One Day Trip to Salzburg, Austria

Let’s explore this charming city with picturesque town squares, beautiful views and fantastic food choices.

Austria’s fourth-largest city is, thanks to its proximity to the Austrian-German border, a short ride away from Munich, Germany. We opted to travel to Salzburg by car, however the city is easily accessible by rail connections from all over Europe. With several trains per day from Vienna, Munich and other destinations, as well as an international airport, it can easily become a nice city break.

As we parked at the Park and Ride Messe, we purchased a daily combo ticket for just 15 EUR which includes he parking fee as well as an all-day pass for use of the entire public transit system for up to five people. More info can be found here.

After a brisk trolleybus ride to the city centre (we got off at the Hauptbahnhof – the main train station) we started exploring this scenic city. While strolling through the town, we come across Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell), a palace built in 1606 with wide gardens and a marble hall. 

Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell)

Before continuing our tour of the city, we got pretty hungry so it was time for a lunch. Just around the corner from the Mirabell Palace is the Braurestaurant IMLAUER. We opted for some traditional Austrian cuisine: a Wiener Schnitzel (escalope of veal or pork) with parsley potatoes, and Schweinebraten im Reindl (roast saddle of pork) with dumplings. The schnitzel was served with a side of cranberry jam, while the Schweinebraten with a home-made Austrian-style coleslaw salad.

Everything tasted absolutely delicious, freshly prepared and the lovely staff guided us through the menu with smiles and passion for the craft.

We were already full after these hearty meals so could not fit the traditional Salzburger Nockerl as a dessert. It is a sweet soufflé served warm with a raspberry sauce on the bottom of the soufflé.

If we would have fancied something more chocolatey, the nearby Hotel Sacher Salzburg (a sister of its famous Viennese location) would be the perfect choice. Here, one can indulge in the well-known Sachertorte chocolate cake. 

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

After that fantastic culinary experience, we wander along the banks of the Salzach river. Further along, as we cross the Marko-Feingold-Steg bridge which provides for stunning views, we get to experience the true beauty of Salzburg – the Altstadt (old town).

With some of its smaller streets, like the Getreidegasse, the city takes on its beautiful charm.

With some of its smaller streets, like the Getreidegasse, the city takes on its beautiful charm. On the other hand Residenzplatz, with its grand design and a baroque fountain, along the neighbouring Mozartplatz, serve as a true testament to the city’s rich history.

As we started to be on the lookout for a cup of refreshing coffee we came across KAVA coffee roasters. The tiny coffeeshop served luscious cappuccinos in gorgeous cups. The café offers all types of milk alternatives for the coffees as well as a selection of cakes.

With our day almost coming to an end we enjoyed more strolling around this picturesque city. We reflected back on what an enjoyable experience it has been to explore Salzburg. There were still many unexplored parts of the town, but we are sure we will back again as we fell in love with this town.

Location of Braurestaurant IMLAUER

Location of Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Old Town of Salzburg: Altstadt

Location of KAVA coffee roasters