In this blog article are we taking you on a tour through the city, in just a day. We will show you the best and most beautiful sights you definitely should not miss when visiting the gorgeous city of Salzburg.
9:00 a.m. – Start in Mirabellgarden
Start your day in the pompous Mirabellgarden (1), one of the most beautiful baroque gardens in Europe. It was created in the 17th century for the mistress of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Salome Alt, and is now a public park. Admire the symmetrically arranged flowerbeds, the Pegasus Fountain, and the impressive sculptures. From here, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of Hohensalzburg Fortress. The Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace (2) is an internationally popular wedding venue.
The garden unfolds its special charm, especially in the morning when everything is still quiet.
10:00 a.m. – Walk along Salzach
From the Mirabellgarden, it’s only a short walk to the riverbank of the Salzach. Along the promade, you’ll experience the city from a completely different perspective. The ones that still have time can book a boat tour along the Salzach – offers start at 30 minutes. Many bridges connect the two halves of the city, each offering perfect views of the Old Town.
Our tip: For the perfect photograph you should consider walking on Müllnersteg (3).
11:00 a.m. – Discovering Salzburg’s Old Town
Getreidegasse (4), Alter Markt (5), Judengasse (6), Residenzplatz (7), Mozartplatz (8), …
Salzburgs Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well known for its baroque buildings, narrow streets and historical places. Stroll through Getreidegasse (4) with its traditional guild signs, visit Residenzplatz (7) with its magnificent fountain and Salzburg Cathedral, and stop by Mozartplatz (8) with its monument of the composer. The Old Town offers a unique atmosphere and numerous photo opportunities. Numerous shops, restaurants, and cafés invite you to shop and linger.
1:00 p.m. – Mozarts Geburtshaus (9) or Domquartier(10)
The Getreidegasse is also home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birthplace. The museum’s exhibitions provide a vivid insight into the life and work of the composer and his family—a true highlight for culture lovers. Also located directly in the Old Town at Residentplatz is the Cathedral Quarter. It connects the Old Residence, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Benedictine Monastery of St. Peter. This interconnected complex once allowed the archbishop to move through his city without ever setting foot outside. Exhibitions and concerts are regularly held here.
Gastro Tip: St. Peter Stiftskulinarium (11) – the oldest continuously open restaurant in Europe
First mentioned in documents in 803, the restaurant is located in the monastery complex of the Benedictine Archabbey of St. Peter. At Christmas time, it hosts a delightful little Christmas market.
2:00 PM – Hohensalzburg Fortress (12) & the city mountains, Festungsberg (14) and Mönchsberg (14)
Hohensalzburg Fortress (12) is the city’s landmark and one of the largest fully preserved castle complexes in Europe. It was built starting in 1077 and offers impressive views over Salzburg. Visitors can explore the various areas of the fortress on their own or take a guided tour. Highlights of the fortress include the Hall of Arms, the Prince’s Chamber, and the medieval prisons. Breathtaking views of the city can be enjoyed from the observation tower, the ramparts, and the terraces.
The route to the fortress leads up a steep street or a more leisurely ride on the fortress funicular (13).
You can continue walking over the fortress hill to the Mönchsberg. There you’ll find a Buddhist stupa, a medieval fortification, and the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art (15), with changing exhibitions of modern art. The Mönchsberg can also be easily reached from the city center using the Mönchsberg elevator (16).
5:00 PM – Stroll through the charming right side of the old town
Linzergasse (17), Steingasse (18), Markatplatz (19), …
Crossing the Staatsbrücke and the Mozartsteg (20) takes you back to the right side of the Old Town. Linzergasse is known for its charming shops, cozy cafés, and historic buildings.
Tip: Don’t miss the cemetery of St. Sebastian’s Church (21). Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Paracelsus, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s father and wife are buried here.
The Mozart Residence (22) is located on Makartplatz. The museum offers insights into the life and works of the famous composer.
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