Salzburg is compact enough to cover its highlights comfortably over three unhurried days. Here's a tested plan.
Day 1: The Old Town (Altstadt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Start your morning on Getreidegasse, the famous street known for its historic shops and ornate wrought-iron guild signs, and stop at No. 9, Mozart's Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus) — the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756 and where his family lived until 1773; it has been a museum since 1880. Continue to Residenzplatz and Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom), one of Europe's finest Baroque churches, then wander the narrow surrounding lanes before a traditional Austrian dinner.
Day 2: Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest preserved castles, first built in 1077 and reaching its current form around 1500. Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up from the Old Town for panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains, and set aside time for the interior halls and military museum. In the afternoon, head to Mirabell Palace and Gardens (Schloss Mirabell), with its formal geometric flowerbeds and the famous Pegasus Fountain — one of the key filming locations for the 1965 movie The Sound of Music.
Day 3: A day for Sound of Music fans and nature lovers alike. Book a half-day bus tour that visits scattered filming locations around the city, such as Nonnberg Abbey and Leopoldskron Palace, which served as the "Von Trapp villa" facade in the film; some tours extend to the nearby village of Mondsee, where the wedding scene was filmed in its church. If time allows, add a walk up Mönchsberg hill, which overlooks the entire Old Town — a perfect spot for panoramic farewell photos.
Practical tip: the Salzburg Card covers entry to the fortress, the palace, museums, and most public transport, saving you the cost of buying each ticket separately — worthwhile if you're visiting three or more major sights in a single day.
