Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) — Altstadt — Start with the city’s grand baroque centerpiece and its square, which sets the tone for Old Town beautifully; morning, ~45 minutes.
Residenzplatz — Altstadt — Walk straight over for one of Salzburg’s most elegant squares and a natural link into the heart of the historic center; late morning, ~30 minutes.
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium — Altstadt — A classic lunch stop in a historic setting, good for a vegetarian meal with Austrian-leaning options; lunch, ~1 hour, about €20–35 per person.
Hohensalzburg Fortress — Festung / Altstadt hill — Take the funicular up for the best city views and a must-see landmark that rewards the uphill effort; early afternoon, ~2 hours.
Café Bazar — Neustadt edge by the river — Pause for coffee and cake at a famous riverside café with solid vegetarian-friendly treats and views of the Salzach; mid-afternoon, ~45 minutes, about €10–18 per person.
Augustiner Bräu Mülln — Mülln — End the day with Salzburg’s most atmospheric beer hall, where you can build a vegetarian dinner from the self-serve food stalls and enjoy the lively local scene; evening, ~1.5 hours, about €15–30 per person.
Start at Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) as early as you reasonably can — ideally around opening time, before the square gets busy with tour groups. The interior is usually open daily, with a small admission for the museum areas and tower access, while entry to the main church is typically free or donation-based; check same-day timings because services can affect visiting hours. Give yourself about 45 minutes to take in the dome, the crypt feel, and the way the light hits the stone in the morning — this is the kind of place that makes the whole Old Town click into place. From there, it’s an easy stroll straight into Residenzplatz, one of Salzburg’s most graceful squares, where the fountain, façades, and mountain backdrop make even a short stop feel cinematic. It’s only a few minutes on foot, so there’s no need to overthink transport today — just walk and let the lanes do the work.
For lunch, head to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, which is a very Salzburg choice in the best way: historic, atmospheric, and surprisingly workable for vegetarians if you look at the seasonal menu rather than expecting only heavy Austrian classics. Plan on about €20–35 per person; if you’re going at a peak lunch hour, it’s smart to reserve, especially in summer. I’d leave room for a slow meal here rather than rushing — the setting is part of the experience, and it gives you a proper break before the hill climb. Afterward, walk toward the funicular base for Hohensalzburg Fortress; the ride up is quick, usually just a few minutes, and worth it for the panorama alone. Budget roughly €15–20 for the fortress/funicular ticket combo depending on what’s included, and spend around two hours up top so you can enjoy the views over the rooftops and the river without feeling rushed.
On the way back down, drift toward the river and pause at Café Bazar, one of those classic Salzburg cafés that locals still use as a benchmark for cake and people-watching. It sits beautifully by the Salzach, and it’s a very good place to reset after the fortress: coffee, a slice of cake, and a slower pace while the city loosens up in the afternoon. Expect about €10–18 per person, depending on whether you just want coffee or add dessert, and don’t be surprised if the service feels leisurely — that’s part of the charm. If the weather is good, take a few extra minutes for a walk along the riverbank before heading west toward Mülln; the transition is straightforward on foot and usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
Finish at Augustiner Bräu Mülln, which is one of the best ways to end a first day in Salzburg if you want something lively, local, and not fussy. The self-service food stalls make it easy to build a vegetarian dinner from the side dishes, salads, pretzels, cheese plates, roasted potatoes, and seasonal options, and the beer hall atmosphere is the real draw even if you’re not drinking much. Plan on about €15–30 per person, depending on how much food and drink you order, and aim to arrive a little before peak dinner time if you want a calmer start and easier seating. It’s a relaxed final stop, not a polished “reservation” meal — which is exactly why it works so well after a full day in Altstadt.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens — Neustadt — Begin with the formal gardens early, when they’re calm and perfect for photos and a relaxed walk; morning, ~1 hour.
Mozarteum / Mirabell area stroll — Neustadt — Continue through the elegant streets around Mirabell for a gentle transition from gardens to the city center; late morning, ~30 minutes.
Balkan Grill Walter — Neustadt — Stop for a quick, budget-friendly vegetarian-friendly lunch option near the river before continuing sightseeing; lunch, ~30–45 minutes, about €8–15 per person.
Salzach River promenade — Along the Salzach between Neustadt and Old Town — Follow the river for an easy scenic walk with classic postcard views back toward the fortress and Old Town; early afternoon, ~1 hour.
Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus) — Getreidegasse / Altstadt — Visit one of Salzburg’s most important museums for a compact, high-value cultural stop in the historic center; mid-afternoon, ~1 hour.
BioBurgerMeister Salzburg — Altstadt — Finish with a vegetarian-friendly dinner in a central spot, a simple way to end the trip without straying far after sightseeing; evening, ~1 hour, about €15–25 per person.
Start early at Mirabell Palace and Gardens so you get the place at its prettiest and least crowded; the formal beds, fountains, and sightlines toward the fortress are best before tour groups roll in. The gardens are free and usually open from early morning until dusk, while the palace interiors have more limited access depending on events, so this is mainly a walk-and-photo stop unless you’re checking a special exhibit. From there, wander the graceful streets around the Mozarteum and the Mirabell neighborhood — it’s only a few minutes on foot, but the mood shifts nicely from manicured garden to elegant city architecture, and it’s one of the easiest parts of Salzburg to enjoy without a plan.
For a fast, vegetarian-friendly lunch, head to Balkan Grill Walter near the river. It’s casual, budget-friendly, and very local in feel; expect roughly €8–15 per person if you keep it simple. After that, take your time along the Salzach River promenade, an easy and scenic walk that gives you those classic Salzburg views back toward the Old Town and the fortress. It’s flat, relaxed, and perfect for digesting lunch — in summer, go earlier in the afternoon if you want a quieter stretch and softer light for photos.
Cross back into the historic center for Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus) on Getreidegasse. The museum is compact but worthwhile, especially if you like short, high-value cultural stops; budget about an hour, and tickets are usually in the moderate museum range rather than expensive. Aim for mid-afternoon, when the street has a lively but manageable buzz. Finish the day with dinner at BioBurgerMeister Salzburg in the Altstadt: it’s an easy vegetarian-friendly choice, relaxed rather than fancy, and a good way to wrap up without adding any extra transit. If you still have energy after eating, do one last slow wander through the nearby lanes of the Old Town — Salzburg is at its best when you leave room for a little aimless strolling.