Planning a few days in Salzburg? Let’s make them unforgettable!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

From grand baroque landmarks and cozy cafés to Sound of Music nostalgia and scenic alpine views, Salzburg delivers charm at every turn. But with many travelers only having one, two, or three days to play with, a bit of planning goes a long way. That’s where I come in!

Having explored the city on foot and packed a huge amount into my own trip, I’ve put together this flexible itinerary to help you hit all the highlights without rushing, while still leaving room for those spontaneous local discoveries that often end up being the best part. Whether you’re new to Salzburg or coming back for another round, this guide will help you make the most of every moment. Let’s go!

Itinerary Overview

Three days in Salzburg are just enough to soak up its baroque beauty, musical roots, and alpine charm without ever feeling rushed. The compact, walkable Old Town is a UNESCO-listed maze of cobbled streets and pastel facades, with the mighty fortress towering above it all.

Most sights are easily reached on foot, and buses or taxis fill in the gaps, so there’s no need for a rental car. Handily, if you’re staying in paid accommodation, you’ll receive a free Guest Mobility Ticket at check-in, which covers the city’s buses and trains for your whole stay, making those occasional longer trips cost nothing.

Between the history, the Sound of Music connections, and the mountain scenery, this itinerary blends the iconic highlights with plenty of relaxed local moments. Let’s get started!

Day 1: Start with breakfast at the local favorite Espresso Fabrizi, then dive into the unmissable Sound of Music tour, exploring the iconic film locations, the Lake District, and the town of Mondsee. Follow this with a fantastic apple strudel and Nockerl cooking class, then freshen up before an evening Mozart dinner concert up at the fortress.

Day 2: Spend the morning on either a day trip to the Eagle’s Nest or visiting the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines. Back in the city, enjoy a hearty lunch at Braurestaurant IMLAUER, then explore at your own pace, climbing to a viewpoint, strolling the river, or ducking into a museum, before dinner and live music in the Old Town.

Day 3: Spend the morning and early afternoon visiting the UNESCO-town of Hallstatt. Then head back to tour the Hohensalzburg Fortress and round off your trip with dinner at the historic Sternbräu beer hall.

Day 1

Breakfast – Espresso Fabrizi

We’re kicking off our first morning like a local at Espresso Fabrizi, a hidden gem that quickly became one of my favorite finds in Salzburg. It’s a firm favorite with locals, and every time I stopped by, it was buzzing, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality.

Because it gets so busy, my advice is to arrive early. I’d aim to be there no later than 7:30 am, which gives you a relaxed breakfast and still leaves plenty of time for the roughly 15-minute walk over to the meeting point for the morning tour (that begins at 9:15 am). Turn up much later, and you may be looking at a bit of a wait for a table.

Funnily enough, I first came here for lunch and tried their goulash, which was superb, but I spotted the breakfast offering while I was there and had to come back. It’s a lovely spread, with coffee, cakes, Kaiserschmarrn, strudels, traditional breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and more, so there’s something to suit whatever kind of morning appetite you’ve got.

Also important to know is that Espresso Fabrizi doesn’t open until 9 am on Sundays. If your first day falls on a Sunday, you’ll need to grab breakfast at your hotel or somewhere nearby instead, so you’re not left waiting when you’ve got a tour to catch. And speaking of a tour to catch…

Morning – Visit the film locations from “The Sound of Music”

With breakfast done, it’s time for the highlight of the day, and arguably the whole trip: this Sound of Music tour! It starts at 9:15 am and wraps up around 1:15 to 1:30 pm, and it was easily one of my favorite things I did in Salzburg.

My tip is to get to the meeting point about 15 to 20 minutes early, which gives you time to pick up your ticket from the office right next to the departure point and get in the queue for the coach without any last-minute stress.

I’ll be honest, The Sound of Music was a film I watched as a kid with my family and hadn’t seen in quite a while, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d remember. As it turned out, the tour was the perfect refresher, and for any fan of the movie, it’s an easy recommendation. The guide brought the whole story to life with behind-the-scenes details throughout the day.

You stop at loads of the film’s famous sites: the gazebo, the lake where Maria and the children tumble in, and the house where the family stayed, learning tons along the way. One of my favorite parts was the drive out to the pretty lakeside town of Mondsee, where we had around 40 minutes to explore. It’s a lovely spot, and it’s home to the church where Maria and the Baron marry in the film.

The tour then finishes up back in the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, where you’re perfectly placed for the afternoon since it’s only a 10-minute walk to your next stop, with roughly 45 minutes to spare before it begins.

Lunch/Afternoon – Learn to make apple strudel and Salzburger Nockerl

After the Sound of Music tour wraps up in the Mirabell Gardens, it’s a short 10-minute walk to this apple strudel and Salzburger Nockerl cooking class. I recommend booking the 2 pm slot, which leaves you around 45 minutes of grace after the tour, plenty of time to stroll over and settle in. Don’t worry about lunch beforehand either, since the class includes a full meal, and trust me, you’ll leave properly stuffed.

The whole thing ran beautifully smoothly from start to finish. When I arrived, we stashed our bags and were sorted into tables by group size. I was put with a grandmother and granddaughter visiting from the US, and it was lovely getting to know them over the course of the afternoon, though you could easily fill a table with just your own group.

My host was Leonardo, originally from Italy but now living in Salzburg, and he’s a true master, so you’re in very safe hands. We started with the apple strudel, and one of the best moments was stretching out the dough, passing it between us until it was almost as big as the table. Then came the Salzburger Nockerl, a local specialty a bit like a soufflé, and famously shaped into three peaks to represent the hills around the city.

This is the only cooking school in Salzburg, and it shows, since they have the whole experience down to a fine art. Once we’d finished, we sat down to a delicious lunch that started with a hearty beef goulash, followed by the strudel and Nockerl we’d made ourselves. There’s something really satisfying about eating a meal you’ve cooked from scratch, and by the end of it, I was completely full.

Late afternoon – Stop by Mozart’s Birthplace

On your way back from the cooking class, it’s worth pausing at Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse, one of Salzburg’s most famous addresses. This bright yellow building is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 and spent much of his childhood, and today it’s a museum housing original instruments, portraits, and letters from the composer’s life.

Even if you don’t have time to head inside, the building itself is a lovely thing to see, right in the heart of the Old Town’s main shopping street. If you are keen to visit the museum, it’s a fascinating stop for music lovers and gives you a real sense of the man behind the music that Salzburg is so proud of.

It’s also been a full-on day by this point, between the early breakfast, the Sound of Music tour, and an afternoon of cooking, so now is the perfect time to head back to your hotel for a quick breather.

Evening/dinner – See a Mozart concert at the Salzburg Fortress

To cap off your first day in Salzburg, treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of Austrian cuisine and classical music, all set inside the majestic Fortress Hohensalzburg. This romantic dinner and concert experience begins at 6:30 pm with a scenic funicular ride (included with your ticket) up to the fortress, which dates back to 1077 and offers sweeping views of the city as the sun begins to set.

Dinner is served in one of the fortress’s elegant historic rooms, where you’ll enjoy traditional Austrian dishes in a truly atmospheric setting. The vaulted ceilings, candlelit ambiance, and centuries-old architecture make the entire experience feel like stepping back in time.

But the real magic begins after the meal when the sounds of Mozart’s most beloved compositions fill the halls, performed live by internationally acclaimed soloists. Given that Mozart was born in Salzburg, hearing his music performed in such a meaningful location adds a special emotional weight to the evening.

You can choose from a few different ticket packages depending on where you’d like to sit and the type of dining experience you prefer; some even include drinks and panoramic terrace seating. No matter which option you go with, this is one of those evenings that lingers in your memory long after the final note fades!

Day 2

Morning – Visit the Eagle’s Nest or historic salt mines

This morning kicks off with two half-day tours, each offering a unique way to experience Salzburg. You can either get mountaintop views of Hitler’s former residence in Germany, or venture underground to explore the historic Berchtesgaden Salt Mines. Both options wrap up by early afternoon, leaving plenty of time for lunch and more exploring, and both offer an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s culture, history, and landscape.

Option 1: Visit the Eagle’s Nest

If you’re in Salzburg from mid-May through October, this half-day tour to the Eagle’s Nest is a super interesting day out. The Eagle’s Nest was Hitler’s mountain retreat and is located across the border in Germany, so don’t forget your passport! 

It’s a short 30-minute drive from Salzburg to Obersalzburg, but you can expect gorgeous views of the Austrian countryside as you go. Especially as you wind up Hoher Göll, the mountain on which the former estate is perched. Once you reach the top, you’ll skip the queue and get direct access to the complex, thanks to this specific tour. 

You’ll have about one hour to tour the grounds, which is just the right amount of time to take in the staggering mountain-top sights and learn some of the history. It’s a bit bone-chilling to be in the same house, knowing it’s where top Nazi officials spent so much of their time. 

The mood lightens a bit on your way down the mountain, as you stop at Berchtesgaden, a quaint Alpine village. You’ll have some free time to wander through the historic center, stop for a relaxed lunch, and enjoy the small town before heading back to Salzburg. 

This is a great tour for history buffs and mountain lovers. And it’s easy to fit into the itinerary, as you’ll depart at 8:45 am and get back around 2 pm. 

Option 2: Explore the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines

Prefer something a little more adventurous? Then this Berchtesgaden Salt Mines tour is the one to go for. This half-day trip starts at 8:45 am and wraps up by 12:45 pm, making it a perfect alternative if musicals aren’t your thing.

Once you arrive, you suit up in traditional miner’s gear before heading down into the tunnels. The real fun is in how you get around, riding a little underground train through the passages and whizzing down wooden miners’ slides to reach the lower levels, which is exactly why this trip goes down so well with families.

A real highlight is crossing a subterranean “mirror lake” by raft, gliding across the still, dark water deep beneath the mountain, which makes for a wonderfully surreal experience. Alongside all the fun, there’s plenty to learn, with guides explaining how the salt is extracted and the long history of mining in the region.

Because you’re sheltered underground the whole time, it also makes a brilliant rainy-day option, and like the Eagle’s Nest trip, it usually includes a stop in the town of Berchtesgaden before you head back.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be back in the city by lunchtime, ready to refuel!

Lunch – Braurestaurant IMLAUER

Back in the city and likely feeling pretty hungry by this point, Braurestaurant IMLAUER is a brilliant spot to refuel after your morning in the mountains. It’s a traditional Austrian brewery restaurant, and exactly the kind of hearty, unfussy place you’ll be craving by this point in the day.

I had the beef steak, which was excellent, cooked just right and served up in generous portions, alongside a cold drink that hit the spot perfectly. The menu is full of Austrian classics, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something satisfying.

The real treat here, though, is the beer garden. On a warm day, there’s nowhere better to sit back with a drink and a good meal, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere after a busy morning. I didn’t book ahead and had no trouble getting a table at lunchtime, so you can happily just turn up, but if you want to be on the safer side, it’s easy to book online.

Once you’re fed and watered, you’ll be all set to spend the afternoon exploring Salzburg at your own pace.

Afternoon – Explore on your own

With the morning’s big trip behind you and lunch settled, the afternoon is yours to spend however you like. Salzburg is compact and endlessly walkable, so this is the perfect time to slow down, follow your curiosity, and soak up the city at a gentler pace. Here are a few ideas to point you in the right direction.

See Salzburg from above

For my money, one of the best views of the city is from the top of the Mönchsberg, the hill rising above the Old Town. Up here you’ll find the Museum der Moderne, Salzburg’s modern art museum, along with a panoramic terrace that looks out over the whole city.

The easiest way up is the Mönchsberg lift (the MönchsbergAufzug) from Gstättengasse, which whisks you to the top in about 30 seconds. It costs €4.80 per adult for a round trip, and you can ride it purely for the viewpoint without buying a museum ticket, or decide to visit and buy a ticket for that, which includes the lift.

From the terrace, you get a sweeping panorama across the domes and spires of the Old Town, the fortress opposite, and the mountains rolling away into the distance. For a small fee and almost no effort, it’s one of the best things you can do in Salzburg.

Check out a museum

If the weather turns, or you simply fancy a bit of culture, Salzburg has no shortage of excellent museums to duck into. The Salzburg Museum, housed in the grand Neue Residenz on Mozartplatz, offers a beautifully presented dive into the city’s history and art.

For music lovers, you might prefer a deeper dive into Mozart’s Birthplace or the Mozart Residence we passed by on day 1, both dedicated to the city’s most famous son and packed with original instruments, letters, and portraits.

And if modern art is more your thing, the Museum der Moderne up on the Mönchsberg pairs perfectly with that viewpoint. Whichever you choose, an hour or two indoors makes a lovely, relaxed contrast to a busy morning.

Go shopping on Getreidegasse

No visit to Salzburg is complete without a wander down Getreidegasse, the Old Town’s famous main shopping street. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s a lovely place to stroll, with its narrow covered passageways opening out into hidden courtyards and its rows of beautiful wrought-iron guild signs hanging above the shops, one of the most photographed sights in the city.

You’ll find everything here from traditional Austrian crafts and Mozart-themed treats to well-known fashion brands and local boutiques. Take your time ducking in and out of the shops, and be sure to look up now and then, since the historic facades are every bit as much a part of the charm as what’s on sale below them.

Dinner – Zwettler’s Wirtshaus

Today was a busy day, so nothing is better than a relaxed dinner over some traditional classics.

I suggest grabbing a table at Zwettler’s Wirtshaus, a cozy, traditional restaurant tucked just a short walk from the cathedral. It’s a local favorite for hearty Austrian dishes and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Reservations are often a good idea, but if you’re on a relaxed timeline, you can usually get a table after a short wait.

Evening – Enjoy Old Town Salzburg at night

As your final evening in Salzburg winds down, take some time to soak up the magic of the Old Town after dark. The streets are quieter, the lights are warm, and the historic buildings seem to glow under the evening sky. It’s the perfect way to slow your pace, reflect on the past two days, and enjoy Salzburg at its most peaceful.

Then, for a fun and easygoing finale, make your way to Bricks Music Bar, a laid-back venue with great drinks and live music most nights of the week. Whether you’re into jazz, soul, or acoustic sets, it’s a great spot to toast your trip and wrap up your Salzburg experience with a little rhythm.

Related Read: Looking for even more ideas for your trip? Check out our guide to the 5 best things to do in Salzburg here for extra inspiration and can’t-miss highlights!

Day 3

Morning – Visit Hallstatt

If you’re lucky enough to have a third day in Salzburg, I have one tour that is a must-do in my opinion! Nestled in the Alps of Northern Austria, Hallstatt is one of the most scenic and iconic parts of the country. This half-day trip not only makes it easy to visit but perfectly balances the perks of an organized tour with plenty of free time to explore on your own. It departs from the meeting point in Salzburg at 8:15 and will return around 2 pm. 

Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s simply stunning. The shores of Lake Hallstatt frame the fairytale book town. There’s a lot of unique history here; it’s actually been mining salt for thousands of years! 

You’ll have about 2.5 hours to explore Hallstatt on your own, which is enough time to stroll along the lakeshore or stop for a coffee and strudel at a local cafe. You also have to check out the “Bone House”, a collection of 600 painted skulls that are centuries old. And if you catch some good weather, taking the funicular to the Hallstatt Skywalk is one of the best scenic viewpoints in all of Austria.

One thing that I love about this tour is getting to and from Salzburg itself. The countryside is really beautiful, full of charming old villages and staggering mountain peaks. The guides are fantastic about sharing information as you go, which always makes gazing out the window more meaningful, as you know what you’re looking at!

Afternoon – Tour the Fortress Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress)

You’ll return from your morning tour around 2 pm, giving you some more time in the afternoon to visit the Salzburg Fortress. Plan on spending about 2–3 hours here, soaking up the history and taking in the incredible panoramic scenery.

Rising above the city skyline, Fortress Hohensalzburg is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, and it’s too fascinating to skip. Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, it served both as a military stronghold and a residence for Salzburg’s powerful prince-archbishops. While you’ll return here tonight for a special evening out, that visit doesn’t include a tour, so this morning is your chance to really explore it.

It’s easy to visit on your own with the all-inclusive ticket (€18), which you can book online in advance here. The pass covers the funicular ride to the top, the castle grounds, museums, princely rooms, and even a quirky Magic Theater.

Dinner – Sternbräu

For your final dinner in Salzburg, Sternbräu makes a wonderful choice, and a fitting way to round off a trip through this historic city. This sprawling beer hall and restaurant dates all the way back to the 1500s, so you’re dining in a place with centuries of history behind it, right in the heart of the Old Town.

The setting alone is worth the visit, with a warren of traditional dining rooms, vaulted ceilings, and a lovely courtyard garden for warmer evenings. The menu is packed with Austrian classics, from crispy schnitzel and roast pork to hearty dumplings and strudel, all best washed down with a locally brewed beer.

Given its size, it’s a reliable option even when the city is busy, though it’s popular for good reason, so booking ahead for your last evening isn’t a bad idea. It’s a fantastic place to raise a final glass and toast the end of your Salzburg adventure. Cheers to that!

Where to Stay in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg might be a relatively small city, but it’s certainly not lacking in great places to stay! You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to historic hotels, luxury stays, or something with a moderate budget. If these hotels still have availability, these are my top three recommendations: 

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Goldener Hirsch is one of Salzburg’s most iconic hotels, sitting right on the famous Getreidegasse in the thick of the Old Town. The interiors are elegant and traditional, full of antique furniture and classic Austrian charm, and there are two restaurants on site.

With the shops, cafes, and sights all just outside the door, it’s about as good as a five-star Old Town stay gets. Rooms start at €400 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Elefant is a lovely mid-range choice set in one of the Old Town’s oldest buildings, on a quiet lane just off Getreidegasse. It blends historic character with comfortable, modern rooms, and you’re within a couple of minutes’ walk of Mozart’s Birthplace, the cathedral, and the main squares.

The tucked-away side streets stay calmer than the main drag, which is a real bonus in peak season. Rooms usually start at around €180 per night during peak season and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Cityhotel Trumer Stube is a friendly, family-run hotel that gives you an Old Town location without the Old Town price tag. The rooms are simple, spotless, and comfortable, and the welcome is warm. You’re a short stroll from the main sights on one side and the Salzach River on the other, so you can be crossing a bridge toward the Mirabell Gardens within minutes.

Rooms typically start at around €120 per night during peak season and can be reserved on Booking.com.

For more options, check out all the hotels in Salzburg here!

Related Read: Want more detail? Our full guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Salzburg, complete with neighborhood tips and hotel picks for every budget.

Thanks for reading!

If you like history, stunning architecture, and mountainous landscapes, you will soon fall in love with Salzburg – I certainly did! This three-day itinerary is quick, but packed full of Salzburg’s top sights so you can make the most of your time.

If you need help planning more of your travels, check out our other Europe blogs. Our team has been all over the world and created city itineraries, top things to do, and guides on where to stay to help you plan an epic holiday. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Vienna, Austria: 3-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Munich, Germany: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

The post How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Salzburg, Austria – The Best Itinerary appeared first on Destinationless Travel.