Salzburg is a beautiful city in Austria, made up of 24 districts and three landscape areas (Landschaftsräume). This post is a breakdown of where to stay in Salzburg and gives you accommodation recommendations for all budget types.
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What's Different Here
This post will be a little different from other "Where to stay in Salzburg" posts. You can get all the details, reviews, and prices from the listing, you don't need me to repeat it (amenities are listed).
I'll focus more on the location of the accommodation in Salzburg and what's around you. Maybe you want to start your day off in a cafe or end your day in a restaurant down the street experiencing the local cuisine.
Compare Prices
I always compare prices when I choose my accommodations. I've given you links to Agoda (often cheaper) and Booking.com so you can compare also.
Click on the Compare prices here text between the buttons to compare prices on even more sites.
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Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria
Salzburg in Austria, is a small European city with a population of only 152,000. The airport lies within the city, meaning that getting to your accommodations from the Salzburg airport will be about 20-minutes by car or 35-minutes by public transport.
As you can see by the map above, the four best areas to stay in Salzburg are around the city centre. These are the best areas to stay in because they can make all the tourist sites accessible by foot or a short ride with public transit.
There are so many things to do in Salzburg in a small area. You can make the most of your time here by being close to the actions.
This can allow you to go take a day trip to Berchtesgaden, Germany also. Berchtesgaden is home to the famous Eagle's Nest (for those interested in World War II history) and the Königssee, a beautiful blue mountain lake tucked in the alps. I highly recommend visiting here.
Choosing Accommodations in Salzburg
In this post you'll find accommodations like:
- Hotels
- A top-rated bed and breakfast (Not an Airbnb, the real deal!)
- A great aparthotel
- Hostels
The hostels in Salzburg are listed at the end of the post. Don't overlook these! Almost all of them have private rooms available with an ensuite bathroom. This can really make for cheap holidays to Salzburg!
These are essentially cheap hotels. If you are travelling on a budget, take a look at them.
Hotels in Europe often charge per person. That makes these hostel/hotels combos great for families or those travelling with a small group of people.
Hotel vs Hostel (Private Room) Comparison
Here is a quick comparison. There are differences in the facilities.
Many hostels offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. They also have laundry facilities and a shared kitchen where you cook a meal to help bring costs down even more.
A hotel will have TVs and mini-fridges in the room and things like a fitness centre, pool and restaurants.
Below is an example comparison of a hotel and a hostel. These two are practically beside each other and near the train station in Salzburg.
You have to weigh the options of what is most important to your stay and if it's worth a $108 a night difference. Don't overlook the hostels' private rooms!
Hotel
The room has two queen beds, carpeting mini-fridge, TV, and a/c.
Bed linen and towels are included. Private ensuite bathroom.
Restaurant, bar, indoor pool and fitness room on-site.
4-guests
Cost per night $186 US
Hostel
The room has two single beds, one bunk bed, wooden furniture and laminate flooring.
Bed linen and towels are included. Private ensuite bathroom.
Laundry, shared kitchen, children's play area, bar are on-site.
4-guests
Cost per night $78 US
Best Places to Stay in Salzburg [Four Best Neighbourhoods]
1. Altstadt
The Altstadt is the Salzburg city center. This is where most of the attractions are, at least for touristy things. You'll find Mozart's birth house, the Salzburg Cathedral, and of course Salzburg's famous Hohensalzburg fortress overlooking the city. Here is where to stay in Salzburg Old Town.
2. Neustadt
Neustadt ( New town ) is on the east side of the Salzach River across from Mülln and the Altstadt. Here you will find the Mirabell Palace and Gardens (featured in the Sound of Music), Andräkirche, and Mozart-Wohnhaus, Mozart's former residence.
3. Elisabeth-Vorstadt
If you are looking for where to stay in Salzburg area close to the train station, then Elizabeth-Vorstadt is it.
Here you will find Salzburg's hostels and also great budget hotels.
4. Nonntal
Half of this district is in a historic area. It is just south of the Altstadt. You are a 15-minute walk to the Chapter Square in Altstadt. You'll find many parks in the area including a botanical garden of Schloss Freisaal. Here you will find accommodations near Salzburg city centre without the tourists.
Don't forget your Salzburg Card!
Free Admissions and Public Transport, plus additional discounts!
1. Altstadt, Salzburg
The Altstadt in Salzburg, Austria is one of the most beautiful places in Salzburg. Altstadt is German for "old town". It is split by the Salzach River.
This is the best location to stay in Salzburg for first time visitors to the city.
Here you will find the famous Salzburg attraction, Getreidegasse, a narrow street dating back to 1150 and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll great shopping, restaurants, and Mozart's birthplace.
If you are a Sound of Music fan, you can see where famous scenes were shot in the St. Peter's Cemetery & Catacombs.
You can find a free self-guided walking tour here that will take you past all the best sites in Altstadt.
Best Hotels in Old Town Salzburg [Altstadt]
These four Salzburg old town hotels are all in great locations. I've broken them down by the affordable, mid-range, luxury, and premium luxury hotels. Something for every budget. Even the luxury option is reasonably priced making it great for a special occasion or a business trip.
Budget Boutique Hotels in Salzburg Old Town
Hotel Weisse Taube
Walk out your door and you are in the heart of the action of Salzburg's Old Town.
You couldn't be any more central than in this boutique Altstadt hotel. When you see the price of other Salzburg hotels in Old Town, you'll be glad you found this gem.
You have 15 restaurants and bars within a one-minute walk from your front door. Everything from an Oyster Bar, Vietnamese street food, traditional Austrian food, an ice cream shop, burrito restaurant and an Irish pub too. How's that for variety?
When it's time to explore the attractions, you are a three-minute walk to Kapitelplatz, the centre of Salzburg's old town.
Mid-Range Boutique Hotel in Salzburg's Altstadt
Hotel Elefant Family Business
Right on the famous Gretreidegasse, a stone's throw from Mozart's Birthplace.
There are two Hotel Elefant hotels in Salzburg. This highly-rated boutique hotel is located on Salzburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site Getreidegasse, a street that people from around the world come to see.
Getreidegasse is a narrow pedestrian street, lined with boutique shops and restaurants. You'll be so glad to stay close to everything in Salzburg. It will help you see more and you will really get a feel for the vibe of the Altstadt.
You'll be able to see the sites and get all your souvenir shopping done in one place. Grab a bite to eat at the Goldene Kugel with its cool beer hall look and Austrian cuisine.
Go find Pho Vietnamese (formally Schubert's Einkehr) to get away from the hustle and bustle. They have some of the best Pad Thai outside of Vietnam!
This is one of the best places to stay in Salzburg old town for so many reasons.
Luxury Boutique Hotel in Salzburg City Centre
Hotel Goldgasse
A small luxury 4-star hotel in the Altstadt, down the street from Residenzplatz.
Hotel Goldgasse is a small luxury old town Salzburg hotel. If you want to splurge, you can even get a room with a terrace with views over the city. Perfect for that romantic stay in Salzburg. They even have a shuttle from the Salzburg airport.
You are less than a minute walk to Residenzplatz which is home to the tourist attractions of Dom of Salzburg, Salzburg Christmas Museum, Salzburg Museum, Panorama Museum and much more.
Walk three minutes in the other direction and you will find Mozart's birth house on Salzburg's famous pedestrian Getreidegasse. Getreidegasse is one of Salzburg's main attractions, known for its boutique shops and restaurants that line the narrow iconic street.
You won't have a shortage of things to see or do right out your front door if you stay here.
Hotel Premium Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
A 5-star luxury hotel in the Altstadt, on the east side of the Salzach river with views of Salzburg.
The hotel sits right on the river. Enjoy a beautiful walk at night along the river. You'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes dotted along the shore. Enjoy a coffee in the morning looking over the river at the gorgeous architecture.
Cross the bridge into the main old town of Salzburg and enjoy the sites. There couldn't be a better-located hotel in Salzburg. It is one of the best hotels in Salzburg.
2. Neustadt, Salzburg
Neustadt is just north of Alstadt. "Neu" means "new" but don't let the name fool you. This area of Salzburg is home to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart's Residence and much more.
There are lots of great restaurants, cafes and bars in this area to visit. As you move to the outskirts of Neustadt it becomes more modern making it a nice mix of both old and new.
Best Hotels in Neustadt, Salzburg
There are a lot of options in Neustadt when it comes to hotels. Included here are three hotels in two different prices ranges. One is an aparthotel, which gives you a kitchenette option.
Affordable Boutique Hotel in Salzburg's Neustadt
Hotel Krone 1512
An 8-minute walk to the heart of the famous Getreidegasse and the major sites of Salzburg old town.
This small hotel in Neustadt, on Linzergasse, is a beautiful pedestrian street. It is full of shops, cafes, a small grocery store, and has a variety of restaurants. You'll enjoy starting and ending your day in this neighbourhood.
Exploring the street, you'll find unique places like vomFass (from the barrel), a store that sells bottles of spirits, wine, olive oils, vinegar, and candies. Great for those gifts you need to bring back.
You are within walking distance to Mozart's former residence, Mirabell Palace & Gardens, and Andräkirche. Go exploring to find the small hidden Kalvarienbergkapellen, a small chapel that will surprise you, behind the Kapuzinerkloster.
Mid-Range Price Hotel in Salzburg's Neustadt
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg
An affordable 4-star hotel, great for families.
Another highly-rated hotel that is often overlooked. Tucked away means quiet evenings, but you are only a 4-minute walk to Mirabell Palace and a 15-minute walk to the heart of the Altstadt.
You'll never run out of places to eat, as you are surrounded by restaurants, including one in the hotel. Make sure to check out Royal Donuts just down the street. These aren't your Tim Horton's or Dunkin' Donuts, trust me. They are "royal" for a reason.
You can find great prices at this hotel (around $105 a night) if you keep an eye on prices (especially the shoulder seasons), then jump on it.
Mid-Range Price Hotel in Salzburg's Neustadt
Hotel Imlauer & Bräu
This 4-star hotel is a 5-minute walk from the train and bus station.
Hotel Imlauer & Bräu is 600m Salzburg Hbf (main train station) in Neustadt. Many great restaurants surround you here; everything ranging from Asian, Italian, Austrian and even a great vegan place.
Mirabell Palace is only a 5-minute walk away, and the heart of Altstadt is only 1 kilometre away.
If you are coming into Salzburg by bus or train for a couple of days, this is the ideal location.
Luxury ApartHotel in Salzburg's Neustadt
Loft Collection Salzburg Linzergasse
Loft-style aparthotels by Linzergasse with kitchens.
These aparthotels are one of the unique places to stay in Salzburg. They are located right at the start of Linzergasse, a quaint pedestrian street full of shops, restaurants (15 within a two-block radius!) and cafes.
The advantage to these loft apartments is the kitchen, where you can make a few meals which can save you a lot of money. It ends up costing much like a mid-range priced hotel (for under $120 in the shoulder season).
There is a grocery store across the street where you can get what you need when you need it.
Go to the Kapuzinerberg hiking path nearby and get great views of the city. You are also only 500m from Mirabell Palace, Capuchin Monastery, and only 1km to the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
3. Elisabeth-Vorstadt, Salzburg
If you are looking for Salzburg hotels near the train station, then Elisabeth Vorstadt is it. You'll find several accommodations within walking distance.
You'll be able to find accommodations here cheaper than in the Altstadt or Neustadt. It's more modern looking, and you will even find shopping at the Forum 1 Mall near the train station.
Best Hotels in Elizabeth-Vorstadt, Salzburg
To start this list you'll find a great bed and breakfast that gets fantastic reviews and for an even better price. The other two hotels each offer something different. One is a small 30-room boutique hotel, the other a 108-room modern hotel.
Budget Bed & Breakfast in Salzburg's Elizabeth-Vorstadt
Villa Floeckner Bed & Breakfast
Top-rated Bed & Breakfast in Salzburg near the train station
This Salzburg accommodation is a Bed & Breakfast is located in a nice residential area only a 5-minute walk from the main train station.
Walk east towards the train station, and you will find some bakeries, cafes, bars and restaurants. Head west, and you'll be at the Salzach River.
The staff here are amazing, and they offer a variety of great breakfast options. For this price, it doesn't get any better.
With a bus right around the corner, you can easily get to the Altstadt in minutes. Mirabell Palace is just over a kilometre away, and the heart of the Altstadt is 2km away.
Budget Pension Hotel in Salzburg's Elizabeth-Vorstadt
Alderhof
Great value range hotel right by the train station and 15 min walk to the Altstadt
This hotel is a steal for its price, location and amenities. It's a 2 star inn hotel (don't let that deter you), it was newly renovated in 2020. Its decor is simple, and their staff are excellent.
There's a small bakery across the street. A short walk south of your hotel is a small jazz club Jazzit.
Head back towards the train station, and you will find all kinds of restaurants ranging from Japanese, Chinese, Austrian and Italian cuisine.
Within 10 minutes, you can walk to Mirabell Palace and gardens making this a great all-around choice.
Luxury Hotel in Salzburg's Elizabeth-Vorstadt
Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg
Four-star hotel beside the train station
If you are looking for a little higher-end hotel located beside the Salzburg Hbf, look no further.
This four-star hotel is in a popular neighbourhood with some shopping, car rentals (take a day trip to Berchtesgaden!), and a variety of restaurants surrounding it.
You'll find larger rooms than most European hotels with great views of the city. With the bus right by the hotel, you can get to the heart of the old town Salzburg in 10 minutes.
4. Nonntal, Salzburg
Nonntal is one of those overlooked areas of Salzburg. It is home to Nonnberg Abbey, where every morning at 06:45, the nuns sing Gregorian chorals.
The neighbourhood is known for its parks and gardens and one of the best bakeries and cafes in Salzburg. Check out Bäckerei Funder on your way into the Altstadt. One of the best bakeries in town. Or head over to Nonntaler Hauptstrasse 9A to 220° cafe for a great coffee experience.
Best Hotels of Nonntal, Salzburg
Here you will find two hotels in Nonntal that are in great locations. One puts you within walking distance, the other within a short bus ride or is a 20-minute walk.
Budget Boutique Hotel in Salzburg's Nonntal
Hotel Via Roma
Four-star hotel with a view of Fortress Hohensalzburg
Step out of the hotel and Hohensalzburg Fortress is your backdrop. The hotel has free parking, which is hard to find in many cities.
Make sure to check out die Schnauze, a unique cafe at the end of the street. They offer great food in a relaxed dining atmosphere for both humans and dogs!
With a bus stop on the street, you can get to Altstadt in 10 minutes. You can even walk to it in 20 minutes.
Top-rated Hotel in Salzburg's Nonntal
JUFA Hotel Salzburg
Four-star hotel in view of Fortress Hohensalzburg
JUFA Salzburg is nestled amongst the university and schools. It is a 3-minute walk to Nonntaler Hauptstraße, which has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafe choices.
They have an excellent breakfast buffet at the JUFA. A variety of room choices makes it a perfect option for families. They even have two-bedroom rooms available. (bunk beds for the kids!)
Within a 10-minute walk, you are in the centre of Altstadt, making this a perfect location for families when visiting Salzburg.
Hostels in Salzburg
If hostels are your thing, there are a handful of hostels in Salzburg. Two of them are right by Salzburg's main train station.
All these are a mix of hostel and hotel. Meaning, they have some private rooms available with ensuite bathrooms, which makes for a great cheap hotel alternative.
These are great family hotels alternatives for those looking to stay on a budget or those travelling with a group of friends.
Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg
Located a 5-minute walk to Mirabellplatz, surrounded by restaurants and bars in Neustadt.
- Private rooms w/ shared bathroom
- Private rooms w/ ensuite
- Mixed dorm rooms w/ ensuite
- Mixed dorm rooms w/ shared bathroom
- Female dorm rooms w/ shared bathroom
Salzburg - Eduard Heinrich-Haus Hostel
Located a 5-minute walk to the Salzburg Museum. A 20-minute bus ride will get you to the old town and a 20-minute walk to Schloss Freisaal in Salzburg-Sud.
- Private rooms w/ shared bathroom
- Private rooms w/ ensuite
- Private family rooms w/ shared bathroom
- Private family rooms w/ ensuite
- Male dorm rooms w/ ensuite
- Female dorm rooms w/ ensuite
Meininger Salzburg City Center Hostel
Located 2km from the Mirabellplatz and on the north side of Kapuzinerberg in Neustadt.
- Private rooms w/ ensuite
- Mixed dorm rooms w/ ensuite
- Female dorm rooms w/ ensuite
Wolfgang's by a&o Hostel and Hotel
Located 1.5 from the city centre and one block from Salzburg's main train station in Elizabeth Vorstadt.
- Private rooms w/ ensuite
- Mixed dorm rooms w/ ensuite
- Female dorm rooms w/ ensuite
a&o Hotel & Hostel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
Located 1.5 from the city centre and one block from Salzburg's main train station in Elizabeth Vorstadt.
- Private rooms w/ ensuite
- Mixed dorm rooms w/ ensuite