2 Day Salzburg Itinerary: Everything You Need To See And Do

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Austria is one of my favorite countries in Europe, and my favorite city in Austria is Salzburg! It is a beautiful town with a river flowing through it, a fortress sitting atop it, and some of the best views in the country. I think two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Salzburg, which is why I made the ultimate 2 day Salzburg itinerary.

Keep reading for the ultimate two-day Salzburg itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food, all in just two days!

Last updated: February 3, 2026

Published: February 1, 2025

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2 Day Salzburg Itinerary

Salzburg is beautiful, and you are going to love your two days here. In this section, I’ve detailed the perfect 2 day Salzburg itinerary that you can follow to make the most of your time here.

Day 1 in Salzburg

Welcome to Salzburg! Today you are going to get a good feel for the town and some of the history here. As always, I recommend a walking tour of the city to start your day. You can find some free walking tours on GuruWalk!

After your walking tour, grab the Salzburg card, which gives you admission to attractions, museums, public transportation, and more. You can get the card for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.

When I bought the Salzburg card, I had three places I knew I wanted to go, then explored some other included attractions when I had time after my “must-sees.”

You can see the full list of what is included with the Salzburg card to find what interests you.

At a minimum, I recommend you visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress (including the Funicular to the fortress) and at least one of the Mozart attractions!

Here are some of the places you can (and should) visit on day 1 whether you do a walking tour, get a Salzburg card, or both!

• Hohensalzburg Fortress – Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to this iconic fortress for panoramic views of Salzburg. Explore the medieval rooms, museums, and ramparts, and take plenty of photos of the city below. Allow about 1–1.5 hours.
• Mozart’s Birthplace (Getreidegasse 9) – Visit the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. The museum shares his early life, instruments, and memorabilia. It’s a must for music lovers.
• Mozartplatz – A historic square in the Old Town featuring a statue of Mozart. It’s a great spot for photos and soaking in Salzburg’s Baroque architecture.
• Residenzplatz & Residenzbrunnen Fountain – One of Salzburg’s main squares, home to the Residenz palace and a large Baroque fountain. A good place to rest and admire historic buildings.
• Salzburg Cathedral (Domplatz) – A stunning Baroque cathedral with a beautiful interior. Check the schedule for organ music or special events while visiting.
• Getreidegasse – The famous shopping street in Old Town with charming narrow lanes, boutiques, and cafés. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth strolling through for the vibes.
• St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery – One of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, with a peaceful cemetery and catacombs carved into the cliffs.
• Kapuzinerberg or Mönchsberg – If you have extra time, consider a short hike up one of these hills for additional views of the city and fortress. Mönchsberg also has some museums along the walk.
• Makartsteg Bridge – A pedestrian bridge over the Salzach River connecting Mirabell Gardens to the Old Town. It’s a nice scenic walk and a great photo spot.

I love the Salzburg card because it allows you to explore where you want in the city at your own pace. If you want to pack everything into one day, you can. If you want to go to a few specific places, you can do that too!

The Salzburg card plus a walking tour will fill up your whole day. For dinner, make sure you grab some Austrian food and get away from the heart of Salzburg to find the good local spots.

Day 2 in Salzburg – Day Trips and More City Time

For your second day in Salzburg, I highly recommend taking a tour or day trip outside of the city. There are tons of great options, whether you want to take a Sound of Music tour or visit a small town.

Here are the best day trips from Salzburg:

• Sound of Music Tour: Visit the most famous filming locations from the classic movie, including Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and Mondsee. Tours usually include transport from Salzburg, a guide with fun trivia about the film, and opportunities for photos at each location. Half-day tours take around 4–5 hours, while full-day tours may add more stops like Hellbrunn Palace.
• Hallstatt: Explore the picturesque lakeside village famous for its alpine views and historic charm. You can walk through the town, take a boat ride on the lake, and visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine for a unique underground experience. For panoramic views, don’t miss the Skywalk “World Heritage View,” which overlooks the village and lake. Day trips from Salzburg take roughly 8–10 hours, including travel time.
• Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest: Discover this historic Bavarian retreat in the Alps, which served as a mountaintop getaway during WWII. Tours typically include transport from Salzburg, a visit to the Eagle’s Nest, and free time to explore Berchtesgaden town or the surrounding mountains. You’ll get panoramic views of the Alps, perfect for photos. Full-day trips usually take 8 hours.

Or, if you don’t want to do a day trip, get the 48-hour Salzburg card and spend your 2 days in Salzburg exploring all the sites that are included. The more places you can visit with the Salzburg card, the more value you will get from it.

Tours to Book in Salzburg

Booking a tour in Salzburg is a great way to maximize your time there and take a day trip if you want to see the Sound of Music sights or a smaller Austrian town. Plus, there is a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!

Here are the top tours in Salzburg:

Transportation in Salzburg

Salzburg is a walkable city, and getting around is simple whether you’re staying in town or planning a day trip. With multiple transportation options, it’s easy to explore both the city and the surrounding region.

Walking

Salzburg’s Old Town is very compact, and most of the main attractions, like Hohensalzburg Fortress, Residenzplatz, Getreidegasse, and Mozart-related sites, are within a short walking distance of each other. Walking is the easiest way to explore the city because you can stop for photos, coffee, or snacks whenever you want. Bring comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to climb the funicular to Hohensalzburg or walk along the river.

Guided Tours

If you want to see places outside Salzburg, like Hallstatt, the Eagle’s Nest, or the Sound of Music filming locations, booking a guided tour is the simplest option. Tours usually include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes skip-the-line access for popular spots. Half-day or full-day tours are available depending on how much you want to see.

Book your Salzburg day tours here

Trains

Salzburg is well-connected by train to nearby destinations. The main station, Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, has frequent trains to Innsbruck, Vienna, Hallstatt, and Werfen (for Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves). Trains are reliable, punctual, and often faster than driving for longer day trips. You can purchase tickets at the station or online in advance.

Check train schedules and tickets

Buses

Local buses are great for reaching spots not directly served by the train or for traveling short distances within the city. Bus routes cover attractions like Hellbrunn Palace and the surrounding neighborhoods. If you’re staying in the city center, most attractions are within walking distance, but buses are a good option if you want to save time or avoid extra walking. Apps like Google Maps, Naver, or Moovit can help with schedules and routes.

Book buses in Austria

Car Rental

Renting a car gives you full flexibility to explore the Austrian countryside and smaller towns like St. Gilgen or Werfen at your own pace. Roads are generally easy to navigate, but parking can be limited in the city center. Consider renting a car if you plan multiple day trips or want to avoid the strict schedules of tours and trains.

Book a rental car in Salzburg

Airport Transfers

Salzburg Airport (SZG) is only a few kilometers from the city center. You can get into town via shuttle bus, taxi, or private transfer. A private transfer is the easiest option if you have luggage or are arriving late. Many services let you book in advance, which can save time and stress.

Book an airport transfer

Where to Stay in Salzburg

To make the most of your time in Salzburg, you want to stay somewhere with good reviews in a good location. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Hostel – Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg
A top choice for budget travelers and solo backpackers. Yoho has both dorms and private rooms, a social common area, free walking tours, and bike rentals. It’s a short walk from the train station and the Old Town, making it easy to explore without spending on transit.

Budget – Hotel Turnerwirt
An affordable, no‑frills hotel in the Old Town, close to Mirabell Gardens and the Salzach River. Rooms are basic but clean, and many guests enjoy the hotel’s helpful staff and included breakfast. Great for travelers who want a central location without a high price.

Mid‑Range – Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt
This traditional Austrian hotel sits right in the heart of the Old Town near Getreidegasse and Mozart’s Birthplace. Rooms balance classic decor with modern amenities. Breakfast is included at some rates, and you can walk to most major sites in 5–10 minutes.

Comfort Stay – Hotel Elefant
A well‑established mid‑range option just off the main shopping street, Getreidegasse. Rooms are larger than average for Salzburg and often include features like balconies or historic architectural details. Breakfast is on site, and many museums and restaurants are within a short walk.

Upscale – Sheraton Grand Salzburg
A higher‑end hotel next to Salzburg’s main train station. Rooms are modern and spacious, with some offering views of Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Salzach River. This is a good choice if you want hotel amenities like a fitness center, lounge, and easy connections for day trips by train.

Boutique/Luxury – Hotel Goldener Hirsch
A historic and stylish hotel on Getreidegasse in the Old Town. Rooms combine classic Austrian design with modern comfort. The service is personalized, the location is excellent for walking everywhere, and it’s ideal for couples or travelers who want a memorable, upscale stay.

Still looking for the best place to stay in Salzburg? Check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices:

Conclusion

Two days in Salzburg is enough to see the highlights, enjoy the Old Town, visit the fortress, and even do a day trip. Follow the itinerary, add a few extra stops if you want, and take in the views, history, and music. Salzburg is easy to get around, so make the most of your time and enjoy the city!