Salzburg itinerary: 1, 2 and 3 days

Salzburg is compact. The old town, fortress and riverbanks fit into one long day, but you will be moving fast and skipping the museums. Two days is the comfortable default and matches the 2–3 nights the Austria guide recommends. Three days only pays off if you want a lake or mountain day, or if you are here in December for the Christmas markets.

Day 1, old town and fortress. Start early at Getreidegasse before the shops fill, then walk to Residenzplatz and the cathedral. Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for the view over the roofs and the river, and come down for lunch. Afternoon: Mozart's Birthplace on Getreidegasse, then cross the river for Mirabell Gardens and the view back at the fortress. Evening: a concert or a beer hall.

Day 2, the quieter side. Morning at the Salzburg Museum or the DomQuartier, then walk the riverbanks and the Mönchsberg paths above the old town. Afternoon: St. Peter's cemetery and the catacombs, then Nonnberg Abbey. If you are a Sound of Music traveller, the Mirabell Gardens, the abbey and the lakeside church at Mondsee are the usual stops; a half-day tour covers them.

Day 3, out of the city. Hallstatt is the famous choice but it is a long day by train and ferry, and the village is busiest in the middle of the day. The Salzkammergut lakes around St. Wolfgang and Mondsee are closer and easier by bus. In winter, swap the lakes for a half-day on the Untersberg or a slow morning in the Christmas markets.

Salzburg is cheaper than Vienna for beds and food but the sights add up. The Salzburg Card bundles public transport and many attractions; it usually pays off on a two-day trip with the fortress and two museums. Rail to Hallstatt and back is the single biggest line item on a three-day plan.

Stay in the old town or between the station and the river; both put the sights within walking distance. The station area is cheaper and has frequent buses. Buy a day pass if you plan more than two bus rides.

Summer afternoons bring tour groups to Getreidegasse and the fortress; go early or late. December is cold and crowded but the markets are the reason many people come. Check Sunday bus and train times for lake day trips, as services thin out.

Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut are the classic Salzburg day trips, both reachable by train or bus. Zell am See and Sankt Michael are further west and better as overnight stops on the way to Innsbruck. If you are building a longer Austria route, Salzburg sits naturally between Vienna and Innsbruck on the rail spine.