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Salzburg - How much time is needed to tour the city

Posted by (Miami, FL, United States) on

I will be traveling to Salzburg for 2 nights in June. I originally had 3 nights so I could get in a day trip to Hallstatt but had to cut one night. I will be arriving in Salzburg by at 10am. Therefore, I was thinking I would have some time to get to the hotel and maybe walk around a little bit before taking a 2pm SOM tour. Then I would have the entire 2nd day to tour the city.

However, looking at the activities in the city, I was wondering if I could get everything done on my first day and then on the 2nd day do the SOM/Hallstatt tour.

Just to let you know, my family is not big in to art museums but we are into history and old buildings (Palaces, forts) and scenic views. I would say the things I would definitely like to see in Salzburg are: the cathedral, Hofensalzburg fortress, Mozart's res and birth place, St. Peter's cemetery and church. If time permits, Hellbrunn castle.

I would like to hear everyone's thoughts on the 2 options:
Option 1: Half day SOM tour and full day in Salzburg
Option 2: Half day in Salzburg and full day SOM/Hallstatt tour

thanks,
David

Posted by
8345 posts

Salzburg is really a 2 day town. You might could take Option 1 if you went the organized 1/2 day tour.

Heck, it's worth a whole day just drinking beer with "The Brothers" at Augustiner. It's one of the really great places to spend a June afternoon in the beer gardens outside.

Posted by
1002 posts

I would go with option 1 and have a full day in Salzburg. I recommend leaving some time for just walking around old town, especially if you are interested in history and old buildings. Salzburg is great for that, and a very beautiful city.

Posted by
12040 posts

Dissenting opinion here. The Altstadt of the city is not particularly big. Checking out the main churches, walking around most of the historical core, touring Hohensalzburg and taking a break for lunch, I got a pretty good overview in about three hours. My time was tight, so I didn't get a chance to see Schloss Mirabell, but that probably would have added 90 minutes at the most. Maybe stretch it to the better part of the day if you include Schloss Hellbrunn.

If you start early, see Schloss Mirabell or Schloss Hellbrunn (but not both), I think you can fit Salzburg in one half day.

Posted by
57 posts

Thanks to all. Any others with opinions?

Posted by
191 posts

We only had part of a day in Salzburg and were able to walk from our hotel to the old town, all around old town, and back to the hotel (not stopping to explore all the sights indepth). I think your option 2 would be a good choice (the day prior to getting to Salzburg, we drove through Hallstat). We were staying at Motel One Mirabell so it was a little bit of a walk to the old town but very nice stroll by the river:)

Posted by
6713 posts

One day in Salzburg was plenty for us but we're not big SOM fans (sorry!).

Posted by
527 posts

We did an overnight and felt we saw the old city quite well. Food and drink was our main concern, both of which were fulfilled admirably. Also got a hat at Collins-Hutte, which is something I do whenever we visit Austria. Was not interested in SOM...would opt for a day trip to Hallstatt or an overnight.

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