Travel Date: 23–24 March 2023
🧭 Getting There (Within Europe)
Book your tickets to Salzburg via ÖBB.
We managed to score a Sparschiene ticket for only €19.90!
At the time, we were based in Innsbruck, which made weekend trips to nearby cities like Munich or Salzburg both quick and affordable.
During our entire stay in Innsbruck, ÖBB never failed us — the trains were always on time, clean, and comfortable.
I especially loved spending time in the Speisewagen (dining car); it made every trip even more enjoyable.
🚇 How to Get Around
We purchased a 24-hour Salzburg Card for €31.00, and it was totally worth it!
The card covers trams, buses, funiculars/lifts, and entrance fees to several major landmarks — making sightseeing simple and cost-effective.
You can choose between 24-, 48-, or 72-hour cards, depending on your stay.
Where to buy:
Available at the tourist information office or online.
We chose the physical card via the Salzburg Card Official Site.
📍 Where to Go
Salzburg Old Town Highlights
Salzburg’s Old Town is best explored on foot — every street looks like it belongs on a postcard. Here are some must-see spots (many included in the Salzburg Card):
- Getreidegasse – The city’s most famous shopping street and home to Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart’s Geburtshaus).
- Mozartplatz – A charming square with Mozart’s statue, cafés, and souvenir shops.
- Residenzplatz – The grand central square with the Residenzbrunnen, one of Europe’s largest Baroque fountains.
- Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) – A magnificent 17th-century landmark.
- St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) – One of Austria’s oldest monasteries, featuring fascinating rock-carved catacombs.
- Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) – Peaceful interiors and elegant Gothic design.
- Mozart’s Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus) – Located across the river; also included in the Salzburg Card.
Scenic Walks & Views
- Makartsteg (Lock Bridge) – Covered in love locks with postcard-perfect fortress views.
- Mirabell Gardens & Palace – A must for The Sound of Music fans.
- Kapitelplatz – The lively square beneath the fortress, often filled with art and performers.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Take the Festungsbahn funicular (included in the Salzburg Card) up to one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles.
Explore the museum, courtyards, and viewpoints — the panoramic views of Salzburg are unbeatable.
For the best experience, go near sunset; the golden light over the Old Town is pure magic.
Salzburg Card Perks Include:
- Fortress entrance & funicular ride
- Museum access
- Hellbrunn Zoo
- Public trams & buses
🏨 Where to Stay (If Overnight)
Since we were five, we booked a quintuple room at Hotel Drei Kreuz — a budget-friendly choice within walking distance of the Old Town, perfect for groups.
- Price: €115 (~₱7,839)
- City Tax: €8.75 (paid in cash)
On our second visit, we stayed at Mercure Salzburg City and booked a Superior Double Room with breakfast for ₱17,313.47 during our team-building trip — convenient since most colleagues stayed there too.
Both bookings were made via Booking.com for convenience.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Salzburg can be pricey, so we kept breakfasts simple — usually McDonald’s — and saved our budget for hearty Austrian dinners.
Where We Ate:
- Sternbräu
📍 Griesgasse 23, 5020 Salzburg
Great traditional Austrian food and a must-try Salzburger Nockerl. - Krimpelstätter – Augustiner Braugasthof
📍 Müllner Hauptstraße 31, 5020 Salzburg
Authentic beer garden atmosphere with generous portions.
💸 Budget & Expenses
Sample Budget (1 Day / 1 Night in Salzburg)
| Category | Estimated Cost (EUR) | In Philippine Pesos (₱) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (ÖBB Innsbruck ↔ Salzburg) | €39.80 | ₱2,713.90 | €19.90 each way (Sparschiene scenic route) |
| Accommodation (1/5 of room) | €115 divided by 5 = €23.00 | ₱1,567.76 | Quintuple room at Hotel Drei Kreuz |
| City Tax | €8.75 | ₱596.43 | Payable in cash at hotel |
| Salzburg Card (24 hrs) | €31.00 | ₱2,113.06 | Includes public transport & attractions |
| Transportation | Included | — | Covered by Salzburg Card |
| Attractions (outside card) | — | — | Most major sites already included |
| Meals & Drinks | €20–32 / meal + €3.50–7 / drink | ₱1,363 – 2,181 / meal + ₱239 – 477 / drink | Depends on restaurant & preference |
| Magnets, chocolates & Miscellaneous | €20.00 | ₱1,363.27 | Souvenirs, snacks, etc. |
💡 Note: Food prices in Salzburg vary. Expect around €20–32 per meal and €3.50–7 per drink. Desserts, snacks, and coffee aren’t included in this sample budget.
Final Estimate (per person, 1 night Salzburg trip):
€122.55–€172.55 ≈ ₱8,350–₱11,770
📶 SIM Card / Internet Access
If you’re using an A1 SIM card, your mobile data should work across all Schengen countries without extra charges.
✨ Final Thoughts
Exploring Salzburg is incredibly easy — especially since most attractions are within walking distance.
The Old Town, with its cobblestone alleys and pastel façades, feels like stepping into a fairytale. Every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view, from ornate churches to the river winding beneath the fortress.
What’s truly magical is how Salzburg looks exactly like it does in the movies — timeless, elegant, and full of charm.
It’s one of those places that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and simply say, “Wow.”
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