Salzburg itinerary — 3 days

Café Tomaselli is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Salzburg's old town, steeped in rich history since its establishment in 1703. This iconic coffeehouse beautifully embodies Austria's café culture, where delectable food and warm company are cherished equally. As you step inside, you're greeted by an enchanting atmosphere featuring dark-wood paneling, elegant marble tables, and vintage decor adorned with crystal chandeliers and baroque paintings.

Mozart's Birthplace, also known as Mozarts Geburtshaus, is a significant historical site in Salzburg. The yellow townhouse was where Wolfgang Mozart, one of the most influential composers in history, was born and lived for 17 years. Today, it operates as a house museum offering tours that provide insights into Mozart's early life. Visitors can explore three floors filled with personal belongings, musical instruments, family portraits, and other important items related to Mozart.

Mirabellgarten, located in Salzburg, is a stunning and popular garden that has been open to the public since 1854. The well-maintained grounds feature elegant landscaping, pathways, floral displays, marble statues, and fountains. Visitors can re-enact scenes from 'The Sound of Music' while enjoying the picturesque views of the fortress and city below. Despite being a major tourist attraction, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for leisurely strolls.

Nestled in the heart of Salzburg, Mirabell Palace is a stunning 17th-century architectural gem that captivates visitors with its rich history and breathtaking beauty. Originally constructed in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich, this magnificent palace showcases exquisite Baroque design elements added in 1721. The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the enchanting Mirabell Gardens, renowned for their immaculate landscaping and vibrant floral displays.

Bärenwirt is a traditional Austrian inn located in Salzburg City, dedicated to preserving the iconic culture and cuisine of the region. The restaurant is renowned for its fried chicken, which is considered the best in Austria, as well as other classics like Salzburger Nockerl. The cozy tavern offers a warm, woody atmosphere reminiscent of a hunting lodge and has been serving traditional dishes since 1663.

Augustiner Bräu Mülln is a historic brewery and tavern that has been in operation since 1621, making it one of the oldest establishments of its kind. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a large beer garden. It is renowned for serving traditional Austrian cuisine, with options ranging from freshly baked pretzels to sausages with mustard, roast chicken with dumplings, deep-fried trout, and an assortment of cheeses.

Stiegl-Brauwelt is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in Salzburg. The brewery offers a multi-sensory exploration of the world of beer, featuring exhibits on brewing history and a modern brewhouse where visitors can witness the bottling process. Additionally, guests can indulge in Austrian cuisine at the brewpub and restaurant. Stiegl, a family-owned brewery since 1492, is renowned for its popular beers that are widely available throughout Austria.

Red Bull Hangar-7 is a futuristic building located next to the main Salzburg Airport. It houses the Flying Bulls display team and features various aeronautical artifacts, including airplanes, motorbikes, rally cars, and Formula 1 exhibits. The hangar also boasts several bars, a cafe, and a Michelin Star restaurant. Its unique architecture with a hydrofoil dome makes it an exciting place to visit.

Salzburg Cathedral, a stunning example of Baroque architecture from the 17th century, is crowned with twin spires that dominate the skyline. This magnificent structure not only serves as a place of worship but also houses a museum filled with sacred treasures. During winter, the cathedral becomes even more enchanting as it overlooks snow-dusted rooftops and bustling Christmas markets. The air fills with festive sounds and aromas—think toasted almonds and gingerbread hearts—as you stroll through charming streets adorned with holiday decorations.

Nestled in a picturesque location next to a water mill, Stiftsbäckerei St Peter is the oldest bakery in Salzburg, dating back to the 12th century. Run by Franz Grabmer, a skilled master miller and baker, this rustic bakery offers an array of traditional breads baked in a wood-fired oven using natural sourdough. During Christmas season, they also craft handmade Kletzenbrot.

Perched on a hilltop with commanding views of the city and the Alps, Fortress Hohensalzburg is an impressive 11th-century complex that draws in over 1.4 million visitors annually. To avoid the crowds, it's best to arrive early and take a glass funicular or embark on a steep 20-minute walk up Festungsgasse in the Old Town to reach this iconic landmark.

Schloss Hellbrunn is a Renaissance villa with beautifully landscaped gardens, famous for its trick water fountains and folklore museum. Built by Markus Sittikus von Hohenems in the early 17th century, this baroque palace was designed as a day residence without bedrooms. The estate is known for its 'Watergames,' where unsuspecting guests are squirted with water from hidden fountains.

Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn is a family-friendly destination featuring over 1,500 animals from various continents. Originally established in the 15th century as an archbishopric zoological park, it now showcases 150 different species. The zoo's unique topography, nestled next to a cliff leading to the large African savannah, adds to its charm.