Where to stay in Salzburg

Oct 5, 2025 | City Guide, Salzburg

Where to Stay in Salzburg – The Best Areas and Hotels for Every Traveller

Dreaming of spending magical days in Salzburg?
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family escape, or a cultural getaway, knowing where to stay in Salzburg can make all the difference.
This enchanting Austrian city may be compact enough to explore on foot, but each neighbourhood has its own distinct personality, charm, and pace.
From the baroque beauty of the Altstadt (Old Town)—a UNESCO World Heritage treasure—to the stylish boutiques of Neustadt and the peaceful riverside views of Elisabeth-Vorstadt, choosing the right area helps shape your Salzburg experience.

Picture of Lake Zell, Zell am See and Kaprun

As someone who’s spent countless days exploring Salzburg’s cobbled streets and scenic corners, I’ve discovered that the city’s magic isn’t confined to Mozart’s legacy or its mountain views—it’s also in its atmosphere, hospitality, and sense of place.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed insights on the best districts, hand-picked hotels, and hidden local favourites to help you decide exactly where to stay in Salzburg, no matter your style or budget.

Hi, I’m Tammy, the founder of Wanderlustria and the Austria Travel Planning Facebook community.
With my insider knowledge and local perspective, this Salzburg Accommodation guide ensures you’ll find the perfect place to call home during your stay—so you can focus on making the most of your time in this storybook city.
Whether you prefer historic charm, boutique elegance, or laid-back comfort, this post will help you uncover the best options for where to stay in Salzburg.

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Salzburg Accommodation Guide

Salzburg Districts

Each district has its own qualities, appeal, and accommodation price level. The Altstadt is where the majority of the main tourist attractions are located and it is the most expensive for accommodation. Areas bordering the Altstadt tend to be cheaper while still being close to everything.

Salzburg is a very walkable city and it also has an excellent public transport system, so you can easily get to all the attractions.

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The commissions help us provide valuable travel tips and guides for free. Thank you!

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In this article, we provide recommendations in the following Salzburg Districts:

Altstadt
Neustadt
Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Nonntal
Hellbrunn
Maxglan (Airport)

Top picks- what areas to stay in Salzburg

 First time in Sazburg: Altstadt

 Sightseeing: Altstadt, Neustadt

 Luxury: Altstadt, Neustadt, Nonntal

 Hip areas, Nighlife: Neustadt, Nonntal

 Budget: Elisabeth-Vorstadt

 Families: Hellbrunn, Nonntal

 Parks and Nature: Hellbrunn, Nonntal

 Christmas Markets: Altstadt, Neustadt, Hellbrunn

Our Recommendations | Where we Stay in Salzburg

♥ As one of the hotels we always dreamed of staying at, we loved the famous luxury Hotel Goldener Hirsch, located directly on Getreidegasse.

♥ I enjoy staying at the charming 3-star Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt, located on the Linzer Gasse pedestrian zone- close to everything.

♥ For budget-conscious travellers, I recommend staying at the Gästehaus im Priesterseminar. I recently stayed in the Seminary Guesthouse located less than 5 5-minute walk from Mirabell Palace and Gardens. It offers great value close to all the major sights.

The Best 5 Districts to Stay in Salzburg

Altstadt (Old Town)

Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt) is the historic heart of Salzburg, divided by the river Salzach into the left and right Old Town. The Altstadt (Old Town), the heart of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located on the west side of the Salzach River. The Alstadt is where you will find most of the iconic sights of Salzburg including the Salzburg Cathedral, the Mirabell Palace, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Best for: First-time visitors to Salzburg, sightseeing

Known for: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Getriedegasse, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Birthplace.

**Estimated prices based on 2-person occupancy during High season.

Luxury Hotels

Four and Five Star Hotels 400-500€+ per night

Hotel Bristol– 19th-century elegance in the 5-star hotel located only minutes from the famous Getriedegasse.
Goldener Hirsch Traditional and Austrian charm in this 5-star hotel dating back to 1407 located on Getriedegasse
Hotel Schloss Mönchstein 5-star hotel in a fairy-tale like castle park.

Mid-Range Hotels

200-300€ per night

Boutiquehotel a Dom 4-star hotel located steps from the Salzburg Cathedral.
Numa | Mozart Charming and comfortable accommodation in the centre of Salzburg
Altstadthotel Weisse TaubeAn inn located in a historic building dating back to 1365

Budget Hotels

150-200€ per night

Gästehaus im Priesterseminar The Seminary Guesthouse offers simply furnished comfortable rooms in the Altstadt.

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Neustadt (New Town)

Neustadt is a hip neighbourhood situated on the right side of the Salzach river and adjacent to the right Old Town (Rechte Altstadt). Many popular sights are within walking distance. With its impressive townhouses, trendy restaurants, and cool concept stores, it’s a great area to stay in and explore.

Best for: shopping, nightlife, sightseeing

Known for: Mirabell Palace & Mirabell Gardens, Mozart Residence, Linzergasse, Mozarteum University Salzburg.

Luxury Hotels

Four and Five Star Hotels 400€+ per night

Sheraton Grand Salzburg 5-star family-friendly hotel located next to Mirabell Palace
Hyperion Hotel Upscale 5-star hotel comfort in the Palais Farber building complex.
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Family-run 4-star hotel located a short distance from Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Mid-Range Hotels

200-300€ per night

NH Collection Salzburg4-star hotel that seamlessly combines modern urban elegance combined with traditional Austrian charm.
Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt this charming 3-star hotel is located on the Linzer Gasse pedestrian zone- you are close to everything.
Motel One MirabellTrendy hotel located on the banks of the Salzach River.

Budget Hotels

150-200€ per night

Holiday Inn-Salzburg City Close to the popular pedestrian Linzergasse , the hotel is a 15 minute walk to Mirabell Gardens and ~20 min walk to the Altstadt (Old Town)
Das Jederman Boutique Hotel an owner-operated boutique hotel in a central location, a 10-minute walk from Mirabell Palace, and a 15-minute walk from the Old Town

Hostel

The Keep Eco Rooms Hostel close to the Salzburg Main Train Station

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Elizabeth-Vorstadt is home to the main train station and also known as the Bahnhofsviertel, is a modern district just north of Neustadt with more affordable accommodation options. With easy access to the Altstadt by using public transport or a leisurely 20-minute walk.

Best for: access to the train station, cheaper accommodation

Known for: Salzburg Main Train Station (Hbf)

Mid-Range Hotels

200-300€ per night

H+ HotelUpscale 4-star modern hotel located directly opposite the Salzburg main train station.
Austria Trend Hotel EuropaCentral location close to all the sights. The hotel has a restaurant on the 15^th floor with views over the city.
Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference CentreThe hotel has a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, a sauna, and an indoor pool and is only a 20-minute walk from Salzburg’s Old Town and 300 metres from the Main Train Station.

Budget Hotels

150-200€ per night

Hotel Cocoon The 4-star hotel is located close to the train station and a short distance to all the sights.
Arte Hotel Salzburg The 4-star hotel is close to Mirabell Palace has a spa and wellness centre and a bar.
Hotel zum Hirschen Salzburg Salzburg’s oldest family-run hotel is in a historic building dating back to 1500, and is close to the historic old town and the train station.

Hostel

A&O Salzburg Hauptbahnhof offers a variety of twin, family room and dorm rooms

Nonntal

Nonntal is located south of the Old Town, stretching behind Festungsberg, one of Salzburg’s city mountains. Despite its quite central location, it offers a great mix of a young, urban atmosphere and green spaces while still being only a 15-minute walk into Salzburg’s Old Town. Nonntal is also popular among students and offers not only hip bars and budget-friendly restaurants but also cheap places to stay in Salzburg.

Best for: parks and nature, hip bars and restaurants.

Luxury Hotels

Five Star Hotels 400€+ per night

Hotel Schloss LeopoldskronLuxury lake-side 5-star Rococo hotel. Built in 1736 by Archbishop Leopold Count Firmian, the hotel is famous as the setting for the Trapp Family home in ‘The Sound of Music’

Budget Hotels

150-200€ per night

JUFA Hotel Salzburg Located a 2-minute walk to the Altstadt, the hotel has a restaurant and bar and also has family rooms
Hotel Via Roma is located just a 15-minute walk from Salzburg’s historical centre.

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Hellbrunn

Hellbrunn lies in the south of Salzburg located approximately 5.5 km (3.5 Miles) south of Salzburg’s Altstadt and is named after the iconic Hellbrunn Palace. It provides a peaceful escape just outside the city, surrounded by greenery. A short 15-minute bus ride takes you to the city center.

Hellbrunn also offers easy access to many popular regions, making it the best location to stay in Salzburg for day trips by car.

Best for: parks and nature, families

Known for: Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens, Hellbrunn Zoo

Mid-Range Hotels

200-300€ per night

Hotel Friesacher The 4-star Hotel Friesacher is located close to Hellbrunn Palace. The hotel has cocktail bar, a wellness centre and a heated outdoor pool. The restaurant serves products from the hotel’s own farm.

Budget Hotels

150-200€ per night

Numa | Ivy Located close to Hellbrunn Palace, the hotel features family rooms and a family-friendly restaurant
Hotel Die Pflegerbrücke The 3-star hotel has a restaurant and free parking
Motel One Salzburg-Süd Modern design hotel features underground parking and a 24-hour bar. The bus stop directly outside takes you to the city centre in 10 minutes.

Airport

The Salzburg W.A Mozart Airport is in the Maxglan District, located about 3 km from the city centre and 2 km from the German border near Freilassing. Most travellers do not stay near the airport unless they have a very early flight.

Airport hotel Salzburg This 4-star hotel is 400 m from the airport. It has a sauna with a terrace offering panoramic mountain views and a restaurant.
Leonardo Hotel Salzburg Airport is 800 m from Salzburg Airport and 15 minutes by public transport to Salzburg Old Town.