A 3-Day "City Experience" Itinerary for Salzburg

• Day 1: Explore the Old Town - Marvel at the Mirabell Palace's Baroque architecture and the beautiful gardens surrounding it. Visit the Salzburg Cathedral and take a stroll around the Mozartplatz square. Take a funicular ride to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Salzburg from atop the castle.
• Day 2: Discover Art and Culture - Start the day by visiting the Salzburg Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the city's history and culture. The museum is located within the Neue Residenz palace, which is also worth exploring. Next, head to the Mozarteum, which houses an impressive collection of Mozart memorabilia. End your day with a visit to the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, which puts on delightful puppet shows for all ages.
• Day 3: Go Beyond Salzburg - Spend your day exploring the beautiful countryside around Salzburg. Take a train ride to the nearby lakeside town of St. Gilgen, where you can enjoy a boat ride on the Wolfgangsee, visit the Mozart House, and hike to the top of the Zwölferhorn for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. On your way back to Salzburg, stop at the stunning Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens, which feature trick fountains and beautiful Baroque architecture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mirabell Palace and Gardens (1-2 hours, free)
• Salzburg Cathedral (30 minutes - 1 hour, free)
• Hohensalzburg Fortress (1-2 hours, €12.90)
• Salzburg Museum (1-2 hours, €9)
• Mozarteum (1-2 hours, €8)
• Salzburg Marionette Theatre (1-2 hours, €20)
• Train to St. Gilgen (40 minutes - 1 hour, €7-€15)
• Boat ride on Wolfgangsee (1-2 hours, €11-€22)
• Zwölferhorn cable car (1-2 hours, €16.50-€18)
• Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens (1-2 hours, €12)
• Total Estimated Costs: €96.40-€123.40

Transportation

Salzburg is a compact city and can easily be explored on foot. However, if you're planning on visiting some of the sights outside of the city, public transportation is readily available. The bus, train, and cable car systems are efficient, affordable, and reliable. A day ticket for the city buses costs €4.20, while a single fare for the train to St. Gilgen costs between €7-€15, depending on the time of day.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Hallstatt, which is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery and charming Old World architecture. If you have less time, skip some of the sights listed in this itinerary and focus on the ones that most interest you. Additionally, consider purchasing a Salzburg Card, which provides discounted admission and free public transportation to many of the city's top attractions.