36 Hours in Salzburg

A February break itinerary

Situated on Austria’s German border, the city of Salzburg delights its visitors, offering historical activities on its quaint streets and wonderful views of the Alps. The Old Town, spanning over the banks of the Salzach River, houses landmarks from The Sound of Music, buildings from Mozart’s life, and impressive mediaeval and Baroque architecture.

DAY ONE

15:00 Explore the Old Town

The Getreidegasse is one of Salzburg’s prominent shopping streets, and decorative iron signs advertising its restaurants and souvenir shops protrude from the pastel buildings. Along this street stands Mozart’s birthplace, which has been converted into a museum dedicated to the composer’s early life. Universitätsplatz, a quick walk from Getreidegasse, holds the Grünmarkt, a daily market offering produce, pastries, and meats.  

17:30 Dinner at Bärenwirt

This restaurant near the Salzach offers Austrian cuisine, and popular menu items include the Wiener Schnitzel and the Salzburger Bratwurst. Reviews suggest making a reservation before visiting Bärenwirt.

20:00 Palace Concert at the Marble Hall

To culminate the evening, listen to talented musicians play classical music at Mirabell Palace. The interiors and exteriors of this baroque palace are stunning, and the lush garden just outside the palace’s gates is featured in the famous “Do-Re-Mi” scene of The Sound of Music.

DAY TWO

9:00 Coffee at Kaffe-Alchemie

Enjoy a delicious coffee and a pastry from a small assortment of baked goods at this café on the bank of the Salzach.  

10:30 Fortress Hohensalzburg

Situated on the Festungsberg hill above Salzburg, Fortress Hohensalzburg provides a look into the history of the city dating back to mediaeval times. The expansive and intricately decorated rooms of the fortress are adorned with furniture, armour, and statues. Additionally, the Fortress offers a beautiful view of Salzburg and the Alps.

13:00 Lunch at StieglKeller

At the base of Festungsberg sits StieglKeller, a rustic Austrian restaurant and private brewery with a spacious patio for outdoor seating overlooking the city. Try this restaurant’s variation of Schnitzel or, for bread-lovers, try a Knödel dish (bread dumpling about the size of a fist, occasionally stuffed with meat or potato fillings).

15:00 Foothills of Festungsberg

Add a few more stops to The Sound of Music tour by visiting Nonnberg Abbey and St Peter’s Abbey. Visitors to St Peter’s Abbey can also pay €2 to visit the abbey’s catacombs.

17:30 Dinner at Bistro de Marquez

For a break from Austrian cuisine, Bistro de Marquez serves Latin food, and it is located near Mirabell Palace. This restaurant is only open Wednesday through Saturday and closes at 19:00 on weekdays and 20:00 on weekends, so make sure to arrive before those times.

DAY THREE

9:00 Breakfast at Café Bazar

Start the day with a sit-down breakfast at this traditional café with views of the Salzach.

11:00 Hangar-7

Visit this futuristic museum near the Salzburg Airport and marvel at the Flying Bulls aircraft fleet and Formula 1 cars. Admission is free, and the building is about a thirty-minute bus ride from the Old Town.

13:30 Lunch at Café Mozart

Return to Getreidegasse and dine at Café Mozart, another restaurant with Austrian cuisine. Try the Salzburger Nockerl, a popular Austrian dessert soufflé layered with fruit jam and dusted with powdered sugar.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons