Salzburg in a Day: The Ultimate 24-hour Itinerary
Welcome to Salzburg, a picturesque city nestled at the foothills of the Austrian Alps. This small city, brimming with history and culture, is the birthplace of Mozart and the gateway to incredible skiing experiences in the Austrian Alps.
With its charming Old Town, stunning mountain backdrops, and local cuisine, Salzburg is the perfect destination for a one-day adventure (I spent the day here on the way to a ski trip in Saalbach-Hinterglemm).
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the best way to spend 24 hours in this enchanting city, ensuring you make the most of your time here.
Morning: Alstadt, Getreidegasse, Mozart’s birthplace
Mid-morning: Kapuzinerberg,
Lunch: Pauli Stubm or Stieglkeller
Afternoon: Mirabell Gardens and Palace or Hellbrunn Palace
Late afternoon: Cathedral district or Stiegl Brewery
Evening: Salzach river
Dinner: Any of the restaurants listed below
Morning: Exploring Altstadt and Mozart's Birthplace
Begin your day in Salzburg's Altstadt (Old Town), where you'll find yourself lost in the winding cobblestone streets and beautiful squares. As you wander, make sure to stop by Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most well-known street, lined with intricate wrought-iron signs and boutique shops. It’s a shopping street as well as a UNESCO world heritage site.
While in Altstadt, visit Mozart's birthplace and the adjacent museum dedicated to the city's most famous son. Here, you'll discover the life and works of the musical prodigy while admiring numerous monuments dedicated to him.
Mid-Morning: Climb Kapuzinerberg for Breathtaking Views
Head to the park opposite Fortress Hohensalzburg, Kapuzinerberg, for a scenic uphill walk that rewards you with breathtaking views of the fortress and the city below. Although it requires some effort, the picturesque vistas make the climb worthwhile. You can also come here at sunset for some stunning photo opportunities of Fortress Hohensalzburg and the snow-capped mountains in the background.
Lunch: Savor Local Cuisine
After working up an appetite, it's time to indulge in Salzburg's delectable cuisine. Head to one of our recommended restaurants, such as Pauli Stubm, a traditional Austrian pub with friendly staff, or Stieglkeller, a traditional inn with a beautiful beer garden and stunning city views.
Try local favourites like Schnitzel (Veal escalope) with a Stiegl beer and some Schnapps to wash it all down.
Afternoon: Visit Mirabell Gardens or Hellbrunn Palace
Next, make your way to the Mirabell Gardens and Mirabell Palace, where you can snap some memorable photos in this popular spot. There are a lot of tourists around here, and the marble hall of Mirabell Palace is one of Europe’s most famous wedding venues.
If you’ve got more time on your hands and you fancy a bit more of a journey outside Salzburg, you can visit Hellbrunn Palace, where Sound of Music fans will be delighted to find the pavilion from the film.
Late Afternoon: Discover Salzburg's Rich Cathedral District
As the day progresses, return to Altstadt to visit the Cathedral District, surrounded by some of Salzburg's most important squares. Visitors to the district can immerse themselves in Salzburg's rich history and cultural heritage by exploring its museums, galleries, and traditional cafes.
If you have extra time, visit the Stiegl Brewery for a tour and sample their fantastic IPA.
Evening: Walk along the Salzach River
Wind down your day by taking a stroll along the Salzach River. The river, which runs through the heart of the city, offers a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing evening walk. As you meander along the river's edge, you can admire the stunning views of Altstadt, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the surrounding Alps.
The riverside promenade is also lined with plenty of bars and restaurants, offering the perfect opportunity to grab a drink or a bite to eat while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Summary: Your One-Day Salzburg Itinerary
Explore Altstadt and Mozart's Birthplace
Climb Kapuzinerberg for stunning views
Enjoy a local lunch at Pauli Stubm or Stieglkeller
Visit Mirabell Gardens
Visit Hellbrunn Palace or the Steigl brewery
Discover the Cathedral District
Take a walk along the river
Have dinner and drinks in the Old Town
With this itinerary, you'll have an unforgettable day in Salzburg, soaking up the city's rich history, breathtaking scenery, and mouth-watering cuisine. Remember to take plenty of photos and immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore one of Austria's most enchanting cities.
Salzburg restaurant Recommendations:
Pauli Stubm - A traditional local Austrian pub with friendly staff
M32 Restaurant - Splurge option for coffee and cake with a view
Stieglkeller - Beer garden with full menu and views over the city
Ludwig Burger - Contemporary burger joint
Café Tomaselli - The oldest coffee house in Austria, very grand
220 Grad - Contemporary coffee chain
Kaffee Alchemie - Coffee shop
Coffee House Salzburg - Average coffee but a nice place to sit and work/read a book
For a full list of recommendations, see our map below. But make sure you have the Schnitzel at Pauli Stubm. It’s delicious!
Slazburg Map
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place.
The best way to use the map is to click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.
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