2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary: How I Spent an Amazing 48 Hours in Salzburg

If Salzburg isn’t already on your Austria itinerary, you need to fix that, immediately. It’s easily the second most popular stop after Vienna, and for good reason. Nowhere else wraps up storybook charm, mountain views, and a hilltop fortress into one walkable, wildly gorgeous city. You get cute cobblestone streets, baroque buildings, a river slicing right through the middle, and then boom, snow-capped peaks in the distance. Salzburg feels like a fairytale come to life.

The first time I visited was over Christmas, and I was instantly obsessed. The markets were glowing, glühwein was flowing, and the Silent Night chapel was just a short drive away. But it was the summer I spent house-sitting here for six weeks that really sealed the deal. Between lakeside swims, riverside bike rides, and discovering all the best beer gardens and local spots, I got to know Salzburg inside and out.

Luckily, you don’t need six weeks to experience the city. Two days is the perfect amount to soak up the magic, hit the big sights, and enjoy some local spots. This 2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary breaks it all down for you, what to do, when to do it, and where to eat in between. 

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Salzburg may be small, but choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference. You want somewhere that’s walking distance to the Old Town, close to the action but not trapped in the tourist street. Trust me, in summer, the lanes can get packed! And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want something with lots of charm to fully experience the city.

Here are my top picks depending on your travel style and budget:

$ Homebound Apartments – Budget Friendly Stay Outside of City

This is by far the best budget-friendly option if you don’t want to deal with a hostel. It’s a little outside the city center, but Salzburg is super easy to navigate by bus or bike and being out of the tourist zone means more peace, more space, and better air. I stayed near here for six weeks and loved it. The apartments are clean and roomy, with balconies that are perfect for slow mornings and coffee with mountain views. If you’re happy trading a 15-minute bus ride for way more comfort, this is the move.

Book Here – Homebound Apartments

$$ Boutique & Design Hotel AUERSPERG – Boutique Stay on the Outskirts of Old Town

This is my number one hotel recommendation in Salzburg. Located just outside the busy center on a quiet cobblestone street, it offers a peaceful retreat while still being within walking distance of the Old Town. The mid-century modern design, garden areas, and mountain views make it feel both stylish and serene. It’s especially lovely for couples or anyone looking for a romantic, cozy stay. And you will absolutely love the spa and wellness area after walking 30,000 steps a day.

Book Here – Hotel Auersperg

$$$ Altstadt Hotel Stadtkrug – Best Stay Right in the City Center of Salzburg

If you want to stay in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, this is the place to book. Set in a beautifully preserved 14th-century building, this historic boutique hotel combines old-world charm with updated comforts. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious, especially for such a central location, and the character of the building adds so much to the overall experience. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you value location, ambiance, and a touch of heritage, this is absolutely worth the splurge.

Book Here – Alstadt Hotel Stadtkrug

What to Know Before You Go to Salzburg

Getting to Salzburg

One of the things I love about Salzburg is it’s well-connected by train. It’s just 2.5 hours from Vienna or about 1.5 hours from Munich. The train station is a 15-minute walk (or quick bus ride) from the Old Town, so getting in is easy.

Getting Around Salzburg

The city is incredibly walkable. I rarely used public transport while living here, though the buses are clean and easy to figure out if you need them. Biking is also a great option, as there are paths everywhere and the views are unreal.

I used this app to check bus schedules and buy my tickets! You can also buy tickets at most of the popular stops.

Salzburg Card

If you plan on visiting more than two attractions (especially the fortress or Hellbrunn Palace), I think the Salzburg Card is absolutely worth it. It covers public transport and nearly every museum and site.

Prices vary by season:

May–October

• 24 hours: €34
• 48 hours: €41
• 72 hours: €47

November–April

• 24 hours: €31
• 48 hours: €37
• 72 hours: €42

I’d go with the 48-hour card if you’re following this itinerary, as it’ll cover everything and save you time at the ticket counters.

Purchase your Salzburg card here! 

Best Time to Visit Salzburg

Personally, I think summer is gorgeous and full of energy, and it’s perfect for lakes, beer gardens, and festivals. But prepare for crowds, the city center can get hectic and on hot days it can be brutal.

The shoulder seasons are great if you’re only visiting for 2 days and just want to see the touristy things and not go to the lakes.

I also had such a magical time in December, and the markets start at the end of November. But it can get super cold, so make sure to bring gloves, beanies, and comfy boots.

Language & Money

I was actually surprised at how good everyones english was and how nice people were. Coming from Vienna this made Salzburg much easier to assimilate into the city. But learning a few German basics goes a long way. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, though I always like having a little cash on hand for markets or small cafés.

2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary

Two days might not sound like a lot, but Salzburg is small, walkable, and incredibly efficient if you know how to tackle it. Follow my guide and you’ll cover the highlights and find time for a good coffee, a local beer garden, and maybe even a cocktail with a view.

I’ve created this itinerary with time in mind—this is, in my opinion, the most efficient way to see everything without feeling rushed.

Of course, everyone travels differently, so if something doesn’t quite fit your vibe, feel free to swap it out. I’ve included a few alternative options at the end for more flexibility.

Day 1: Old Town, Hohensalzburg Fortress & Classic Salzburg

8:30 AM – Breakfast at 220 Grad

I always skip the hotel breakfast in Salzburg, there is always too many sad slices of cold cheese and salami for me.

I’d much rather start the day at 220 Grad. It’s one of my favorite brunch spots in the city, and the Rupertinum location is my go-to. It’s bright, cozy, and there’s a cute little garden patio if the weather’s good which is super cute to hang out on.

The menu’s pretty decent too, they’ve fresh sourdough, soft-boiled eggs, and some proper coffee that’s actually strong. I’ve come here a few times now, and if you’re heading over on a weekend, definitely book ahead. It often fills up fast with locals, which is always a good sign.

10:00 AM – Hohensalzburg Fortress

After breakfast, I would always head to the main reason most people visit Salzburg—the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You’ll see it towering over the city pretty much everywhere you look. You’ve got two options to get to the top: you can take the funicular (free with the Salzburg Card and located just next to St. Peter’s Cemetery), or walk. 

Buy Your Funicular Tickets Here if you don’t get the Salzburg card.

I’ve walked it twice and taken the funicular once. The walk is steep but totally doable if you’ve got decent shoes with a bit of grip. My mom, who is 60 and not exactly in the best shape, managed it with a few breaks, so you’ll be fine.

The main reason I always recommend going in the morning is that every day at 11:30 AM, there’s a cannon firing from the fortress, which is super cool to witness. Plus, it’s usually cooler earlier in the day, which is helpful if you’re walking up.

There are a couple of cafés and a beer garden at the top, but I personally wouldn’t eat here, it’s very overpriced and not that exciting. That said, I’m never one to say no to a midday beer with a killer view. So grab a drink, soak in the cityscape, and take a few pics.

You can spend anywhere from an hour to 2–3 hours here, depending on how much of the interior museums you want to see. I did all the exhibitions on my first visit, and well, it wasn’t that exciting. It’s fine. But I’m not really a museum person. The views are 100% the highlight for me. 

During Christmas time, there are also quite a few Christmas market stalls at the top to enjoy some Glühwein. It’s honestly pretty cool!

12:30 PM – Oldest Bakery & St. Peter’s Cemetery

After spending some time at the fortress, I always pop into the Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter on my way down. It’s the oldest bakery in Salzburg. It’s right at the base of the fortress path and still uses an old water wheel to power the mill. Grab a warm roll, they’re cheap and absolutely delicious. 

From here, you’re already in the heart of the historic Old Town. Start with St. Peter’s Cemetery, which is honestly one of the most beautiful graveyards I’ve ever seen. If you’ve watched The Sound of Music, this is the spot where the family hides at the end of the movie. The wrought-iron headstones and ivy-covered tombs are really cool.

1:30 PM – Wander Old Town

Some people might think that Salzburg is too small, but I think it’s the perfect size if you’re short on time and love getting lost in alleyways like me!

Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site and it isn’t a place you need to over-plan. Yes, there are some popular tourist sites but everything just kind of connects, one cute square leads to another scenic alley, and before you know it, you’ve hit all the highlights. And to me, this is the magic of Salzburg.

On any given afternoon, I would grab a coffee, head to the Residenzplatz and watch the horse drawn carriages and just enjoy the European square. I recommend taking your time, get lost, buy a pretzel, I’m sure by the end of it, you will have seen everything you wanted and have fallen in love with Salzy… at least that’s what happened to me.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• Mozart’s Birthplace (yellow house, you can’t miss it)
• Mozart Residence (not as popular but still cool)
• Salzburg Cathedral
• Residenzplatz with its big baroque fountain
• Getreidegasse — a great shopping street with cool wrought-iron signs
• Grünmarkt — perfect for snacks, souvenirs, or a giant pretzel that doubles as a meal

5:00 PM – Dinner at Sternbräu

For dinner, head to Sternbräu. This is one of my favorite spots for authentic Austrian food. It’s tucked into a quiet courtyard right in the city center, with loads of seating outside. The vibe is laid back but still very local. 

I almost always order the roast pork with dumplings, it’s honestly so freaking good! I also recommend grabbing a big pitcher of beer and fully embracing the Austrian lifestyle.

6:30 PM – Drinks at Steinterrasse

After dinner, I would visit one of the best viewpoints in Salzburg, it just also happens to be a rooftop bar, yay! Cross the river and make your way up to Steinterrasse, the rooftop bar at Hotel Stein.

Oliver and I had one of our first dates here, enjoying some yummy espresso martinis, so it holds a special place in my heart. The views are some of the best in Salzburg. You get a panoramic look at the fortress, the river, and the rooftops of Salzburg glowing at golden hour.

I highly recommend making a reservation for sunset; it can get super busy in summer and you this is one of my favorite places in Salzburg and I don’t want you to miss it.

8:00 PM – Mozart Concert at Mirabell Palace

You can’t go to Salzburg and not experience Mozart. This Concert is one of my favorite ways to indulge anyone that came to visit me while I lived here. It’s so unique to the place and feels completely different than any other activity.

The Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace starts at 8 pm and takes place in the Marble Hall, which looks like something out of a royal fairytale. You can also book it with a dinner, but personally I think it’s too expensive for the quality of food. I would rather eat elsewhere and then go to the concert.

Even if classical music isn’t usually your thing, the atmosphere alone makes it worth it. Just don’t forget to book tickets ahead of time, they can sell out fast, especially in summer and around Christmas.

Day 2: Sound of Music & Austrian Beer Gardens

8:00 am – Coffee at KAVA

It’s the start of day 2 and there is no better place to start it than at KAVA, this tiny little coffee shop tucked away on a quiet side street is my all time favorite coffee spot in Salzburg.

It’s got limited seating and fills up fast, but it’s seriously cute and their lattes are so creamy. Their cakes and pastries are so good, too. I also love walking around Salzburg early in the morning as it’s way quieter, and you’ll stumble on charming little corners before the crowds roll in.

9:15 am – Sound of Music Tour (4 hours)

After your caffeine fix, it’s time to lean into the cheesy magic. I did the Sound of Music Tour with my family and honestly had such a fun time. My sister in law is a massive fan and had the time of her life singing “the hills are alive” every 10 minutes. But even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s a great way to see some of the countryside and get out of the city center for a bit. The tour lasts around four hours and brings you back to Salzburg just after 1:00 pm.

If you’re not into The Sound of Music, you could skip the tour and either do a half-day trip to Hallstatt instead, or just move everything below to the morning and spend the afternoon at a nearby lake (Waldbad Anif is my favorite closest to Salzburg). In winter, this is also a good time to check out the Christmas markets.

1:30 pm – Lunch at Augustiner Bräu Mülln

Time for one of my favorite places in Salzburg. For lunch, head to Augustiner Bräu Mülln, a massive beer garden just outside the city center. I’ve come here more times than I can count and every time it’s packed! You’ll see locals and tourists all having a merry time together.

The beer garden is a classic Bavarian-style vibe: long communal tables, giant beers, and a bunch of food stalls where you can pick and choose your meal. I absolutely love it. I almost always went with a schnitzel and of course a big mug of beer to wash it down!

If it’s too packed or you’re in the mood for something a little more low-key, I’d go to Krimpelstätter just down the road. Same beer, similar food, but way smaller and more relaxed.

3:30 pm – Mirabell Palace & Gardens

After lunch, wander through the Mirabell Gardens. It’s honestly just a beautiful spot to slow down for a bit. You don’t need to spend too much time here. I like grabbing a gelato and sitting on a bench and just people watching. 

4:30 pm – Salzach River Boat Tour

Now personally, I’ve never done one of these. I don’t know why, it was one of those things I just kept putting off and then before I knew it, I didn’t have any time left.

So if you’ve still got some energy and time, hop on a quick river cruise. The dock is just near the Makartsteg Bridge, and the whole thing lasts about 45 minutes. I’ve heard great things about it and it’s apparently a great way to learn the history.

5:30 pm – Aperol Spritz at Darwin’s

Now, something I do know a little about. After the boat ride, head to Darwin’s Café Bar right across the river. My friend Aubrey, who has been living in Salzburg for about 5 years brought me here my first week in town and let’s just say I quickly became a regular.

The atmosphere is so fun because it’s literally located right at the front the river and some popular shops, so you’re right in the middle of all the tourists but it still feels laid back. I always got an aperol spritz or a hugo and I recommend getting one of the meat and cheese platters. If you’re into sitting outside and having an apertivo, then Darwins NEEDS to be on your list. Trust me.

7:30 pm – Dinner at Zwettler’s Wirtshaus

After a few drinks, I would head to Zwettler’s Wirtshaus; it’s cozy, casual, and always busy in a good way. If you’re not totally over Austrian food yet (I never am), the schnitzel here is next level. Great service, generous portions, and a very warm, local vibe.

And there you have it, 2 epic days in Salzburg with some sight seeing, the best food, and some amazing cocktail spots!

Quick Travel Tips for Visiting Salzburg

• Book the Sound of Music tour in advance. Especially during summer and the holiday season, it fills up fast. You can book it here!
• Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking a lot, and Salzburg’s cobblestones don’t mess around.
• Bring cash for the beer gardens. Most of the food stalls at Augustiner Bräu still don’t accept cards.
• Mirabell Palace is free. You can just stroll in; a ticket is not needed unless you’re seeing a concert.
• The boat tour is optional. Again, I’ve never done it so if you’re short on time (or patience), a walk along the Salzach is just as lovely.

If you’re visiting during Christmas:

• The Christmas markets are everywhere. The ones at Residenzplatz and Mirabellplatz are the best for food and gifts.
• Bundle up. It gets cold fast once the sun sets, bring gloves, even if you think you won’t need them.
• Try the mulled wine (Glühwein). It’s part of the experience and perfect for warming up between stalls.

Extra Time in Salzburg

If you have extra time in Salzburg, here are some things I recommend doing:

• Head to the lakes – Lake Fuschl or Wolfgangsee are both stunning and easy to reach. Great if it’s hot out and you want to swim or just chill by the water.
  
• Hangar-7 – This one’s for aviation, race car, or design nerds. It’s a sleek glass hangar owned by Red Bull that houses their private planes, F1 cars, and a rotating art exhibit. Super cool to pop into for an hour (and free!).
  
• Take the Untersberg Cable Car – If you want mountain views without hiking for hours, this is a fun one. Go on a clear day for the best views.
  
• Visit Hallstatt – It’s a bit of a trek, but the views really are as pretty as the photos. Super touristy, but Oliver and I did this together when he came to visit me and it was actually quite magical. I recommend this half day tour!
  
• Pop into the Salzburg Museum —If you’re into history or just want to escape the weather for a bit, the Salzburg Museum in the Neue Residenz is actually pretty cool. It covers everything from art and culture to the city’s past with some surprisingly modern exhibits. It’s not massive, so it won’t eat up your whole afternoon, and it’s right in the Old Town—easy to swing by if you’ve got time to kill or just need a museum break.
  
• Christmas Market Hopping (if you’re here in winter) – I just love European Christmas markets, and being here with my family was some of my favorite memories in Salzburg. The markets at Residenzplatz, Mirabellplatz and the fortress are all super festive. Warm up with glühwein and definitely try the cheesy, garlicky raclette toast. YUM!
  
• Visit the Silent Night Church (on Christmas Eve if you can!) – We actually timed our trip to be in Salzburg for Christmas Eve so we could visit the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, where the song was first performed. It’s small, simple, and honestly kind of magical to see it all lit up on the night the song was written for.

FAQ: Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary

Is 2 days in Salzburg enough?

100% Salzburg’s small enough that you won’t feel rushed, but there’s still plenty to keep you busy. We packed a lot in, walked everywhere, and still had time to chill with a beer but I never. felt like I needed more time!

What is a good Salzburg 2-day itinerary winter?

Ours was basically the same as a summer itinerary, just with more mulled wine and festive lights. The markets were honestly magical, and instead of sitting in a beer garden, we cozied up indoors with schnitzel and giant beers, 10/10 recommend.

What are the top things to do in Salzburg Austria?

The top things do in Salzburg will depend on what’s important to you but the most popular things to do are the Fortress, Walking around Old Town and visitng Mozarts birthplace.

Is one day in Salzburg enough?

You could do it all in a day if you really wanted to, but it’d be go-go-go. If you’ve got the option, 2 days gives you time to actually enjoy the city instead of speedwalking through it. Plus, you’ll want time to eat everything. Trust me.

What are popular day trips near Salzburg?

Hallstatt is the classic (yes, it’s touristy, but still stunning). There’s also a ton of lake towns and cute villages nearby if you want to get out of the city. If you’re into random-but-cool stuff, Hangar-7 (Red Bull’s aircraft museum) is wild and super underrated.

Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary

If you’re worried that two days in Salzburg isn’t enough or that you’ll be cramming too much in, let me assure you, two days is perfectly fine. The town is super walkable, so you’ll hit all the highlights just by wandering around. Honestly, you could probably see most of it in one day! You’ll be out from morning to night and easily hit 20,000 steps, but it never feels rushed.

If you can swing it, I’d definitely recommend two days in Salzburg and then a day trip to Hallstatt, it’s a nice combo. I hope this blog post helps you have the best time in one of my favorite cities.