Best Of Salzburg Itinerary: 3 Days In Salzburg With Map & Tips [2024]

If you are visiting Europe and are close to Austria, Salzburg is the city you should visit. It was ranked the world’s top city to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet, which already says a lot about it.

I lived in Salzburg for 3 years while studying at the University. So, I got the chance to explore pretty much every corner of the city. I’ve designed this 3-day Salzburg itinerary from my experience and through my eyes as a local, so you won’t miss any highlights during your visit.

Finally, I’ll share some ideas for day trips from Salzburg. I highly recommend you choose at least one of these day trips because the region is spectacular.

So take this itinerary and enjoy Salzburg fully!

Interesting Facts About Salzburg

🔅 The famous Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’ text 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 classical music composer.

🔅 Salzburg has one of the largest fortresses in Europe that foreign troops have never captured.

🔅 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 it doesn’t reflect the environment and history, so they don’t 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.

Overview Of The Salzburg Itinerary 3 Days

To help you navigate through the article, here is a short overview of the sights I recommend visiting in Salzburg each day.

On the third day, I recommend spending some time in the Salzburg region and making a day trip from the city.

DAY 3. Salzburg In A Nutshell

On the third day in Salzburg, I highly recommend going out of the city and exploring the Salzburg region. Make one of the best day trips and enjoy a visit to salt mines, Hallstatt, Giant Ice Caves, a Sound of Music tour, and more.

Here is a list of the best day trips you can make from Salzburg. If you have more time, you can stay in Salzburg even for 4 to 5 days and make various day trips.

Map Of Salzburg & Best Things To Do

Here is a map of this itinerary, places I recommend visiting in the city and outside of the city:

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1. DAY IN SALZBURG

Our Salzburg sightseeing starts at the top of the Mönchsberg hill, visiting the highlight of all Salzburg 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 the Salzburg Fortress.

It was built in 1077 for the local Archbishop and gained its importance in 1500 under Archbishop Leonhard von Kreutschach’s reign.

Sights At The 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.

First, go to the terrace for stunning views of Salzburg and the River Salzach. After, 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 comes with an extra cost. If you skip it, you’ll have a fantastic experience even if you only make the regular audio guide tour.

Location: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg

➡ Get a skip-the-line ticket to visit Salzburg Fortress here.

📍 Mönchsberg Mountain

After you experience the Fortress Hohensalzburg, I suggest you stay on this hill before you explore the old town of Salzburg.

The mountain on which the Fortress is built (and you are standing right now) is called ‘Mönchsberg.’ It translates to ‘monks’ hill.’

Once you leave the Fortress, there will be a left curve (the regular Fortress road has a right turn towards the city center).

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 Lift

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 old town of Salzburg (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 center. Once you take the lift down, you’ll be in front of the Museum of Modern Salzburg.

Location: Gstättengasse 13, 5020 Salzburg

📍 Coffee Break In 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.

Then, continue to the Getreidegasse.

Location: Bürgerspitalpl. 5, 5020 Salzburg

📍 Salzburg Old Town – Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse is the main shopping 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 outlets and delicacies.

On your right-hand side, you’ll 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. Any street is fine, because they all take you to our next sightseeing spot.

📍 University Square & Grünmarkt

You’ll get to the University Square with the Market Fountain and 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 now. 

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’ll see the famous Salzburger Festspielhaus, the place of Salzburg music. Since 1925, they have organized the Salzburg festival in this building every year, performing the best 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

📍 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 the classical music composer Amadeus Mozart.

What is interesting is that Mozart was baptized in this cathedral. Also, he had his first concert playing piano only at 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 staterooms and St. Peter’s Museum. 

📍 Kapitelplatz (Chapter Square)

What might draw your attention to this square is the modern statue of the golden ball with a ‘man without emotions’ standing at the top.

However, besides being contemporary art, this sculpture has no other purpose or explanation. It only represents a man without emotions.

Location: Kapitelplatz, 5020 Salzburg

📍 St. Peter’s Cemetery & Old Bakery

At the corner of the Kapitel square is an entrance to St. Peter’s cemetery. This is a little secret spot for all my clients and readers, as few people know about it. You can see a little bakery (Stiftsbäkerei St. Peter in German) with an old watermill at this entrance. Go inside and see how locals used to make bread in the past, it’s so cool.

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 to Salzburg city.

The watermill next to the little bakery is where you can see the water from Könnigsee Lake.

📍 Residenz Platz (Residence Square)

Residenz Platz hosts the largest Baroque fountain in Central Europe. In summer, you’ll spot horse carriages.

In Austria’s 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)

📍 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; on the left, you’ll see the Fürst Confectionery. The next essential stop is where we have a little rest from our walking tour.

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 traditionally. So, if you want a proper and authentic Mozartkügel, this is the place to get it.

Location: Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg

📍 Tomasseli Café

Opposite the confectionery, you’ll spot the historical Tomasseli Café. You might have another cup of coffee with a cake.

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.

I recommend visiting a traditional brewery in the evening to see how locals enjoy their lives.

Location: Alter Markt 9, 5020 Salzburg

Evening At Traditional Austrian Beer Hall

End the day at the Augustiner Bräu and experience Salzburg’s beer culture and traditional atmosphere. This is one of the best places to visit in Salzburg.

You’ll take your giant beer mug, and they’ll draught it 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).

💡 NOTE: Even if you don’t drink beer, it’s still worth going inside and experiencing it (you can order something else).

How To Get To Augustiner Bräu

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.

Location: Lindhofstraße 7, 5020 Salzburg

👉 READ ALSO: Epic Austria Road Trip: 7, 10, 14 Days In Austria

2. DAY IN SALZBURG

Today, we’ll continue sightseeing in Salzburg, starting with a slightly remote place pictured in the Sound of Music movie. This place is located 4,5 kilometers from the center of Salzburg.

You’ll take the bus n. 25 from the center will drive you directly to Hellbrunn Palace within only 20 minutes. The bus stop from where the bus departs is called Rudolfskai/Mozartsteg.

Or take a taxi to have a more comfortable ride.

📍 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 and 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’s website for more information, opening hours, and prices.

Location: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg

After you have enough, let’s return 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.

You can also visit the Residence house if you want, but I think one of them is just enough.

Location: Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg

Lunch Break At L’OSTERIA PIZZERIA

If you want to 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 Mirabell Garden. This picturesque Baroque park was created in the 18th century. It was also one of the places where Sound of Music movies were shot – the scene where Maria and the children sang ‘Do-Re-Mi’ while dancing around the fountain.

You’ll also get stunning views of the Salzburg Fortress. It’s one my favorite places in Salzburg.

Location: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg

HOTEL SACHER – SACHER TORTE

Afterward, you can return to the River Salzach (a few minute’s walk) to the Hotel Sacher. They make the traditional Austrian Sacher cake in their Café Sacher, which you must taste.

Get this nice dessert on the terrace next to the river and enjoy the stunning city views.

Location: Schwarzstraße 5-7, 5020 Salzburg

📍 Amadeus Cruise On The River Salzach

Optional: If you want, 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 learn more about its history and highlights.

💡 NOTE: 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

👉 PRO TIP: Get the skip-the-line tickets for Amadeus Cruise, because there is always a huge line.

📍 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 Kapuzinenberg. 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 seeing it. Afterward, 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, you can enjoy some of the best excursions around Salzburg and its stunning region.

Evening Classical Concert At The Fortress

In the evening, you can enjoy a Classical concert. What better place to listen to Classical music than in the birthplace of the famous Classical Musician Amadeus Mozart?

And what better spot to enjoy such a concert than the spectacular fortress in Salzburg? You’ll be in a majestic concert hall with stunning city views. I highly recommend this experience.

➡ You can book tickets for the Classical Concert At The Fortress here.

More Experiences In Salzburg

If you have spare time and want to experience Salzburg’s traditions and exciting activities, I recommend joining one.

You can join this cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Apple Strudel and Salzburger Nockerl.

If you’re a fan of Sound of Music, book a tour, visit all the locations where the movie was shot, and hear interesting stories from a local.

3. DAY IN SALZBURG

Not only is Salzburg city 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 day trips from Salzburg. 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

Do You Have 4 – 5 Days In Salzburg?

If you have more than 3 days in Salzburg, make multiple-day trip excursions. Stay in the city for 4 or 5 nights, and visit the city on the first 2 days. On the next 2 to 3 days, make the incredible excursions to the salt mines, giant ice caves, cute towns, and lakes. You’ll love it.

👉 READ ALSO: Switzerland Vs. Austria: Which Is Better To Visit?

Practical Tips For Visiting Salzburg

To help you plan your visit to Salzburg even further, here are a couple of tips for when to visit, where to stay, the best restaurants in the city, and how to get around.

How Many Days Do You Need In Salzburg?

3 to 4 days is the perfect time to explore Salzburg and its surroundings. When you visit Salzburg, don’t make time to only explore the city. I highly recommend also visiting the region and excursing to the nearby salt mines, lakes, towns, and ice caves.

So spend 1 or 2 days exploring Salzburg city, and then an extra 2 days making some day trips from Salzburg. This way, you’ll have a full experience.

Best Time To Visit Salzburg

The best time to visit Salzburg is May, June, September, October, and December.

May, June, September, and October are generally the best months as they’re less crowded than the peak summer months, and the weather is mild. May and October particularly also have lower prices, especially for hotels.

December is an amazing time to visit Salzburg, as you can experience its Christmas markets. They’re truly the most beautiful in Austria, and the entire atmosphere in Salzburg is so magical.

💡 PRO TIP: Don’t forget to bring an umbrella – Salzburg is known to have over 300 rainy days per year. It rains a lot, so get prepared.

👉 READ ALSO: Magical European Christmas Markets By Train: Full Itinerary

How To Get Around Salzburg

The best way to get around Salzburg city is on foot. Salzburg is a small town, and it’s walkable. Most sights are within pedestrian areas, so you can reach everything on foot.

You can use local buses if you want to get to places outside the city center, such as Red Bull Hangar 7 or Augustiner Beer Hall.

To make the day trips from Salzburg, you can either take local S-Bahn trains and buses, or the best is to rent a car to be more flexible.

Where To Stay In Salzburg: Best Areas & Hotels In Salzburg

To have a great stay in Salzburg, choosing a good area and hotel is important. First, consider the area you’d like to stay in Salzburg, and then choose the hotel you like.

Check out my article about where to stay in Salzburg with the best hotels I recommend for your stay.

Or choose from one of my top 3 hotel recommendations below:

✅ JUFA Hotel Salzburg – budget-friendly accommodation
✅ Boutique Hotel Am Dom – mid-range hotel in the Old Town
✅ Hotel Sacher – luxury hotel at the River Salzach overlooking Salzburg

Where To Eat In Salzburg: Best Restaurants

Here are my favorite restaurants I recommend visiting when you’re in Salzburg. They’re all amazing and have delicious food:

✅ Sternbräu – traditional Austrian restaurant
✅ Lemonchilli Urban Restaurant & Bar – Mexican restaurant
✅ My Indigo – best salads, vegetarian/vegan dishes – I always come here for the salad bowl
✅ Pommes Boutique – snacks (to go)
✅ Burgerista – great burgers
✅ L’Osteria – Italian restaurant
✅ Mozart Cafe – great Austrian sweets (try traditional Salzburg Nockerl)

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Salzburg. Check my answers below:

Could You Do Salzburg In 2 Days?

Yes, you can do Salzburg in 2 days. It’s a lot of time to explore all the city’s highlights. In fact, you can see everything even in a day, since it’s a small town.

Is Salzburg More Beautiful Than Vienna?

Yes, Salzburg is more beautiful than Vienna. It’s because Salzburg also has a more magical atmosphere than Vienna. It might be because Vienna is bigger. But overall, if I chose between these two cities, I would always visit Salzburg over Vienna.

Which Is Better Salzburg Or Innsbruck?

Salzburg, as a city with all the attractions, is better than Innsbruck. It’s more exciting and beautiful. However, if you want to be even closer to the Alps and have more accessible hiking trails or skiing slopes, then Innsbruck is better to visit.

WRAP-UP: Salzburg Itinerary 3 Days

This is Salzburg and the beauty it offers. I’m sure you’ll love the city when you visit it. I come every year with my travel groups, and even though we only spend a couple of hours in the city, everyone always loves it. Salzburg has that incredible charm that other Austrian cities lack. So don’t think more and book your stay.

If you have more questions or need a customized travel itinerary for Austria, surroundings, or Salzburg, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!