After exploring Switzerland, I crossed over into Austria, with Salzburg as my very first destination. The name Salzburg comes from the German words for “salt” (Salz) and “castle” (Burg), and the city flourished during the Middle Ages thanks to salt trade. In this guide, I’m sharing my Salzburg travel itinerary, helpful tips, and must-visit restaurants to make planning your trip a breeze.
Table of Contents
Mirabell Palace & Gardens
The first stop on your Salzburg itinerary should absolutely be Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his beloved Salome Alt, Mirabell Palace has quite a history. Although damaged by fire in 1818, it was fully restored and now stands in its current form thanks to renovations completed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt in 1721.
Inside, you’ll find grand decorations and magnificent works of art. Don’t miss the Marble Hall—famed as one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Europe.
The Mirabell Gardens (Mirabellgarten) are designed with striking symmetry. At the center stands the Pegasus Fountain, a true landmark and a spot made famous in “The Sound of Music” during the ‘Do-Re-Mi’ song sequence.
Fun fact: The name Mirabell blends the words “mirabile” (amazing) and “bella” (beautiful), which feels entirely justified when you see the exquisitely maintained grounds.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens are easily accessible from both Central Station and the Old Town, making them a can’t-miss for any Salzburg trip.
Opening Hours
- Mirabell Palace: 08:00 – 18:00 (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)
- Mirabell Gardens: Daily, 06:00 – Dusk
Getreidegasse: Shopper’s Paradise
Next up is Getreidegasse, the city’s most iconic shopping street and a must-see tourist spot. It’s just a quick walk across the river from Mirabell Gardens—super convenient!
What makes Getreidegasse unique are the ornate shop signs lining its narrow lanes. These signs were originally designed to visually represent their businesses, making it easy for the illiterate to recognize shops at a glance—an tradition even international brands like McDonald’s and Louis Vuitton respect with their own iron signs.
This lively street is always buzzing, packed with everything from souvenir boutiques to luxury brands and cozy local eateries. The architecture, with its rows of historic buildings, brings a timeless European charm.
Year-Round Christmas Spirit
You’ll also come across a store selling only Christmas ornaments—an obsession so deep there’s even a Christmas Museum! If you’re hunting for unique souvenirs, definitely check it out.
Mozart’s Birthplace
This is also where you’ll find Mozart’s Birthplace, a must-see for classical music fans.
- Opening Hours: 09:00–17:30 daily (last entry at 17:00)
- Ticket Prices
- Adults €15, Seniors/Students €12, Ages 15-18 €5, Ages 6-14 €4.5
- Free admission for children under 6 and Salzburg Card holders
Mozartplatz & Residenzplatz
Being Mozart’s hometown, there’s even a Mozartplatz (Mozart Square). Whether you plan it or not, you’ll likely pass it at the end of Getreidegasse. Next to Mozartplatz is the spacious Residenzplatz, the city’s largest square and famous for its winter Christmas market.
Salzburg Cathedral
The renowned Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart famously played the organ, is also right next door. It boasts the largest pipe organ in Europe, though I skipped going inside due to the entrance fee.
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 18:00; Sundays 13:00 – 18:00
- Admission: Adults €5, Free for under 18
Hohensalzburg Fortress
No visit to Salzburg is complete without seeing the Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg) perched atop the hill. On the way up, you’ll spot a giant outdoor chessboard that attracts quite a crowd.
The easiest way up is the funicular railway, which runs directly to the fortress. If you have a Salzburg Card, the ride is free; otherwise, you can buy a combined ticket for the fortress and funicular. If you only want the funicular (outside fortress opening hours), it’s about €3.6 for adults.
- Funicular Operating Hours: Daily 08:30 – 20:30
Hohensalzburg Fortress is the city’s iconic landmark and one of Europe’s largest medieval castles. It was built as a fortress, serving as a military stronghold from the Middle Ages into modern times. Today, its ramparts, defenses, and historic squares are exceptionally well preserved. You can glimpse life from centuries ago in its old churches and buildings.
First constructed in 1077 and expanded over centuries, the fortress is nearly a thousand years old, and its intricate layout reflects that legacy.
Climb to the top and you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, the distant Alps. I visited on a cloudy day—still impressive, though I wished for better weather.
Opening Hours
- January – April: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- May – September: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
- October – December: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Easter & Advent Weekends: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
- December 24: Fortress interior open until 2:00 pm
Ticket Prices
- Adults: €11.20
- Children (ages 6–14): €4.60
- Children under 5: Free
For the latest information, always check the official Hohensalzburg Fortress website.
Admission includes access to the Fortress Museum and Marionette Museum, though I missed both because I arrived too late—so check the schedule below to plan your visit!
- Fortress Museum: Daily 09:00 – 19:00
- Marionette Museum: Daily 09:30 – 17:00
Where to Eat: Nussbaumer
Austria, and especially Salzburg, is known for being quite pricey, given its popularity with tourists. That’s why I recommend Nussbaumer, a great spot for value and authentic local cuisine.
Conveniently located right in front of the Hohensalzburg funicular station, Nussbaumer features a cozy little outdoor garden area—perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
I ordered the schnitzel and soup of the day set for €12—huge portions and absolutely delicious! For comparison, street kebabs run around €7, but including salad and beer, my bill was €24—excellent value for the area. Highly recommended if you’re searching for where to eat in Salzburg.
- Opening Hours: 11:00–17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Address: Cafe-Restaurant Nussbaumer, Festungsgasse 2, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Final Thoughts
To sum up, here’s a simple yet comprehensive route through Salzburg: Start at Mirabell Gardens, stroll across to Getreidegasse, and finish at Hohensalzburg Fortress—all easily walkable. Along the way, explore museums, Mozart’s Birthplace, and various squares for a full day of sightseeing. Just adjust the itinerary to match your interests, and you’ll enjoy a perfect day in beautiful Salzburg!
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