PLAN A 2-DAY SALZBURG ITINERARY
Planning your 2-day Salzburg itinerary and wondering how to make the most of your time? Then this guide is for you! I’m sharing my personal tips and favorite spots to help you enjoy 2 days in Salzburg without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Salzburg truly surprised me — it’s one of the most charming cities I’ve visited in Europe. Big enough to offer plenty of sights and activities, yet compact enough to explore at a relaxed pace.
This Austrian gem is all about baroque architecture, scenic views (hello, Eastern Alps!), nature, the Salzach River, peaceful strolls, fascinating history, and yes — The Sound of Music (which, fun fact, I hadn’t even heard of before my trip). And of course, there’s Mozart — the city’s most famous son, whose legacy is everywhere.
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR A 2-DAY SALZBURG ITINERARY
Before we dive into the best places to visit during your Salzburg trip, let’s start with a few essential travel tips to help you make the most of your trip!
Salzburg Car
The Salzburg Card for 2 days can be a great way to explore the city, especially if you plan on visiting several museums and attractions. I didn’t get one myself since I was traveling with a dog — many of the included sights aren’t pet-friendly, so it just wasn’t worth it for me. But I looked into it thoroughly, and here’s what I found out about its perks and when it’s actually worth getting.
- I think that it is totally worth getting one if you want to visit at least two or three museums.
- You can also use public transportation for free with the Salzburg Card.
For this itinerary, I will mention if you get free access with the card or not, so you can see whether it makes sense for you.
➡️ GET YOUR SALZBURG CARD HERE
How to Get Around Salzburg
👟 Most of Salzburg’s main sights are within walking distance, especially around the charming old town — so you can explore almost everything on foot. Honestly, walking is the best way to get around here (just make sure to wear comfy shoes – your feet will thank you later).
🚌 There might be a time or two when public transport comes in handy, especially for attractions a bit outside the city center. The good news? Salzburg’s public transportation is reliable, easy to use, and well-connected — perfect when your legs need a little break.
I stayed outside the town center and bought two affordable 24-hour tickets from the bus driver. If you buy them at the ticket shop, it is cheaper. Salzburg’s public transportation is excellent, so I prefer that over driving in the city.
Public transportation is included with the Salzburg Card, but if you’re staying in the city center, you likely won’t need it often. Most sights are within easy walking distance.
🚘 I wouldn’t recommend getting around Salzburg by car. Parking in the city center is tricky and expensive, and you’ll likely spend more time circling for a spot than actually sightseeing. With just 2 days, your time’s better spent exploring, not stuck behind the wheel.
How to Avoid Crowds in Salzburg
Get an early start! Salzburg is popular with tourists, and the main sights fill up quickly. For a more peaceful experience, aim to be in the city center by 8 am — or around 9 am in winter, when things tend to start a little later.
Consider visiting during the shoulder season. I went at the end of September and got lucky with perfect weather — sunny and around 20°C — and while it was still busy, it wasn’t overwhelming. I’d avoid July and August when it gets really crowded. December is also popular thanks to the Christmas markets, so expect bigger crowds then too.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
Accommodation in Salzburg is generally quite pricey. Staying in the city center lets you explore early or late, when the crowds are gone — and saves you travel time. But if you’re looking to save money, staying outside the center is a good option, too. That’s what I did, and thanks to Salzburg’s excellent public transport, getting around was no problem at all.
Here are the recommendations for Salzburg.
- Luxury Hotels in Salzburg: Hotel Radisson Blu in the Old Town – Click here to find out more and get the best price.
- Mid-Range Hotels in Salzburg: Arthotel Blaue Gans is in the Old Town – Find the best rates here.
- Budget Hotels in Salzburg: Ibis Budget Salzburg Airport – I stayed at this hotel near the airport. It offered good value for money (I also mostly booked it because I wanted to park my car for free). It did not take long to get to the town center via public transportation, which is cheap and good. Click here for more info and the best rates.
More Tips For a 2-Day Salzburg Trip
The Salzach River splits Salzburg into two distinct halves: the old town on the left bank and the new town on the right. Both have their own charm — the old town is full of historic buildings and winding alleys, while the new town feels more spacious and a bit quieter, with lovely gardens and museums. This itinerary focuses mostly (though not entirely) on the old town for day 1, and the new town for day 2, so you get a nice mix of both worlds.
Bring an empty water bottle — Salzburg has plenty of public fountains with fresh drinking water, even at popular sights. It’s an easy (and eco-friendly) way to stay hydrated while exploring the city.
PLACES TO VISIT IN 2 DAYS IN SALZBURG
Okay, here are the places to add to your Salzburg itinerary.
DAY 1 IN SALZBURG
Day 1 in Salzburg is all about great views.
Admire the St. Erhard Church From Above
Start your itinerary with a quieter spot: St. Erhard Church. Originally built as a hospital chapel, it later became a church with a beautifully detailed interior. But what really made me fall in love were the views — the church framed by mountains and the city skyline is just stunning.
You can admire it from across the river for a picturesque view at a distance, or enjoy a lovely perspective from above — no need to go inside to appreciate its charm.
➡️ How to get there from Judengasse: Head to Nonntal. Climb the stairs. There are a few; my guess is around 150 or so, and then keep left. If you keep right, you will find a restaurant and, later, the fortress. Head to the very end, which takes about 10 minutes. There, you can see the view – probably my favorite in all of Salzburg.
Then, it is time to head to the next attraction. It is a 10-15-minute walk away.
Discover Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. Perched high on Festungsberg hill, it’s a true Salzburg icon and one of the city’s top attractions.
Located at 506 meters above sea level (Salzburg itself sits at 424 meters), Hohensalzburg Fortress is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Open year-round, it invites visitors to explore various rooms — including the ornate princely chambers — and several museums inside its walls.
Important Info About Hohensalzburg Fortress
Opening times: It depends on the season, but it is open all year.
➡️ How to get there: Once you stand in front of the ticket center at “Festungsgasse“, there are two ways to get up. Use the funicular or hike.
➡️ Hike: From the ticket center, you could also follow the signs and take a 10-minute hike up to get there.
➡️ Funicular: You can go to the “Festungsbahn“ funicular station in “Festungsgasse“ and use your Salzburg Card to get up for free. Without a Salzburg Card, you can just buy a ticket (with or without a ticket for the fortress).
➡️ Prices start from around 13,30€ for adults (incl. a funicular ride) or 16,60€ for an All-Inclusive Ticket (this gives you access to all of the rooms). If you walk up and get the castle’s entrance ticket only, you pay around 10,30€ (saving you 3€).
➡️ Free entry with your Salzburg Card.
🛑 Flying drones at Festung Hohensalzburg is not allowed.
The next, quite unusual, stop is just a few minutes away.
Visit the Cemetery at St. Peter’s Abbey (Stift St. Peter)
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider a visit to Petersfriedhof (St. Peter’s Cemetery).
Cemeteries might not be on everyone’s travel list, but in Austria, they’re often seen as places of beauty and cultural importance — some are even promoted by tourism boards. I’ll admit, it still feels a bit unusual to me, but when I do visit one, I always make sure to be quiet and respectful. That’s something I’d recommend to anyone, even at popular spots like this one in Salzburg.
St. Peter’s Cemetery is right in the heart of the city and is incredibly well kept. Some say it’s one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, and while I’m not sure I’m qualified to judge that, it’s certainly a peaceful and historically rich place to explore. Many notable figures are buried here, and the atmosphere is calm and reflective.
Important Info St. Peters Friedhof
➡️ How to get there: I couldn’t see signs for the cemetery and asked a nice local. Walk toward the Abbey, and there you will find a map hanging. Within a minute, you are at the cemetery.
➡️ Price: The cemetery is free. There are also catacombs you can visit for 2€ (free with the Salzburg Card), but I did not enter with a dog.
➡️ I put my dog Puppygak in his bag for the cemetery and walked him around like that, though I did not see any “no dogs“ signs.
Then, it is time for a nice walk. The shortest walk to the next attractions would probably be through the city center, but I suggest walking the upper area (along Mönchsberg) and enjoying some incredible views. If you don’t take a break, it should not take more than 30 minutes.
Stroll the Area Around the Museum der Moderne
Before heading to the next attraction, take a moment to enjoy the scenery — the area around the Museum der Moderne is surprisingly peaceful and scenic. With its green hills, quiet paths, and lush surroundings, it’s easy to forget you’re still in the middle of a city.
Any time you spot a sign pointing to a “view,” it’s worth following — especially if it’s just 100 or 200 meters away. Be sure to plan a little extra time for stops at Richterhöhe and Stadtalm — both offer fantastic views and are perfect for a quick break.
Enjoy the View from the Museum der Moderne
Some of the best views in Salzburg can be found at the Museum der Moderne. The museum actually has two locations, but let’s start with the one on Mönchsberg — not just for the art, but for the views.
Perched on a hill above the city, this branch of the museum focuses on art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Thanks to its elevated location, you’ll also get stunning panoramic views over Salzburg — a perfect blend of culture and scenery.
From the terrace, you’ll get a fantastic view of the Kapuzinerberg, the Salzach River, and Cathedral Square (Domsplatz). Whether you walk up or take the lift, the views alone make it worth the effort.
I didn’t visit the museum itself — modern art just isn’t my thing (I’ll admit, I don’t quite get it). But if it’s on your list, keep in mind that it’s usually closed on Mondays. There’s also a restaurant with a great view — and a rather upscale price tag — where you can stop for lunch or coffee if you’re in the mood to treat yourself.
INFORMATION
If you get to the museum via the upper area, you can just walk comfortably. However, if you get there via the old town, you can either hike up or take a lift (for a small fee).
ℹ️ How to get there: You can buy a round trip or one-way ticket for the lift.
ℹ️ Free with the Salzburg Card (museum including lift).
After the museum, you might want to take the lift down, or you can just do the downhill hike and be in the wonderful old town of Salzburg.
Stroll the Shopping Streets and Squares in the Old Town
Salzburg’s old town is full of lovely, narrow, winding streets — and even though I’ve mostly sworn off shopping, I still really enjoyed strolling along Getreidegasse and Judengasse. These historic shopping streets are perfect for a leisurely walk, whether you’re window shopping or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Personally, I loved Getreidegasse the most — it’s incredibly picturesque, even if it can get a bit busy at times. Alongside the many boutiques and shops, you’ll find plenty of souvenir stores selling the famous Mozartkugeln chocolates.
I also really enjoyed wandering through Salzburg’s elegant squares, lined with pastel-colored buildings that are just a joy to look at. Some of my favorites were Alter Markt, Cathedral Square, and Mozartplatz — where you’ll not only spot the Mozart statue but also find the main tourist information center.
Visit Mozart’s Family Home
Mozart, born in the 18th century, is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time, and Salzburg is proud of its musical genius. His birthplace in the old town is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. You can also visit the house where he later lived, located across the river in the new town.
Mozart’s birthplace is now a museum and something of a pilgrimage site for classical music lovers. Inside, you’ll find a range of exhibition pieces that give insight into his life and work. If you’re interested in Mozart or classical music in general, this spot definitely deserves a place on your Salzburg itinerary.
Important Info:
ℹ️ How to Get There: It is in the Getreidegasse, one of Salzburg’s main shopping streets. No bus is going, but you can walk from Doms Square or the fortress.
ℹ️ Price: Adults are 11€. Free with a Salzburg Card.
ℹ️ If you want to visit the Mozart house, check out the opening hours first. You might have to visit this place first, before roaming the old town.
I assume that the above-mentioned activities make it a busy first day in the city, if you actually visit the museums and spend time in them. You might even have to skip one or two places if you are not a fast traveler.
DAY 2 IN SALZBURG
Start your second day in Salzburg by exploring the new town on the right bank of the Salzach River. Don’t let the name fool you — “new” doesn’t mean modern here. While it has a different feel from the old town, it still carries a certain historic charm and offers a refreshing contrast. It’s a great way to ease into day two of your itinerary.
Cross the Mozartsteg
Of course, this depends on where you’re staying in Salzburg. If you’re based in the new town, you probably won’t need to cross the river right away. But if you’re staying in the old town, I recommend using the Mozartsteg bridge to reach the other side.
Built in 1903, the bridge itself isn’t exactly a must-see — I’ll admit that. But it’s still a charming little spot, and getting there is part of the itinerary, with a few sights to see along the way (more on those soon).
Mirabell Palace and Garden
Mirabell Palace and Gardens were originally built in the 17th century by a prince-archbishop as a romantic gesture for his beloved. Today, the palace is home to Salzburg’s mayor and various municipal offices — but the real draw for visitors is the Mirabell Gardens.
Yes, the gardens can get crowded with tourists, but I completely understand the hype. I spent quite a while there just wandering around, soaking in the atmosphere. The perfectly manicured flowerbeds, fountains, and symmetry are a joy to look at — and with the cathedral and fortress in the background, it all feels straight out of a postcard.
I went early one morning, and it was such a peaceful moment before the day’s buzz kicked in. If you can, I definitely recommend visiting before the crowds arrive — it’s a lovely way to start your day.
Important Info
ℹ️ There are different areas, and not all are open at the same time, but most of the area is open year-round (from around 6 am).
ℹ️ Price: Admission to the garden is free.
Stroll Linzergasse
Linzergasse is the main street on the right side of the Salzach River and is lined with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops. While it’s part of Salzburg’s more modern area, it still holds on to a bit of that classic charm — a nice blend of old and new.
Take a Rest at the Salzach River
If the weather’s sunny and mild, I definitely recommend taking a break by the Salzach River. With two days in Salzburg, you’ll have enough time to slow down and simply enjoy the view — it’s the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, or just soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Just by the Salzach River, close to Linzergasse and the Mirabell Gardens, there’s a small meadow where you can sit, rest, and simply enjoy the moment. I found myself there on a sunny afternoon, and it was exactly what I needed.
After walking more than 20 kilometers the day before (yes, I checked my step counter!), I was more than ready for a break. Sitting there with the sun warming my face, listening to the gentle sound of the river, and gazing at the charming buildings across the water felt like the perfect reset.
If you’ve been following a packed Salzburg itinerary like I did, you’ll probably appreciate this little breather just as much. It’s a moment of calm — for your feet, your soul, and your senses.
Do a Boat Tour
I usually love boat tours — they’re one of my favorite ways to see a city. Strangely enough, I didn’t end up taking one in Salzburg (don’t ask me how that happened, I’m still wondering myself). But as a self-proclaimed boat cruise enthusiast, I’m pretty confident it’s an experience worth adding to your Salzburg itinerary.
Cruising along the Salzach River with views of the old town and the mountains? Sounds like a yes to me.
Visit Schloss Hellbrunn
If you have some extra time, consider visiting Schloss Hellbrunn. This early Baroque villa, built in the early 17th century, is located near Morzg, a southern district of Salzburg. It’s a bit outside the city center, but definitely worth the short trip if your schedule allows.
Why visit Schloss Hellbrunn? Well, if you love vibrant colors (think bold orange and yellow), have a soft spot for history, admire beautiful Baroque architecture, or enjoy wandering through elegant gardens — then this place should definitely be on your list. It’s charming, a little unexpected, and a nice change of pace from the city center.
Important Information
ℹ️ How to Get There: From the town center, it takes about 20 minutes by bus. Hop on the 25 bus line to get there.
Enjoy the Views From Kapuzinerberg
Salzburg is full of beautiful viewpoints, and Kapuzinerberg is one of the best for soaking in sweeping views of the city.
I had planned to head up there for sunset on my last day — it seemed like the perfect way to end my trip. But thanks to a broken laptop (and an unexpected dash to the electronics store), I had to skip it. And honestly? I really regret it. My heart still aches a little thinking about that missed view!
At 640 meters above sea level, Kapuzinerberg offers incredible views over the Salzach River and the old town. It’s also known as a peaceful place to relax, hike, visit small chapels and churches, and just take in the scenery. If you can time it with sunset, even better — I’ve heard it’s truly magical.
Important Info
ℹ️ How to Get There: There are three paths to go up. But if you are in the Linzer Gasse, I suggest starting there (it is well-signed).
ℹ️ There is no entrance fee.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING 2 DAYS IN SALZBURG
I truly enjoyed my 2 days in Salzburg, and it’s one of those cities I’d love to return to simply because it has such a warm, enchanting atmosphere.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own trip and gives you a good sense of the best things to see and do. With its rich history, stunning buildings, and cozy vibe, Salzburg is a must on any Austria itinerary.
I’ve visited Vienna, Austria’s most famous city, several times — and I still can’t say which one is more beautiful. Both are absolutely gorgeous in their own way, and both have a romantic flair that makes them perfect for a trip with your partner… or for a solo adventure filled with culture and charm.
- And if you plan to visit Austria and Switzerland, check out my itinerary for Central Europe.