Where to Stay in Salzburg, Austria: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Not sure where to stay in Salzburg? You’re in the right place!

Salzburg is a small city with a big personality, equal parts alpine charm, baroque grandeur, and Sound of Music nostalgia. And while you can’t go too far wrong wherever you book, the neighborhood you choose still sets the tone for your whole visit. It can mean the difference between being right in the heart of it all or needing to make friends with the public transit system.

I based myself in this beautiful city for a few days and spent my time exploring each area, so this is my honest, personal take on the four best places to stay, whatever your budget looks like.

Where to Stay in Salzburg Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Salzburg 

Salzburg is split neatly in two by the River Salzach, and which side you stay on mostly comes down to how close you want to be to the Old Town, where nearly all the big sights cluster. I based myself a little further out and still walked almost everywhere, since this is the kind of city where everything is close together.

The upside of looking beyond the Old Town comes down to value. Some of the best-value hotels sit out near the train station or in the quieter, more residential pockets, so if you’re watching your budget or fancy a calmer, more local base, staying a little further out pays off.

Since 2025, anyone booking paid accommodation in Salzburg receives a Guest Mobility Ticket at check-in, which covers free travel on the city’s buses, trolleybuses, the S-Bahn, and regional trains for the whole of your stay (how handy!). The only exclusions are the FestungsBahn funicular up to the fortress and the late-night buses, so you’ll need a separate ticket for those.

Taxis and Uber are around as a backup, though both can be quite slow to appear at peak times, so give yourself a little extra time if you’re ordering one for a dinner booking or a timed tour. And if day trips to the lakes, Berchtesgaden, or Hallstatt are on your list, staying near Salzburg Hauptbahnhof makes those onward train connections a breeze.

Here’s a quick look at the four best areas before I get into the details of each:

• Altstadt (Old Town) – Best for first-time visitors – The historic heart of the city, with Salzburg’s headline sights, cafes, and cobbled lanes right outside your door. Hotel Elefant is a fantastic mid-range pick tucked into the Old Town’s streets.

• Neustadt (New Town) – Best for shopping and dining – Just across the river from the Old Town, Neustadt is packed with shops, restaurants, and cafés while still being around a 10-minute walk to the Altstadt. Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu is a stylish pick right by the shops and restaurants of Linzer Gasse.

• Elisabeth-Vorstadt (Train Station Area) – Best for transport links – The area around the Hauptbahnhof, ideal if you’re day-tripping by train. It’s a fair walk from the Old Town, around 20 minutes or more, but the bus links more than make up for it. Arte Hotel Salzburg is a stylish choice minutes from the station.

• Nonntal – Best for a quiet stay – This area is ideal if you want somewhere peaceful, as it sits just south of the Old Town and offers a more local feel. JUFA Hotel Salzburg is a solid pick, with comfortable rooms, good value for money, and easy access to the city by foot or by public transport.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Altstadt (Old Town)  

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Home to Salzburg’s main sights, cafés, and historic squares
• Beautiful, atmospheric streets and classic architecture

Cons

• Higher hotel prices compared to other areas
• Can be busy, especially in peak season
  

The Altstadt is the historic heart of Salzburg, and if it’s your first time in the city, it’s the area I’d recommend. I didn’t stay here myself, but I spent so much time wandering its streets that it quickly became my favorite part of the city, and having explored everywhere else, it’s where I’d book if I came back.

Walk down Getreidegasse, the famous shopping street, and you’ll find narrow covered passageways suddenly opening out into hidden courtyards you’d never spot from the main drag. One of my favorite spots was Residenzplatz, the grand central square, and I visited early enough that it was still quiet, with just a few people crossing it and the fountain running- very peaceful!

You’re within steps of everything here, including Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, Residenzplatz, and the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, with cafes, bakeries, and traditional restaurants lining every lane. The whole Old Town is UNESCO-listed, and it’s also entirely pedestrian-only, with no cars beyond residents’ permits and taxis, so it’s wonderfully calm to wander on foot.

The catch is that all this popularity comes at a price. Hotels here book up fast and cost more than in other neighborhoods, and the streets get busy in peak season. But for history, atmosphere, and sightseeing right on your doorstep, nothing beats the Old Town.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch – $$$

Hotel Goldener Hirsch is one of the most iconic hotels in Salzburg, and it sits right on Getreidegasse, so you’re in the thick of the Old Town with shops, cafes, and sights just outside the door. The rooms are traditional and elegant, full of antique furniture and classic Austrian detailing that suits the setting beautifully, and there are two restaurants on site. It’s also pet-friendly, so your four-legged companion is welcome along!

Getreidegasse was the street I kept gravitating back to on my visits to the Old Town, with its overhanging shop signs and covered passageways, so waking up right on it would be quite something.

For a five-star stay in the heart of the city, this is about as good as it gets. Rooms typically start at around €400 per night in the summer months.

If Goldener Hirsch is fully booked, Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt is another excellent luxury option right by the river. The rooms are spacious and modern, and the Old Town location keeps you close to all the main sights.

For a more boutique feel, Boutiquehotel am Dom is a lovely alternative tucked into a historic building just steps from the cathedral. It’s stylish and intimate, with individually designed rooms full of character.

Hotel Elefant – $$

Hotel Elefant is a lovely mid-range choice set in one of the Old Town’s oldest buildings, on a quiet lane just off Getreidegasse. It blends historic character with comfortable, modern rooms, and its position is hard to beat, since you’re within a couple of minutes’ walk of Mozart’s Birthplace, the cathedral, and the main squares.

That tucked-away-but-central spot is exactly what makes this pocket of the Old Town so appealing. The side lanes here stay quite a bit calmer than the main drag even when Getreidegasse is packed, which I appreciated whenever I ducked off the busy street.

It’s a great pick if you want to be right in the middle of things without paying five-star prices. Rooms usually start at around €180 per night during peak season.

If Hotel Elefant is all booked up, Altstadthotel Kasererbräu is another characterful Old Town option. It leans into traditional Austrian charm and even has a small on-site spa for unwinding after a day on your feet.

For something more contemporary, Leonardo Hotel Salzburg City Center offers reliable, modern rooms in a handy central location. It’s a straightforward, comfortable pick if you value consistency and an easy walk to the sights.

Cityhotel Trumer Stube – $

If you’re traveling on a budget, Cityhotel Trumer Stube is a friendly, family-run hotel that gives you an Old Town location without the Old Town price tag. The rooms are simple, spotless, and comfortable, and the welcome is warm, which is perfect after a long day of sightseeing.

The location here is the real draw. You’re a short stroll from the main sights on one side and the Salzach River on the other, so you can be crossing a pedestrian bridge toward the Mirabell Gardens within minutes. For the price and the position, it’s a brilliant base. Rooms typically start at around €120 per night during peak season.

If it’s fully booked, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg is another solid budget-friendly pick. It’s in a great location for reaching the Old Town and the main sights on foot, with clean, modern rooms at a fair price.

Neustadt (New Town) 

BEST FOR SHOPPING & DINING

Pros

• Home to Mirabell Palace and the beautiful Mirabell Gardens
• Excellent shopping, cafés, and restaurants along Linzer Gasse

Cons

• Fewer major historic sights than the Old Town
• Less atmospheric at night compared to Altstadt

Just across the Salzach River from the Old Town, Neustadt is Salzburg’s New Town, and it’s the area that’s best if you love shopping, eating out, and a slightly more everyday, local feel. Don’t let the “new” fool you, though; it’s still got plenty of history, as it’s home to the famous Mirabell Palace and its baroque gardens, which you’ll likely recognize from The Sound of Music.

I spent a good while wandering Linzer Gasse, the New Town’s main shopping street, before cutting through to the Mirabell Gardens, and the whole area has an easygoing pace to it that I really enjoy. It feels more lived-in than the Old Town, and a little less packed with tourists.

The other draw is value. Hotel rates here tend to run slightly cheaper than in the Altstadt, and you’re still only about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town across one of the pedestrian bridges, so you’re hardly cut off from the main sights.

For dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Die Weisse is a wonderful spot for Austrian beer-hall classics, while Café Sacher is the place to go for coffee and a slice of the famous Sachertorte. All in all, between the shops, the gardens, and the restaurants, Neustadt is a brilliant base for anyone who likes to eat and browse their way around a city.

Hotel Bristol Salzburg – $$$

Hotel Bristol Salzburg is a grand, historic hotel right beside the iconic Mirabell Gardens, and it has hosted its fair share of famous guests over the years. The rooms are elegant and classically styled, with a timeless, old-world feel, and the location puts you within a short walk of both the New Town’s shops and the pedestrian bridges over to the Old Town.

Having the Mirabell Gardens essentially next door is a real treat, since I found them one of the loveliest spots in the city for an early stroll before the crowds arrived. For a refined, special-occasion stay with a foot in both halves of Salzburg, this is a wonderful choice. Rooms typically start at around €400 per night in the summer months.

If Hotel Bristol is booked up, Sheraton Grand Salzburg is another excellent upscale option right by the gardens. It offers spacious, modern rooms and a full spa, making it a comfortable and convenient base.

For something with local character, IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg is a strong pick with a well-known rooftop restaurant and bar. The city views from the top are a lovely bonus after a day of exploring.

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu – $$

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu is my favorite mid-range option in Neustadt, which is located in a great spot near the river. Blending a historic building with comfortable, modern rooms, it’s within easy walking distance of both the New Town’s shopping streets and the Old Town across the water, which makes it a really practical base for exploring on foot.

Its position near the pedestrian bridges is what sells it for me, since crossing the Salzach into the Old Town takes just a few minutes. It’s a comfortable, well-placed choice that won’t stretch the budget too far. Rooms usually start at around €200 per night during peak season.

If it’s fully booked, NH Collection Salzburg City is a sleek, modern alternative right on the river. Many rooms come with lovely views across to the Old Town and fortress.

For a more design-led, self-catering-style stay, Numa Salzburg Mozart is a stylish apartment-style option. It’s a great fit for longer stays or anyone who likes a bit of extra space and independence.

Hotel andrä – $

Hotel andrä is a smart budget choice in the New Town, offering great value for money given how central it is. The rooms are clean, bright, and comfortable, and you’re within easy walking distance of the Mirabell Gardens, the shops of Linzer Gasse, and the bridges over to the Old Town.

That walkability is the real win here, since I covered most of this side of the city on foot without ever needing transport, and this spot puts you right in the middle of it all. For the price and the location, it’s hard to fault. Rooms range from around €100 to €250 per night depending on the season.

If Hotel andrä is unavailable, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is another solid budget-friendly pick in the New Town. It offers simple, comfortable rooms in a handy central location.

For another good-value option, Atel Hotel Lasserhof is worth a look, with modern rooms and an easy walk to both the station and the sights. It’s a practical base for anyone mixing city exploring with day trips.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

BEST FOR TRANSPORT LINKS

Pros

• Super convenient for trains and day trips from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
• Generally better value for money than staying in the Old Town

Cons

• Less charming and historic than Altstadt or Neustadt
• Feels more functional and business-focused

Elisabeth-Vorstadt is the area right around Salzburg’s main train station, and it’s where I based myself during my latest trip. If you’re planning day trips out to places like Hallstatt, Berchtesgaden, or the lakes, staying near the Hauptbahnhof is a real advantage, since you can be on a train within minutes of leaving your hotel.

It’s a fair walk into the Old Town from here, around 20 minutes or more, so this isn’t the spot if you want to roll out of bed and straight into the historic center. However, the bus links are excellent, and this is where that free Guest Mobility Ticket really earns its keep.

I mostly took Line 1 to get into the Altstadt, though plenty of other lines run the same way, and since the travel was free with my ticket, hopping on a bus into town became second nature. What could have been a pain turned out to be no bother at all.

What I liked about staying here was how calm it was. Away from the crowds and the higher prices of the center, the area has a quiet, residential, and local feel, and the hotels offer better value too. You’ve also got supermarkets, casual restaurants, and everyday conveniences on your doorstep, which makes a longer stay easy.

If you don’t mind relying on the bus or longer walks, or you’re prioritizing day trips and value over being in the thick of it, Elisabeth-Vorstadt is a smart, practical choice!

Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Centre – $$$

Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Centre is a modern, upscale hotel set right along the Salzach River, a little north of the center. The rooms are spacious and contemporary, many with river or city views, and there’s a spa and fitness area on site for winding down after a day out.

The riverside setting is the standout here. I walked stretches of the Salzach several times during my stay in this part of the city, and following the water back toward the Old Town is a lovely way to travel, especially with the fortress rising up ahead of you.

It’s a comfortable, well-appointed base if you want a bit of luxury while staying outside the busy center. Rooms typically start at around €220 per night during the busier months.

If the Radisson Blu is sold out, Villa Elisa is a charming alternative in the area. It offers a more intimate, homely feel with comfortable rooms and a personal touch.

arte Hotel Salzburg – $$

As the name suggests, arte Hotel Salzburg is a stylish, art-themed hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the main train station, which makes it a brilliantly practical pick if day trips are on your agenda. The rooms are bright and design-led, and there’s a rooftop area with lovely views out over the city and the mountains beyond.

Being this close to the Hauptbahnhof is the real selling point, and it’s something I came to appreciate about basing myself in this area. Trains and buses were always just a short walk away, so getting out to the sights, or off on a day trip, never involved much faff.

It’s a smart, contemporary base for travelers who value easy connections. Rooms usually start at around €180 per night during the warmer months.

A fun, modern alternative, Cocoon Salzburg brings a relaxed, alpine-inspired design to the area. It’s well located and a good fit if you like a bit of personality in your stay.

For something more traditional, Hotel Hohenstauffen is a friendly, family-run option near the station. It’s simple, comfortable, and in a great location for getting around.

Austria Trend Hotel Europa – $

Austria Trend Hotel Europa is where I actually stayed on my last trip, and it was a really comfortable base for my trip. The building is a tall tower right by the main station, and the higher floors have brilliant views out over the city toward the mountains. The rooms are clean, modern, and perfectly comfortable, and the location could not be handier for the Hauptbahnhof.

During my stay, I could stroll to the platforms in a couple of minutes for a day trip, and hop on the Line 1 bus into the Old Town whenever I fancied, free with the Guest Mobility Ticket. For the price, the comfort, and the unbeatable transport access, it’s an easy recommendation for budget-conscious travelers. Rooms typically start at around €110 per night.

For a stylish, design-led alternative nearby, June Six Salzburg has a boutique feel with characterful rooms and a trendy bar. It’s a great pick if you want a bit more flair without straying far from the station.

Another reliable choice is Hotel Scherer, a comfortable, family-run hotel in the area. It’s great value, with easy access to the station and city transport.

Nonntal

BEST FOR A QUIET STAY

Pros

• Peaceful, residential area just south of the Old Town
• Great value hotels and more space than central Salzburg

Cons

• Fewer restaurants and shops than Altstadt or Neustadt
• Slightly longer walk to the main sights (though still manageable)

Tucked just south of the Old Town, Nonntal is the area I’d point you toward if you’re after a calmer, more local base while still staying within easy reach of the sights. It has a peaceful, residential feel, and yet you can either walk or take public transit into the historic center in only a few minutes, which is a lovely combination if staying in the crowds and bustle of the Altstadt isn’t quite your thing.

There’s more history here than you might expect, too. Nonntal is home to Nonnberg Abbey, the oldest continuously operating convent in the German-speaking world, and, for film fans, the very abbey where the real Maria von Trapp was a novice, and where its Sound of Music scenes were filmed.

The other draw is the greenery. Nonntal backs right onto the Mönchsberg, the wooded hill that runs above the city, so you’ve got walking trails and some of Salzburg’s best viewpoints more or less on your doorstep. I loved that you can go from quiet city streets to leafy woodland paths in a matter of minutes here.

The trade-off is that it’s more residential, so you won’t find the same density of restaurants, shops, and nightlife as in the center. But if you value peace, greenery, and a more local rhythm to your stay, Nonntal is a wonderful choice.

Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron – $$$

Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron is easily one of the most special places you could stay in Salzburg, a lakeside baroque palace that doubled as the von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music. Staying here means sleeping in a piece of film history, with grand, elegant rooms, beautiful grounds, and a setting right on the Leopoldskron pond with the fortress reflected in the water beyond.

The location leans peaceful and secluded rather than central, which is rather the point. This is a stay for slowing down, wandering the gardens, and soaking up the fairytale surroundings, and even if you don’t stay, the setting is worth seeking out.

For a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime Salzburg experience, nothing else quite compares. Rooms typically start at around €300 to €800 per night during peak season.

ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg – $$ 

ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg is a comfortable, well-run mid-range hotel set in a quiet, green pocket on the edge of Nonntal. It’s a spacious property with modern rooms, a garden, and a restaurant on site, and there’s plenty of parking, which makes it a handy pick if you’re traveling by car (or planning to rent one!).

You’re close to the Mönchsberg’s walking trails yet still only a short bus or stroll from the Old Town, which sums up what makes Nonntal such a nice place to base yourself: peace and greenery without being cut off. It’s a solid, good-value choice for a relaxed stay. Rooms usually start at around €150 per night during peak season.

Another good option in this part of the city is Hotel Via Roma, a smart, contemporary choice a little closer to the center. It offers stylish rooms and a central-but-quiet location that’s easy to like.

JUFA Hotel Salzburg – $

JUFA Hotel Salzburg is a brilliant budget choice, sitting right at the foot of the Mönchsberg in a quiet, green setting. It’s a modern, family-friendly hotel with bright, practical rooms, and it’s especially good value for families or anyone wanting a comfortable base without spending a fortune.

The setting is what lifts it above the usual budget stay. You’re tucked beneath the wooded hill with its walking trails right there, yet the Old Town is an easy walk or short bus ride away, so you get peace and greenery without sacrificing access to the sights. For the price and the position, it’s hard to beat. Rooms usually start at around €140 per night.

Related Read: Planning a quick visit? Don’t miss our 3-day Salzburg itinerary, packed with must-see attractions, great food stops, and easy day trips.

Top Activities to do in Salzburg

Now that you’ve chosen where to stay, it’s time to plan what to do in Salzburg! From iconic filming locations to fairytale villages and unforgettable cultural experiences, this city has so much to offer. Here are some of my favorite activities to try while you’re here.

• Follow in the footsteps of The Sound of Music – This iconic Sound of Music tour is an absolute must for fans of the film. I visited famous filming locations like Mirabell Gardens, Hellbrunn’s gazebo, Mondsee, and Austria’s Lake District, all while singing along with fellow fans.

• Visit fairytale Hallstatt on a half-day trip – If you’re limited on time, this half-day tour makes seeing Hallstatt easy. After a scenic drive through the mountains, you’ll have free time to explore the village, walk the lakefront, or head up to the Skywalk for incredible views.

• Go underground at the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines – This unique half-day trip takes you beneath the Alps into historic salt mines just outside Salzburg. You’ll ride underground trains, slide down miners’ slides, and float across the surreal Mirror Lake. It’s fun, educational, and perfect for families or rainy days.

• Learn to cook famous Austrian dishes – This cooking class turned out to be one of my favorite experiences in Salzburg! I had an absolute blast learning to make strudel and Nockerl, a Salzburg special. By the end, I came away with some new recipes and a very full stomach.

Related Read: If you want a deeper breakdown, I cover these tours in more detail in my guide on the best things to do in Salzburg, including tips on what to expect and how to fit them into your Salzburg itinerary.

Thanks for reading!

Salzburg may be small, but choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference to your trip. Whether you want to be right in the historic Old Town, close to shops and cafés, well connected for day trips, or tucked away in a quieter local neighborhood, there’s a great option for every travel style.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other Austria blogs for more tips, itineraries, and must-do experiences to help you plan an unforgettable trip. For more ideas and inspiration, have a look at some of our most popular blogs below!

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