Salzburg Itinerary For 3 Days: Salzburg Walking Tour
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Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Salzburg
The Best Way To Explore Salzburg
Salzburg Itinerary for 3 Days In A Nutshell
DAY 1. Salzburg Itinerary For 3 Days: Self Guided Walking Tour
DAY 2. Salzburg Itinerary For 3 Days: Self Guided Walking Tour
DAY 3. Salzburg Itinerary For 3 Days: Day Trip From Salzburg
8 Best Day Trips From Salzburg
Where To Stay In Salzburg: My TOP TIPS for Accommodation
Where To Eat In Salzburg: Best Restaurants
Salzburg Card
Activities To Do In Salzburg
More Tips For European Travel
If you are visiting Europe and are close to Austria, Salzburg is the city you should definitely visit. It’s a place full of historical monuments, music, and a pleasant atmosphere. My Salzburg itinerary for 3 days will guide you through the highlights of this picturesque Austrian city.
Salzburg has been named the world’s top city to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet, which already says a lot about it.
I’ve designed a little Salzburg walking tour for you to follow and see the highlights of Salzburg sights and attractions. It can save up some time for you planning what to see and do in this fantastic city. It’s designed from my own experience as I was studying and living in Salzburg for over 3 years.
In the end, I am also giving you suggestions for day trips from Salzburg. I highly recommend you choose at least one of these day trips because the region is spectacular.
So get ready for the amazing Salzburg itinerary for 3 days.
Interesting Facts About Salzburg
- The text for the famous Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’ was created near Salzburg – by Joseph Mohr in 1816 – in a small village called Oberndorf bei Salzburg.
- Salzburg is the birthplace of Amadeus Mozart, the famous composer of classical music.
- Salzburg has one of the largest fortresses in Europe that has never been captured by foreign troops.
- The River Salzach was used for trading and transporting salt, thanks to which Salzburg also became wealthy – The German word ‘Salz’ – means ‘salt’ in English.
- Salzburg is the place of the famous Sound of Music movie. However, Austrians find the film very kitschy and say that it doesn’t reflect the environment and history, so they don’t really like it and are not proud of it.
- The Red Bull drink was first produced in Salzburg, and the company’s headquarters is in Salzburg.
- Traditional Mozartkugel is the silver-blue one, not the red-gold-green one. These are fake. The traditional silver-blue Mozartkugels are handmade and were first produced in the Confectionery Fürst, which you will be visiting on this walking tour.
The Best Way To Explore Salzburg
Salzburg Card
If you want to explore all the things in Salzburg (mentioned in this walking tour), you should get the Salzburg Card. It’ll significantly reduce your costs for the entire stay.
It’s available either for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You’ll get access to all attractions mentioned in this article and a lot more, public transportation is included, and other excursions and performances are at a reduced price.
Skip-the-line tickets all included in this card – you will also save so much time :).
Salzburg Itinerary For 3 Days: Self-Guided Walking Tour
DAY 1. IN A NUTSHELL
- Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Burgerwehr Mönchsberg hill (Medieval Fortress Walls)
- Sky Space
- Mönchsberg Aufzug (lift)
- Break in the Afro Cafe (have a good cafe, tea and a snack)
- Getreidegasse (Salzburg old town)
- Grünmarkt at University Square
- Salzburger Festspielhaus
- Salzburger Dom (The Cathedral of Salzburg)
- Kapitelplatz (Chapter Square)
- Residenz Platz (Residence Square)
- Mozart Platz (Mozart Square)
- Goldgasse (Golden Street)
- Break at the Fürst Confectionery – for traditional Mozartkugel chocolate treats
- Tomasseli Cafe (optional)
- Evening at the traditional Austrian beer hall – Augustiner Bräu
DAY 2. IN A NUTSHELL
- Hellbrunn Palace with its trick fountains and water games
- Mozart’s Birthplace
- Makartsteg Bridge
- Break for a lunch – L’Osteria Pizzeria
- Mirabellgarden (Sound of Music movie place)
- Sacher Hotel for a traditional Austrian cake – Sacher Torte
- Optional: Amadeus Cruise on the River Salzach
- Capuchin Monastery Hill (views of Salzburg)
- Linzergasse (Linzer Street)
DAY 3. IN A NUTSHELL
Choose the best day trips from Salzburg. I’ve put a list of the most exciting excursions around the city. It includes salt mines, Hallstatt town and its Sky Walk, Giant Ice Caves, castles, Sound of Music, and a lot more.
Now that you know what to expect from this Salzburg walking tour let’s go more into detail. Below, I am describing to you each place with its highlights and the logistics of this tour.
Original Names Of The Places
I am writing all places in German, as they are originally called and written (so you can also find them on Google Maps). Besides, I always give you the English translation in brackets. If you were interested in learning a new language for the purpose of traveling, you could check out my article about how to learn a language for travel.
DAY 1. SALZBURG ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS
Our Salzburg sightseeing starts at the top of the Mönchsberg hill, visiting the highlight of Salzburg tourist attractions – Fortress Hohensalzburg.
FORTRESS HOHENSALZBURG
It’s one of the largest fortresses in Europe, built to protect Salzburg’s principality and Archbishop. What is interesting is the fact that foreign troops have never captured Salzburg Fortress.
It was built in 1077 for the local Archbishop and gained its importance in 1500 under Archbishop Leonhard von Kreutschach’s reign.
What To See At Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Fortress museum – weapons and history of the Fortress
- Torture chamber
- Tower at the top of Fortress with amazing views of the Austrian Alps
- Salzburg Bull – the wheel-driven barrel organ, plays daily at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm, and you can hear it playing even from the old town (from Kapitelplatz).
- Marionette Museum
- Golden Hall – learn about Salzburg’s history and the life of Archbishop Leonhard von Kreutschach in the magical theatre in Golden Hall, see the chambers of the archbishop.
Go to the terrace for stunning views of Salzburg and the River Salzach.
Visiting Fortress Hohensalzburg is worth it. You’ll receive an audio guide at the entrance, guiding you through all the Fortress’s highlights and history.
Visiting the Golden Hall with the magical theatre is at an extra cost. If you skip it, you’ll still have a fantastic experience only with the regular audio guide tour.
Location: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg
Book Skip-the-line Ticket
You can book this discounted ticket and get up without staning in the line. It includes funicular ride, audio tour, and even the Magical Theatre. Book only if you don’t have the Salzburg card.
Book your Salzburg Fortress Ticket
Stay On The MÖNCHSBERG MOUNTAIN
After the enriching experience at Fortress Hohensalzburg, I suggest you stay on this hill before you go down to explore the old town of Salzburg. The mountain on which Fortress has been built (and you are standing right now) is called ‘Mönchsberg.’ It translates to ‘monks’ hill.’
Once you leave the Fortress, there will be a road with a left curve (the regular fortress road has a right turn towards the city centre). Take the road on your left-hand side towards the gate. You can walk on the Mönchsberg hill until you reach the Bürgerwehr (the medieval fortress walls).
Location: Mönchsberg 19, 5020 Salzburg
SKY SPACE & MÖNCHSBERG AUFZUG (lift to the old town)
Continue on the same road towards the Sky Space. The Sky Space is a terrace, where you’ll get amazing views of the Fortress and the entire old town of Salzburg. This terrace is part of the Museum of Modern Salzburg. There is a lift when you go inside the museum, which will take you down to the Salzburg old town (the lift is called Mönchsberg Aufzug).
There is no way to get lost on this hill, just follow the Fortress road until the terrace, Sky Space, and enjoy the stunning views. After, take the lift down to the city centre. Once you take the lift down, you’ll be in front of the Museum of Modern Salzburg.
Location: Gstättengasse 13, 5020 Salzburg
Coffee Break At AFRO CAFÉ
Suggested stop: Afro café – after the walk, get some nice coffee or tea with a snack at the Afro café, which is on your way.
Location: Bürgerspitalpl. 5, 5020 Salzburg
Our Salzburg itinerary continues. Let’s walk until you reach the Getreidegasse.
SALZBURG OLD TOWN – GETREIDEGASSE
Getreidegasse is the main street in Salzburg’s old town. In the past, it was the most crucial street, a place of trade and wealth, where locals built their taverns, breweries, and craft shops.
Nowadays, it’s a famous shopping street in Salzburg with some luxury goods and delicacies. Even though there are always tourist masses, this street is charming and will probably take you back to medieval times. You’ll spot many tiny streets from the Getreidegasse on both sides.
On your right-hand side, you will see the house where Mozart was born (Mozartgeburtshaus in German). We’ll go there tomorrow, so just notice it from the outside for now.
After you spot the Mozart birth house and walk slightly further, take any tiny street on your right-hand side. I said any street because all of them will take you to our next sightseeing spot.
UNIVERSITY SQUARE & GRÜNMARKT
You’ll get to the University square with the Market Fountain and the so-called Grünmarkt. The Grünmarkt is a red stall selling local products such as cheese, meat, sweets, and pretzels (with various flavors).
In the past, University square was a place for farm markets. This tradition has been kept until nowadays. Every Saturday morning, people build their stalls on this square, offering various fresh products such as vegetables, fruits, bread, meat, and cheese.
Location: Universitätsplatz, 5020 Salzburg (University Square)
SALZBURGER FESTSPIELHAUS (Salzburg Festival Hall)
We are going to see the famous Salzburger Festspielhaus, the place of Salzburg music. Since 1925, they organize the Salzburg festival in this building every year, performing the best from European drama and music.
The first play showcased at this festival is called ‘Jedermann’ (‘Everyman’), for which the festival became famous.
Location: Hofstallgasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
Continue through the street on your left-hand side until you reach the Salzburger Dom (Cathedral of Salzburg).
SALZBURGER DOM (Salzburg Cathedral)
The Salzburg Cathedral is a Baroque-style Roman Catholic Cathedral founded in 774. You already know that Salzburg is famous for Amadeus Mozart, the classical music composer.
What is interesting is that Mozart was baptized in this cathedral. Also, he had his first concert playing piano only at the age of 6. This concert was held right in one of the rooms of the Dom Quarter, where you are standing.
You can enter the Salzburger Dom free of charge. After, continue to the nearby Kapitelplatz.
Location: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg
If you are interested in seeing the entire Dom Quartier and the place where Mozart played his first concert at the age of 6, you can book this skip-the-line ticket with an audio-guide below. It also includes Salzburg Residence and its state rooms and St. Peter’s Museum. Book only if you don’t have the Salzburg card.
Book Dom Quartier Entrance Ticket & here
KAPITELPLATZ (Chapter Square)
What might draw your attention on this square is the modern statue on the golden ball with a ‘man without emotions’ standing at the top. However, besides being contemporary art, this sculpture actually doesn’t have any other purpose or explanation. It only represents a man without emotions.
Location: Kapitelplatz, 5020 Salzburg
At the corner of this square, there is an entrance to St. Peter’s cemetery. At this entrance, you can go and see a little bakery (Stiftsbäkerei St. Peter in German) with an old watermill. This place also posses an interesting history.
Salzburg is home to the oldest water pipe tunnel in Central Europe. This pipe has been artificially created to supply water from the nearby Lake Könnigsee (close to Berchtesgaden and its salt mines) to the Salzburg city.
The watermill next to the little bakery is where you can see the water from Könnigsee Lake. The bakery alone is exciting. It has this traditional atmosphere, and you can see how they make bread.
After, you can continue the walking tour to the next square – Residenz Platz.
RESIDENZ PLATZ (Residence Square)
Residenz Platz hosts the largest Baroque fountain in Central Europe. In summer, you’ll spot horse carriages. In the Advent period before Christmas time, Residenz Platz hosts one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets. You shouldn’t miss them, they are amazing.
Location: Residenzplatz, 5020 Salzburg (Residence Square)
Continue walking towards the Mozart Platz (Mozart Square) on your right-hand side with the statue of Mozart.
From there, turn slightly left and walk through another tiny street called Goldgasse (Golden Street).
FÜRST CONFECTIONERY – Traditional Mozartkügel
Once you come out, you’ll see a small square on your left-hand side with a fountain in the middle. Go towards the fountain, and on the left, you’ll see the Fürst Confectionery. Next essential stop, where we have a little rest from our Salzburg walking tour.
Location: Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg
The traditional Mozartkügel is blue, not that red or green one you can see everywhere. Mozartkügel was created here at the Fürst Confectionery.
It’s one of the few places where they still make it by hand in a traditional way. So if you want a proper and authentic Mozartkügel, this is the place to get it.
TOMASSELI CAFÉ
Opposite the confectionery, you’ll spot the historical Tomasseli Café. You might have another cup of coffee with a cake.
Location: Alter Markt 9, 5020 Salzburg
This is where our self-guided tour through Salzburg ends today. If you want, you can get ready for dinner and chill a bit at your hotel. Because in the evening, we are going to the traditional brewery to see how locals enjoy their lives.
Evening At Traditional AUSTRIAN BEER HALL
End the day at the Augustiner Bräu, experience the beer culture in Salzburg and the traditional atmosphere. This is one of the best places to visit in Salzburg.
Take bus number 7, 9, or 21 from the stop called Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz (in the old town). Get off at the stop named Landeskrankenhaus, and walk just 1 minute from there towards the beer hall. The bus drive takes 10 minutes.
Check out the Salzburg bus timetables if you need.
You’ll take your own giant beer mug, and they’ll draught the beer directly from wooden barrels for you. There are many stalls where you can get various food. Take what you like and enjoy the evening in the beer garden or one of the Braustübl (taverna room).
Location: Lindhofstraße 7, 5020 Salzburg
DAY 2. SALZBURG ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS
Today, we’ll continue our sightseeing in Salzburg, starting with a slightly remote place, pictured in the Sound of Music movie. This place is located 4,5 kilometres from the centre of Salzburg.
You’ll take the bus n. 25 from the center, which will drive you directly to Hellbrunn Palace only within 20 minutes. The bus stop from where the bus departs is called Rudolfskai/Mozartsteg.
HELLBRUNN PALACE
This Renaissance-style palace is located 40 minutes from Salzburg. It was also a residence of the archbishop Markus Sittikus, but only on special occasions in summer. This guy had a great sense of humor, so he installed some exciting things around the palace.
The highlights are trick fountains and their water games that you shouldn’t miss and the spectacular park with lakes next to the palace. Enjoy the atmosphere of this palace as you can.
Check out Hellbrunn Palace website for more information, opening hours, and prices.
Location: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg
After you have enough, let’s go back to the old town of Salzburg and continue our walking tour. Take the same bus n. 25 back to the Salzburg old town.
Once you are back in the town, we’ll start the sightseeing at the Getreidegasse, visiting Mozart’s birthplace.
MOZART GEBURTSHAUS (Mozart Birthplace)
Mozart, born in 1756, lived in the house with his family for 26 years. After, they moved to the so-called Mozart Residence house, located on the other side of the River Salzach, on the Makartplatz square.
If you want, you can also visit the Residence house, but I think one of them is just enough.
Location: Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg
Lunch Break At L’OSTERIA PIZZERIA
If you want, you can now get lunch. I suggest the Italian restaurant L’osteria Pizzeria. From the Mozart Birthplace house, you can walk through the pedestrian Makartsteg bridge to the Linzergasse (Linzer Street). The Pizzeria is just 2 minutes away from this street. They have great pizza, pasta, and other dishes.
Location: Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 10, 5020 Salzburg
MIRABELLGARDEN
Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Mirabellgarden. This picturesque Baroque park was created in the 18th century. It was also one of the places where Sound of Music movies was shot – the scene where Maria with children were singing the song ‘Do-Re-Mi’ while dancing around the fountain.
You’ll also get stunning views of the Salzburg Fortress.
Location: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg
HOTEL SACHER – SACHER TORTE
After, you can go back towards the River Salzach (a few minutes walk) to the Hotel Sacher. They make the traditional Sacher cake in their Café Sacher, and you have to taste it.
Get this nice dessert on the terrace next to the river and enjoy those stunning views of the city.
Location: Schwarzstraße 5-7, 5020 Salzburg
AMADEUS CRUISE On The River Salzach
Optional: if you want, you can now hop on the Amadeus cruise on the River Salzach. It’s quite touristy but still an interesting thing to do. You’ll see the city from another perspective and also learn more about its history and highlights on the way.
In the past, the River Salzach was used to transport salt from the nearby Salt Mines in the Dürnberg hill, where they had a large-scale salt production. The salt was traded on the River Salzach to Salzburg, which significantly contributed to the wealth of the city.
Location: Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz, 5020 Salzburg
Get the skip-the-line tickets for Amadeus Cruise, because there is always a huge line. Book only if you don’t have the Salzburg card:
CAPUCHIN HILL
If you are not fed up with walking yet, you can walk up to the Capuchin hill with the monastery.
Cross the river again and go back to Linzergasse. Then turn right to the street called Kapuzinberg. Follow the road, and you’ll get up next to the monastery.
The road is steeper, but the views of Salzburg from the hill are spectacular. It’s a nice quiet place, and I recommend you see it. After, you can walk the opposite way, down the stairs back to Linzergasse street.
Location: Kapuzinerberg, 5020 Salzburg
This is the end of our Salzburg self-guided walking tour. I hope you guys enjoyed it. You can get some dinner now and enjoy a drink or a cocktail at the Café am Kai (next to the river).
Tomorrow, we’ll end our Salzburg itinerary for 3 days, making some of the best excursions around Salzburg.
DAY 3. SALZBURG ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS: Day Trip From Salzburg
Not only Salzburg city is an attractive destination, but also the entire region. There are plenty of places to visit near Salzburg.
Below, I’m giving you some suggestions for Salzburg day trips. They include Salzburg Salt mines, ice caves, beautiful lakes and cruises, and viewing platforms with hiking options. Consider doing at least one of them. The region is spectacular.
- Salt Mines Hallein – Dürnberg Mountain
- Werfen Castle & Giant Ice Caves (the largest ice caves in the world)
- Berchtesgaden Salt Mines, The Eagle’s Nest (Hitler’s summer residence) & Könnigsee Lake
- St. Wolfgang in Salzkammergut
- Hallstatt & Sky Walk
- Obertraun – 5 Fingers (hiking trail)
- Oberndorf bei Salzburg – a little village where the Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’ was written, you can visit the chapel – stand with one foot in Austria and with the other foot already in Germany.
8 Best Day Trips From Salzburg
I’ve written a separate article about the top day trips from Salzburg. It’ll give you descriptions of what to do and what you can see. So choose some of them and explore the beautiful Salzburg region.
I hope this Salzburg itinerary for 3 days will give you some insights into Salzburg’s history and culture, and you get the most during these 3 days spent in the city. Now you know what to see in Salzburg, so you can start planning your trip. Also, don’t forget to include some day trips from Salzburg.
If you need any help with planning your walking tour in Salzburg or organizing your day trips, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Additional Tips For Salzburg: Accommodation, Restaurants, Salzburg Card
Where to stay in Salzburg: My TOP TIPS for Accommodation
Where To Eat In Salzburg: Best Restaurants
1.STERNBRÄU
Enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine in the modern settings of the Sternbräu restaurant. Located near Getreidegasse in Salzburg’s old town, you can get typical dishes like Schnitzel, cheese dumplings, and drink delicious beer with local cocktails. Location: Griesgasse 23, 5020 Salzburg.
2.LEMONCHILLI URBAN RESTAURANT & BAR
Lemonchilli is a fantastic restaurant offering Mexican cuisine. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Salzburg. If you like Mexican food, you need to check it out. Location: Nonntaler Hauptstraße 24, 5020 Salzburg.
3.POMMES BOUTIQUE
If you are in a hurry and want to see the most from Salzburg, Pommes Boutique is a good choice. Get some nice French fries and burgers for quick refreshment during your Salzburg walking tour at Pommes Boutique. It’s at the following 3 locations here in Salzburg: Location: Mirabellplatz 7, Alpenstrasse 107, Itzlinger Hauptstrasse 7
4.BURGERISTA
Similar to Pommer Boutique, Burgerista has delicious fast food in the centre of old town Salzburg. Grab something with your friends and family before going on the Salzach River Cruise. Location: Griesgasse 15, 5020 Salzburg.
Salzburg Card
If you want to explore all the things in Salzburg (mentioned in this walking tour), you should get the Salzburg Card. It will significantly reduce your costs for the entire stay.
It’s available either for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You’ll get access to all attractions mentioned in this article and a lot more, public transportation is included, and other excursions and performances are at a reduced price.
Activities To Do In Salzburg
If you’re interested in doing even more activities in Salzburg, check out Get Your Guide. They organize incredible trips and things to do in and around the city. Whether it’s adventure, culture, history, or Sound of Music, they’ll guide you through it all. So click on the image below and explore more activities you can do in Salzburg.
More Tips For European Travel
If you want to see more of Austria, I’ve designed an Austria road trip itinerary with which you can explore this stunning country and its highlights in 10 days. Salzburg walking tour is also integrated into the itinerary. You don’t have to plan anything; just get the Austria itinerary and travel now.
Check out my other travel itineraries for more inspiration on European travel.
If you feel like exploring another beautiful European city, you might want to take a bus or train to Prague. Take my self-guided walking tour for Prague and see its highlights.
Slovenia is very close to Salzburg is often forgotten by travelers. If you want to do a quick road trip, take my Slovenia road trip itinerary for 5 days and explore the beauties of this country.
From Austria, you can continue traveling to Switzerland and enjoy the country with my ultimate 8-day Switzerland itinerary by train. It’ll save you a lot of cash. Or head more to Central Europe and experience Slovakia with the Slovakia road trip itinerary for 8 days. You’ll eat traditional food, experience stunning nature, and see the highlights.
Another option is to head to France and see the French Riviera with my French Riviera itinerary for 7 days. Or explore the south of France with this South of France itinerary.
Salzburg is also a great destination to visit in November, especially thanks to its stunning Christmas markets. If you plan your vacation for November, check out the best places to visit in Europe in November.
Check out my article about how many countries to visit in Europe in 2 weeks with full itinerary. Salzburg is also included.
Happy travels!
