Spending 1 day in Salzburg is like stepping into a real-life postcard—cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and a fortress perched dramatically above the city. Whether you’re visiting from Munich or making Salzburg a stop on a bigger adventure, this itinerary will help you see the highlights without feeling like you’re speed-running a museum.
Using this guide
I’ve written this so that you can follow along with some rough directions in a circular path around Salzburg’s old town. You can use this exact path to get a pretty solid understanding of the ‘burg. Alternatively, you can pick a few of the highlights and explore at your leisure.
There’s no wrong way to spend 1 day in Salzburg but I’ll give you a couple of big tips if you want to choose your own adventure. The tourist crowd is thickest near Mozart’s birthplace, and the Hohensalzburg fortress is the true “must-see” sight if you’re trying to just choose one big thing.
That said, let’s get going and explore Salzburg!
Getting to Salzburg
Train Options from Munich
1 day in Salzburg is one of THE most popular day trips from Munich and other spots in Bavaria. Castle Neuschwanstein attracts many with its fairy tale looks, but Salzburg is the REAL DEAL when it comes to castle towns.
The best way to get to Salzburg from Munich is by train. The Bayern Ticket offers unlimited regional train travel for a day, making it a cost-effective and stress-free option. And, multiple people can use the same pass! Alternatively you can buy individual tickets if you aren’t planning on taking more than a couple of train trips.
The main stations in Munich have regular service to Salzburg, but be careful reading the timetables. If you aren’t sure which train is which, ask at an info desk to be directed in the right way.
The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, with frequent departures throughout the day. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning Bavarian and Austrian countryside rolling by. Pretty soon, you’ll be cruising past mirror glass lakes and looming, snowy Alps.
Local boy Mozart will be a constant accompaniment during your 1 day in Salzburg
Getting to the Old Town
Once you arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), you can either take a short 15-minute walk to the Altstadt (Old Town) or hop on a local bus to save some energy for later.
For me, it’s the bus.
The easiest bus is the Altstadt Shuttle which goes straight to the old town. Alternatively, you can look for the stop “Mozartsteg”. This is a MAJOR stop along lines 3, 6, 14, 5, 8, 7, 10 and 9 in the Salzburg bus system.
Why this stop? It’s a bit removed from the crowds, and there’s a convenient coffee shop on both sides of the street! Hey, yo’ve only got 1 day in Salzburg, so let’s be efficient, huh?
Start with a Coffee at Kaffee-Alchemie
After a morning of travel, kickstart your 1 day in Salzburg with a caffeine fix at Kaffee-Alchemie. This tiny coffee shop near the river is serious about its brews, making it the perfect spot to fuel up for a day of exploring.
Don’t mistake this with the coffee bar and snack stand that’s across the street, near the bridge. Although this is a fine stop, Kaffee-Alchemie is much more laid back with better cups of joe (and a nice restroom before you step into the old town)
Exploring Salzburg’s Historic Squares
Mozartplatz & Residenzplatz
Most tourists rush straight to Mozart’s birthplace—but you’re going to zag while they zig. Instead, turn left into Mozartplatz, admiring the statue of its namesake (although it doesn’t look much like him). Then continue into Residenzplatz, one of Salzburg’s most beautiful squares.
Take in the impressive Glockenspiel, which chimes multiple times a day, and pop into the somewhat hidden shop named Salzburger Heimatwerk at its base selling locally made textiles and clothing.
Salzburg is, admittedly, very touristed. You’ll see plenty of opportunities to buy silly magnets and Mozart themed tchotchke. Instead, opt to buy something here if you’re souvenir hunting. Made locally, and something you’ll hold onto for a LONG time after your 1 day in Salzburg comes to a close.
Domplatz & Salzburg Cathedral
Keep heading left (notice a theme?) into Domplatz, home to the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral. Step back and admire the optical illusion on the facade—look closely, and you’ll see angels appearing to place a crown on the statue of Mary’s head. It’s a small detail, but one that adds to the city’s charm, and shows the foresight and planning at work to achieve such technical beauty.
The Sphaera statue is a perfect contrast to the looming fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress: The Best View in Town
How to Get There
Head towards the fortress on the cliff and exit Domplatz into Kapitelplatz. You’ll know you’re heading the right way when you see the huge “Sphaera” scuplture of a man walking atop a giant, golden ball. It creates an excellent contrast with the ancient castle on the hill, and is a perfect photo spot.
Don’t forget to train your eyes down as well so you don’t walk into someone’s chess match! 1 day in Salzburg isn’t complete unless you chill here and watch locals and tourists alike match their wits on the giant chess board. Checkmate indeed.
When you’re ready, walk up the narrow path at the foot of the cliff and look for the signs for the funicular.
Tips for Visiting Hohensalzburg fortress
- You can wait until the evening to take this trip, and see more dramatic skies before the sun sets but check the hours to be sure.
- Buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in long lines. You can even do this right before you enter the funicular station, there should be a QR code readily available.
- Be prepared for stairs—lots of them. The climb is steep, but the panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps are breathtaking.
- Look out for tiny gondolas in the distance, shuttling up and down between the mountains. More than anything else, THIS is what makes you realize just how large the mountains surrounding Salzburg really are.
- There are a lot of side quests in Hohensalzburg, depending on your appetite for medieval history. For me, the thing I liked the most was the climb to the top of the main tower just to get THE singular view. I also really enjoyed walking through tiny corridors and seeing the scale model of the fortress.
- Depending on the time of year you’ll likely see musicians on the grounds. There’s also a few themed meals, but nothing worth delaying your trip to the rest of Salzburg.
When you’re ready, take the funicular back down to the ground. The line will likely be longer for the return trip, but it moves fast. Word to the wise, don’t stand in the front of the funicular car if you’re easily motion sick, I found this one out the hard way.
Hidden Gems & Local Legends
Back on solid ground, face the statue of the man on top of the golden ball, and turn left. Keep walking and you’ll see a water wheel that still powers the attached bakery to this day! If they’re open, it’s a solid stop for a little snack.
St. Peter’s Cemetery & The Sound of Music Connection
Keep going toward Friedhof St. Peter. This historic cemetery inspired the escape scene in The Sound of Music, though the actual filming took place on a soundstage. If you’re a fan, this is one of the must-visit spots. If not, just soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
A quick note: folks in Salzburg are ambivalent towards the Sound of Music, as it was never a huge hit here like it was in America! However, it’s been embraced as a solid tourist draw and there are several guided walks that go into more detail for fans of the movie. If you’re not a Sound of Music buff, you’re better off just seeing the couple of hits I’ll list in this 1 day in Salzburg itinerary.
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is a great stop for a rest on your 1 day in Salzburg
Hidden Monastic Dwellings
As you walk through the cemetery, keep an eye out for windows and passageways built into the cliffside. Some of these date back to the early Middle Ages and were once home to monks. You can take a tour inside, though a quick peek might be enough.
One thing that is neat amongst these lovingly tended grave sites is the final resting place of Mozart’s older sister Maria, who was a major influence and supporter of her more famous brother.
The Oldest Restaurant in Europe?
Just beyond the cemetery is St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, which claims to be the oldest restaurant in Europe. If Charlemagne himself liked it, what’s stopping you?!
Whether or not that’s true, the ambiance is unbeatable. The inner restaurant is best enjoyed with a reservation, but you can try your luck like we did and see if there’s availability for a walk in. It’s a bit pricy, but the food and service is very solid.
If a full meal isn’t in the cards, grab a beer in the stunning outdoor courtyard built against the cliff wall. In all times of year this is a super cool way to soak up some history and rest your feet while quaffing a beverage. You’ve only got 1 day in Salzburg, so enjoy it!
Toscaninihof & The Salzburg Festival
Continue left through a few arched passages until you reach Toscaninihof, home to the Felsenreitschule, a former horse-riding school now used as the main venue for the annual Salzburg Music Festival.
This is also a spot that briefly features in “The Sound of Music”, or at least a sound stage version of it.
Getreidegasse: Salzburg’s Famous Shopping Street
Facing the Felsenreitschule, finally it’s time to turn right! Or north rather. Head through the passage ahead of you and walk down the Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse. There’s a great salt and seasoning store along here called Salzburg Salz where you can buy some of the salt that made this such an important town long ago.
Continuing on Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse you’ll walk past some enticing snack stands, especially the sausage and pretzel “brezen” stands and come to University Square, which hosts the Grünmarkt farmer’s market every day but Sunday.
If the market is in session, this is an excellent people watching opportunity!
Check out the stream and fountain where farmers wash their produce, and walk west along Universitätsplatz until you see some ornate hanging signs. On your right, you’ll spy some archways that will lead you to the next street. Choose one that looks interesting and follow it through!
You’ll wind up on Getreidegasse, a major shopping street. It will likely be more crowded than what you’ve encountered so far. Most of the crowd tends to filter towards Mozart’s birthplace, which is a yellow building that says, conveniently enough, Mozart’s birthplace on the front. Trust me you can’t miss it.
At this point, you can do some exploring along the side streets of Salzburg. Wander a bit, and see what you find! This old town is compact enough that even if you get a bit lost, it’s easy to find your way. Your 1 day in Salzburg is winding down, so take the chance to walk the hidden paths and romantic alleyways you come across.
Back amongst the crowd on Getreidegasse
Dinner & Drinks: Where to Eat in Salzburg
After a long day of exploring, it’s time for some hearty Austrian food and a well-earned beer. Here are a few excellent options:
Zwettler’s Wirtshaus – My top pick for schnitzel. Just barely off the beaten path enough to avoid excessive crowds. Takes reservations, but walk ups will work most times.
St. Pauli Stubm – A relaxed beer garden with a laid-back atmosphere, close to the foot of the fortress and not too touristy.
Sternbräu – A classic beer garden option that’s centrally located.
Gasthaus Zum Wilden Mann – A cozy tavern serving up traditional Austrian fare.
Augustiner Bräustübl – Salzburg’s largest beer hall. Pour your own beer and enjoy the lively setting.
Evening Activities in Salzburg
See a Concert
Salzburg takes its music seriously, and the chance to see a classical concert in a place as crazy for the stuff as Salzburg is will be worth your time. Check the Salzburg info site for up to date listings on all types of concerts in a variety of venues and at a few price levels. If you see one in or around the Schloss mirabell or Mozart’s home, take time to grab a drink at one of the bars nearby before or after. You’ll be surrounded by many fellow concert goers in a more
Watch a Soccer Match
Want a completely different experience? Catch a Red Bull Salzburg match. The Red Bull Arena is a short train ride away, offering a stark contrast to Salzburg’s historic core. If you love soccer, it’s worth checking out.
I love seeing soccer matches wherever I can, and this is a good excuse to get off the usual tourist track in Salzburg. Check for tickets at the official site here. Hop off at the Salzburg Traxham stop, you’ll walk through a huge shopping center as you make your way to the super modern Red Bull Arena. Although we often associate our European adventures with seeing historic city cores, this isn’t always a true glimpse at what these cities truly are in the modern world.
Stick around Salzburg into the evening for a sparkling farewell from the grand old town.
Wrapping Up Your 1 Day in Salzburg
Whether you came for a day trip from Munich or as part of a longer Austrian adventure, I hope this guide helped you make the most of 1 day in Salzburg. Yes, it can be touristy. But between the stunning mountain backdrop, historic Old Town, and hidden gems, Salzburg is one of the most charming cities in Europe.
