48 hours in Salzburg: How To Plan A Weekend In Salzburg

With the Salzburg Festival in summer, jazz in autumn and the Christmas markets during Advent, Salzburg rewards a visit, no matter the time of year.

Want to know how to spend two days in Salzburg? Here’s the low-down on 48 hours in the Austrian city.

Day One — The Morning In Salzburg

Just landed at Salzburg airport? Don’t leave just yet! Head for breakfast at the nearby Hangar 7 where in the Carpe Diem lounge you’ll be treated to a three-tier platter of savoury or sweet treats. 

After having your fill, explore the collection of Flying Bull aircrafts and Formula 1 racing cars before heading to the hotel.

Checked in? Chances are you’ll want to make a Mozart pilgrimage, being in the birthplace of the musical genius and all. It’s easy to do so: Salzburg’s most famous son has left his footprints all over his hometown.

First up, head to Mozart’s birthplace, Hagenauer Haus, where the musical maestro spent his early years. The handsome house showcases a number of Mozart’s personal instruments and personal belongings and has become one of Salzburg’s most popular tourist attractions.

When you’ve had your fill of Hagenauer Haus, cross the Salzach River and seek out 8 Marketplatz, a Baroque style apartment where Mozart and his family moved to in 1733. It was here that Wolfgang composed a sizeable portion of his legendary symphonies and concertos. 

Finally, make for the Mirabell Palace, to hear Mozart’s beautiful pieces performed by national and international soloists in one of the most famous chamber music concerts in the world.

Day One — The Afternoon In Salzburg

When hunger pangs kick in, stop for a coffee and slice of Salzburg Mozartkugel. Created in 1890 by Salzburg confectioner, Paul Furst, the round sweet treat consists of a marzipan centre with pistachio and the finest nougat.

After the sugar hit, head to the Hohensalzburg to enjoy spectacular views of downtown Salzburg. More than 600 years in the making, it remains one of the world’s best-preserved forts.

Then, re-enter the 21^st century at the clifftop Museum of Modern Art, a sleek glass and marble gallery that houses first-class exhibitions of 20^th and 21^st-century art.

Day One — Dinner In Salzburg

When night falls, it’s time to tuck into upscale Austrian cuisine at the oldest restaurant in Europe: step forward St Peter Stiftskulinarium. 

Dine in one of the restaurant’s 11 historical dining rooms or, during summer, in the charming inner courtyard.

Day Two — Breakfast In Salzburg

Start your second day with breakfast at Cafe Bazar where the fragrance of fresh coffee, sweet flavours of homemade jams, the crunch of freshly baked rolls and breathtaking views of the historic city centre from the patio offers a feast for all the senses.

Assemble your own breakfast however you like! Add diverse egg dishes, yoghurts, fresh fruit and many other treats to your breakfast and once you’re satisfied, it’s time for a trip to church. 

Salzburg is home to dozens of churches but the mother of them all is the Salzburg Cathedral. Designed by Italian architect Santino Solari in 1628, the cathedral is capable of accommodating some 10,500 worshippers. For the full story on the spiritual heart of Salzburg, sign up for one of the free guided tours that are offered at 2 pm from Monday to Friday in July and August.

Day Two — Lunch In Salzburg

Ready for a bite to eat? Stop off at K+K on the Waagplatz. Full of buzz, the restaurant is situated in a historically listed merchants’ home from the late Middle Ages – right next to Salzburg Cathedral and Mozartplatz Square – where you can sample typical Austrian food such as bratwurst with lashings of potatoes, as well as more ​‘modern’ fare. 

Then, walk off any excess calories you’ve consumed in the gardens of Schloss Mirabell, where Julie Andrews and the von Trapps famously sang Do-Re-Mi in the Sound of Music. Time your visit right and you could catch a classical music concert, which is regularly held in the Schloss Mirabell’s Marble Hall.

Day Two — The Evening In Salzburg

Round off your Salzburg sojourn by joining the locals for a drink at the standing-only Sporer bar. The tipple to try? The neon-orange hot ​‘punsch’. Prost!

Are two days in the city too short? Extend your trip and discover how to experience the Sound Of Music in Salzburg.