3-Day Vienna to Salzburg Loop: Historic Sights, Classical Music, and Alpine Flavors

Day 1: Vienna Highlights

Vienna, Austria on February 9, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Central

Historic coffeehouse serving traditional Viennese breakfast (viennoiserie, eggs, coffee) in an elegant atmosphere; arrive early to avoid lines. Check opening hours — typically opens 8:00.
EUR18, 1h0m

9:45am

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)

Iconic Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city; climb the tower or visit the catacombs for panoramic and historic perspectives.
EUR6, 1h0m

11:00am

Hofburg Palace + Sisi Museum

Imperial palace complex with the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments offering insight into Habsburg life and Viennese court culture; check ticketed entry times and closures.
EUR17, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Famous for open sandwiches (Brötchen) and quick traditional bites in the city center; great for a fast, flavorful midday meal. Generally open from morning to late afternoon.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

MuseumsQuartier: Leopold Museum (or Kunsthistorisches)

Choose Leopold for modern Austrian art (Klimt, Schiele) or Kunsthistorisches for grand historic collections; both are near and give differing art experiences. Typical opening 10:00–18:00 (check exact day hours).
EUR15, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk Ringstrasse & Opera House exterior

Stroll the Ringstrasse to admire grand 19th-century architecture and the exterior of the Vienna State Opera; guided tours available if you wish to go inside (usually 9:00–17:00).
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Figlmüller (Wollzeile) — schnitzel

Home of the famous, large Wiener schnitzel; reserve ahead as it's popular. Typically open for dinner from late afternoon to evening.
EUR28, 1h15m

9:30pm

Optional: Concert at Musikverein or Stadtpark walk

Attend a classical concert at Musikverein (check program and book tickets in advance) or enjoy an evening stroll through Stadtpark to see the Strauss monument.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 2: Train to Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria on February 10, 2026

7:30am

Early train Vienna Hbf to Salzburg Hbf

High-speed Rail (Westbahn or ÖBB Railjet) takes ~2h30–3h; book in advance for best fares and check departure times. Aim for early departure to maximize Salzburg time.
EUR29, 2h45m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Bazar

Riverside café near the Old Town serving Austrian breakfast specialties in a relaxed setting; opens early (check current hours).
EUR14, 0h45m

11:30am

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Baroque palace with beautifully planned gardens and views toward the fortress; gardens are free and great for photos (open year-round, daytime).
EUR0, 0h45m

12:30pm

Getreidegasse & Mozart Geburtshaus

Historic shopping lane with wrought-iron signs and Mozart's birthplace museum; museum hours commonly 9:00–17:00 (confirm opening).
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sternbräu

Traditional Salzburg brewery-restaurant offering hearty Austrian dishes and a lively atmosphere in the Old Town; open for lunch and dinner.
EUR22, 1h0m

3:30pm

Hohensalzburg Fortress

One of Europe's largest intact castles with panoramic views over Salzburg; reachable by funicular (check funicular operating times, usually year-round daytime).
EUR16, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Claimed to be one of Europe's oldest restaurants, offering refined local cuisine in historic surroundings; reserve in advance. Typically open for dinner from early evening.
EUR45, 1h30m

8:30pm

Optional: Evening Mozart Concert

Attend a live classical performance in a historic venue (St. Peter's, Mirabell, or fortress concerts); check program and book ahead.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Salzkammergut Day

Salzburg region, Austria on February 11, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Historic café in the Old Town serving traditional pastries and coffee; opens early and is perfect before a day trip.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:30am

Train or guided bus to Hallstatt (or rent a car)

Journey to Hallstatt via train + bus/ferry ~2h each way; many guided tours run daily — check seasonal schedules (winter timetables can vary).
EUR25, 2h0m

10:45am

Explore Hallstatt village & lakeside

Picturesque lakeside village with salt-mining history and iconic views; walk the waterfront and visit the market square (open year-round).
EUR0, 1h15m

12:15pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Traditional lakeside restaurant in Hallstatt serving regional dishes and fresh fish; check opening hours as smaller venues may close in low season.
EUR24, 1h0m

1:45pm

Hallstatt Salt Mine or Dachstein Ice Cave

Discover ancient salt mining history with an audio-guided tour and slides in the mines or opt for nearby Dachstein caves for alpine ice formations; check seasonal opening times and book tickets in advance.
EUR22, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Salzburg

Head back by train or coach to Salzburg to arrive before evening; verify return connections especially in winter when schedules are reduced.
EUR25, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Die Weisse — traditional brewhouse

Local favorite for hearty Austrian fare and craft beer in a cozy setting near the Old Town; open for dinner most evenings.
EUR28, 1h30m

9:00pm

Evening stroll along the Salzach River

Relaxing riverside walk with illuminated views of the Old Town and fortress — a peaceful end to the trip.
EUR0, 0h30m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed