Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Salzburg, Austria

In one of my trips to Austria, I visited the lovely city of Salzburg. The latter has plenty of old world charm and a lot of things to do to occupy visitors. 

Read about my trip to Salzburg

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Salzburg

Salzburg has a long and storied past that makes it an interesting destination. St. Boniface made it a bishophric in 739 and later became an archbishopric in 798. Salzburg's archbishops were recognized as Holy Roman Empire princes in 1278. Its alpine landscape and rich architectural heritage make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

How to Get a Schengen Visa

Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Austria. I got my visas from different embassies such as Austria, Czechia, Poland, and Italy. Once you get a visa from any Schengen member country, you can visit all of them. 

You can read more here: how to get a Schengen visa for Filipinos

How to Get to Salzburg

You have some options on how to get to Salzburg.

By Air 

Salzburg Airport (SZG)

• Just 4 km from the city center.
• Serves European flights (especially from major cities).
• You can take Bus Line 2 or 10 into the city (about 20–25 minutes).

Munich Airport (MUC) 

• Much larger with many international connections.
• From Munich Airport, take the train (S-Bahn + regional or EuroCity) to Salzburg (via Munich Hauptbahnhof).
• FlixBus travels directly from the central bus station in Munich.

Vienna Airport (VIE)

• From the airport, take a train (usually via Wien Hauptbahnhof) to Salzburg.

By Bus

• The bus is your budget-friendly option.
• FlixBus runs affordable routes to Salzburg from cities like Vienna, Munich, Prague, or Budapest. You might have to transfer somewhere depending on your route.
• Buses arrive at Salzburg Süd or Hauptbahnhof.

Things to Do in Salzburg

Salzburg is a lovely city and one of the biggest cities in Austria. You can spend a few days here soaking in the ambiance, admiring the beautiful architecture, and immersing in its culture. When planning your budget and itinerary for Salzburg, these are some of the things you can do and attractions you can visit. 

Old Town

The old town is where it's at when you're in Salzburg. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many centuries old buildings and churches. Weave in and out of this neighborhood's quaint alleys, drink a hot chocolate or coffee in one of the cafes, or buy a souvenir in one of the shops. You can also check out a couple of museums during your visit. The area is lovely and atmospheric. 

Fortress Hohensalzburg

This huge fort perched atop a hill looms large over Salzburg. The original structure dates to the 11th century, the one you'll see now when you visit dates to the 16th century. You have the option to either walk up or take the funicular. The views going up are beautiful even if you're going at a leisurely pace. You can visit a couple of museums once you reach the fort some of which include the Princes' Apartments, Church of St. George, Salzburg Bull, and the Fortress Museum.

St. Peter's Church

One of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the city, St. Peter's Church is a historic and cultural landmark. It dates to the 12th century with additions taking place in the centuries since. Frescoes, religious art, and decorations are the highlights of its resplendent interior. 

Salzburg Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral is a majestic piece of architecture that grabs your attention the moment you lay your eyes on it. Its twin towers are its most recognizable feature. Construction concluded some time in the 17th century. However, its history is much older, dating to the year 774 when St. Virgil consecrated the first cathedral. 

Mirabell Palace

Fans of the musical "Sound of Music" shouldn't miss a visit to the Mirabell Palace and Garden. The palace was one of the main filming locations and was the site where the cast sang "Do-Re-Mi". The palace is a lovely attraction to include in your budget and itinerary for Salzburg. The Marble Hall is often cited as a highlight. It's a popular venue for cultural performances of classical music. One of the most famous performers that graced the venue was none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Kollegienkirche

As I was exploring the historic center, this beautiful church caught my attention. It's the University of Salzburg's church and dates to Baroque times. 

Mozart's Birthplace

Classical music fans can visit the birthplace of one of the most renowned composers of all time. This museum has displays and exhibits about the life of Mozart. You can view mementos, portraits, instruments and compositions that Mozart made and used. 

Franciscan Church

In a city full of beautiful churches, this is another one you can include in your budget and itinerary for Salzburg. It has a simple yet beautiful design. Its interior contains a Gothic choir, Baroque chapels, and a Romanesque nave all of which are centuries old. 

Other notable attractions you can include are:

• Salzburg Residenz and the Residenzgalerie
• Hellbrunn Palace and Fountains
• Old Town Hall
• Salzburg Catacombs

Getting around Salzburg

Buses & Trams

Buses and trams are efficient and cover most of the city, including popular spots like Mirabell Palace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Old Town. Salzburg’s public transport system is well connected, and you can get a Day Ticket or Multi-Day Ticket if you're staying for a while. 

Walking

Salzburg is a walkable city, you don't even have to take public transportation if you'll just be going around the historic center.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Salzburg is a popular attraction which means you can find a variety of accommodations during your visit. I often stay in dorms because I'm out the whole day anyway, but you can find plenty of hotels with private rooms in Salzburg. You can browse www.booking.com for options.

Budget for Salzburg

Austria in general isn't a cheap country to visit. However, there are ways you can reduce costs during your visit. You can stay in hostel dorms, do free activities, take public transportation, walk, and eat supermarket food (with the occasional splurge on a nice meal). A budget of approximately €80 a day incudes food and drinks, transportation, a few entrance fees, and a bed in a hostel dorm. You can go over that budget or go below it depending on your travel style.

You might want to read my other posts:

• Budget and itinerary for Zurich
• Budget and itinerary for Vienna
• Budget and itinerary for Ljubljana
• Budget and itinerary for Prague
• Budget and itinerary for Nuremberg

Itinerary for Salzburg

Here's a sample itinerary for Salzburg.

Day 1 

Old Town

Mirabell Palace

Salzburg Cathedral

St. Peter's Church

Franciscan Church

Kollegienkirche

Old Town Hall

Day 2 

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Mozart's Birthplace

Salzburg Residenz and the Residenzgalerie

You can extend your stay depending on your budget and interests. Salzburg is a nice city to just chill in and do nothing.