Best Itinerary for One Day in Salzburg

Thinking about spending one day in Salzburg? Well, you have come to the right place!

Our family has travelled to Salzburg several times, and really enjoyed our time there.

From doing a Sound of Music Tour to visiting the Christmas Markets, and everything in between, we have come to really love the culture, music, and, of course, the food, in Salzburg.

And even if you only have one day to spend in this awesome city, you can still experience the best highlights.

Here is my recommendation for how to spend a memorable day in Salzburg!

One Day in Salzburg Itinerary – Quick Guide

If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in Salzburg in one day:

Mirabell Palace and Gardens – A scenic palace with beautifully landscaped gardens that featured in “The Sound of Music.”
Mozart’s Birthplace – A museum inside the house where Mozart was born, filled with personal items and musical history.
Salzburg Cathedral – A grand Baroque cathedral known for its striking facade and impressive interior.
Hohensalzburg Fortress – A medieval hilltop fortress with panoramic city views and interesting historical exhibits.
St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery – A peaceful abbey and one of Europe’s oldest cemeteries, full of unique tombs and atmosphere.

One Day in Salzburg – Map

The map shows the stops that are suggested on this one-day itinerary. We tried to group activities close enough together so that you wouldn’t be running all over the place.

Clicking on the map above will take you to Google Maps. There, you will be able to see the destinations in better detail.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Salzburg

We have put together a casual, not-too-rushed itinerary for Salzburg.

If you find that you want to do more or want to substitute an activity, we have listed some alternates below the itinerary.

Breakfast

7:30 AM – Breakfast at Café Bazar

If breakfast is not included in your hotel stay, then we suggest heading directly into the Old Town.

Start your day with breakfast at Café Bazar, a local favourite with views of the Salzach River.

Salzburg - View from the bridge over the Salzach River

This historic café serves strong coffee, warm rolls, eggs, and delicious pastries. It’s a relaxing place to fuel up before a busy day of sightseeing.

Morning

8:30 AM – Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Start your day early at Mirabell Palace.

Stroll through the gardens, famous from “The Sound of Music.” They have a ton of flowers blooming in the warmer months, so it’s a great place to grab that photo for the ‘Gram.

Salzburg - Mirabell Gardens flowerpot overlooking gardens

Don’t miss the Pegasus Fountain, Rose Garden, and Hedge Theatre.

The gardens are free to visit, and they offer gorgeous views of Salzburg’s historic city center.

9:30 AM – Getreidegasse and Mozart’s Birthplace

Just a 10-minute walk from Mirabell Gardens will take you across the Salzach River and into the historic Old Town.

Head straight to Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous street.

Salzburg Christmas Markets - Family in front of yellow Mozarts House

This street is lined with cute shops and cafes. Grab a coffee, take part in some retail therapy, or just admire all the lovely architecture.

Getreidegasse is also where you will find Mozart’s Birthplace museum.

Head inside to see where the iconic composer was born and learn about his life.

10:30 AM – Schatz-Konditorei

Before heading to the cathedral, make a quick stop at Schatz-Konditorei.

This tiny, family-run pastry shop is tucked just off Getreidegasse.

They’ve been baking traditional Austrian sweets since 1880, and their homemade cakes and chocolates are a perfect mid-morning treat.

We originally stumbled across this awesome little cafe because of the absolutely mouthwatering cakes we saw in the window!

Their Sacher Torte is delicious, though it may be a little too sweet for a morning treat.

11:00 AM – Salzburg Cathedral & Residenzplatz

From Mozart’s Birthplace, it is about a 5-minute walk to the Salzburg Cathedral (Domplatz).

This impressive Baroque structure is gorgeous both inside and out. Depending on when you visit, you might even find concerts being held in the church.

While you’re in the area, head over to Kapitelplatz to check out the sculpture “Sphaera.”

Designed by Stephan Balkenhol, this giant golden sphere with a man casually standing on top is unexpected, a little quirky, and honestly kind of fun to see in such a traditional square.

Salzburg - Sphaera Sculpture in Kapitelplatz

It’s a great spot to grab a quick photo.

Next, head over to Residenzplatz. If you have seen “The Sound of Music,” you will immediately recognize the giant horse fountain.

This square gets quite busy. In the summer months, you will find a farmers’ market in the square, and at Christmas, the Christmas Market.

It’s a great spot to catch your breath, have a seat, and just people-watch.

Lunch

12:30 PM – Lunch at Café Tomaselli

By this time, you might be feeling a little peckish!

Enjoy a delicious light lunch at Café Tomaselli, Salzburg’s oldest café.

Along with having a wonderful ambiance, the cafe also serves up tasty sandwiches, salads, and yummy pastries.

Try their famous Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) with a coffee. John said it was really good (I am allergic to apples, so I will take his word for it)!

Afternoon

2:00 PM – Hohensalzburg Fortress

Start your afternoon off by riding the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress for unbeatable views of the city and the Alps.

Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress from below

While you are there, you can choose to explore inside the fortress, where you can wander through the medieval rooms, enter the various museums, and enjoy the interactive exhibits.

You can also take part in a guided tour of the fortress.

4:00 PM – St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery

Head back down the Funicular, where it is only a 3-minute walk to St. Peter’s Abbey, the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world.

The historic cemetery is unique, peaceful, and offers a fascinating look at Salzburg’s history.

Salzburg-St.-Peters-Abbey-and-Cemetery-view

Did you know that you are not able to buy the plots in this cemetery? You can only rent them!!

Families must pay rent for the plot every 10 years and serve as caretakers. If the relatives don’t pay the rent, the deceased will be “evicted.”

Interesting, right??

But let me tell you about a little hidden gem that’s just around the corner from the cemetery!

Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter is a tiny little bakery that’s hidden in the alley leading up to the cemetery.

Salzburg - Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter sign

Considered the oldest bakery in Salzburg, Stiftsbäckerei, or the Abbey Bakery, dates back to the 12th century!

Outside, you can see the old grain mill. Inside, you will find freshly baked wood-fired bread made from natural sourdough, and sweets that are too hard to resist.

The aroma alone was making my stomach growl during my last visit!

5:00 PM – Salzburg River Walk

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Salzach River. The pathway offers lovely views of the mountains, as well as of the town.

You will find several shops along the river, as well as bridges to cross over to the other side.

The bridges are the perfect spot to watch the river boats go by.

And if you are into Love Locks, the bridges are covered in them!

The kids actually liked looking at all of them. The locks also make for interesting photos!

Grab a snack from street vendors or stop at one of the riverside cafés for a refreshing drink.

Dinner

6:30 PM – Dinner at Sternbräu

Finish your day with dinner at Sternbräu.

This classic Salzburg restaurant serves traditional Austrian dishes and comfort food.

Try their Schnitzel or Kasnocken (cheese dumplings), which were quite good.

The dining room is traditional and really interesting to see.

But if you are visiting in the summer, you may want to sit in their outdoor Biergarten.

Evening

8:00 PM – Evening Stroll & Salzburg at Night

After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the city.

You would be surprised at just how pretty Salzburg’s streets and squares look all lit up at night.

Salzburg Christmas Markets - Christkindlmarkt at night — Salzburg Christmas Market at Night

Definitely a perfect way to end your day!

Other Things to Do in Salzburg

Sound of Music Tour: Join a guided tour that takes you to the film’s most iconic locations in and around Salzburg.
Salzburg Museum: Learn more about the city’s art, culture, and history through engaging exhibits.
Untersberg Cable Car: Ride to the top of Untersberg Mountain for panoramic views and light hiking.
Hangar-7 Aviation Museum: Explore an impressive collection of aircraft and Formula 1 cars in a modern glass dome.
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains: Visit this 17th-century palace to see its playful water features and lush gardens.
Christmas Markets: If you’re visiting in late November or December, don’t miss Salzburg’s festive Christmas Markets filled with lights, delicious foods, and gorgeous handmade gifts.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

No matter what your budget, there are a ton of different accommodations to choose from.

We have stayed in both hotels and rentals, both inside and just outside of the Old Town.

Luxury Accommodations

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

For luxurious stays, consider Hotel Sacher Salzburg, renowned for its elegant rooms and exceptional dining right in the heart of the city.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch

Hotel Goldener Hirsch offers historic charm with luxurious accommodations located directly in the Old Town.

Moderate Accommodations

Hotel Elefant

Hotel Elefant provides comfortable rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and an excellent breakfast, conveniently located close to major attractions.

Altstadthotel Kasererbräu

Altstadthotel Kasererbräu is another great choice, featuring traditional decor and a cozy ambiance near the city’s sights.

Budget Accommodations

MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center

MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center provides modern amenities at affordable prices and easy access to the main attractions.

YoHo International Youth Hostel

For budget-friendly options, YoHo International Youth Hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere close to the city center.

How to Get to Salzburg

Getting to Salzburg is really easy.

By Air

Salzburg is conveniently accessible by air, with Salzburg Airport (SZG) located just a 15-minute ride from the city center.

By Train

If travelling by train, Salzburg Main Station provides direct connections to major European cities.

By Car

By car, Salzburg is easily reached via the A1 highway from Vienna or Munich.

Austrian Alps - Driving through the mountains and past small towns

There are plenty of parking garages located around the city. Just be prepared to do a little bit of walking to get to them.

Getting Around Salzburg

Once you arrive in Salzburg, you have a few options for getting around the city.

Walking

Salzburg’s compact layout makes it ideal for walking.

When we visited during our road trip through Austria, we parked the car for the day and walked EVERYWHERE!

Public Transportation

The efficient public bus system connects major attractions for convenience.

Salzburg - Red buses just outside of the Old Town

Just keep in mind that most parts of the Old Town are pedestrian-only. So at some point, you will find yourself doing quite a bit of walking.

Taxis and Ridesharing

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also available and useful if you want to save time or avoid walking longer distances.

Bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a popular and enjoyable way to explore the city.

You will find numerous bike paths that are pretty scenic.

Best Time to Visit Salzburg

We have visited Salzburg in the summer and in the winter. And to be quite honest, they were both equally amazing.

Spring (March to May)

Weather: Temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C, offering comfortable weather as the city blooms.
Pros: Ideal for outdoor activities with fewer tourists and the city in bloom. Easter celebrations and early festivals often take place during this time.
Cons: Weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain and chilly periods.

Summer (June to August)

Weather: Average highs range from 20°C to 27°C, with long, sunny days.
Pros: Great for sightseeing and festivals like the Salzburg Festival. The city is lively and full of events.
Cons: This is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Autumn (September to November)

Weather: Cooler temperatures between 8°C and 18°C with crisp air and golden foliage.
Pros: Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colours, and mild weather make it a pleasant time to visit.
Cons: Some attractions start reducing hours by late autumn.

Winter (December to February)

Salzburg Christmas Markets - Christkindlmart during the day

Weather: Cold and often snowy, with temperatures between -3°C and 4°C.
Pros: Magical Christmas markets, festive lights, and winter sports nearby make it a special time of year.
Cons: Shorter days and colder weather may limit outdoor exploration.

1 Day Salzburg Itinerary – FAQs

Is Salzburg expensive to visit?

Salzburg can be moderately priced, with plenty of budget-friendly options available for accommodation, food, and attractions.

Can you walk everywhere in Salzburg?

Yes, Salzburg is compact and best explored on foot, making it easy to walk everywhere.

Is one day enough for Salzburg?

One day allows you to see major highlights, though extra days are recommended for a more relaxed experience.

Are Salzburg attractions open year-round?

Most attractions are open throughout the year, but it’s best to check specific sites in advance.

What is Salzburg famous for?

Salzburg is famous for its baroque architecture, Mozart’s birthplace, and “The Sound of Music.”

Do restaurants in Salzburg accept credit cards?

Most restaurants accept credit cards, though carrying some cash is recommended for smaller establishments.

Is Salzburg a safe city for tourists?

Salzburg is very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and friendly locals.

Can you take day trips from Salzburg?

Yes, Salzburg is a great base for day trips to the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt, and Berchtesgaden.

Do people in Salzburg speak English?

Most people in Salzburg speak English, especially in tourist areas and hotels.

Where can I find public restrooms in Salzburg?

Public restrooms are available at major tourist sites, train stations, and cafes, often for a small fee.

Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap!

With this itinerary, you can enjoy some of Salzburg’s most popular sights, experience some awesome food, and learn a little about the city’s history—all in one amazing day.

And I can almost guarantee that this little taste of Salzburg will have you coming back for more!