There is something truly magical about Salzburg, a city that Iāve had the pleasure of visiting numerous times over the yearsĀ andĀ I seem to like it more each time.
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Salzburg seems to tick so many boxes for visitors.
While Vienna dazzles with its imperial grandeur and cosmopolitan vibe, Salzburg offers a more intimate charm thatās impossible to resist.
Nestled between the Alps and the Salzach River, this compact city is a pleasant blend of baroque architecture, natural beauty, and a deep cultural heritage.
Salzburg is synonymous with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the iconic Sound of Music movie, and a sort of Austrian relaxed elegance that makes every stroll feel like stepping into a painting.
Its pedestrian-friendly streets, cosy cafes, and vibrant marketplaces make it far more enjoyable and laid-back than the bustling capital of Vienna.
However, if you plan to visit, you might enjoy reading my detailed 2 days in Vienna itinerary.
Two Days in Salzburg is Perfect
What I love most about Salzburg is its ability to seamlessly blend old-world charm with modern conveniences. Whether youāre staring at the Hohensalzburg fortress from the Residenzplatz, enjoying a slice of sachertorte in a centuries-old cafe, or wandering through the colourful streets of the Altstadt, every corner of the city has a story to tell.
Itās no wonder that Salzburg feels like an outdoor museumāa place to slow down, savour, and soak in its undeniable charm.
During your 2 days in Salzburg, be sure to visit local shops and meet the locals, even if it’s just through some small talk. I found them very friendly.
This 2 days in Salzburg itinerary is written by me personally and it is based on my experiences in the city.
I have worked as a European tour guide for many years, so apart from personal travels and stays in Salzburg, I often return with tourists to experience this city and help them make the most of their 2 days in Salzburg.
How many days for Salzburg do you need?
Two days in Salzburg is the perfect amount of time to experience the cityās highlights.
You can explore its iconic sights, indulge in local specialities, and immerse yourself in its rich culture without feeling rushed. Thereās plenty to see while still leaving room to savour leisurely moments at a cafĆ© or along the Salzach River.
Even with just 2 days in Salzburg, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy, from historical sites to scenic views.
For a deeper dive into the culture, you might consider a guided tour during your 2 days in Salzburg; I recommend this 2.5-hour walking tour and two other options listed in this blog on your second day.
Planning your 2 days in Salzburg ahead of time can help you make the most of every moment, so I do recommend pre-booking any tours or activities.
If you have three days in Salzburg, you can truly soak up the cityās atmosphere and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Consider adding a half-day trip to Hallstatt, one of Austriaās most picturesque villages, known for its stunning lakeside setting and historic charm.
For those with only one day in Salzburg, an early start is essential. With careful planning, you can visit all the main sights, including Mozartās Birthplace, the Salzburg Cathedral, and Mirabell Gardens.
Itās even possible to see some Sound of Music locations before finishing the day with a memorable dinner in the Altstadt.
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Why You Should Purchase a Salzburg Card for 2 Days in Salzburg
The Salzburg card is an excellent investment for spending two days in the city. It offers incredible value and convenience.
With this card, you gain free entry to all major attractions, including Mozartās birthplace, Hohensalzburg fortress, Mozart residence, DomQuartier Salzburg and many more. It also includes unlimited rides on public transportation, although I doubt you will use it for that.
You could purchase the 24 hour card and try to squeeze more sights on day 1 and your second day is filled with a day tour or activity.
Or if you opt out for the 48 hours, you can then visit attractions/sights on both days.
Is the Salzburg card worth it? I think yes, absolutely. Even if you just visit the Mozart residence, Hohensalzburg fortress and one more attraction, maybe the Mozart residence or DomQuartier Salzburg, you are already saving money.
How much does the Salzburg card cost in 2025?
Low Season: January 1 ā April 30; November 1 ā December 31
24 hour pass ā Adult ā¬28 | Child ā¬14
48 hour pass ā Adult ā¬36 | Child ā¬18
72 hour pass ā Adult ā¬41 | Child ā¬20.50
High Season: May 1 ā October 31
24 hour pass ā Adult ā¬31| Child ā¬15.5
48 hour pass ā Adult ā¬40 | Child ā¬20
72 hour pass ā Adult ā¬46 | Child ā¬23
Here are the current prices for top attractions in Salzburg in 2025:
- Hohensalzburg Fortress (ā¬14.50)
- Mozart Residence (ā¬15)
- Mozartās Birthplace (ā¬15 ā combined ticket with Mozart Residence available for ā¬23)
- DomQuartier Salzburg (ā¬13)
- Natural Museum History (ā¬15)
- Christmas Museum
- Museum der Moderne Salzburg Altstadt (ā¬16)
- Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains (ā¬15)
Beyond saving money, the Salzburg card lets you skip the lines at some of the cityās most popular sights, so you can make the most of your limited time.
Whatās more, the card encourages you to discover hidden gems you might have overlooked otherwise, such as the Christmas Museum or the Museum of Natural History.
For foodies, the card even offers discounts at select restaurants and cafĆ©s, helping you enjoy Salzburgās culinary scene while staying within budget.
In short, the Salzburg card is worth it, unless you are really on a strict budget and are not planning to visit more than two attractions.
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2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary:
Day 1: Exploring Salzburgās Old Town and Cultural Highlights
Morning: Discover the Heart of the Old Town (Altstadt)
Begin your day in Salzburgās Altstadt (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage site with historical and architectural treasures. A great way to start your 2 days in Salzburg is by enjoying a traditional Austrian breakfast at a local cafe.
Kickstart your morning at Coolinarik Cafe Salzburg. This cosy cafe in the heart of the old town serves smoothie bowls and typical Austrian foods such as knodel.
Mozartās Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus)
Time to walk through the Old Town city as it awakes.
Head to No. 9 Getreidegasse, the yellow townhouse where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756. It opens at 9 am and the ticket is 15 euro, but entry is covered by a Salzburg Card.
The museum inside offers a glimpse into his childhood, showcasing family letters, instruments, and portraits. The museum is relatively small and you won’t need more than an hour. The highlight for many is the collection of instruments that belonged to Mozart, including his childhood violin.
Even if youāre not a classical music enthusiast, the exhibits bring Mozartās legacy to life and give you an idea of the life in 18th century.

Getreidegasse
One of Salzburgās most iconic streets, Getreidegasse is lined with high-end boutiques, traditional shops, and wrought-iron signs. This is my favourite part of it, the wrought-iron signs in front of each shop.
Take your time strolling through and admire the charming blend of old and new, from centuries-old facades to modern window displays.
The signs and shop have been here for centuries and while new shops such as H&M or Tommy Hilfiger arrived later, they continue to have the same wrought-iron signs.
The Christmas Museum is also located on this street and if you bought Salzburg card, you have included entry. It’s a small museum of old Christmas decorations, little quirky, but you can check it out.

Mozartplatz and Residenzplatz
A short walk from Getreidegasse, Mozartplatz features a statue of Salzburgās most famous son Mozart, surrounded by picturesque buildings.
Next to it, Residenzplatz is an expansive square flanked by the Residenz Palace, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Residenz Fountain, a baroque masterpiece as well as DomQuartier Museum.
If you are a fan of the Sound of Music, you will recognise this square from the movie. It is here where, during āI have confidence in meā Maria dances around the Residenz Baroque horse fountain.
And it is also here where a giant swastika flag was raised above the Old Residence Palace for the movie when Germany annexed Austria in 1938, and Nazi soldiers are seen marching through this square in the film.
And a little inside story: the citizens of Salzburg did not like that one bit.

Explore every corner of the city during your 2 days in Salzburg to fully appreciate its beauty and maybe relax on one of its squares.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg)
Dominating the Residenzplatz, the Salzburg Cathedral is a baroque gem with stunning frescoes, an impressive dome, and an organ that Mozart once played.
The Cathedral is enormous, and I recommend paying a small fee to enter it. This is one sight not covered by the Salzburg card, so if you are trying to maximise your Salzburg card entries, you could visit DomQuartier Salzburg just next to it or the Museum der Moderne Salzburg Altstadt.

Kapitelplatz
After visiting the Cathedral wander over to Kapitelplatz, a lively square known for its giant golden orb sculpture topped with a man gazing into the distance.
This quirky modern art piece, is called āSphaeraā and you will also find a giant chess that sometimes triggers tourists or locals to play.
It’s also from here that you can see the Hohensalzburg fortress and we shall visit it in the afternoon, but first lunch.

Lunch: A Culinary Break on Goldgasse
For lunch, make your way to Goldgasse, a charming cobblestone lane filled with inviting eateries. Stop at Gasthof Goldgasse for Austrian classics like Wiener Schnitzel, beef goulash, or a light seasonal salad.
The cosy atmosphere and excellent service make it a perfect midday retreat. And if you like it simple, there is a bakery at the start of the Goldgasse as well.
Afternoon: Hohensalzburg Fortress and Afternoon Cake
During your 2 days in Salzburg, take the time to head up to the fortress to see the city from above.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take the funicular (Festungbahn in German) from Festungsgasse up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched high above the city that dates back to 1077, but most of the current structure is from 16th century.
You could also walk up, but it is steep and takes about 20 minutes. If you do, the entry ticket is cheaper, ā¬ 11.20 per person.
For ā¬ 14.50 per person, the funicular ride is included. The funicular takes less than a minute. Once you are up, it’s time for some photos, as this medieval castle offers spectacular views of Salzburg and the Alps.
This attraction is also part of the Salzburg card so you can see and visit all the parts of the fortress, or you can choose which part you’d like to enter.
Explore its museum, stroll through the courtyards, and learn about its 900-year-old history. The highlights include the Reckturm (torture chamber) and the Golden Hall.

St. Peterās Abbey & Cemetery
When you descend from the fortress, make your way to the historic site of St. Peterās Abbey, one of Salzburgās oldest monasteries.
While the abbey itself isnāt open to visitors, you can explore its peaceful cemetery, where notable figures like Mozartās sister Nannerl and composer Michael Haydn are buried.
The cemetery is really beautiful, featuring intricate tombstones and a charming gothic chapel. Fans of The Sound of Music will recognise this as the filming location for the Von Trapp familyās dramatic escape scene.
Behind the cemetery lies the St. Peterās Catacombs, ancient spaces carved into the rock of the Monchsberg mountain.
The Salzburg card grants you access to the catacombs, including the Gertrauden and Maximus chapels.

Cafe Tomaselli:
After descending from the fortress and visiting the cemetery, reward yourself with a relaxing cake break at Cafe Tomaselli. This place is really famous as it has been making the people of Salzburg happy with a slice of cake for more than 300 years.
So make sure you stop here during your two days in Salzburg. My tip: Try to go inside and upstairs to reach the terrace on the first level, which has nicer views.
Try their Esterhazy cake, sachertorte, or the seasonal specialityāpaired with another coffee or their famous homemade lemonade. The staff usually comes to your table with a selection of cakes, but feel free to ask for recommendations.
I love some of the more season cakes that incorporate local fruits, especially berries in May and June.

Read more: 20 Most Popular Foods from Austria
Salzburger Glockenspiel
Before the afternoon ends, stop by the Salzburg Glockenspiel near the Residenzplatz. This historic carillon chimes at regular intervals, playing melodies that resonate throughout the square.
Itās a lovely auditory experience to accompany the visual splendor.

Evening: Dinner and a Classical Concert
Stiftskeller St. Peter
Dine at Stiftskeller St. Peter, a historic restaurant with roots tracing back to 803 AD, located inside the walls of a Benedictine abbey. This place is really unique and the restaurant and the setting is gorgeous. And yes the prices are high. I do recommend dressing up for dinner as it is a classier place, and most locals do.
It’s here that you can try the famous Salzburg Nokerl dessert.

Day 2: Scenic Adventures and The Sound of Music Tour
Your 2 days in Salzburg can include a mix of guided tours and independent exploration.
On the 2nd day of your 2 days in Salzburg, I recommend taking part in either the Original Sound of Music Tour or an Apple Strudel & Salzburg Nokerl Class to learn how to make Austrian desserts.
Morning: Mirabell Gardens and Palace
To see some of the greener sides of Salzburg, start your second day with a visit to Mirabell Gardens, one of the most beautiful spots in Salzburg.
The symmetrical flower beds, Pegasus Fountain, and marble staircases are iconic, especially for fans of The Sound of Music.
The Mirabell Palace houses the Marble Hall is also a place for intimate concerts.

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Mid-Morning Options
For the morning, you can choose between two activities:
The Sound of Music Tour
Join a guided Sound of Music Tour to explore filming locations, including:
- Leopoldskron Palace: Used as the exterior of the Von Trapp family home.
- Hellbrunn Palace: Home to the gazebo featured in the ā16 Going on 17ā scene.
- Mondsee: A charming lakeside village where the wedding scene was filmed inside St. Michaelās Church. The tour also showcases stunning views of the Salzkammergut region, with its crystal-clear lakes and rolling hills.

Salzburg: Apple Strudel & Salzburger Nockerl Class
If The Sound of Music isnāt your preference, immerse yourself in Austrian culinary traditions and book this hands-on cooking class.
Learn to prepare Salzburgās iconic dessertsāapple strudel and Salzburger Nockerlāunder the guidance of an experienced chef. The class is offered at 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM, making it a flexible and delicious alternative.
Afternoon: Explore Local Markets and the Salzach River
After your morning tour or cooking class spend the afternoon wandering along the Salzach River.
During your 2 days in Salzburg, prioritise visiting outdoor attractions as well as cultural sites.
Cross the Makartsteg bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks, and admire the views of the Old Town. It is also here, not this side of the river, where you’ll find Mozart’s Residence, which is included in your Salzburg card.
Visit GrĆ¼nmarkt, a lively market near Kollegienkirche, where you can pick up local cheeses, pastries, and souvenirs.

Evening: A Farewell Feast
For dinner, experience a traditional Austrian meal to conclude your 2 days in Salzburg on a high note.
End your Salzburg adventure at Augustiner BrƤustĆ¼bel, a historic monastery-turned-brewery. Choose from hearty Austrian dishes at the food stalls and enjoy freshly brewed beer in the vibrant beer hall or outdoor garden.
For Austria and Salzburg, this place is quite affordable, but payment is only by cash. The ribs and beer as well as the local sausage, are delicious.

Where to Stay for 2 days in Salzburg
Booking accommodations in advance is a smart move for your 2 days in Salzburg.
Salzburg offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. Whether youāre looking for a luxurious retreat, a cosy mid-range option, or a budget-friendly base, thereās something for everyone in this charming city.
I have stayed in hostels, mid range and luxury hotels in this city, and each of them offered great comfort.
Here are our top recommendations:
Budget Hotels
Meininger Hotel Salzburg City Centre
Perfect for travellers on a budget, this modern and clean hotel offers dormitory-style and private rooms. Itās located slightly outside the Old Town, but well-connected by public transport. The hotel offers affordable rates, friendly staff, and an on-site kitchen for self-catering. Check price & availability.
YoHo International Youth Hostel
This vibrant hostel is ideal for backpackers and young travellers. Itās known for its social atmosphere and daily screenings of The Sound of Music; how splendid!
I love that they offer a complimentary breakfast and a bar on site, and it’s in a central location within walking distance of the main sights. Check price & availability.
Mid-Range Hotels
Located in a historic building in the heart of the Old Town, this family-run hotel combines modern amenities with a touch of old-world charm.
Hotel Elefant has spacious rooms, an excellent breakfast, and in proximity to Getreidegasse and Mozartās Birthplace. Check price & availability.
A sleek and contemporary option, this hotel is located near the Salzburg train station, making it convenient for day trips. Stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city. Check price & availability.
High-End Hotels
This iconic five-star hotel exudes elegance and luxury, offering a quintessential Salzburg experience. Its riverside location provides stunning views of the Old Town.
Look forward to impeccable service, plush rooms, and the opportunity to enjoy the original sacher torte in the hotelās cafe. Check price & availability.
Known for its modern design and rooftop terrace, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of history and contemporary style. It’s in a prime location along the Salzach River and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the fortress and mountains. Check price & availability.
Luxury Hotels
Nestled on Monchsberg, this luxurious retreat offers a tranquil escape with breathtaking views of Salzburg. Itās perfect for special occasions or a romantic getaway.
An outdoor infinity pool, personalised service, and an award-winning restaurant. Check price & availability.
Located on Getreidegasse, this historic hotel combines timeless Austrian charm with modern luxury.
The individually decorated rooms are chic, and I love the Michelin-starred restaurant here. This exceptional hotel is in a central location, ideal for exploring. Check price & availability.

Final Thoughts on this 2 days in Salzburg Itinerary
Salzburg is a city that has won me over with its beauty, history, and charm.
Whether youāre a fan of classical music, a lover of history, or simply someone who enjoys strolling through picturesque streets, Salzburg has something for everyone.
In two days, you can see a lot here and the summer months here are really the best time to visit.
This itinerary is designed to help you plan your perfect days, so you can choose to follow it step by step or change it up a little according to your likes. I wish you the best 2 days in Salzburg!
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