One Day in Salzburg: A Self-Guided, Car-Free, Budget Itinerary
One Day in Salzburg: A Self-Guided, Car-Free, Budget Itinerary
Sarah J.
Passing through Salzburg to live out your Sound of Music dreams on your way to another city and don't want to break the bank? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of Salzburg in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in Salzburg, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights and get a feel for their costs.
Updated ago
5
Share
I travelled into Salzburg by train, which worked well as the station was only a short walk from the old town.
As always, I highly recommend dropping your bags off at your accommodation before doing the majority of sightseeing, just to make sure you do not cause any back-aches. If you aren't spending the night in Salzburg, there are limited automated luggage storage lockers at Salzburg Hbf. Please keep in mind that during peak travel season, there is a high chance that the lockers will be full so I recommend having an alternative plan. In other cities I used various online luggage storage services, like Bounce, to stow my items for the day.
Now that you have dropped off your luggage, it's time to begin exploring!
Using a combination of public transport and walking, you'll be able to see:
Stift Nonnberg
@sarahsolotravels
You may recognize this place from the Sound of Music, it's the nunnery featured in the film! You aren't able to go inside, but I appreciated recognizing the scenery. This is also partway up the hike to Fortress Hohensalzburg, and also has great views!
Price: Free
Add to
Details
Fortress Hohensalzburg
@sarahsolotravels
This fortress overlooks the city and provides fantastic views. You can either take a short (but steep) hike up to the top, or pay extra to take the fortress railway up. Originally I was not going to go here, but I'm so glad I did! The views of the mountains were just spectacular, I can't say that enough! There was also tons of history within the fortress complex that was interesting to learn about.
Price: Children €4.40-6.60, Adults €10.80-17.40
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Residenzplatz
@sarahsolotravels
In the heart of the Old City, this square has a beautiful fountain.
Price: Free
Add to
Details
Salzburg Cathedral
@sarahsolotravels
I didn't go inside this cathedral, but I walked past it. It's very close proximity to other attractions, so would make a great stop!
Price: Free (0-18), € 5-9
Add to
Details
Kapitelplatz
@sarahsolotravels
I'm including this square because it has a great view of Fortress Hohensalzburg! When I went, there was also a market here that had some great pretzels!
Add to
Details
Mozart's Birthplace
@sarahsolotravels
I didn't go inside the museum, but it was interesting to see from the outside! If I had more time in Salzburg, I definitely would have paid to go to the museum.
Price: Free (0-6), € 4.50-13.50
Add to
Details
Old City Hall
@sarahsolotravels
Although the inside is not open to the public, its convenient location makes the exterior worth viewing!
Price: Free
Add to
Details
Getreidegasse Street
@sarahsolotravels
This is Salzburg's most famous shopping street! Personally, I don't enjoy shopping, but I know others who have liked this street!
Add to
Details
Mirabell Gardens
@sarahsolotravels
This garden in absolutely beautiful! Another filming location for the Sound of Music, but also a great garden. Try and recreate some of the scenes! It was mainly used for the song Do Re Mi.
Add to
Details
If I had more time in Salzburg...
Stiftskirche St. Peter
@sarahsolotravels
I didn't have the time to go here, but it is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, and looks pretty interesting!
Prices: € 1.50-2
Add to
Details
Rektoratskirche St. Sebastian
@sarahsolotravels
Another interesting church that I just didn't get time to visit!
Add to
Details
Food!
Lidl
@sarahsolotravels
I wasn't able to find an exact name/location, but Salzburg has many LIDL stores and markets and that's where I got the majority of my food while visiting! Make sure to bring cash.
Add to
Details
Where to go next?
Want more information?
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah J.
I am a solo female traveler who likes to explore on a moderate budget; I think it's important to recognize that some opportunities when travelling will never arise again, and it's worth shelling out for them! I prefer to travel very fast-paced, and my guides will reflect that. In order to accomplish this, I have done lots of research about every place I have visited to ensure I use my time wisely. I have only travelled around Europe so far, but I am hoping to expand my horizons in the coming years :)
Send A Tip
Support Sarah J.’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Sarah J. 2025 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places
Ask ThatchGPT
Ask ThatchGPT
Suggest a local expert to plan my trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Salzburg, Austria trip
What foods do Salzburg, Austria locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Salzburg, Austria
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Salzburg, Austria
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Salzburg, Austria