Start your Salzburg adventure with a visit to the heart of the city - the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Let the first point of interest be the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), towering over the city. It is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, offering breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. The cable car ride up is an attraction in itself. Inside the fortress, a fascinating journey back in time awaits you - visit the prince's chambers, the fortress museum and enjoy the city skyline from the observation decks. Remember, with the Salzburg Card, entry and tours are free.

After descending from the fortress, head toward Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom). This monumental Baroque building impresses not only from the outside, but especially with its rich interior. Note the baptismal font, at which Mozart himself was baptized. Every day at noon you can listen to an organ concert here, which adds even more magic to the place.

Your next stop should be the DomQuartier Salzburg, a museum complex that allows you to immerse yourself in the history and art of Salzburg. This is a unique opportunity to see the representative archbishop's chambers, a picture gallery and works of sacred art. A particularly interesting experience is the opportunity to admire the interior of the cathedral from the organ emporium - a perspective that remains long in the memory.

At the end of your first day, stroll down Getreidegasse Street - Salzburg's most famous and charming shopping street. It is here, at number 9, that you will find Mozart's Birthplace, now converted into a museum. It's worth a visit to see the brilliant composer's original instruments and learn about his family history. Getreidegasse is also famous for its distinctive store signs made of wrought iron - true works of art that give the street its unique character.

End the day at Mozart Square (Mozartplatz), where there is a statue of the city's most famous resident. This is the perfect place to sit in one of the nearby cafes, enjoying the famous Mozartkugeln - chocolates with marzipan, named after the composer.

Start your second day in Salzburg with a visit to the Mirabell Palace and the surrounding Mirabellgarten gardens. These Baroque gardens, designed with extreme precision, are not only an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city, but also the site where the famous scenes from the movie 'The Sound of Music' were filmed. In the early morning, when there are fewer tourists, you can fully appreciate the beauty of the geometrically trimmed hedges, colorful flower beds and impressive fountains. The palace itself, although now housing municipal offices, is stunning with its Marble Hall, where classical music concerts are often held.

After relaxing in the gardens, it's time for some learning and fun at Haus der Natur. This is a modern natural history museum that will appeal to both children and adults. Interactive exhibits, aquariums with exotic fish, and even an earthquake simulator are just some of the attractions that await visitors. I especially recommend the section on the Alps and local flora and fauna, which will give you a better understanding of the region's natural wealth.

In the afternoon, visit St. Peter's Abbey (Stift St. Peter) - the oldest continuously operating monastery in German-speaking countries, founded in 696. The monastery's Baroque church impresses with its rich ornamentation, and the surrounding cemetery with its historic tombstones creates an unusual, reflective atmosphere. If you're lucky, you can catch one of the sacred music concerts that regularly take place at the abbey.

To end the day, I suggest a walk along the Salzach River, which divides the city in two. Cross the Mozart Bridge (Mozartsteg), which offers a beautiful view of the Old Town and the fortress. This is a great opportunity to take souvenir photos at sunset, when the light reflects in the water and the city slowly illuminates with a thousand lights.

If you have some time and energy left, it is worth returning to Getreidegasse, which acquires a special charm in the evening. Numerous restaurants and cafes invite you to try local specialties such as Salzburger Nockerl (sweet soufflé) or Bosna (spicy sausage in a bun). It's the perfect way to end a busy day of sightseeing and get a real taste of Salzburg.

When planning a 48-hour stay in Salzburg, there are a few key differences between the main attractions:

Hohensalzburg Fortress vs Mirabell Palace:

• The fortress offers panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding area, while Mirabell Palace impresses with its beautiful gardens.
• The fortress requires more time to explore and is located on a hill (accessible by train), Mirabell Palace is easily accessible in the city center.
• Prices: the fortress is more expensive, but offers more attractions. Mirabell Gardens is free.

Mozart Birthplace vs DomQuartier:

• The Mozart House is an intimate museum focused on the composer's life, while the DomQuartier is a sprawling museum complex covering various aspects of Salzburg's history.
• The Mozart House is more crowded due to its popularity, the DomQuartier offers a quieter tour.
• Prices are comparable, but DomQuartier requires more time to visit.

Cathedral vs St. Peter's Abbey:

• The Cathedral is larger and more monumental; the Abbey offers a more intimate atmosphere.
• The Cathedral is the focal point of the city, the Abbey is a bit out of the way.
• Both places are free to visit (except for special exhibitions).

Practical tips:

1. Salzburg Card: Consider purchasing the Salzburg Card, which offers free admission to most attractions and free public transportation. For intensive sightseeing, it pays for itself quickly.

2. Transportation: Salzburg's center is compact and best explored on foot. For more distant destinations, there is an extensive bus network.

3. Best time to visit: Early morning is the ideal time to visit popular attractions such as the Mozart House and Hohensalzburg Fortress to avoid the crowds.

4 Restaurants: Many restaurants in the tourist center are expensive. Look for local places a little further off the main routes to find authentic cuisine at better prices.

5. Weather: Salzburg can be rainy, even in summer. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat.

6. Photos: The best views of the city are from the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Kapuzinerberg (the hill across the river).

7. Concerts: If you're a classical music lover, check out the concert program at the Mirabell Palace or one of the many churches.

All in all, Salzburg offers the perfect blend of history, culture and nature to discover even during a short 48-hour stay. The key to a successful trip is good planning and flexibility - also allow yourself moments of spontaneity to fully experience the atmosphere of this remarkable city.