Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by Soumya
Looking for the best things to do in Salzburg in one day? You’re at the right place.
Here’s an exciting Salzburg itinerary that will show you the best of the city in just 24 hours.
Brimming with culture, history, and charm, Salzburg is known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, the famous 1965 American musical.
But apart from that, this stunning Austrian town is filled with quaint historic houses, cobblestone streets, stunning baroque churches, and delicious culinary delights.
Are you wondering if you can cover all that with just 1 day in Salzburg? Not to worry! This meticulously crafted one-day itinerary will help you experience the best highlights of Salzburg while making every moment count.
By the end of this blog, you’ll discover how to spend a day in Salzburg with a mix of classic landmarks, local delicacies, and hidden gems, offering the perfect combo of history and entertainment. So, let’s get started!
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One Perfect Day in Salzburg, Austria
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Start your day at Mirabell Palace and Gardens, one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks.
Part of the UNESCO-listed Salzburg’s Historic Center, this 17th-century baroque palace is a picture-perfect way to set the tone for the day. The Marble Hall or Marmorsaal, with gorgeous marble pillars and beautiful ceiling frescoes, is a highlight. And so is the Angel Staircase that leads up to it.
Make sure you take time to explore the manicured Mirabell Gardens, famous for their sculptures, fountains, and The Sound of Music filming locations. Don’t miss the Pegasus Fountain and the famous steps featured in the film’s “Do-Re-Mi” scene.
Mirabell Palace opens early at 8 am. So, if you’re an early riser, this is the perfect place to start your day in Salzburg. They are closed on Sundays. The Marble Hall is open at different times on different days of the week and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. So, please check all opening hours here before planning your itinerary.
📖 Read Next: 12 Best Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria
Mozart Residence
Just across the square, step into the life of Salzburg’s favorite son at Mozart’s Residence or Wohnhaus.
The Mozart family lived at the Wohnhaus from 1773 to 1787. Now, it is a museum that offers a glimpse into the musical genius’s personal life and creative process. Exhibits include original manuscripts, personal letters, and Mozart’s pianoforte.
In the courtyard, you’ll find the Magic Flute House – a small cottage where Mozart is believed to have created pieces of his famous work, the Magic Flute.
Mozart Residence is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Check here for any changes in opening hours.
✦ Pro Tip: Are you a Mozart fan? Check out this Life of Mozart Guided Walking Tour in Salzburg.
Getreidegasse & Mozart’s Birthplace
From Mozart’s Residence, take a leisurely walk across the Makartsteg Bridge, also known as the “Love Lock Bridge,” adorned with thousands of locks symbolizing love.
This will lead you into Salzburg’s Altstadt (Old Town) via a charming shopping street called the Getreidegasse. Filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and beautiful wrought iron signs, this is the most happening place in Salzburg.
On Getreidegasse, you’ll also find Mozart’s Birthplace (Geburtshaus), a narrow yellow-colored building that’s now been turned into a museum filled with Mozart’s personal stuff. This is an absolute haven for Mozart enthusiasts – so don’t miss this!
✦ Pro Tip: Join this 2-hour Salzburg walking tour to see this beautiful city with a local guide.
Lunch Like a Local
Have lunch at Wirtshaus Elefant, one of Salzburg’s famous restaurants offering authentic Austrian cuisine. Try their schnitzels and souffles – they are too good. They also offer a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
Wirtshaus Elefant is just a few minutes away from Mozart’s birthplace, so an easy addition to your Salzburg one-day itinerary.
If you’re looking for something lighter, go to Café Tomaselli, Austria’s oldest coffee house (founded in 1705), for a cup of Einspänner (espresso with whipped cream) and pair it with a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel for a true taste of Austrian tradition.
DomQuartier and Salzburg Cathedral
Walk to the DomQuartier, a vast museum complex of the archbishop’s residences, galleries, and ceremonial halls.
Rich in baroque architecture and religious art, DomQuartier is a cultural highlight of Salzburg. The state rooms of the Residenz are absolutely mindblowing, and so is the collection at the Cathedral Museum. You can enjoy a stunning view of the town from the terrace.
Don’t miss the ornate Salzburg Cathedral or Salzburg Dom right next door. With its massive onion dome and two towers, it surely dominates the old town skyline. They have daily guided tours at 2 pm.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Wrap up your day with a scenic funicular ride to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved castles.
Explore the medieval courtyards, armories, and staterooms, then take in the panoramic views of Salzburg at sunset—it’s the perfect finale to your Salzburg 1-day itinerary.
The fortress is usually open till 5 pm. However, in the spring and summer, they are open until 8 pm. After exploring the fortress, you can stay for this Mozart Concert in the Golden Hall and listen to some of the maestro’s best creations.
If time allows, enjoy dinner at one of the traditional beer halls or restaurants in the Old Town for an authentic Austrian end to your Salzburg day.
Salzburg One Day Itinerary Map
Tips for the Best One Day in Salzburg
- Stay in the Old Town or close to it so you don’t have to spend too much time commuting from your hotel to the attractions. If you plan to follow this exact itinerary, staying near the Mirabell Palace is best. Both Hotel am Mirabellplatz and Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu are great choices.
- Get a Salzburg Card, which includes complimentary access to many attractions such as DomQuartier, Hohensalzburg, and Mozart Residence. It also includes public transportation and the funicular ride to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. This card will save you both money and waiting time.
- Get a good pair of walking shoes because there is a lot of walking to be done in this one-day Salzburg itinerary.
- If you’d like to begin with a guided tour of the historic city, here’s an excellent 2.5-hour excursion that covers all the key highlights of Salzburg.
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