Salzburg Weekend Itinerary: 48 Hours in Mozart’s City

Why Salzburg Worked for Us

We rolled into Salzburg on a crisp weekend morning—the Alps hazy in the distance, church bells somewhere ahead of the station.

It felt smaller than Vienna, but richer than a day trip.

Two days gave us room to wander Old Town, eat very, very well, and leave wanting one more museum.

Getting to Salzburg by Train (from Stuttgart)

We took the EuroCity (EC) for a budget win with our BahnCard 25—great price, fewer frills.

Expect simpler cars than ICE and don’t count on Wi-Fi.

For us, the trade-off was worth it: a direct ride for 25 EUR, money saved, and more budget for food.

If you want a quieter carriage and reliable sockets/Wi-Fi, book ICE and treat it as part of the weekend.

Getting Around (Buses & Trolleybuses)

Salzburg is compact. From Salzburg Hbf, city buses/trolleybuses fan out quickly and run frequently.

Machines at major stops offer English and take cards; there’s also an app option.

If you buy a paper ticket, validate it as posted on the machine/signage.

For short hops in Old Town, walking is half the joy—cobbles, pastel facades, and surprise courtyards.

The Biggest Schnitzel We’ve Had in Salzburg

Meissl & Schadn puts on a show—pans clattering, chefs flipping schnitzels like it’s a sport.

We’ve been twice and still laugh about ordering two; one is easily shareable.

If you’re curious, stand by the window and watch the kitchen ballet before you go in.

Enjoy a big, tasty schnitzel at Meissl & Schadn, known for quality and large servings.

Where We Stayed (and Why It Worked)

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu put us in the right place for first-timers:

An easy walk to the Salzach River, cafes, Getreidegasse, and Mozart sights

Yet tucked just enough to sleep well.

Pricing felt fair, the breakfast was worth it, and we liked hearing faint bells in the evening.

Tip: if you hold DB BahnBonus status, check the app—occasionally there are partner perks with the Leonardo hotel chain, like early check-in.

Mozart Museums: Which One First?

There are two: Mozart’s Geburtshaus (Birthplace) and Mozart’s Wohnhaus (Residence).

We did the Birthplace and loved how it frames the family story, early tours, and the short, bright arc of his life—he died at 35, and the legacy still fills the city.

If you only have time for one, start with the Birthplace; add the Residence next trip if you get hooked.

48-Hour Glide Path (What We’d Actually Do Next Time)

Day 1

• Arrive, drop bags, coffee near the river.

• Old Town wander: Getreidegasse windows, small courtyards, Residenzplatz.

• Mozart’s Birthplace mid-afternoon when tours thin out.

• Early dinner at Meissl & Schadn (share the schnitzel).

• Blue hour along the Salzach for that postcard view.

Day 2

• Mirabell Gardens in the morning light.

• Fortress (Hohensalzburg) for a city-and-Alps panorama.

• Slow lunch; try a classic cafe for cake and a pause.

• Last stroll by the river; pick up a small souvenir on Getreidegasse.

• Train home.

Practical Tips

• Train trade-off: EC saves money; ICE saves time/amenities—choose based on mood and budget.

• Tickets: for buses/trolleybuses, machines and apps are easy—validate paper tickets as posted.

• Timing: Old Town gets busy late morning; go early or during blue hour for soft light and fewer crowds.

• Food: one giant schnitzel at Meissl & Schadn is plenty for two—start there, add a side.

• Packing: comfortable shoes matter; cobbles plus short hills add up.

• Pace: Salzburg rewards slow walking and short pauses—don’t overschedule.

Is 48 Hours Enough?

For a first visit, yes. Two days is the right size: you’ll see Old Town, a museum, a view, and still have pockets of calm.

If you’re building a longer trip, make Salzburg the unhurried middle between Vienna’s energy and a nature day in Hallstatt.

Final Thoughts

Salzburg felt like a deep breath—music in the walls, mountains at the edges, and a city center that still trusts walking speed.

We left rested and curious, which is exactly how a weekend should end.