2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary: A Complete Plan for First-Timers on a Budget
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When planning my ancestral trip for my mother and me, Salzburg was at the top of my list, as we’re both big fans of The Sound of Music.
Having visited as part of a larger Austrian trip, I’ve learned exactly which attractions deliver—those magical trick fountains at Hellbrunn, and which ones you can skip—the Christmas Museum isn’t a must-see, which I’ve distilled into this two days in Salzburg itinerary.
2 days is the perfect amount of time for a first trip to Salzburg, as it’s enough to see the Old Town, visit some of The Sound of Music filming locations, take in the views from Hohensalzburg Fortress, and even sip some schnapps!
The best part—a lot of the attractions are walkable and free! If not, they are likely covered by the Salzburg Card, a super-affordable tourism card that also covers public transportation.
Whether you’re a The Sound of Music fan looking to recreate your favorite scenes or a budget-conscious visitor making the most of your 48 hours in Salzburg, I’ll share practical tips to help you plan a trip that proves the hills really are alive with music!
Quick Guide to Salzburg
⏳ Short on time? My top tips for two days in Salzburg are:
🏨 Where to Stay:
– Hotel Heffterhof is my top pick; find more options in my Where to Stay in Salzburg guide
💸 Save Money: The Salzburg Card provides admission to tourist attractions, public transport, discounts, and in some cases, skip-the-line access!
🗺️ Tours:
– Sound of Music filming locations
📲 Must-Have Apps:
– Maps.me for offline maps
– Google Maps for transport info
🗣️ Language: German is spoken, though English is highly prevalent
Is Two Days in Salzburg Enough?
2 days in Salzburg is enough to see the highlights, including the Old Town, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Mirabella Gardens. The city is very compact and walkable, making it perfect for a 48-hour visit to the top sites. However, if you enjoy traveling at a slower pace, 3 days in Salzburg would be recommended.
I know some people want to do one day in Salzburg, as a day trip from Vienna to Salzburg, but I think that’s too much of a rush.
The speediest route would be by train, and that’s still approximately 2.5 hours each way.
What to Do with Two Days in Salzburg
This two days in Salzburg itinerary is for the first-timers who want to see the highlights, while on a budget.
In truth, we spent about 3 days here during our Austrian trip, but since I’m skipping things I don’t think were worth the time, such as the Salzburg Christmas Museum, I’ve whittled my schedule down to the must-sees!
Though I’m told Christmas Markets in Europe are a sight to behold, especially in Salzburg! So maybe squeeze the Museum in if it’s during December. But as for the rest of the year, looking at a bunch of Christmas decorations felt odd in May.
This itinerary will be action-packed, so I hope you packed some good shoes!
Day 1: Arrive from Vienna by Train & Explore Old Town
After starting my Austrian trip in Vienna, I took a direct train from Vienna to Salzburg.
As I booked a hotel, Garner Hotel Vienna, near one of the two main stations, Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), it was a mere 4-minute walk.
2.5 hours later, we were at Salzburg station, and it took only 2.5 hours!
- Departed: 8:05 am
- Arrived: 10:38 am
It was just over $20 per ticket, making it a super-affordable and quick way to get from Vienna to Salzburg.
The key to a cheap ticket is booking in advance!
I know some people suggest driving, but with public transport being so simple, I didn’t see the need to rent a car, pay for gas, and then take the energy to actually operate the car.
If you’re planning other spots, such as Ischgl, Hallstatt, or other day trips from Salzburg, it may be more worth it.
Buses, surprisingly, aren’t cheaper, so stick to the train.
🇦🇹 Wavering between Vienna and Salzburg? My comprehensive guide will help you decide which city is right for you!
Getreidegasse
After we landed at the station, I goofed and got us a taxi instead of using public transport with the Salzburg Card we had picked up there.
I was a bit tired and in a rush, guys!
Save some money and use the bus system, which did indeed take us all the way to the door of our hotel in Salzburg, as there’s a stop just across the street.
Having dropped off our bags, we headed into the central part of Salzburg—Getreidegasse.
Getreidegasse is a busy shopping street in the historic Altstadt section of Salzburg, Austria.
It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
The narrow streets are lined with tall townhouses, side by side, with wrought-iron signs outside the adorable shops.
These signs were designed when most shoppers couldn’t read, so they depict what the store is.
I’m not even a big shopper, but I adored wandering down these streets, imagining what it was like back in the day of Mozart.
🚌 Bus Stop: Rathaus
⏳ Duration: 1-2 Hours
🎟️ Cost: FREE
Sporer Schnapps
We stopped by Sporer Schnapps because of Rick Steve’s video below.
I’ve been a fan of Rick for a long time, and it seemed like a fun way to try out Austrian schnapps since I’d only ever had the American kind.
Sporer Schnapps is a small shop that offers liqueurs, brandies, and schnapps on the charming street of Getreidegasse.
But let me tell you—this stuff is strong!
Both my Mother and I were shocked by the taste.
The punch is due to its substantial 50% by volume alcohol content.
If you’re not into trying different liquors, you may want to skip this.
Or just watch the faces of people like me try to drink it. And then make friends like we did!
🚌 Bus Stop: Rathaus
⏳ Duration: 30 minutes
🎟️ Cost: About €2 for a shot
Residenzplatz Square
The song “I Have Confidence in Me” from The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg’s Old Town, particularly in the Residenzplatz Square.
It is a song that was added to the film and not one of Julie Andrews’ favorites, either. I found this out listening to her autobiography, Home Work.
In the scene, Maria happily splashes water in the fountain.
Later on, the Nazi soldiers march through the square and hang their flag over the entrance of the old Residence Palace.
It was under construction when I visited in May 2018, but it was still a lovely place to wander around, and I’m sure it’s quite finished by now!
🚌 Bus Stop: Rathaus
⏳ Duration: 30 minutes
🎟️ Cost: FREE
Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral)
During the “My Favorite Things” montage, you can see Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral) and many other locations around Salzburg, such as the DomQuartier.
Salzburg Cathedral is a seventeenth-century Baroque cathedral that still contains the baptismal font in which the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized.
We didn’t spend too much time in here, but if you’re really into religious architecture, you may want to bump up my estimate.
For me, it was more about wandering around like Maria.
🚌 Bus Stop: Rathaus
⏳ Duration: 30-60 minutes
🎟️ Tickets: Included with the Salzburg Card, or you can book online in advance
St Peter’s Abbey, Cemetery, & Catacombs
St. Peter’s Abbey is one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world.
And while not an actual filming location, this unique cemetery inspired a set built on the FOX lot for The Sound of Music.
If you recall the von Trapps hiding from the Nazis behind tombs at the end of the movie, this is that location.
They did a fantastic job of recreating it on a stage. So good that when visiting Salzburg, I thought that they actually filmed here! And I worked in TV and film for 14 years.
Here you can also visit St Peter’s Catacombs.
They are carved out of the rocks of Mönchsberg and are extremely worn down.
So much so that while walking down the slick stairs, the lady behind my Mother slipped and fell right into her.
While no one was seriously injured, I wanted to warn others.
If you have any mobility issues, it’s something I think you can skip during your two day in Salzburg itinerary.
🚌 Bus Stop: Rathaus
⏳ Duration: 30-60 minutes
🎟️ Tickets: Included with the Salzburg Card, or you can purchase on-site
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Mirabell, which was built in 1606, contains a beautifully landscaped garden filled with gorgeous flowers, marble statues, and fountains.
The song “Do Re, Mi” was shot in part here.
I actually didn’t realize this until my mother pointed out the Pegasus fountain they go around.
Just behind the fountain are the steps they jump up and down for the notes.
And near that is the hedge tunnel they run through.
Talk about using a filming location well!
A performance was going on, so I didn’t head into the main section of the Marble Hall, but just seeing the sections around it was enough to intrigue me.
If this happens to you, know that even just seeing the gardens is worth the time while in Salzburg, and I’m not even a big garden fan!
🚌 Bus Stop: Mirabellplatz
⏳ Duration: 45-60 minutes
🎟️ Tickets: While events are taking place, it is not possible to visit, but otherwise admission is free!
Day 2: Trick Fountains & Fortress Views
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress is perched above Salzburg Old Town, so it’ll be super hard for you to miss it.
Because of its strategic position, it was great for defense, but nowadays, it’s a great place to see the view over Salzburg.
It also boasts a Fortress Museum (where you’ll find that punishment mask seen below), a Pupper Museum, the Rainer Regiments Museum, the famous Salzburg Bill, and the Princely Rooms.
The latter of which is why I placed it first on day 2 of your two days in Salzburg, because if you visit before 11 am, it’s included with the Salzburg Card.
Do note that if you have any mobility issues, take the funicular up instead of walking!
🚌 Bus Stop: Rathaus
⏳ Duration: 2 – 3 hours
🎟️ Tickets: Included with the Salzburg Card, or you can book online in advance
Hellbrunn Palace
The Von Trapp gazebo, used for “Sixteen Going On Seventeen,” used to be at Leopoldskron Palace.
But, with the number of fans visiting, they moved it to Schloss Hellbrunn.
It’s also used in the film when the Captain and Maria sing “Something Good.”
Though you cannot go into the gazebo, you can take pictures (I sadly ran out of time to do so, hence the Wikipedia entry).
But honestly, the showstopper here isn’t the gazebo, it’s the trick fountains!
Built as a pleasure palace for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg to entertain his guests, it now thrills visitors daily.
Hidden around the Palace, this is one of the most unique things I’ve done at a castle.
Aside from the fountains, the grottoes are insanely detailed and worth a visit just to see all the cute mechanical workings.
This location isn’t located in the city center, but it’s super easy to access by bus in just 30 minutes.
🚌 Bus Stop: Schloss Hellbrunn
⏳ Duration: 2 – 3 hours (+ 1 hour transport time)
🎟️ Tickets: Included with the Salzburg Card, or you can book online in advance
Salzach River Cruise
After two days in Salzburg, you need a bit of a rest!
My mother and I boarded the Amadeus Salzburg panoramic speedboat, as it is included with the Salzburg Card.
Taking a boat tour rather than walking along the Salzach River is a great way to take in stunning views, sit for a bit, and catch your breath.
The tour is only 40 minutes, so it doesn’t eat into too much of your day, but if you’re not keen on boats or are just in a bit of a hurry, this is a good one to skip.
🚌 Bus Stop: Makartplatz
⏳ Duration: 40 minutes
🎟️ Tickets: Included with the Salzburg Card, or you can book online in advance
How to Get Around Salzburg + Map
There are several ways to get around Salzburg, including:
- Walking: Salzburg is a compact city, so many attractions are within walking distance. In fact, all of day 1 of this two-day itinerary in Salzburg is located within blocks of each other. Day 2 is only unwalkable as Hellbrunn Palace is 3.4 miles (5.5 km) from the city center.
- Public transportation: Salzburg boasts an eco-friendly public transportation system that includes buses and electrically powered trolleys. You can purchase tickets in advance at kiosks or from ticket machines. Additionally, you can use the Uber Transit app to view nearby bus and subway routes. If you obtain the Salzburg Card (which I will explain below), you can travel for free on public transportation (except for s-railways / S-Bahn!)
- Biking: Biking is a good option for short distances and in nice weather, as Salzburg has bike paths.
- Taxis: Taxis are available, or you can also use Uber to request a ride. However, they will be more costly than public transport.
- Fiakers: Fiakers, or horse-drawn carriages, are a unique way to get around the city, especially in the Old Town, if you’re looking to really get into the old-world vibe.
Since I had the Salzburg Card, I’ve listed the closest bus stops for each destination above for your convenience.
As so many of these attractions are close together, you can also use the interactive map as a self-guided walking tour guide.
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Get more info about each point of interest by clicking the icons on the map. To save my interactive map, click 2 Days in Salzburg list, then hit ‘Save.’ It’ll then be accessible via desktop under ‘Saved’ and the Google Maps app under ‘You.’ Sort by ‘Distance’ to quickly see what’s open and nearby while traveling.
What is the Salzburg Card?
After arriving at Salzburg’s main station from Vienna, we went to pick up our Salzburg Card.
The Salzburg Card, which I’ve been mentioning throughout, is an excellent tourist card as it covers public transport and all of Salzburg’s popular tourist attractions and museums, including Hohensalzburg Fortress, Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg Cathedral, and St Peter’s Abbey.
It’s also super affordable!
Sometimes, tourist cards are more expensive than you would spend without them, such as the Omnia Card, but not with this one.
It was wonderful to use it to get to the train station, our hotel, and around Salzburg.
Without the Salzburg Card
€63 (adult rates)With the Salzburg Card (2 Day)
€41-45 (per adult, varies by season)**Prices last verified April 2026
Note that the list above is not comprehensive of what the Card covers. I’ve only mentioned the attractions listed on this 2 days in Salzburg itinerary.
For a full list of what the Card covers, please visit their official website; many of them are also covered on my Things to Do in Salzburg guide.
The Salzburg Card offers:
- One-time FREE admission to all city tourist attractions and museums
- Free travel on public transportation (except S-railways / S-Bahn)
- Discounts on cultural events and concerts
- Discounts at many excursion destinations
- In some cases, skip the line access
The card is available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour options.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
We stayed at the Hotel Heffterhof.
It was an excellent hotel!
Affordable and clean, though not in the main hub of Salzburg, which meant that the price wasn’t through the roof.
Hotels in the city center are more expensive, so we chose to stay a bit outside of town.
As the bus literally stops across the street from this hotel, it was SUPER easy to get into town.
We even had a balcony with a gorgeous view of the Austrian Alps!
If you’re looking for other boutique hotels in Salzburg, there are many that offer gorgeous views!
🚌 Bus Stop: Maria-Cebotari-Straße
FAQs
How Many Days Do You Need in Salzburg?
You need at least 2 days in Salzburg in order to have enough time to see the main attractions, such as Hellbrunn Palace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, stroll along Getreidegasse, and experience all of it at a far more relaxed pace than one day would allow.
However, if you prefer slow travel, do add an extra day, as this itinerary could be stretched out. More than four days in Salzburg would likely get a bit dull unless you add day trips to nearby locations.
Related Salzburg Travel Guides
- Two Days in Salzburg: A Complete Itinerary for First-Timers
- Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s 900-Year Old Castle
- Visiting Hellbrunn Palace and its Unique Musical Trick Fountains
- Helpful Guide to “Is the Salzburg Card Worth It?”
- Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? 14 Pros and Cons to Help You Decide
- How Many Days in Salzburg? A Simple Guide for First-timers
- 13 Sound of Music Salzburg Filming Locations + How to Visit
- 32 Things to Do in Salzburg: Top Budget-Friendly Walkable Sites
- Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria: My Favorite Area for First Timers on a Budget
Header image by Wolfgang Zimmel
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