24 Hours in Salzburg: Here’s Why Mozart’s Hometown Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Salzburg is one of those cities you don’t really think about until you’re actually there! It’s small, pretty, and ridiculously easy to explore in just one day. This is the birthplace of the world-famous classical musician, Mozart, and the backdrop of The Sound of Music. Yup, the hills are literally alive.

So why add Salzburg to your Euro trip? Because it looks like a fairytale, it’s walkable, and it mixes history, music, and beer like nowhere else. Now, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Salzburg without wasting a minute.

Also read: 5 Imperial Palaces in Austria to Live Out Your Fairytale Dreams

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That’s the German word for breakfast, and Salzburg takes it seriously. Head to Café Fingerlos, a local favourite. Order the eggs as they’re known to be creamy and perfectly done. If you’re hungry, go for the full Frühstück platter stacked with breads, cheeses, cold cuts, and pastries. It’s the kind of breakfast that fuels you for a full day of exploring. And yes, coffee here is strong enough to wake you up after a late beer night.

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Walking into Mirabell Gardens feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. Perfectly trimmed hedges, blooming flowers, fountains, and statues line every path. Fans of The Sound of Music will recognise the Pegasus Fountain and the Do-Re-Mi steps, but even if you’ve never seen the film, it’s still magical! You should stroll through the rose garden, snap photos at the quirky dwarf statues, or just sit on a bench and soak in the view of the fortress in the background. It’s one of those spots where you don’t need to rush, just enjoy the feeling of being inside a storybook!

Also read: All About Vienna, Austria & Why You’ll Fall in Love with It

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I’m not particularly religious, but I always make time for churches when I travel. Why? Because they’re like history books in stone. Every church tells a story about the city’s culture, its art, its politics, and how people lived hundreds of years ago. And in Salzburg, with over 800 years of church history, skipping them would be like skipping the main character in a movie. From the massive cathedrals to tiny abbeys tucked down quiet streets, each one gives a peek into the city’s soul. And yes, it even gets a little mystical if you stick around long enough. So, if I were to visit Austria, Salzburg churches would definitely be part of my itinerary.

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Now it’s time for the real Austrian experience: BEER. Augustiner Bräu is run by monks and has been around since the 1600s. You pick up your mug, rinse it yourself, then line up for fresh beer straight from the barrel. Pair it with giant pretzels or roast chicken and you’re good. If you want something a bit more modern, Stiegl Brewery has a rooftop with views and a tasting flight that’s perfect for beer nerds.

Also read: 6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Austria’s Imperial Palaces

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And of course, you can’t leave Salzburg without a Mozart stop. His birthplace on Getreidegasse is now a museum filled with family artefacts, original instruments, and old letters. Even if you don’t care for classical music, it’s cool to see how someone so iconic actually grew up. After that, wander the Old Town. Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, shop signs that look like they belong in a medieval video game… it’s ridiculously photogenic.

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If you’ve got a few hours left, join a quick apple strudel or schnitzel cooking class. They’re touristy, but fun, and you actually get to eat what you make. Another option recommended by Austrian travel experts: take a short train ride to Berchtesgaden in Germany for jaw-dropping Alpine views. It’s less than an hour away, so it works even if you’re pressed for time!

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That’s Salzburg in 24 hours: castles, cathedrals, Mozart, beer, and gardens that make you hum Do-Re-Mi. It’s a small city, but it leaves a big impression. If you’re already planning Vienna or Munich, add Salzburg as a one-day detour. You’ll leave with way too many photos, a happy buzz from the beer halls, and maybe a sudden appreciation for classical music.

Also read: Netherlands Schengen Visa For Filipinos: How To Get Approved In 8 Easy Ways

So is Salzburg worth it? Absolutely. It’s Mozart’s hometown, it’s straight-up cute, and it’s the kind of city that surprises you even if you only give it one day. No wonder why relatives of corrupt politicians visit this place and shamelessly flaunt and feature it on their vlogs! Austria truly seems to be such a beautiful place, you can't help but flex. It’s now on my travel bucket list, and so should you!