastgarten.
Should I Visit Salzburg or Vienna? [2024]
If you're visiting from Central or Eastern European countries such as Slovakia, Prague or Hungary, then you should visit Vienna. In saying that, it's very easy to visit both cities in one trip: By car, it will take around just over 3 hours (depending on traffic), to get from Salzburg to Vienna and vice versa.
Salzburg travel
Salzburg. 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 ...
One Day in Salzburg, Austria: Top Sights, Day Trip Itinerary, Map & Tips
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.
Salzburg vs Vienna: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!
Just like Vienna, Salzburg also has cobbled streets, and beautiful buildings to wander by. What Salzburg has that Vienna doesn't though, is the Alps to gaze up at. These majestic mountains provide spectacular views at all times of day and night. To make your visit to Salzburg extra-romantic, a visit to Schloss Mirabell is a must. This ...
Salzburg or Innsbruck: Which City is Worth Visiting?
Visit Salzburg in the summer and you will be treated to renowned Salzburg Festival, a world-class event that attracts music enthusiasts from around the globe. Summer in Salzburg means enjoying the blooming beauty of Mirabell Gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The city's outdoor cafes and restaurants spill onto the streets, providing a ...
Should I Visit Salzburg or Strasbourg? Which is Better for Old Town
Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Strasbourg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Salzburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family. Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Strasbourg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salzburg that are great ...
Should you visit Salzburg or Vienna?
Salzburg: Austria in a (beautifully baroque) nutshell. Kerry Walker lost her heart to Salzburg when she first authored the Lonely Planet Austria guide in 2007. Since then, she has roamed every crowd-free alley and climbed (almost) every mountain on the city's fringes. Nowhere says "visit Austria !" like Salzburg - not even Vienna.
Should I Visit Salzburg or Munich? Which is Better for Nightlife, Music
Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Munich. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Salzburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family. Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Munich. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salzburg that are great for a ...
Munich or Salzburg: Which One To Choose For A Few Days?
Tour of the Festspielhaus where the Salzburg Festival is held; 1913 Marionetten Theater (puppet theater) Wandering around the old town, you can see most sights in around 2 hours. The Salzburg card gives you access to many sights (Hellbrunn Palace, river cruiser, castle, Mozart locations, mountain trip including bus) at a cost-effective price.

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

The Reason to Visit Salzburg, Austria

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Cross the River – See Salzburg Differently

What to Do in Salzburg for the Music

Things to Know About Salzburg, Austria:

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10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Salzburg At Least Once

Salzburg has so much more to offer visitors other than just Mozart and the Von Trapp family—it is a quaint, cultural, and romantic city with plenty of attractions and activities to entice tourists. Here are some of the events Salzburg provides that locals and visitors alike will enjoy.

1. Food and Drink

Become a Culture Tripper!

Beautiful Landscapes

Art and Culture

Romantic Haunts

Architecture

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Places to Stay

Food & Drink

Restaurants

Bars & Cafes

The Best Live Music Venues in Salzburg

An Expert’s Guide to the Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Salzburg

See & Do

What To Do in Salzburg if You've Only Got One Day

The Best Boutique Hotels in Salzburg

Guides & Tips

Unmissable Attractions in Salzburg

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary

How Many Days in Salzburg?

Getting To & Around Salzburg

2 to 3 Day Salzburg Itinerary

Coffee at Cafe Bazar

Getreidegasse

Salzburg Cathedral

Kollegienkirche

Residenzplatz

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hike on Monchsberg

Augustiner Brau

Evening Concert

Day 2 – Gardens, Palaces & Museums

Schrannemarkt

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Visit a Museum

Cruise on the River Salzach

Sunset Hike up Kapuzinerberg

Day 3 – Explore the Surrounding Area

Mondsee & Wolfgangsee

Werfen Ice Caves & Hohenwerfen Castle

Schloss Hellbrun

Gollinger Waterfall

Where to Stay in Salzburg

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10 reasons why you should visit Salzburg

2 – A divine view that makes you forget life around you

3 – Greeeeeen

4 – Lakes, lakes, lakes

5 – Outdoor activities

6 – Hipster Haven

7 – Cafés with a home feeling

8 – Bars, music & art – the modern way

9 – Salzburg goes International…

10 – The location

Three voices who love Salzburg and its surroundings:

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Salzburg Travel Guide

17 Best Things To Do in Salzburg

Altstadt (Old Town) Altstadt (Old Town) free

Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) free

Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) free

Popular Tours

Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress) Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress)

Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace) Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace)

Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn) Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn)