1 Day Itinerary for Salzburg

Salzburg is one of the cities in Austria that you can explore even just for 24 hours. This charming city is a destination that effortlessly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. 

While it may seem impossible to see everything the city offers in just a day, this 1 day Itinerary for Salzburg will help you map out the things you can do and places you can visit within a short time. 

The city is well known for its baroque architecture and picturesque landscapes but is world-renowned for being home to a rich musical heritage.

This is because Salzburg is the birthplace and home residence of the famous classic composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Moreover, if you are a fan of musicals, you already know by now that the city also houses the filming sites of the Sound of Magic.

Whether you’re a fan of classical music, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the city’s captivating ambience, Salzburg offers a perfect setting for a memorable one-day adventure. 

To enjoy your one-day trip to Salzburg, choose a suitable date. The best time to visit Salzburg is spring and summer, the peak season for tourists.

Meanwhile, staying in Salzburg city centre or the UNESCO world heritage site, Altstadt is recommended to make the most of your one-day itinerary in Salzburg.

Since this is where most of the restaurants, shops and famous landmarks are located, you can be within walking distance of these establishments, thus helping you maximise your 24 hours in Salzburg.

Ultimately, Salzburg offers much more than you think, and it only takes excellent planning to see all those in a day.

This is why we will share a detailed guide on what to see and do in Salzburg for a day. From exploring historical sites to indulging in local cuisine, Salzburg offers a captivating blend of history, art, and enchantment at every turn. 

Is one day in Salzburg enough?

One day in Salzburg is enough! This lets you glimpse the city’s main attractions like the Mirabell Palace, Hohensalzburg fortress, Old Town and Mozart’s birthplace. 

It may seem overwhelming to tour around a new city for just 24 hours, but with proper planning and scheduling, you can still enjoy your vacation there. Knowing your travel priorities will also be helpful, especially when choosing places to visit in Salzburg in 1 day.

While you may not have time for in-depth visits, day trips or excursions to the surrounding areas, a one-day itinerary already allows you to experience the essence of Salzburg and appreciate its unique cultural heritage. 

So, for a detailed 24 hours in Salzburg itinerary, keep reading! 

Overview Of 1 Day In Salzburg Itinerary 

Here’s a glance at what you’ll see and do in one day in Salzburg:

• Stroll around Mirabell Palace & Gardens
• Climb up the Hohensalzburg Fortress
• Lunch at Stieglkeller
• Visit the Salzburg Cathedral
• Go on a Mozart Tour
• Check out St. Peter’s Abbey 
• Shop at Getreidegasse
• Go on a Leisure walk at Salzach River 
• Have Dinner and Drinks at Augustiner Braustubl

1 Day in Salzburg

Stroll around Mirabell Palace & Gardens

One of the most famous landmarks in Salzburg is the Mirabell Palace & Gardens, which you should visit when travelling to the city.

This has made a significant impact on the historical and cultural heritage of the residents in Salzburg, being built by the prince-archbishop Worlf Dietrich back in 1606. 

Now that it is open to the public, there are several things you can do inside the area. You can admire the meticulously manicured Mirabell gardens with colourful flowers and grand fountains. You also have access to its Marble Hall, which has been used for years as a wedding and concert hall. 

Climb up the Hohensalzburg Fortress

After going on a stroll around Mirabell’s serene gardens and palace, while you still have the energy, it’s time to climb up atop a hill at Hohensalzburg Fortress.

This famous landmark is perched high on a hill overlooking Salzburg and offers excellent panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

When visiting the fortress, you can either ride the funicular or walk your way up that will lead you to the fortress’ entrance. 

Walking up a steep path is free of charge (of course), while riding the funicular will cost you a few bucks.

Once you reach the top, you will be welcomed by a handful of small museums and structures you can tour. You’ll also need only 1 or 2 hours of your day to complete a tour here at Hohensalzburg. 

Lunch at Stieglkeller

Of course, a day in Salzburg will not be complete if you don’t indulge in a delightful lunch at one of their famous restaurants.

We suggest you visit Stieglkeller, a traditional Austrian restaurant on the hillside near the Hohensalzburg Fortress, for this trip. 

You will get a great view of the city from their terrace as you savour authentic Austrian cuisine at the restaurant. Steiglkeller has been around for years and has kept its name at the top because of its excellent service and quality food. 

From hearty goulash and schnitzel to traditional dumplings and sausages, the menu offers a variety of delicious options.

They even have their brewery where you can get locally brewed beer, such as Stiegl beer, an excellent pair for your meal. They open at 11:30 AM, so you can take your time touring before heading to the restaurant. 

Quick Tour – Top pick!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Salzburg Highlights

• 2-6 hours 
• All-inclusive
• Pickup from hotel

Check Price

Visit the Salzburg Cathedral

Another famous landmark in the city is the Salzburg Cathedral; to ensure that your one day in Salzburg is complete, you should include this in your itinerary. 

While there are plenty of other churches and cathedrals in the city, the Salzburg Cathedral is the most significant piece of architectural structure in the city.

This magnificent masterpiece of Baroque architecture not only stands as a tourist destination but an essential system for the residents of Salzburg. 

With its fantastic face, you can admire it from the outside, but once you step inside, you will be awed by the interior’s grandeur, intricate frescoes, stunning sculptures, and ornate chapels. 

It is also home to one of the largest organs in the world, which professional performers use at some time of the day.

A visit to the Salzburg Cathedral allows you to appreciate the city’s rich religious heritage and the incredible craftsmanship that went into its creation.

Go on a Mozart Tour

Do you want to know what to do in Salzburg for a day? Well, if you ask the locals and those who have been to the city already – their answer is most like to go on a Mozart Tour. 

As mentioned earlier, Salzburg is Mozart’s residence and birthplace, and the composer has dramatically impacted the city’s tourism status. Once you arrive in Salzburg, you will most likely see the face of Mozart everywhere. 

This is why you should make time to go on a Mozart tour. This will be a self-guided tour that you will need to organise yourself. 

Visit the family residence of Mozart, located on the third floor of Getreidegasse Street back. At present, the building was turned into a museum where you can see photos, learn how he lived his life as a musician, and even see the violin he played as a child. 

Whether interested in music or not, you’ll still enjoy your time here as the museum provides a fascinating insight into the legend’s life and enduring influence on the music world.

Check out St. Peter’s Abbey 

After learning about Mozart, your next stop will be St. Peter’s Abbey, one of the German world’s oldest monasteries. 

As you visit St. Peter’s Cemetery, marvel at the impressive architecture of the abbey complex and explore its tranquil courtyards. Also, learn more about the ancient tombstones and why it has been a famous site for locals and tourists.

Now, if you are a fan of The Sound of Music, you’ll probably find the location quite familiar. This is because the place was used as a setting for a scene where the Trapp family fled into a cemetery. 

Another thing you can do in the area is discovering the stunning St. Peter’s Church inside and marvel at its opulent interior and exquisite artwork. You can also ascend the abbey’s tower for panoramic views of Salzburg’s rooftops and surrounding mountains. 

Shop at Getreidegasse

Since you will only be in Salzburg for a day, make sure you also pass by Getreidagasse not just for the Mozart Museum but also to go shopping.

Getreidegasse is Salzburg’s most famous shopping street, where you can find several boutique shops, cafes and establishments. 

Moreover, this area of Salzburg is the most photographed spot; when you search the city on media sites, you’ll probably see a photo of the eye-catching guild signs that line the street of Getreidegasse.

Ultimately, Getreidegasse is a shopper’s paradise and a visual feast combining old-world charm with modern elegance.

So, take your time, look for a great spot and capture that photo for you to keep. You can shop for souvenirs and gifts here or chill in one of the coffee shops before you continue your day. 

Go on a Leisure walk at Salzach River 

Salzach River is the main river of Salzach that runs about 227 kilometres in Austria and Germany. It was used as a passage for transporting wood used in sal production many years ago.

It is also one of the water-rich rivers in the Alps and now has become a famous spot in Salzburg. 

Before sunset, take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Salzach River. The river offers a serene escape from the bustling city centre, providing a chance to relax and unwind while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Salzburg.  

You can enjoy the scenic views of the city’s skyline, with its spires and domes reflected in the calm waters.

Meander along the riverbanks, cross charming bridges and take in the peaceful ambience of the surrounding nature. Moreover, you can also choose to go on a river cruise here if you like it. 

Have Dinner and Drinks at Augustiner Braustubl

To cap off your one-day trip to Salzburg, have a memorable dining experience at Augustiner Braustubl, a historic beer hall serving locals and visitors for centuries. 

Not known to many, Salzburg is home to many beer gardens, including Augustiner Braustubl. This establishment is located in a monastery in Salzburg, offering a wide selection of Augustiner beer. 

But if you’re not a fan of beer, you can always savour traditional Austrian cuisine and indulge in the wide selection of food inside. There are several stalls here that you can choose from.

You can even try a little bit of everything and have a variety of hearty dishes, including roasted pork knuckle, sausages, and hearty stews, paired with freshly baked pretzels. 

Tours in Salzburg 

River Cruise

A day in Salzburg does not mean you cannot enjoy one tour, at least in the city. Suppose you want to experience the city from another perspective.

In that case, joining a river cruise that will take you sightseeing and a ticket to see the Mozart Concert and a VIP Dinner at the Fortress is highly suggested. 

This tour package offers you to experience the baroque city of Salzburg with an evening of sightseeing, gastronomic feast and entertainment.

You will start the tour with a cruise at the Salzach River and then have a candlelight dinner at the Salzburg Fortress’s Panorama Restaurant. 

Afterwards, you will return to the historic castle and see Mozart’s most beloved works. A guide will accompany you to explain and share information, making this tour informative and fun.  

Palace Concert

Another great experience you can book while in Salzburg, mainly if you are a music fan, is to see a Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace.

Since Salzburg is renowned for its classical music heritage, it’s a must to see and watch how they take pride in this. 

You will get a ticket to see a recital in the tradition of Mozart inside the Marble Hall. A reserved seat for you and a free pass inside the Mirabell Palace is included. 

After the concert, you can also take your time to tour the palace and see the gorgeous landscape of the Mirabell Gardens outside. 

1 Day Itinerary for Salzburg Wrap-up

There you have it! 1 day in Salzburg does not seem so short and quick. Proper planning allows you to enjoy 24 hours in the city and see the most significant landmarks and places.

An extra day or two would be great, but how many days in Salzburg won’t matter if you enjoy every second of your trip. Now that you know what to do in Salzburg in a day, all you have left is to pack your bags, and you’re all set!

Recommended tours in Salzburg

• The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
• Original Sound of Music Private Tour
• Salzburg: Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace
• Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise
• Viator Exclusive: ‘The Sound of Music’ Private Tour
• Salzburg Food Tasting Tour: delicious & fun
• Salzburg Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour
• 2-Hour Private Salzburg City Highlights Tour
• Salzburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.