Where to stay in Salzburg

Salzburg is the stuff that fairytales are made of. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 27 historic churches, not to mention loads of “Sound of Music” lore from the 1965 movie that was filmed here.

Salzburg sits on the border between Austria and Germany, making day trips to Munich or Vienna very easy from a home base in Salzburg.

The Alps are also a stone’s throw away, making Salzburg the perfect destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

To help you decide where to stay in Salzburg, we’ve rounded up some of the best Salzburg hotels as well as an overview of the various neighborhoods to choose from.

Fortunately, Salzburg is relatively small, and very walkable, so no matter which Salzburg accommodation you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Salzburg has to offer.

We will cover off all types of Salzburg accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Salzburg hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Salzburg 2023.

This guide ill show you the best Salzburg hotels, best places in Salzburg to visit, the best places to stay in Salzburg, hotels in Salzburg Austria, Salzburg neighborhood guide and many more. So check out our where to stay in Salzburg Austria guide below! 

Altstadt – Where to stay in Salzburg for first timers

For first-time visitors, Altstadt, or Old Town, is generally the best place to stay in Salzburg. The majority of tourist sites are located in Old Town, on the left bank of the Salzach River which is considered the best area to stay in Salzburg Austria. 

Why Stay in Altstadt (Old Town)

If you’ve come to Salzburg to explore Mozart’s history, you’ll be spending a lot of time in Altstadt anyway so you might as well stay here!

Narrow, winding streets open up into historic squares, so beyond the usual tourist attractions, Altstadt is pretty and perfect for just wandering around. 

There really isn’t a bad option if you’re looking for the best places to stay in Old Town Salzburg. Some of the best hotels in Salzburg, as well as some hostels and apartments, can also be found in Old Town, so it’s ideal for many types of travelers.

For first-time visitors wondering where to stay in Salzburg, Old Town is the answer. 

Things To Do in Altstadt (Old Town):

• Visit Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral is an elegant 17th-century Baroque cathedral. Its bright white, marble exterior with green domes stands out on Salzburg’s city skyline.

It has iconic twin spires as well as a museum housing all of the church’s treasures. It’s a must-visit and can’t-miss when taking a vacation in Salzburg.

• Check out Mozart’s Birthplace 

Mozart is, by far, Salzburg’s most famous resident. The world-renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here in 1756 and today, there are lots of museums and notable buildings either dedicated to him or preserved because of a historical link to him.

One of the best is Mozart’s Birthplace. He was born in a house near University Square and this house museum focuses on young Mozart and his early years. 

• Wander and Shop Along Getreidegasse

Mozart’s Birthplace is located on Getreidegasse, a long pedestrianized street that you should definitely take the time to stroll down when staying in Altstadt. It starts with Toy Museum Salzburg at the western end and Mozartplatz on the eastern end. 

You’ll find lots of artisanal and local homeware stores so you can buy and take home souvenirs. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes with a large statue of Mozart in the city square.

Plus, this street has a museum called Salzburger Weihnachtsmuseum which features an extensive collection of Christmas-themed figurines, and the Salzburger Glockenspiel which is an 18th-century clock tower. There’s so much to see!

Below is a list of the best places to stay in old town Salzburg.

Where to stay in Salzburg old town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Altstadt:
Sishaus – View at Mozarts
Institut St.Sebastian
Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus

Budget Hotels in Altstadt:
Berglandhotel Salzburg
Cityhotel Trumer Stube
Hotel Krone 1512
Altstadthotel Weisse Taube

Mid range Hotels in Altstadt:
Hotel Weisse Taube
Radisson Blu Hotel Salzburg
Hotel Am Dom
Altstadthotel Kasererbraeu

Family Friendly Hotels in Altstadt:
Hotel Goldgasse
Hotel Elefant
Cityhotel Trumer Stube
Arte vida boutique guesthouse

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Altstadt:
Hapimag Resort Salzburg
Townhouse Weisses Kreuz
Hotel Bristol Salzburg – The Best place to stay in Salzburg old town
Hotel Sacher Salzburg

New Town – Where to stay in Salzburg for families

Salzburg’s New Town area is across the Salzach River from Old Town. It is slightly quieter and less touristic but still super close to all the main attractions and has lots of convenient amenities so it’s ideal for families and those with young kids.

Why Stay in New Town

Keep in mind, in Europe “new” still means centuries old, so New Town also has quaint streets, historic buildings, and many shops and restaurants to peruse. There are lots of historic buildings and palaces (the famous Mirabell Palace and Gardens are located in this part of town) as well as many restaurants and bars.

There’s a huge area of almost untouched woodland in New Town which is ideal if your kids are tired of looking at museums. You’ll enjoy the picturesque stroll across the bridge to the Old Town too.

New Town is a good choice for Salzburg accommodation no matter what you’re looking for but especially if you prefer short-term rental apartments to house your entire brood. If you’re wondering where to stay in Salzburg on a budget too, New Town has a lot of great options!

Things To Do in New Town:

• Visit Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Visiting the Mirabell Palace and the acres of manicured lawns surrounding it isn’t just one of the top things to do in Salzburg’s New Town, but one of the top things to do in the entire city. This opulent 17th-century palace boasts many ornamental gardens with fancy sculptures and fountains.

Its interiors are equally as luxurious and dripping in artwork and antique furniture. It’s no wonder that this palace is still used today as a venue for concerts and dances.

• Take a ‘The Sound of Music’ Tour

There’s no doubt that you’ve watched The Sound of Music starring Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews as everyone’s favorite ex-nun.

If not recently, then you definitely watched this musical as a kid! It was set and filmed in Salzburg and many of the filming locations still exist today. There are so many walking tours you can join to visit the most iconic locations and it’s a great way to see a different side of the city.

• Check out the Mozart Residence Museum

Mozart might not have been born in this house, but he certainly lived in it for a period from 1773 to 1787. It was called the “Dance Master’s House” and it was a spacious eight-bedroom apartment.

Like his Birthplace building, this is also a very impressive building featuring exhibits from part of his life. It has various pianos and other musical instruments as well as some of his books and other nicknacks. 

• Shop and Eat in Linzer Gasse Platzl

Linzer Gasse Platzl is New Town’s alternative to Mozartplatz. They are both beautiful, large city squares with lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutique stores. Linzer Gasse, in particular, is a long street full of shops as well as small fountains and interesting sculptures. At the bottom of this square, you’ll be able to see some lovely views across the river to Old Town too.

Best places to stay in New town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in New town:
Yoho International Youth Hostel
The Keep Eco Rooms
a&o Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
Wolfgang’s managed by a&o

Budget Hotels in New town:
Urban Stay Salzburg City
Hotel Modus
Room 4 Apartments
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg

Mid range Hotels in New town:
Gastehaus im Priesterseminar Salzburg
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
Star Inn Hotel Premium Salzburg Gablerbrau
Hotel Markus Sittikus Salzburg

Family Friendly Hotels in New town:
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
NH Salzburg City
Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu
Atel Hotel Lasserhof

Affordable Luxury Hotels in New town:
Sheraton Grand Salzburg
Hyperion Hotel Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Hotel Schloss Mönchstein

Nonnberg – Where to stay in Salzburg for Couples

Nonnberg is a neighborhood in Salzburg situated on the western side of the river next to the Old Town. This part of the city is on a hill overlooking the rest of the area which means it’s a little quieter and perfect for couples looking for a more relaxing city break.

Why Stay in Nonnberg

Many of Salzburg’s top attractions are in Nonnberg, so you’ll be visiting this place at some point eventually! Plus, if you stay in this neighborhood, you get to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views more than tourists that just walk up for a couple of hours one afternoon. 

This is where you’ll find Salzburg Fortress, or Hohensalzburg, as well as the Nonnberg Benedictine nunnery. The nunnery, while not open to the public, is where the real-life Maria Von Trapp lived prior to marrying George Von Trapp. 

Nonnberg manages to be a bit off the tourist path, but again, close enough to experience all that Salzburg has to offer. There are also a few accommodation options and restaurants up here. While there aren’t many, they’re mostly cozy hotels that are perfect for couples.

Things To Do in Nonnberg:

• Visit Stift Nonnberg Monastery 

The Stift Nonnberg Monastery first opened its doors in the 8th century and today this former Benedictine monastery is a protected monument. It’s a huge, imposing building sitting on top of this hill in the city center with a church, a crypt, and so many other rooms and courtyards to explore.

• Ride the Funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress

There are two fantastic structures to visit on top of this hill. One is the Nonnberg Monastery, and the other is the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

It’s a huge (seriously, huge) 11th-century military fortress that has helped defend this area since medieval times. You can take guided tours around this fortress to learn more about its history.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to climb up the hill to visit the fortress and monastery! You can ride the funicular which is a fun and sweat-free way to visit these cool attractions.

• Witness the Mountain Views from Richterhöhe

No matter where you are in Nonnberg, you’ll see beautiful views across Salzburg and the Austrian Alps in the distance, but there are some truly exceptional panoramic viewpoints.

One of the best is Richterhöhe which is an observation deck on the other side of the hill to the fortress and monastery. It gives you the best view of the hills.

Best places to stay in Nonnberg

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Nonnberg:
Eduard-Heinrich-Haus
The Keep Eco Rooms
Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus

Budget Hotels in Nonnberg:
JUFA Hotel Salzburg City
Hotel Neutor Express
MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center
Pension Elisabeth

Mid range Hotels in Nonnberg:
Gasthaus Hinterbruehl
Star Inn Hotel Salzburg Zentrum
Hotel Stein – Adults Only
artHotel Blaue Gans

Family Friendly Hotels in Nonnberg:
Hotel Elefant
Hotel Via Roma
B&B Villa Verde
Altstadthotel Kasererbräu

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Nonnberg:
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Hapimag Resort Salzburg
Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron
Sheraton Grand Salzburg

Elisabeth-Vorstadt – Where to stay in Salzburg on a Budget

For a more local experience, or for those visiting Salzburg on a budget, Elisabeth-Vorstadt is a good option. Only 15 minutes walk from Altstadt, Elisabeth-Vorstadt offers an alternative experience of Salzburg. 

Why Stay in Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Elisabeth-Vorstadt was once a suburb but is now encompassed into Salzburg. It’s a large, primarily residential neighborhood that encompasses Salzburg’s main train station on the eastern side of the river next to New Town, so transportation options are convenient both to get in and out of the city.

Due to the fact it’s slightly further away from the attractions of Old Town and New Town (but still within walking distance) this means accommodation is generally cheaper. There are still some restaurants, bars, and supermarkets too. 

It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood that is slowly starting to gain popularity but it isn’t quite there yet. So, if you are visiting Salzburg on a tight budget, this might be a good area to find accommodation deals plus there are some hostels in this part of town too.

Things To Do in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:

• Watch Live Music at Rockhouse Salzburg

Not only is Elisabeth-Vorstadt one of the best places to stay in Salzburg on a budget, but it’s also one of the best areas for nightlife.

Rockhouse Salzburg is the city’s premier music venue and hosts club nights, DJs, and both local and international live music performances. Check out their schedule to see if they have anything on their calendar during your vacation in Salzburg.

• Bike Along the Tauernradweg Cycle Path

Cycling along Salzburg’s Tauernradweg Cycle Path is one of the best budget things you can do in Salzburg. Sure, you’ll have to pay for the bike rental but it will be super cheap when you think about the hours of fun you’ll have. 

Elisabeth-Vorstadt is right on the river so you can cycle from your accommodation and up and down the river. Salzburg has lots of green spaces on the banks of the river Salzach so you could hit up a supermarket and pack a picnic for lunch.

Best places to stay in Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:
The Keep Eco Rooms
a&o Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
Wolfgang’s managed by a&o

Budget Hotels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:
Adlerhof
Hotel Evido Salzburg
Hotel Scherer
Plaza Inn Salzburg City

Mid range Hotels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:
Mercure Salzburg City
Holiday Inn Salzburg City
Mercure Salzburg Central
Hotel Amadeus Residence

Family Friendly Hotels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:
Hotel Jedermann
Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg
Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center
K6 Rooms by Der Salzburger Hof

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:
Cocoon Salzburg
Hotel Bristol Salzburg
Apt. Stone-Lodge
Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Salzburg

❤️ Best Area first timers	Altstadt (Old Town)
💸 Best Luxury Hotel	Sheraton Grand Salzburg
👪 Best Hotel for For Families	NH Salzburg City
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel	Hotel am Mirabellplatz
🛏️ Best Budget Hotel	Hotel Evido Salzburg
✨ Best Hostel	Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus

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