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When you are short on time, creating the perfect travel itinerary is crucial. The key is knowing how many days you need at your destination. How many days do you need in Salzburg? In my experience, 2 days is more than doable. It can be tight, but I managed to create the perfect 2-day Salzburg itinerary.
For all you solo female travelers looking for safe destinations in Europe, consider Salzburg! It is one of the safest European cities to travel alone as an independent woman! As a frequent solo traveler, safe cities are significant to me.
In general, I don’t think you can go wrong in Europe! I find it especially easy traveling solo in Salzburg even as a beginner!
Visiting for 2 days will be plenty of time if you are intentional with your planning. This post will contain tips on how to craft the perfect 2 days in Salzburg. Itinerary ideas of top-notch recommendations for any type of traveler!
How Many Days Do You NEED In Salzburg?
Salzburg is small, so with this thought-out itinerary visiting the city of Salzburg in just 2 days is enough. The surrounding area around Salzburg also has a lot to offer. If you were planning on days of excursions you will need a few more than just 2 days in Salzburg.
I managed to get around to nearly everything I had on my Salzburg bucket list in just two days. If you plan your trip well, you too will see everything.
How many days YOU NEED in Salzburg really does depend on your level of interest in its sites. There are many places to see in Salzburg, I created a list of the ones you don’t want to miss!
Things to Consider When Planning Your Two-Day Itinerary
- When I have only a couple of days in someplace new I stay as central as possible. Does this cost a little more, yes, but you know what they say… Time is money. Don’t try to save a few bucks by staying outside the city center. You would lose valuable time if you stay far away.
- Spend time researching the city and historic sites before arriving to ensure you don’t miss a thing! My go-to travel planning tip is always to book a walking tour or bus tour on the first day of the trip.
- Consider the time of year you are visiting. The best time to visit Salzburg is the summer months, but it’s also the most expensive time to visit. I prefer the fall or December to visit Christmas markets.
Best Time to Visit Salzburg
Salzburg is truly magical no matter what time of year you visit. My personal preference is to travel to Europe in September.
It is far less crowded and the prices are a little bit cheaper. The weather in September is still pretty great.
Another amazing time to visit Salzburg is in December! Austria has the best Christmas Markets!
Salzburg Public Transportation
Salzburg is easy to reach from major cities such as Vienna or Munich. Making it perfect for a 2-day trip! Traveling from Vienna will take approximately take 2 1/2 hours by train, or 2 1/2 by bus. Transit times are similar to Munich.
If you only have a couple of days, then arrive as early as possible!
It would be possible to make a day trip out of Salzburg if you stay within 3 hours of the city. But personally, after visiting Salzburg, I would recommend that you try and stay a minimum of 2 full days and nights. An optimal stay of 3 nights is ideal for this small city.
The Salzburg transit info can be found by visiting the site for the local bus and trolly. Here you can buy day tickets in advance, saving you time and money.
Everything is digital these days. I would recommend downloading the Transit App by clicking HERE.
How many days in Salzburg you spend will determine whether or not you should obtain the Salzburg card.
The best way to cover the most ground in Salzburg is by taking a tour!
Free Google Map of Salzburg
Day 1: What to See in Salzburg in 2 days
Day 1 Itinerary Overview
Morning: 2.5 hour walking tour of Salzburg
Afternoon: Hohensalzburg Fortress & Lunch
Late Afternoon: Salzburg Cathedral, St. Sebastian Cemetary, Residenplatz
Evening: Dinner at Augustiner Brewery (casual) or St. Peter Stifskulinarium (fancy)
To create the perfect solo Salzburg itinerary in 2 days I had to decide what I was most interested in seeing.
The standout main attractions of Salzburg are Fortress Hohensalzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, and Mirabell Palace. I suggest that you focus the first day of your 2 day Salzburg itinerary here.
This 2.5-hour walking tour of Salzburg is a great way to spend your first day in Salzburg! You will start at Mirabell Palace and move on from there to see the Old Town Salzburg (UNESCO world heritage site), and the birthplace of Mozart, and end the tour at Mönchsberg with a panoramic view.
It is an especially good tour if you are traveling alone! Make a friend or two on your first day of the trip!
Mirabell Palace
Mirabell Palace is one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks! You often see it featured on postcards and souvenirs across Austria. It is one of the top things to do in the city of Mozart.
Mirabell gardens are as if taken straight from a romantic novel. Here you will find marble statues, fountains, and grottoes.
An afternoon can easily be lost wandering around the grounds and beautiful gardens of this palace. It is a great place to bring a book, and coffee and just enjoy its beauty.
>> BOOK TICKETS CONCERT AT MIRABELL PALACE
Hohensalzburg Fortress
After your guided tour, head over to Fortress Hohensalzburg! Which can be seen in my pictures, is perched on the hill that overlooks this beautiful city.
Fortress Hohensalzburg is one of the largest and most impressive medieval castles in central Europe!
Located on Festungsberg hill, you have a choice of taking the trolley to the top or burning off all that pastries by walking up on foot.
Whichever way you get there, you will feel satisfied with the outcome. You will find the best views of Salzburg and the Bavarian Alps, and plenty of activities to do on the grounds. The fortress, built by Archbishop Gebhard, is a great example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Enjoy the various exhibits in the castle including the Marionette Theatre and medieval Castle shop.
If you are hungry and thirsty, you can satisfy those cravings at the castle restaurant or tavern, and beer garden located within the castle walls.
For the best experience, you can dine at the Hohensalzburg castle while enjoying the sounds of the Mozart concert!
>> BOOK TICKETS DINNER & MOZART CONCERT HOHENSALZBURG
St. Sebastian Cemetery
St. Sebastian Cemetery is a 400-year-old that has been revived in the heart of the city. Founded in 1733, it contains notable tombs including those of Mozart’s father and sister as well as other prominent figures in Salzburg’s history.
Located in the old town, it’s worth checking out this place if you have enough time.
Residenzplatz
The Residenplatz is a magnificent forecourt between the archiepiscopal residences in the heart of Salzburg’s Old City. It is bordered by the New Residence with its carillon, the Cathedral, the Old Residence, and a continuous row of townhouses.
Salzburg Cathedral
The impressive Salzburg Cathedral of Baroque architecture can be found in the center of the old town! Built between 1614 and 1628 this Roman Catholic church, is one of the most known tourist attractions in Salzburg.
Sound of Music fans might recognize it as it was the backdrop to the famous 1965 film.
One of the best things to do is to climb to the top of the viewing tower where you are rewarded with the most stunning views of the city!
Day 1: Salzburg Itinerary add-ons
Lonely Goatherd Bike Tour:
There is no better way to see Salzburg than by bike! When I am a solo female traveling around, I always look for a bike tour. It’s a great way to make travel friends!
This 2-hour and 30-minute bike tour takes you to Schloss Fronhburg, Schloss Hellbrunn, Schloss Leopoldskron, and Nonnberg Convent.
Hellbrunn Palace
Hellbrunner Wasserspiele is known as a true wonder that can still be experienced today although it was built more than 400 years ago. A 17th-century Baroque country estate located just outside the city of Salzburg. Here you will find Mystic caves, water-driven figures, and treacherous spray wells!
Since this destination is a little outside the city you may want to save it for day 2 or join the Sound of Music Bike Tour above to hit this place.
Petersfriedhof
The Erzabtei St. Peter, the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, is in the heart of Salzburg’s old town. Since 696, monks have been living, praying, and working here.
Day 2: What to See in Salzburg in Two Days
Day 2 Itinerary Overview
Morning: 4-hour Sound of Music Tour
Afternoon: Visit Food Markets
Evening: Hanger 7 Museum & Dinner
Sound of Music Tour
You don’t have to be a fan of The Sound of Music to enjoy any of the tours provided by this company! The filming locations in the movie are worth visiting on their own.
When you are a solo adventurer or have a short amount of time, guided tours are the best. This tour would take up half of the second day of your Salzburg 2-day itinerary.
On this tour you visit:
- Mirabell Palace & Gardens
- Schloss Leopoldskon
- Schloss Hellbrunn
- Nonnberg Convent (pass by)
- St. Gilgen
- Basilika St. Michael
>> BOOK TICKETS SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR
Hanger-7
Hanger-7 is located at Salzburg Airport. This unique building houses the historical Flying Bulls aircraft and a collection of Formula 1 race cars.
It also has, Restaurant Ikarus, two bars, an outdoor lounge, and one cafe. It’s an event location, and a meeting point for art lovers and bons vivants, too.
You will need to take a bus or taxi from the old town of Salzburg.
Day 2: Salzburg Itinerary add-ons
For some alternatives ideas for your two days in Salzburg, you should consider:
Alternative Itinerary Ideas in Salzburg
Visit Hallein Salt Mines (Salzwelten Hallein)
Half-Day Tour to Hallstat
Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour
Food Tour in Salzburg
Perfect Two Night Stay in Salzburg
Boutique Hotels in Salzburg
- Hotel Goldgasse is a special hotel located in Old Town. Creative and cool are the best way to describe the hotel’s atmosphere.
- Hotel Goldener Hirsch is traditional and exceptional when it comes to the aesthetics of this hotel.
- Arthotel Blaue Gans is a great choice for a boutique modern-style hotel.
Luxury Hotels in Salzburg
The most luxurious hotels can be found in Salzburg. If you are looking to treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience, look no further.
- Hotel Sacher Salzburg This hotel is FANCY. Bling, bling, Oprah would stay here fancy.
- Hotel Castle Mönchstein With the word “Castle” in the name, do I really need to say more? This is the kind of hotel that is more of an experience. I would suggest this hotel if you have a lot more time than just 2 days.
- Sheraton Grand Salzburg This hotel is rated as “fabulous” by previous guests. Centrally located, modern, and clean!
Budget Hotels in Salzburg
If a lady is looking for ways to spoil herself in Salzburg but has a tight budget, here are some tips for you:
Where to Eat in Salzburg
The perfect 2 days in Salzburg itinerary must include all the best places to eat and drink in Salzburg. How many days you can spend in Salzburg is also dependent on how many days you can handle the tempting cakes and pastries! Full warning, it can be very hard to resist!
Walking around old town Salzburg you will be inundated on every corner with the smell of freshly baked cakes. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Breakfast
- Schatz Konditorei Loosen the top button, ladies! Or better yet, just wear leggings. It’s time for some of the best pastries!
- 220 Grad This place is the ULTIMATE coffee experience!
Obsessed with Coffee and Cake?
Check out this 1-hour highlights of Salzburg Day Tour followed by coffee and cake on the top of Mönchsberg at restaurant M32!
>> BOOK TICKETS SALZBURG HIGHLIGHTS TOUR WITH COFFEE AND CAKE
Lunch
- Magazin is a unique dining experience. A store that serves small bites and sells goodies of all varieties. Magazin is also a full-scale restaurant on the upper floor.
- Augustiner Brewery would make an excellent choice for a casual lunch on a day of site seeing.
- Stiegl Brewery Women like beer too! Stiegl Brewery offers public and private tours. There is an on-site restaurant, a perfect place to have lunch! Also, for beer enthusiasts, there is a beer museum.
Dinner
What are the places to have a tasty dinner on my own and meet new friends in Salzburg?
- St. Peter This place is extraordinary. Dining here is a true experience. If you enjoy Mozart, you can have a Mozart dinner. Check the site for more details.
- Restaurant Herzl Traditional Austrian dishes that will make you want to move to Salzburg.
- Bärenwirt is a modern dining restaurant serving Austrian fusion fare. Get a reservation ahead of time.
Language Spoken in Austria
In Austria, the language is German. It is Austrian German, which has a little bit of a different dialect. The most important words to know are:
- Good Morning – Guten Morgan
- Beer – Bier
- Wine – Wein
- Where is the toliet – Wo ist die toiletten
- Thanks- Danke
Currency
In Austria, you will need to have Euros, and I would suggest you need approximately 100 euros per day for spending money.
Austria is not the cheapest place I have visited, not the most expensive either. Luckily in Salzburg, you can use your credit card in most establishments
Where To After The Perfect 2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary?
When you are finished with Salzburg, move on to Hallstatt!
Hallstatt is approx. 2 hours by train from Salzburg. ❤︎ BOOK DAY TRIP TO HALLSTATT
Hallstatt is located on the western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. The most recommended way to travel to Hallstatt would be by train. The Attnang-Puchheim train station is 50 minutes from Salzburg and 135 minutes from Vienna.
Innsbruck, Austria, was the backdrop of the film The Sound of Music. I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon here in 2009. It was so incredibly long ago I will need to do a more intensive visit before offering any recommendations. I can tell you from it approximately 4 1/2 via train from Vienna and only approximately 1 hour 45 mins via train from Salzburg!
It is a widely accepted concept that Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands are in order and things there go solely by the book.
After your perfect 2 days in Salzburg itinerary, why not head to Italy!? If you want adventure, color, and a little charming chaos, get inspired by Verona Italy, A City to Love! For more insights into Verona, check out Verona Italy, A City to Love
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Great post! I’d love to go to Salzburg one day. I visited Vienna last year and it’s my favorite city I’ve ever visited!
This is such a great post! My dad’s family are from Austria, and when deciding on place to do my student exchange from New Zeland in 2017, Salzburg was on my list, but I ended up choosing the Netherlands! I’m still yet to go to Salzburg! It’s such a beautiful city and these recommendations are so great! Thank you for sharing!
I recently returned from a trip to Salzburg, where I was able to visit beautiful castles and enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine. It was an unforgettable trip and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this stunning country.