Salzburg 2 day itinerary will help you discover the best places in Salzburg within 48 hours. This includes some of Europe’s best-preserved baroque churches, splendid gardens, medieval fortresses, etc.
An ideal Salzburg 2 day itinerary needs to be planned in a way that you make the best of your time in this Mozart’s musical town. A lot of travelers visiting Europe intend to cover maximum places in minimum time.
So, it’s quite probable that you’d like to cover Salzburg in not more than 2 days. Therefore, it is important to create a travel-friendly Salzburg 2 day itinerary. Also, if you plan it well in advance, you could be in the city for one of its many cultural events.
Salzburg Two Day Itinerary
The ideal Salzburg 2 day itinerary should cover all the must-visit destinations and eating places. A reasonable way to do it is by dividing both the days in 3 slots – morning, noon and evening.
As per the ideal Salzburg 2 day itinerary, it’s better to start with locations of Old Town. All the major attractions in the Old town are close to each other.
Therefore, it’s best to explore the area on foot.
Day 1 in Salzburg
Morning
Have an early breakfast and head out to Mirabell Gardens. Spend some time there and move to Mozart’s Residence. It is just a lane away. Next, visit Makartsteg and finally Linzergasse. |
Noon
Take a break and savour lunch at a nearby restaurant. There are many eating places in the vicinity of Linzergasse. After enjoying lunch, head to Hohensalzburg Fortress. |
Evening
The last destination of the day should be Hellbrunn Palace. Stop by, and explore the palace and its many intricacies. Have dinner at a good eatery and call it a day. |
If you start early in the morning, you will be able to explore a lot of places in the beautiful city of Salzburg.
Day 2 in Salzburg
Morning
Have an early breakfast and head out to take the lovely ‘Sound of Music Tour.’ Move around the sets of this classic movie. This will take some time, but will be totally worth it. |
Noon
Go to a nice eatery and have a mouthful of lunch. You will need the energy for your next destination – Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus). This place will require a decent amount of time. This is because its far from the rest of the locations. |
Evening
Visit the Augustiner Braustübel Brewery. It’ll make for a fun way to end your day. It is an old Augustinian monastery turned brewery. Head out and have dinner. |
The second day of your Salzburg two day itinerary will be more hectic than day one. Reason being the distance of certain locations from the main city.
Which Locations on the Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary are Free to Visit?
There are a lot of free things to do in Salzburg if you procure a special card. It is known as the Salzburg Card and is inclusive for various locations.
The locations under the Salzburg 2 day itinerary, where entry is free if you own the Salzburg card are as follows:
Mozart Residence |
Hohensalzburg Fortress |
Hellbrunn Palace |
Note: Buy the Salzburg card only if you want to explore more places. Else, it’ll prove expensive.
Benefits of the Salzburg Card
Salzburg Card ensures you free entry to various places. It even helps one travel for free within the boundaries of Salzburg.
It offers you huge discounts on certain cultural events and concerts. Lastly, it provides express entrance without having to stand in line at the ticket counter.
The card is available for a duration of 24, 48 and 72 hours.
An Introduction to Places Mentioned in Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary
Let us now read about all the places mentioned in the Salzburg 2 day itinerary. The explicit details will help you connect with the place well as a first timer.
Mirabell Gardens
Situated in the epicenter of the town, Mirabell Gardens should be the first place on your Salzburg 2 day itinerary.
These gardens have a soul pleasing arrangement of a myriad of flower species in an ocean of colours.
To stand in the exact place where the momentous scenes of “Do-Re-Mi” were shot in Sound of Music, make you nostalgic and want to you to shake a leg as a tribute.
Timings
8 am – 6 pm |
Entrance Fees
Free |
Mozart’s Residence
Mozart’s Residence is the next place to visit as per a good Salzburg 2 day itinerary. It is just is a lane away from the Mirabell Garden.
Mozart’s residence has been converted into a museum. It displays all the relics used by the great Bard himself. Fans of his work will have a waltzing time in this shrine.
Timings
9 am – 5:30 pm |
Entrance fees
Adults – € 4.00 Children – € 3.50 |
Makartsteg
A little way down the road, you start hearing the sound of flowing water gently caressing the rocks as it flows over them. This is when you know you’re close to Makartsteg – the bridge of love.
This should be the third place on your Salzburg 2 day itinerary. The bridge on the river Salzach is lively with fresh air and pretty locks.
The view from the bridge is beautiful. With mountains visible as far as you can see and a magnificent archaic church to one side, this view is what makes paintings worth millions.
This bridge is on the way to the following attraction and hence, does not set you off your sightseeing schedule as well.
Linzergasse
Don’t we all love pedestrian streets in beautiful old-world towns? Well, Linzergasse in one such place.
This street is just a short walk from the lock bridge. It is a time machine and should be the fourth place on your Salzburg 2 day itinerary. It houses all the best eateries and shopping havens while decorated in Baroque architecture.
Also, make sure to mot miss Mozart’s birthplace (Geburtshaus) that is conspicuously located on this street. This house looks like sunflowers were let loose on this building to celebrate the birth of the Maestro.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
The funicular ride to the Hohensalzburg Fortress is an adventure on the Salzburg 2 day itinerary.
If you’ve dreamt of going up the Eiffel to just get a glance of the entire Parisian beauty, I insist you move on and dream of Salzburg.
The Fortress has a view so pure, so untouched, that you can’t help but want to stop time to admire it.
It gives you a sense of serenity. A mild wind blowing, along with the view, is just the lullaby you need to transport you into a world with no problems. A mind space wherein only peace resides.
Timings
9:30 am – 5 pm |
Entrance fees
€11.90 (All-inclusive) |
Hellbrunn Palace
It may seem like Austria has only palaces to offer, but don’t be mislead by this thought.
The Hellbrunn Palace has its mischievous secrets that are waiting to be discovered.
The fountains of the palace may seem like an architectural jewel at first but this is just a facade. There’s much more to explore.
Timings
9 am – 4:30 pm (The closing time might vary in different seasons) |
Entrance fees
Adults – € 12.50 each Children – € 5.50 each |
The Sound of Music Tour
The Salzburg 2 day itinerary cannot be deemed complete unless you take the Sound of Music tour. It will be once in a lifetime experience especially if you’re a fan of the classic movie.
On this tour, original shooting locations can be visited. The tour can be undertaken via bus, bicycle or even by foot.
Apart from the Mirabelle Gardens, the pedestrianized Old Town provides the backdrop for all other scenes in the original movie.
Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)
While the other sights and attractions are not very far from each other and can all be covered in a day, the Fuhrer’s ambitious holiday home would require half a day. Believe me, it is worth it.
This should be visited on the second day of Salzburg 2 day itinerary.
Perched atop a rocky mountain, it is named befittingly. Tour buses are regularly available to take you to the elevator that then takes you upwards.
It is advisable to leave early morning to truly enjoy this destination.
The view from the hill (6000 ft above sea level) might give you an insight into why Hitler felt invincible to conquer the world.
Riding in the same lift that was used by Hitler, and standing in the same conference hall used by him gives one a different thrill.
Timings
8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
Entrance fees
€ 16.00 each |
Augustiner Braustübl Brewery
Finish your Salzburg 2 day itinerary by visiting the Augustiner Braustübl Brewery and sipping some beer. The place is unique in so far as it allows to bring your own food. The only condition is that drinks should be from here.
The beer is available either for half a liter or a whole liter.
This is how the system works here – you take a mug from the shelf. Then, you rinse it under the tap. You finally pay and they fill your beer mug.
Budget Tips for Reasonable Implementation of Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary
Here are a few tips for first-time travelers visiting Salzburg.
These will come in handy during your Salzburg visit.
Get the Salzburg cardPurchase the 24/48-hour Salzburg Card as soon as you land in the city. This provides free access to a lot of attractions. |
Use public transportUtilize public transport as much as possible. The Salzburg Card provides free travel on public transport too. |
Wear comfortable footwearIf you do not want to use public transport, wear comfortable footwear. A lot of the sights are within walking distance of each other. The roads are very inviting, owing to the spectacular architecture and food stalls popping up everywhere. |
Rent a bikeSalzburg is also a fantastic city to bike around. It has over 100 km of bike paths for the riders. You can easily rent a bike. There are many bike rental places in the old town. |
Use the free WiFiSalzburg has open, free city wifi of varying speeds throughout the city. I found the best connection at the Salzburg train station. |
How to tip?Tip about 5-10% of your bill if you like the service in a restaurant. Round up the bill, and ask your server the change you need back, including the tip. |
Attend a music concertThere are a lot of concerts happening in Salzburg. Try to attend at least one small concert if time allows. |
A good budget traveler is the one who saves on accommodation and spends on exploration. So, I personally recommend the following places to you (they have been tried and tested by me).
Budget Accommodation Options for Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary
There are plenty of accommodation options in Salzburg.
There are hostels, budget as well as luxury hotel options. Choose the ones that suit your pockets.
The Old Town area is the best to stay in Salzburg, because of the proximity of major Salzburg attractions.
Some of the budget accommodation options that I prefer on my trips to Salzburg are as follows.
Hotel Pension Jahn
A comfortable and clean place to stay at, with an extremely friendly staff and close proximity to the main station, this is all you need to get started for this wondrous town. |
Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg
Again, cozy rooms and a location in the midst of affordable restaurants, this place is the perfect stay for a 1-2 day stay over at Salzburg. |
Der Salzburger Hof
Since this was the hotel that I stayed at on my maiden Salzburg trip, I can assure you that the rooms, staff and breakfast spread are one of the best that I’ve encountered all over Austria. It is located at a 15 minutes walking distance from Mirabell Gardens, and 5 minutes walking distance from the station, giving it an added advantage. |
Alderhof
Also close to the station, accompanied by good food and accommodating staff, this hotel is perfect to give you old-town feels. |
In case you don’t want to stay in any of the above options recommended by me, that is quite alright. Just do a good deal of research and find a safe and nominal stay option for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary
Travelers who are curious always have tons of questions (and rightfully so). Let me address the most common ones for you.
If you have any further questions, drop them in the comments section.
Should the Salzburg 2 day itinerary include all locations in Old Town?
Yes |
Should the Salzburg 2 day itinerary begin by first exploring locations in Old Town?
Yes |
Which location would need an extra day in addition to 2 days?
Berchtesgaden Salt Mine |
Should the Salzburg 2 day itinerary be extended?
Yes. At least 3 days should be spent in Salzburg if you wish to explore more areas. |
Should Sound of Music tour be a part of Salzburg 2 day itinerary
Absolutely yes |
Is it possible to hang out at good eating places within 2 days ?
Yes |
What places can be covered in Salzburg in just one day?
A lot of them. |
Now that you’re aware of a decent Salzburg 2 day itinerary, you should also know about the basics of this city as a travel destination.
Salzburg as a Travel Destination: Highlights
Going through the information below will help you understand this Austrian city better.
Location
Central Europe |
Currency
Euro 1 Euro = 1.14 USD 1 Euro = 79.87 INR |
Official language
German (However, most people can speak English) |
Accessibility
All year-round. This is because it has moderate weather throughout. |
Best time to visit
July – August (for connoisseurs of the fine arts) September – October (ideal weather) December – January (for experiencing the delightful Christmas markets) |
Speciality
Do not leave Salzburg without trying the Apple Strudel (a dessert similar to, but better than, the Apple Pie) Also, be prepared to feel like you’re constantly in movie-land, once you arrive. |
Important events (2019)
There are a number of cultural activities happening in Salzburg all year round. Some of the most renowned for the year 2019 is as follows. Winterfest: 28 Nov 2018- 6 Jan 2019 Mozart Week: 24 Jan- 3 Feb Salzburg Easter Festival: 13-22 April Salzburg Whitsun Festival: 7-10 June Salzburg Festival: 20 July- 31 August Jazz & The City: 17- 20 Oct |
Must carry
Just your tickets and camera are fine. |
Salzburg is the place to be at if you want the perfect blend of sightseeing and peace.
This current Salzburg 2 day itinerary will ensure that your 48 hours are well spent. Remember, in order to be a good traveler, explore more and spend less.
Happy wayfaring