How to Spend One Day in Salzburg, the Home of Mozart

We came to Salzburg, Austria, for the Christmas markets, as the city is home to the best Perchten parades. What we found, apart from one of the strangest holiday traditions ever, is a charming city packed with Mozart magic, history, and some very lively hills.

I hadn’t been to Salzburg since I was a kid, so my memories were pretty fuzzy. Seeing this one as an adult was like seeing it for the first time, even if we did some things that I would have loved back then, too.

If you only have one day in Salzburg, that’s enough to get yourself acquainted with my favorite city in Austria. I’ll include tips for Sound of Music fans and bonus things to do in Salzburg if you’re lucky enough to have more time.

One day is enough to see the highlights of Salzburg.

While I’m serious when I say I loved Salzburg, it’s much more compact than heavy-hitters like Vienna, so you can do quite a bit in one day. Everything I’ll mention here is completely doable in just a day in Salzburg.

If you’re here for the Sound of Music connection, though, plan to spend at least two days in Salzburg. The original tour, my favorite way to experience the magic of the movie, takes up a good chunk of a day.

READ MORE: Sound of Music fans, I’ve got you. Read my review of the most popular movie tour in the city!

How to Spend One Day in Salzburg

You can spend a day in Salzburg like this:

• Enjoy the views at St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery.
• Stop by Salzburg Cathedral. 
• Find your favorite Salzburg square.
• Do some window-shopping on the Getreidegasse.
• Eat a Bosna at Balkan Grill Walter.
• Tour Mozart’s Birthplace.
• See the views from Fortress Hohensalzburg.
• Visit Mirabell Palace & Gardens.
• Have dinner at the Afro Café.

One Day in Salzburg

With just the day, you don’t want to mess around with a leisurely breakfast. I’ll include an optional stop at one of the most historic (but touristy) cafes in Salzburg later.

To kick things off, grab some caffeine and/or a pastry at a spot like nur coffee Salzburg near your first stop.

Stop 1: St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery

The abbey itself was closed when we visited, but we still found wandering the grounds worthwhile.

Note: If you’re worried about the same, avoid the weekend. The abbey is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Instead, we wandered the catacombs for views of the complex below, and wandered the atmospheric cemetery. There is a small entry fee to enter the catacombs, but I’d highly recommend it. They offer one of the most unique vantage points in Salzburg.

If you’re here when the abbey is open, you’ll be treated to one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world. Founded in 696 AD, it’s been a Benedictine stronghold for over 1,300 years. 

Again, even if you’re here when the abbey’s closed, I’d still recommend the trip. It was much more peaceful than the Christmas chaos outside, and quickly became one of our favorite scenic spots in the city.

Stop 2: Salzburg Cathedral

Unlike most churches in France, you have to pay to enter the Salzburg Cathedral. There was a mass going on when we took a look from the initial vantage point inside, so that was enough for us. 

Fun fact: If you’re a big fan of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, you may want to do more than that. He was baptized here in 1756.

If all you do is peek inside and get a look at the exterior, that’s still worth the quick trip. The cathedral’s grand dome is an impressive example of Baroque architecture. 

Stop 3: Salzburg’s Squares

Salzburg’s squares acted as the main hub for the city’s holiday markets during our visit, but they’re always worth seeing as the city’s most popular gathering spaces.

Fun fact: Salzburg’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Here are three that are easily accessible from the cathedral you just left:

• Kapitelplatz: This is the square at Salzburg Cathedral. You’ll know you’re there when you’re tempted to dust off your middle school chess knowledge on the giant board. The golden globe sculpture in the middle is a popular photo spot, too.
• Mozartplatz: This one is known for its statue of Mozart, naturally. He’s Salzburg’s most famous son, just in case you haven’t gathered that yet. In the winter, it’s dominated by an ice rink. Otherwise, it’s a more peaceful place to linger.
• Residenzplatz: This is Salzburg’s grandest square, dominated by the Salzburg Residenz, the former palace of the prince-archbishops. Outside of the winter months, it’s a popular spot for street performers. 

Stop 4: Getreidegasse

This narrow, cobbled street lit it up for Christmas, and I mean that quite literally. Outside of the holidays, it’s known for its wrought-iron shop signs and high-end boutiques. Shopping isn’t generally my thing on trips, but it’s worth a stroll for the charm factor.

If you see people crowding around one building in particular as you walk, that’s likely Mozart’s Birthplace. We’ll get to that soon.

Stop 5: Lunch at Balkan Grill Walter

There’s likely a long line at this one no matter when you arrive, but the ladies at the grill keep this one moving quickly.

This is the city’s best spot for Bosna, a sausage sandwich typically made with a grilled bratwurst and topped with mustard, onions, and a curry-based seasoning.

The stand is tucked into a passageway, but you’ll know you’re there by the hungry people lined up outside the stand. They offer a few different options if you don’t like the toppings I described. If you like ketchup, they’ll do it for you, too. 

If you’re not a meateater, we also really liked The Keep. After days of indulgent eats and drinks at the Christmas markets, this place hit the spot. It’s vegan, but very flavorful food. We split a tasty carrot and ginger soup and veggie burger, with no regrets. 

READ MORE: Planning a Salzburg Christmas trip? Use my guide to help you plan it!

For something sweet and a coffee, you can stop by Café Tomaselli. This is Salzburg’s oldest café, dating back to 1703. Mozart himself is said to have visited here, so that’s cool.

I wouldn’t suggest eating lunch here, though. It’s become quite touristy and, as a result, overpriced for food that is just OK. You have so many better options.

Stop 6: Mozart’s Birthplace

You can go back to that crowd you left on the Getreidegasse now. It’s time to check out Mozart’s Birthplace, the house where the prodigy was born and spent the first 17 years of his life.

The building has been converted into a museum dedicated to those early years, his family life, and musical beginnings.

You’ll get to see a child-sized violin used by Mozart, family portraits, letters, and memorabilia that prove how talented he was from a very young age.

The most interesting part for me was the story of Nannerl Mozart, his sister. She was also a child prodigy, and if you’re surprised right now, join the club. She had to abandon her public music career to care for her father and, later, her husband.

Those were the options available to women back then, I guess. In any case, it’s a story that stuck with me.

If you’re doing pretty well on time, you can combine your ticket here with Mozart’s Residence. It’s a little pricey, and after doing both, I recommend prioritizing this one, but I’m not going to yuck your yum if you’re a super fan.

You can buy tickets online if you’re worried about lines upon arrival.

Optional Stop 7: Mozart’s Residence

We got the combo ticket, so we made this one happen, but again, the birthplace was much more compelling and a better value. 

Mozart’s Residence on Makartplatz was the family home where he and his family lived from 1773 to 1780. You’ll get some insight into that time and his early adult life in Salzburg while you’re here in the form of portraits, documents, and period instruments.

On our visit, much of the space was dedicated to temporary exhibitions unrelated to Mozart, which seemed a little awkward. 

If you’re short on time here, skip the residence and go straight to the fortress, my next stop on this Salzburg itinerary. You’ll need to cross over the river and back again to make it to the residence.

Stop 8: Fortress Hohensalzburg

Take the funicular or walk up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Built in 1077, it was expanded over the centuries to show off the political and religious power of the prince-archbishops of Salzburg.

The views from up here are the best part. On a clear day, you’ll get beyond the city for panoramas of the surrounding Alps and the Salzach River nearby.

To learn more about what you’re exploring up here, you can buy a ticket that grants access to several small museums about the castle’s history. The medieval weaponry room was our personal favorite, but prioritize based on your interests and posted hours.

During the holidays, don’t miss the market up here. They’ll be cooking up tarte flambée baked in traditional fortress ovens, and it’s as bucket-listy as it sounds. 

Note: If you only want the market during holiday times, tell the ticket counter. Your entry is free for that.

Stop 9: Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Come back down from the fortress to enjoy Mirabellplatz and the Mirabell Garden. For most visitors on a one-day itinerary, the Miraball gardens outside are the main draw. They’re free, open year-round, and give great views of the palace façade.

There’s also the Hollywood connection.

Sound of Music fans will recognize the gardens from the “Do-Re-Mi” scene with Maria and the von Trapp children dancing around the Pegasus fountain.

We weren’t able to get close to the fountain to recreate it while exploring the Mirabell gardens, but it was still a lovely place to stop.

Stop 10: Dinner 

You’ve likely worked up an appetite by now, especially if you climbed up and down the hill to and from the fortress. For something a little different, we liked the Afro Café, a spot known for its wraps, hearty bowls, and unique teas.

We ordered a falafel wrap and beef curry in a bread bowl, and both were packed with flavor. We both ordered teas, too. I tried a yellow tea for the first time in my life and felt like I was really living in that moment. 

They take reservations, but they were booked up on the day we wanted to visit. We encountered a wait of about 20 minutes for our early dinner, but I imagine it gets quite a bit longer during peak times.

If you want something a little more traditional, get a reservation at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. This is Europe’s oldest restaurant. Expect Austrian classics mixed in with modern mains that look pretty good for pickier eaters. 

For dessert, make a stop at Braun. (On your map apps it’ll look like Braun. Internationale Manufaktur-Schokoladen.) They sell fancy Mozart chocolates and artisanal pralines. If you really like anyone back home, you can pick up some extras here, too.

With More Time in Salzburg

If your visit stretches beyond a single day, lucky you! Here are a few things you can add if you have a full weekend in Salzburg to work with:

• Book a Sound of Music tour to see all of the best filming locations from your favorite movie and mine.
• Take a bus out to Hellbrunn Palace to see its trick fountains.
• Explore more of the DomQuartier, a connected complex of museums that includes the Residenzgalerie Salzburg.
• Walk the Mönchsberg Walk, a scenic trail behind the fortress with lookouts and modern art sculptures that can lead you to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg.
• Visit the Salzburg Museum while on Mozartplatz to learn a little more history of Salzburg artists beyond Mozart. 
• Have a beer (or two) at Müllner Bräustübl, or the Augustiner Bräustübl, a sprawling beer hall and beer garden serving up classic Austrian treats.
• Book tickets for a show at the Marble Hall in Mirabell Palace or a dinner concert for a Mozart performance.
• If it’s warm out, enjoy a walking tour of your own making along the Salzach River at sunset, joining locals who like to do so with cocktails. 
• Enjoy a trifecta of dinner, a Mozart show, and a river cruise on this highly-rated tour.

How to Get to Salzburg

How you get to Salzburg depends on where you’re coming from, but most travelers arrive by train or plane. Both are easy enough. We took the train from Vienna after flying there from our home base in France, and it was easy to make it happen.

The Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, the city’s main train station, is centrally located. From the station, it’s about a 30-minute walk to Domplatz and Residenzplatz, or you can catch a quick local bus if you’d rather save your energy for sightseeing.

If you’re staying more than a day or two, look into the Salzburg Card. It includes public transportation, museum entry, and discounts at major attractions. It didn’t make sense for us, but I’ll let you do the math!

Where to Stay in Salzburg

We stayed at the Parkhotel Brunauer for our trip to Salzburg, but I wouldn’t recommend it. We booked it based on price, as it was Christmas market time and prices were higher at that time, and its proximity to the train. 

In a do-over, I’d just pay more to stay closer to the city center, especially if I was just passing through for the day. It was hot and dated, and nothing drained properly in any sinks or showers. 

Check out the map below for more options in Salzburg:

Salzburg is always worth visiting.

Vienna gets a lot of love among travel bloggers, but I will always prefer Salzburg. The Austrian town is less crowded, generally less expensive, and offers more charm than Vienna’s big-city vibes.

I’ve been twice now, and I don’t even think I’m done yet. This one deserves a summertime trip, too!

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