Salzburg: a 3-day plan and the best time to go

The best time to go

The most comfortable months for walking about are July and September: mild days and less rain. The warmest month is July, at about 74°F (23°C) in the afternoon. The wettest is June.

1. Jan35°92 mm
2. Feb38°72 mm
3. Mar47°84 mm
4. Apr57°72 mm
5. May64°136 mm
6. Jun71°158 mm
7. Jul74°146 mm
8. Aug73°153 mm
9. Sep65°112 mm
10. Oct57°90 mm
11. Nov46°69 mm
12. Dec37°79 mm

Bars show the typical night-time low to daytime high; the numbers are daytime highs in °F and rain in millimetres for the month. Averages for 2001–2020 from NASA POWER, so a given year can be warmer, colder or wetter.

Three days in Salzburg

Written with AI from public facts about Salzburg, then checked by Sureno's rules. Opening times and prices change: check them before you go.

Day 1 Old Town and Cathedral

Morning

Getreidegasse

Altstadt

Stroll this historic shopping street and pause in its lanes and courtyards.

Afternoon

Salzburg Cathedral

Altstadt

See the grand interior and enjoy a quiet visit in the heart of the old town.

Evening

St Peter Stiftskulinarium

Altstadt

Choose a relaxed dinner at this well-known restaurant in the old town.

Day 2 Fortress and River

Morning

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Festungsberg

Take the funicular up and explore the fortress at an unhurried pace.

Afternoon

Mirabell Gardens

Neustadt

Enjoy the formal gardens and views towards the fortress, with places to sit.

Evening

Augustiner Bräu

Mülln

Try regional food in the historic beer hall, or visit its garden in fine weather.

Day 3 Music and Gardens

Morning

Mozart's Birthplace

Altstadt

Visit the museum on Getreidegasse to learn about Mozart's early life.

Afternoon

Hellbrunn Palace

Hellbrunn

Explore the palace grounds and fountains, checking current visitor details before you go.

Evening

Traditional Austrian restaurant

Altstadt

Choose a nearby restaurant for a calm final dinner and familiar regional dishes.

What to eat

• Try Salzburger Nockerl, a local sweet soufflé, to share.
• Look for dumplings, schnitzel and other Austrian classics on restaurant menus.

Getting there

• Fly into Salzburg (SZG).
• From New York: about 8 h 25 min in the air, non-stop (a straight-line estimate; real routes take longer).
• From Los Angeles: about 12 h 6 min in the air, non-stop (a straight-line estimate; real routes take longer).
• From London: about 1 h 54 min in the air, non-stop (a straight-line estimate; real routes take longer).
• The old town is compact but has cobbled streets and some slopes. Use local buses for longer hops, and the fortress funicular for the uphill ride. Salzburg Airport (SZG) serves the city.
• Check official Austrian entry rules before travel.
• Cobbles and slopes can make walking tiring; plan breaks and use buses or the funicular when helpful.

Plan the flight from your city

Where to stay

• AltstadtStay here for close access to historic sights, restaurants and the river.
• NeustadtThis area is near Mirabell Gardens and offers an easy walk into the old town.
• MüllnStay here for a quieter feel while remaining close to the centre.

Where to sleep, on Wikivoyage

About Salzburg

Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria. In 2026 its population was 157,994. The city lies on the Salzach River, near the border with Germany and at the foot of the Alps mountains.

From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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