Austria · Trip plan
3 days in Salzburg
Mozart's baroque city, Christmas markets and the birthplace of 'Silent Night'.
- Best time
- Nov – Dec, May – Sep
- Ideal length
- 3 days
- A day, mid-range
- $230 per person
- Trip for two
- about $1,380
Planning a 3-day trip to Salzburg? Here's a day-by-day Salzburg itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt below the fortress is one of Europe's oldest, and 'Silent Night' was first sung in nearby Oberndorf in 1818.
Salzburg is a baroque city on the Salzach river ringed by Alps, famous as Mozart's birthplace and the setting of 'The Sound of Music'.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May: a good time to go
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
December: -3 to 4°C, often snowy.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Salzburg
- 01
Hohensalzburg Fortress
A huge medieval castle above the city, reached by funicular.
- 02
Christkindlmarkt
Cathedral Square's market, dating back to the 15th century.
- 03
Mozart's Birthplace
The yellow house on Getreidegasse.
- 04
Hallstatt
A lakeside village in the Alps, 1.5 hours away.
Day by day
Salzburg itinerary for 3 days
- D1
Day 1: Old town and fortress
- Morning
- Ride the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for views over the snowy rooftops and Alps.
- Afternoon
- Mozart's Birthplace on Getreidegasse, the street of wrought-iron shop signs.
- Evening
- Christkindlmarkt in Cathedral Square, with mulled wine and carols.
The Salzburg Card covers the fortress funicular.
- D2
Day 2: Sound of Music and palaces
- Morning
- Walk through the Mirabell Gardens and the Mirabell Palace.
- Afternoon
- Sound of Music tour, or Hellbrunn Palace's trick fountains and Advent market.
- Evening
- Dinner at a traditional beer hall like the Augustiner Bräustübl.
Hellbrunn's Advent market is especially atmospheric.
- D3
Day 3: Hallstatt
- Morning
- Day trip to Hallstatt, the lakeside village in the mountains.
- Afternoon
- Salt mine tour or the Skywalk viewpoint.
- Evening
- Back to Salzburg and home.
Trains plus a short ferry reach Hallstatt.
Shorter or longer
Salzburg in 2, 3 or 5 days
2 days in Salzburg
Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Hallstatt”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
5 days in Salzburg
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Vienna.
What it costs
Salzburg trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 3 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110 | $660 |
| Mid-range | $230 | $1,380 |
| Luxury | $550+ | $3,300 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Salzburg is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Salzburg for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Salzburg
Salzburger Nockerl
A sweet soufflé shaped like the city's peaks.
Mozartkugel
Pistachio-marzipan chocolate balls.
Bosna
A spicy local hot dog.
Getting there
How to reach Salzburg
- Travel
- Salzburg airport is 15 minutes away; trains from Vienna (2.5 hours) and Munich (1.5 hours).
- Getting around
- Walk the old town; buses and trains for day trips.
- The Salzburg Card covers the funicular, museums and buses.
- Visit Hallstatt early or late to avoid crowds.
Before you go
What to pack for Salzburg
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
- Waterproof boots
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Salzburg trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Salzburg?
3 days are enough to see the highlights: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Christkindlmarkt, Mozart's Birthplace. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 3-day Salzburg trip cost?
Roughly $110 a day per person on a budget, $230 mid-range and $550+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,380 for 3 days.
What is the best time to visit Salzburg?
Nov – Dec, May – Sep. Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt below the fortress is one of Europe's oldest, and 'Silent Night' was first sung in nearby Oberndorf in 1818.
Where should I stay in Salzburg?
Budget: YoHo International Youth Hostel (Neustadt), from about $60 a night. Mid-range: Hotel Goldgasse (Altstadt), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Hotel Sacher Salzburg (Riverside), from about $500 a night.
How do I reach Salzburg?
Salzburg airport is 15 minutes away; trains from Vienna (2.5 hours) and Munich (1.5 hours).
Is 2 days enough for Salzburg?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Hallstatt". 3 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Salzburg?
December: -3 to 4°C, often snowy.
What food should I try in Salzburg?
Salzburger Nockerl: A sweet soufflé shaped like the city's peaks. Mozartkugel: Pistachio-marzipan chocolate balls. Bosna: A spicy local hot dog.
How do I get around Salzburg?
Walk the old town; buses and trains for day trips.
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