Salzburg in 48 Hours: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Weekend

Only have a weekend in Salzburg? Here’s how to soak in the best of the city without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Start with coffee and a flaky croissant at Café Bazar, overlooking the Salzach River. Then dive into the Altstadt: visit the Salzburg Cathedral, the Residenz Palace, and Mozart’s Birthplace. Lunch? Grab an original Salzburger Bosna from Balkan-Grill (just like the locals), or go to Bärenwirt.

In the afternoon, take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress. The views are unmatched.

Day 2: Morning hike? Head to Kapuzinerberg for peaceful paths and views over the city. Then reward yourself with cake at Cafe Schatz. Afterward, visit Mirabell Gardens—The Sound of Music fans will recognise the Pegasus fountain and hedge maze.

Wrap it all up with a Mozart concert at the fortress or a laid-back dinner in the city’s buzzing Neustadt district. Two days, and you'll already want to come back.