Salzburg is a city rich in history, music, and architecture. Famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for The Sound of Music, it’s a must visit destination for anyone who loves culture and baroque buildings.
With just one day to explore, you can experience the highlights of this charming city. I myself only spent one day in Salzburg and I’m here to show you how to do the same with this essentials guide.
Let’s dive into your unforgettable day in the jewel of Austria.
Salzburg Card
If you want to explore Salzburg’s top attractions it could be beneficial to get a Salzburg City Card to save money on individual entry fees as well as have all tickets in one card. Included in the Salzburg City Card is free use of the public transportation! Plus, it includes discounts for tours and some additional attractions. You can choose between 24, 48, or 72 hours, allowing you to tailor your visit depending on how much time you have.
Read more about the packages HERE
How to Get Around in Salzburg
Salzburg is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot as most of the main attractions are located within walking distance of each other in the Old Town. However, if you prefer not to walk, buses and trams are well connected all over the city. The Salzburg Card includes free use of public transportation, so you can hop on and off at your convenience. There’s also rental bikes available on the street if you’d like the freedom of a faster way to navigate the city.
Walking Tour of Salzburg
I love walking tours as it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with a city like Salzburg’s rich history and landmarks with a local guide.
Learn about the unique history and culture of Salzburg with a Live tour guide.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Language: German, English
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
How to Spend One Day in Salzburg
Salzburg is big in heritage but not size so it is definitely possible to see the top attractions of the city in just one day. Here’s my guide to make the most of your time with one day in Salzburg:
Mirabell Palace
Start your day at Mirabell Palace, a beautiful baroque 17th-century building surrounded by gardens. The palace was built by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in 1606 for his mistress Salome Alt and their 15 children. What most visit Mirabell Palace for is the Marble Hall (marmorsaal) which you can enter for free.
Today the Marmorsaal is one of the finest wedding halls in the world and used for various events like award ceremonies and concerts. Note that due to the many official uses of the palace, you might not be able to enter the rooms (There was a wedding on the day I went, so unfortunately I wasn’t allowed in).
The official opening hours of the Marble Hall are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am – 4 pm and Tuesday + Friday 1pm – 4pm (but no visits in case of special occasions – which you can’t know beforehand…)
If you want to be guaranteed entrance to the Mirabell Palace I’d recommend booking a concert. See the event calendar here.
Mirabell Gardens
The Mirabell Gardens are one of Salzburg’s most picturesque spots. Like any other palace garden there’s symmetrical flowerbeds, fountains, and sculptures, making it a perfect place for a relaxing walk or a nice photo spot. Don’t forget to check out the famous Pegasus Fountain (seen in “The Sound of Music”).
Entrance is free.
Mozart’s Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus)
Next, head to Mozart’s Residence, located just a short walk from Mirabell Palace. If you didn’t know, Salzburg is the birthtown of world-famous composer Wolfgang Mozart. Mozart lived at the the so-called “Dance Master’s House” on Makartplatz from 1773 until he moved to Vienna in 1781. Today the house had been transformed into a museum that show exhibits about Mozart’s life, family, and the legacy he left behind, along with personal items and instruments.
Opening hours: daily 9am to 5.30pm
Entrance fee: €15 (adults)
Combined ticket: Mozart Residence and Birthplace €23 (adults)
Included in the Salzburg City Card
Linzer Gasse Platzl
For a little break, head in the direction of Linzer Gasse. It’s a lively street with cafes, shops, and charming courtyards. Stop for a coffee or pastry at one of the local bakeries or cafes.
Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus)
Continue the Mozart-themed journey to Mozart’s Birthplace, located in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town. Mozart was born in 1756 in the “Hagenauer Haus” at No. 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg. Just as the residence, Mozart’s Birthplace has been transformed into a museum and is one of the most visited museums in Austria. The birthplace is a great museum to learn more about Mozarts early years.
Opening hours: daily 9am to 5.30pm
Entrance fee: €15 (adults)
Combined ticket: Mozart Residence and Birthplace €23 (adults)
Included in the Salzburg City Card
DomQuartier
Leave the memory of Mozart and make your way to the DomQuartier in Salzburg old town. DomQuatier is a historic complex that combines several buildings, including the Salzburg Cathedral, the Salzburg Residenz, and the Residence Gallery.
I’ll tell you a bit more about each place:
Salzburg Residenz
Salzburg Residenz was the official residence the city’s prince-archbishops dating all the way back to year 1120. Later the Residenz was used by the Habsburgs where Napoleon III of France for example was on state visit in 1867.
Today you can tour its grand state rooms, filled with baroque art, chandeliers, and frescoed ceilings. Don’t miss the Residenz Gallery, which features European paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Opening hours: Wednesday-Monday 10 am-5 pm
Entrance fee: €13 (adults)
Included in the Salzburg City Card
Salzburg Cathedral
The Salzburg Cathedral, located at the heart of the DomQuartier, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This baroque masterpiece was built in the early 17th century and houses the font where Mozart was baptized. Inside, you’ll find impressive frescoes, five organs, and a remarkable dome. Be sure to take a moment to admire the exterior, which is adorned with statues of apostles and saints.
Opening hours: March-July: Monday-Saturday 8 am-6 pm, Sunday & public holiday 1 pm-6 pm
See all opening times of the year HERE
Conservation fee for adults is €5 (audio guide rental is €3)
Kapitelschwemme
Near the Salzburg Cathedral, stop by the Kapitelschwemme, a baroque horse pond built in the 17th century. This beautifully decorated fountain was once used to wash horses and is a beautiful yet often-overlooked landmark that adds a unique touch to your Salzburg experience.
Kollegienkirche
A short walk from the DomQuartier is the Kollegienkirche (University Church of Salzburg). This baroque church is often overlooked by many first-time visitors to Salzburg as it’s overshadowed by its neighbor – Salzburg Cathedral. Its white façade and massive dome is stunning in itself but it’s its interior that will blow your mind. Known for its elegant simplicity, featuring white stucco decorations and minimal embellishments, make sure to stop by Kollegienkirche.
Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm
Entrance fee: FREE
Hohensalzburg Fortress
End your day with a visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the fortress offers breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. You can reach the fortress by funicular or hike up for a more scenic experience. Once at the top, explore the castle’s interior, including the medieval rooms, armory, and panoramic terrace.
Opening hours:
May – September: daily 8.30am – 8pm
(Museums, princes’ chambers, magic theater 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Rest of the year: daily 9.30am – 5pm
- Panoramic views of Salzburg
- Travel back to the Middle Ages
- Includes Prince's Chambers
When to Visit Salzburg
Salzburg is a year-round destination. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, where Winter transforms Salzburg into a festive wonderland, especially during Christmas.
Because of the cultural significance the city has, it is a popular place during the European summer season. I’d recommend visiting in May or in autumn for a calmer atmosphere and nice weather.
Where to stay in Salzburg
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