Salzburg in 2 Days: everything you need to know

If you are planning to visit Austria and want to make a short break to Salzburg for a limited time, you should bear in mind that this is one of the country's top destinations and that it offers a wealth of excursions. However, with the right itinerary and an orderly tour, you'll be able to see the main sights of the city, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities on the banks of the Salzach River.

Some of the best things to do in Salzburg on a 2-day tour include visiting the Cathedral, touring Mozart's birthplace, taking a shopping tour of Getreidegasse, attending a dinner concert at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, visiting Mirabell Palace, attending a performance at the Marionette Theatre and discovering the locations of The Sound of Music.

If you are only planning a 2-day stay in Salzburg, you' d better hurry! So, for the first day I suggest a walk through the historic centre, with a visit to the famous local Cathedral, a tour of the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the city's prodigal son, and a dinner concert at the picturesque Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Visit Salzburg Cathedral

Immersing yourself in the rich history and magnificent architecture of Salzburg Cathedral is an experience that will transport you through time and art, and also one of the best ways to start a tour of this destination. Located in the heart of the city, this cathedral is a testament to baroque architecture that has endured through the centuries.

Upon entering the Cathedral, you will be awed by the grandeur of its design. The vaults and detailed frescoes will capture your attention. On the other hand, if you plan to visit Salzburg in winter, you will also be able to see its snow-covered roofs, which creates an unforgettable setting. Buses 160, 170 and 175 and trolley lines 3 and 4 will take you there.

Inside the Cathedral, another of the highlights is its organ, which is one of the largest in Europe. In addition, you can also visit the imposing reliquary, which usually places this attraction on the top tours of Salzburg. If you plan to visit the city in December, you can take part in the Christmas masses, which fill the city with colourful Christmas carols.

Tour the Mozart House

Next stop is the Mozart House, which will give you an insight into the life and legacy of one of the most influential composers in the history of music. Located in the city centre, three streets away from the Cathedral, the house where the musician was born and lived during his childhood is a cultural treasure of Salzburg.

The Mozart House offers a unique insight into the daily life and times in which the composer lived. You can tour the rooms where Mozart grew up, admire personal objects and explore interactive exhibits that reveal fascinating details about his family, his upbringing and his early musical career.

At Mozart's House, music is also brought to life through live performances and recordings that transport visitors back to the era in which Mozart lived. Finally, you can visit the gift shop, which offers a variety of musical and cultural souvenirs that will allow you to take a piece of Mozart's legacy home with you. A good news that will save you time and money is that you will be able to access this attraction if you have the Salzburg Card.

Take a shopping tour along Getreidegasse

Very close to the Mozart House you can combine your tour with a shopping tour. On Getreidegasse, which runs in front of the composer's museum, you can enjoy a unique shopping experience that combines the historical charm of an iconic street with a variety of modern and traditional shops. This pedestrianised street is a journey through time and an opportunity to discover classic and contemporary treasures.

Getreidegasse is famous for its colourful and elegant facades, cobbled streets and historic buildings. As visitors walk along this street, they are surrounded by a charming atmosphere that combines traditional architecture with modern energy. Fashion boutiques mingle with craft and toy shops, making it one of the ideal places to visit with children in Salzburg.

The shops in Getreidegasse offer a wide range of products, from fashion and jewellery to art and gourmet products. There you will find both well-known brands and exclusive items that capture the essence of the Salzburg region. Quality and authenticity are key elements of this shopping experience, as many of the shops pride themselves on offering local and artisanal products.

Attend a dinner concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress

And to round off the first day, you can attend a dinner concert at the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress, an experience that combines the historical grandeur of this imposing castle with an unforgettable cultural and culinary evening featuring the music of Mozart.

The event begins with a tour of Hohensalzburg Fortress, where you can explore the historic corridors and exhibits that reveal the history of this iconic castle. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms into a magical evening as guests gather for an exquisite dinner and one of Salzburg's finest Mozart concerts.

The highlight will be the classical music concert that takes place in one of the historic halls of the fortress. The music of renowned composers such as Mozart and Strauss will fill the air as the musicians perform iconic pieces that evoke the elegance and splendour of the era. You can get to the fortress on Salzburg' s hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus or trolley lines 3, 4 and 6.

The second and final day of the tour will include a tour of classic Salzburg, but also some of the activities that capture the essence and tradition of the city, such as bike rides along the banks of the Salzach River and a tour to discover the locations of The Sound of Music, Disney's epoch-making masterpiece film set in the region.

Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens

To explore Mirabell Palace and Gardens in Salzburg is to enter a world of beauty and elegance that transcends the centuries. Visitors can explore the historic spaces, such as the Great Marble Hall, where concerts and cultural events are held, and gaze at the works of art hanging in the corridors.

The Mirabell Gardens, meanwhile, are a green haven in the heart of the city. With their meandering paths, elegant fountains and carefully designed flowerbeds, they offer an oasis of peace and natural beauty. From the famous Rose Gardens to the Pegasus Path and the imposing Pegasus Fountain, every corner of this space evokes harmony and baroque aesthetics.

From Mirabell Palace you can also enjoy an unmissable view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Old Town. This panorama will allow you to discover the red roofs of Salzburg, the Salzach River and the majestic mountains surrounding the city, creating a picturesque picture that captures the essence of the city. The gardens can be reached by Salzburg hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus or by trolley lines 3, 4 and 6.

Take a bike tour along the Salzach River

After visiting Mirabell Palace and to make the most of your time, discovering Salzburg by bike along the picturesque Salzach River is a good alternative. This bike tour, which usually lasts about 2 hours, offers visitors a unique perspective as they cycle along the riverside routes, over the bridges connecting each side of the tributary and capture the essence of the city and its natural surroundings.

The bike tour usually starts at the main square and continues with a ride along the banks of the Salzach River. As cyclists make their way along the tour, they will pass landmarks such as Hohensalzburg Castle and the Cathedral, an ideal alternative if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that's your case, here's a list of ideas for getting to know Salzburg in 1 day.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Salzach river bike tour is the sense of accomplishment of completing the tour while connecting with the city and its surroundings in a unique way. In addition, the opportunity to enjoy nature and culture at a leisurely pace allows visitors to participate in an authentic and enriching experience and save energy for the rest of the intense tour.

Attend a performance at the Marionette Theatre

The typical second day experience will be in the magical world of classical entertainment at the Marionette Theatre. This place is known for its tradition and meticulous puppetry, which dates back more than a century. During a performance, the skilfully crafted puppets will perform classic works from opera, theatre and fairy tales.

Attending a performance at this theatre is an experience that transports spectators into a world of imagination and fantasy. From operas like Mozart's The Magic Flute to fairy tales like Cinderella, the stories unfold on a miniature stage, keeping the audience captivated by the skills of the puppeteers and the authenticity of the performances.

In addition to its captivating entertainment, the Puppet Theatre is a testament to the city's cultural history and is one of the best things to do with children in Salzburg. Not only do you get to take part in a traditional local folklore activity, but you also get to experience an experience that brings all ages together. You can reach the theatre on the 170 bus line and on the 3, 4 and 6 trolley lines.

Discover the locations for The Sound of Music

To end our second and final day, what better than to explore the iconic locations and follow in the footsteps of The Sound of Music in Salzburg and immerse yourself in the magic of film and real history. This classic musical film, which captured the hearts of millions of viewers around the world, was filmed in several picturesque locations in the city, which makes discovering these locations an exciting and nostalgic experience.

One of the most iconic stops is Nonnberg Abbey, where much of the film is set. This ancient abbey, which dates back to the 8th century, serves as the backdrop for the life of the novice Maria and the opening scenes of the film. Mirabell House and its gardens also play a prominent role in the film. This idyllic setting is where Maria and the children performed the famous song Do-Re-Mi.

Leopoldskron Palace, with its lake and elegant architecture, was the location for the Von Trapp family residence. Although the interior is not accessible to the general public, the gardens and façade are visible from the outside. This tour can be done on your own or with an organised activity. If you choose to join a guided tour, it will start in the city centre and include transfers by private bus.

As the attractions of Salzburg are many and 2 days are not enough to discover the city in all its splendour, the recommendation will always be the same: come back in the future! However, this itinerary will give you an idea of the main sights of this beautiful city, one of the most important cities in Austria, one of the cradles of classical music and also one of the most popular scenic destinations in Europe.