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Wondering where to stay in Salzburg? You’re in the right place! This guide covers the best areas and hotels for every traveler. Whether you’re looking for luxury, family-friendly, or budget-friendly stays, we’ve done the research for you.
Salzburg, Austria, is a city that blends rich history and stunning architecture. It is best known as the filming location for The Sound Of Music being and Mozart’s Birthplace. Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
I had the chance to visit in 2024 during the magical Christmas market season, exploring not only the Christmas markets but also Mozart’s birthplace and many of the iconic Sound of Music filming locations.
As a fellow traveler I love researching the best places to stay on any budget. I only recommend one’s I’d seriously consider!
Read on for the full guide to where to stay in Salzburg, or if you’re short on time, check out my top recommendations at a glance!
Best Places to Stay at a Glance
📍5 Star Luxury Hotel – Traditional Austrian hotel in old town
📍Apartment Style City Center – Kitchenette in old town
📍Budget Friendly Hotel – Great value, easy access to sites and cafes
📍Family Friendly Hotel – Quieter area, good access to public transport
🎄Best Hotel for Christmas Market – centrally located, close to markets
Best Areas to Stay in Salzburg
Salzburg offers a variety of neighborhoods. We’ve handpicked the best areas for all budgets and interests. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, traveling with family, a solo adventurer, or seeking luxury, this guide will help you find the perfect base for your Salzburg adventure.
💡 Pro Tip: Book early for the best prices and availability, especially if visiting during the festivals or Christmas markets. Many hotels take reservations up to a year in advance!
Altstadt (Old Town) – Best For First-Time Visitors
Staying in Altstadt (Old Town) puts you steps away from Salzburg’s rich history and iconic sights. While hotels here can be a bit pricier, it’s perfect for first-time visitors or Christmas market lovers who want to be in the heart of the action.
From here, you can easily walk to Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s Birthplace, Mirabell Palace, and several of the main Christmas markets. With cafés, shops, and restaurants around every corner, the Old Town is a convenient base no matter the season.
Where to Stay in Old Town
Budget ($): Hotel Elefant – A classic Salzburg hotel located right in the Old Town with affordable rates, fully renovated rooms, and easy access to shops, cafes, and Christmas markets. Mozart’s birthplace and the Festival Hall are just a few steps away. If you are in Salzburg for the Salzburg Festival, this is the perfect location.
Budget with a kitchen ($): Guesthouse Mozart – Apartment House – Located in the heart of old town, this guesthouse comes equipped with a kitchenette, washing machine, and highly rated for comfy beds! Perfect place to work and save on meals!
Mid-Range ($$): Leonardo Hotel Salzburg City Center – located in the Linzergasse pedestrian zone, right in the heart of old town. It provides easy access to shops, cafes, and Christmas markets. Leonardo is a chain of hotels in Europe. I stayed at one in London and had a great experience!
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Located in the heart of old town on the famous Getreidegasse in Salzburg’s Old Town. Yes, the same street as Mozart’s birthplace! This is a traditional style Austrian hotel and has an on-site restaurant featuring international cuisine. All of Salzburg’s main sights are steps away.
Neustadt (New Town) – Lower Prices, Still Close to the Sights
Just across the river from the Old Town is Neustadt (New Town), offering great hotel options that don’t compromise on location but often come at slightly lower prices. Staying here lets you stretch your budget while still being close enough to explore the city center on foot or via public transportation.
Neustadt is best for families, luxury travelers, or anyone seeking a quieter stay with easy access to Salzburg’s main sights, including Mirabell Gardens and several of the Christmas markets.
Where to Stay in New Town
Budget ($) Apartment Style with a Kitchenette: Master Linzergasse Located in the heart of Neustadt (New Town), this hotel is highly rated for nearby shops and room cleanliness. Save money on meals with its well-equipped kitchen. This is a very popular property!
Mid-Range ($$) : Boutique & Design Hotel Auersperg – Located in the best-rated area in Salzburg near the Linzergasse pedestrian zone. Family-run for 3 generations, it’s a hideaway in the middle of the city. A garden and terrace add to the ambiance and reviews rave about the breakfast buffet. Couples and families will love this hotel.
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Iconic and luxurious, this riverside hotel combines historical grandeur with modern comfort. It sits just over the river from old town and is walking distance to both Old Town and the festive Christkindlmarkt makes it a top choice for experiencing Salzburg. It’s about as close to Old Town you can get while still being in the New Town. The hotel is famous for their Café and Sacher cake.
Schallmoos & Maxglan – Budget & Family-Friendly Stays
Neighborhoods like Schallmoos and Maxglan are budget-friendly and convenient. They’re ideal for budget travelers or families seeking space and value, offering affordable accommodations without sacrificing easy access to the city.
Just a 10–15 minute walk from the historic Old Town (Altstadt) and well-connected by public transportation, these areas make exploring Salzburg simple and stress-free.
Families will also appreciate nearby parks and green spaces, perfect for letting kids run around after sightseeing.
Where to Stay In Schallmoos & Maxglan Neighborhoods
Budget ($): Pension Elisabeth – Rooms & Apartments – located in the Schallmoos neighborhood the old town is a 10 minute bus ride away with a bus stop right outside the hotel. This location offers private rooms with either shared or private bathrooms. Great for families.
Mid-Range ($$): Hotel Astoria – Affordable rooms, located in the Maxglan neighborhood, within a 15 minute walk to the city center or there is a bus stop right in front of the hotel. They offer a breakfast buffet each morning.
Luxury ($$$): Sheraton Grand Salzburg – A US Hotel chain with large rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and a convenient location by the river make this an excellent choice for families seeking luxury and space. You get all the amenities expected from the Sheraton Brand and two restaurants on site.
Budget travelers staying in these neighborhoods will also benefit from being near supermarkets, bakeries, and public transport, making it easy to save on meals and still reach the sights and Christmas markets quickly.
Leopoldskron-Moos – Nature & Sound of Music Fans
For those seeking nature, peace, and tranquility, Leopoldskron-Moos is a perfect choice. This hotel is best for luxury travelers wanting a quiet, scenic stay and fans of The Sound of Music.
Where to Stay in Leopoldskron-Moos
One of the highlights is Schloss Leopoldskron, famously featured as the Von Trapp family home in the film. Today, it operates as a hotel, so guests can stay at an actual filming location. You have to be a guest of the hotel to enter. Inside, you’ll have the chance to see the iconic grand ballroom, the balcony, and terrace featured in the film.
Beyond the palace, the neighborhood is surrounded by lakes, gardens, and walking paths, making it ideal for relaxing strolls and enjoying Salzburg’s natural beauty.
The hotel is on the main bus route for Salzburg, so you can easily get to the city to view the sites or Christmas markets.
Should I Stay Near the Old Town?
Staying near the old town is great for first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be close to the action. Let’s explore the pros and cons of staying in old town.
Pros:
- Steps away from major attractions: Mozart’s Birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral
- Walkable to the city’s main Christmas markets
- Surrounded by charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and plenty of cafés and restaurants
- Perfect for first-time visitors
Cons:
- Hotels tend to be more expensive than other neighborhoods
- Rooms are often smaller and more compact
- Limited parking if traveling by car
- Can be crowded during peak tourist season and holiday markets
Quick Tips to Make Choosing Your Salzburg Stay Easier
- Book Early: The best accommodations and locations will sell out, especially during Christmas market season and festivals. Rule of thumb book six months or more in advance for the best prices and availability.
- Look for Air Conditioning in the warmer months. Not all hotels in Salzburg offer it, so it’s best to check ahead.
- Check for Parking if you are Driving: Not all hotels have parking and some will charge a fee, so best to plan ahead.
- Choose walkability or close to public transport. I like to have everything I need nearby so be sure to check both for your needs.
- Is Breakfast Offered? Many hotels offer great breakfasts and some are very simple. If this is important to you, best to check ahead.
Top Things To Do In Salzburg
While your accommodation sets the tone, what you do in Salzburg makes the trip memorable. Here are some must-dos:
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: Take in panoramic city views from this iconic castle.
- Mirabell Palace & Gardens: Beautiful gardens and photo-worthy spots
- Mozart’s Birthplace & Residence: Learn about Salzburg’s most famous composer.
- Salzburg Christmas Markets: Don’t miss Residenzplatz, Cathedral Square, and Mirabellplatz markets for festive food, crafts, and entertainment.
- Sound of Music Tour: Explore filming locations and the scenic countryside.
- Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains: Fun for families, particularly in summer.
- Salzburg Museum & Haus der Natur: Great indoor options if the weather is chilly, rainy or snowy.
- Dine at the Oldest Restaurant in Europe: St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, was founded in 803 CE. Reservations are free and I highly recommend making one.
If your visit coincides with December, plan to spend time at the Salzburg Christmas Market, savoring mulled wine, bratwurst, roasted almonds, and the unique holiday decorations that make Salzburg feel like a winter wonderland.
How Many Days Should You Stay In Salzburg?
Salzburg is compact, but there’s plenty to see, so plan at least 2–3 days for a first-time visit. Here’s a suggested breakdown:
- Day 1: Explore Old Town, visit Mozart’s birthplace, stroll through Mirabell Gardens, and take the Sound of Music Tour.
- Day 2: Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, venture out to Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains, dine at the oldest restaurant in Europe.
- Day 3: Explore beyond the city center. Consider a day trip to the surrounding lakes, salt mines, or the picturesque town of Hallstatt.
For Christmas travelers, staying 3–4 nights allows for leisurely Christmas market shopping, attending festive concerts, indulging in seasonal treats, and seeing the sights without feeling rushed.
FAQs
Here is some practical information to help you plan your trip to Salzburg.
How to get to Salzburg?
Salzburg is easily reachable by train, air, or car. From Munich the train is about 1.5 hours and from Vienna it’s about 2.5 hours. We arrived by train and found the main sights were very walkable from the main train station.
By Car, from Munich Salzburg is about 1.5 hours and from Vienna 3 hours.
Salzburg has Austria’s second largest airport and it’s only about 15-20 minutes from the city center. Many hotels will offer airport transfers. For public transportation take the number 2 or number 10 bus to the city center.
💡Pro Tip – Get the Salzburg Card for convenient public transportation on the city’s buses and its environmentally friendly trolleybuses. The card also offers free or discounted admission to many of the city’s most popular sites! Available at the info Center in the Airport, tourist offices, and many hotels!
Getting Around Salzburg
We walked everywhere as Salzburg is an easily walkable city so there isn’t a need for transportation. However the city does have convenient, reliable public transportation on the city’s buses and its environmentally friendly trolleybuses.
However if you are staying farther outside the city center the Salzburg City Card is the way to go. The Salzburg Card gets you free unlimited travel on the city’s convenient public transportation. The card also offers free or discounted admission to many of the city’s most popular sites!
How to Get Discounts to Main Attractions
The Salzburg Card offers free or discounted admission to many of the city’s most popular sites! It also offers free, convenient public transportation on the city’s buses and its environmentally friendly trolleybuses.
When is the best time to visit Salzburg?
Anytime is really a good time to visit Salzburg and it’s always worth the trip. If you are looking for lower crowds, visit in the spring or fall when temperatures are still pleasant.
The weather in Salzburg is seasonable; so the spring and fall are pleasant. Summer can have hot periods and thunderstorms, but temperatures average around 75F/24C; still making it for a good time to visit. Winter can be chilly, or cold and snowy, so pack options if you visit in December.
I visited in December but found the weather then very manageable with the right attire. Snow capped Alps can make for beautiful vistas.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to stay in Salzburg depends largely on your travel style, budget, and how central you want to be to the city’s sights. Altstadt is perfect for first-timers who want to be immersed in history and festivities, neighborhoods like Schallmoos or Maxglan are ideal for families and budget-conscious travelers, and Neustadt is a mix of both!
No matter where you stay, Salzburg’s compact size and excellent public transportation make it easy to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Whether you are sipping Glühwein at a Christmas market, wandering through the baroque streets of old town, or visiting historic palaces, Salzburg is a destination that feels magical year-round making it a must-visit destination!
Check out my related posts to learn more about Salzburg!
Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? 20 Things to Know Before You Go!
Salzburg Christmas Markets The Ultimate Guide to a Winter Wonderland
Sound of Music Tour Salzburg – The Original Tour by Panorama Tours Review
