So, you’re probably here because you’re heading to Salzburg!
Salzburg really is a dreamy city filled with charming pastel buildings, beautiful baroque architecture, stunning mountain views, and lush gardens. There truly is something for everyone, whether you’re looking to stay in a vibrant neighbourhood or a quiet area with more spacious hotels. It was very easy for me to fall in love with this city.
If you’re visiting for the first time or have limited time, choosing the best area to stay in Salzburg can make your trip so much easier and better.
On my recent visit, I stayed at the Hotel Zum Hirschen Salzburg as I needed a hotel with parking for my road trip from Germany to Austria. This hotel was super convenient and within easy walking distance of everything I wanted to see in Salzburg. From my experience, Salzburg is a very walkable city, but each neighbourhood offers something unique, especially the areas across the Salzach River.
Here’s my guide to help you find the best area to stay in Salzburg to help you plan your trip to this beautiful city!
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Must see sights!
– Mirabell Palace & Gardens
– Hohensalzburg Fortress
– Mozart’s Birthplace
👉 Where to Stay
– Budget: Hotel Zum Hirschen Salzburg
– Mid-Range: Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell
– Luxury: Hotel Sacher Salzburg
👉 Activities we recommend
– Salzburg City Tour
– Apple Strudel & Salzburger Nockerl Class
– Original Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Altstadt (Old Town)
The Old Town (Altstadt) is the heart of Salzburg and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s where you’ll find many of the city’s most famous tourist attractions, like Mozart’s Birthplace, the Salzburg Cathedral, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The narrow cobblestone streets are packed with cafes, shops, and historic buildings, making it a perfect place to soak up the city’s charm.
Best For: First-time visitors, sightseeing, culture, history lovers, romantic stays
Sights to See: Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Birthplace, DomQuartier, Getreidegasse, Natural History Museum, and the Old Market Square
Where to Stay
Budget: Cityhotel Trumer Stube – Offers beautifully decorated rooms and a cozy stay right in the Old Town.
Midrange: arthotel Blaue Gans – A boutique hotel with a mix of modern art and traditional Austrian design, located in the heart of the Old Town.
Luxury: Hotel Sacher Salzburg – A famous 5-star hotel that combines luxury with traditional elegance and has beautifully decorated rooms.
Neustadt (New Town)
Located just across the Salzach River from the Old Town, Neustadt offers a more modern vibe while still being close to all the main attractions. This area is great for shopping, with plenty of boutiques and stores, and it’s just a short walk over the bridge to the historic sites.
Best For: Shopping, local experience, families, central location
Sights to See: Mirabell Palace & Gardens, Mozarteum University, Mozart Residence, and the Salzburg Congress Center
Where to Stay:
Budget: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg – Offers comfortable rooms close to Mirabell Gardens.
Midrange: NH Collection Salzburg City – A modern hotel with spacious rooms and easy access to the Old Town.
Luxury: Sheraton Grand Salzburg – Offers luxury amenities and is close to Mirabell Palace.
Elisabeth-Vorstadt (Near the Main Train Station)
If you’re arriving by train or planning day trips outside Salzburg, staying near the main train station in Elisabeth-Vorstadt is a great option. This area is well-connected to public transportation and is just a 15-minute walk to the Old Town.
Best For: Convenience, budget travellers, transport access, day trips
Sights to See: Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Baroque Museum, Salzburg Congress Center
Where to Stay:
Budget: Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell – A stylish and affordable hotel with beautiful river views.
Midrange: Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre – Comfortable rooms with easy access to the main train station.
Luxury: Der Salzburger Hof – Offers spacious, comfortable rooms with a touch of luxury.
Hotel Zum Hirschen Salzburg – A convenient option if you need parking, with a location that allows easy walking distance to the main attractions.
Where I Stayed in Salzburg
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Zum Hirschen in Salzburg!
Nonntal
If you prefer a quieter, more local experience, Nonntal is a fantastic choice. Located just south of the Old Town, this residential neighbourhood offers a peaceful atmosphere and is still within walking distance of Salzburg’s main sights. It’s also close to Nonnberg Abbey, one of the filming locations for The Sound of Music.
Best For: Quiet stays, local experiences, nature lovers
Sights to See: Nonnberg Abbey, Hohensalzburg Fortress, St. Peter’s Abbey
Where to Stay:
Budget: Am Neutor Hotel Salzburg Zentrum – A simple and cozy hotel close to the Old Town.
Midrange: ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg – Offers comfortable rooms in a relaxed setting.
Luxury: Hotel Schloss Mönchstein – A luxurious hotel with breathtaking views of the city.
Hellbrunn
Located a bit outside the city centre, the Hellbrunn area is perfect for travellers who enjoy nature and want to explore Salzburg’s beautiful outdoors. It’s best known for Hellbrunn Palace and its famous trick fountains, making it a fun place for families and visitors looking for something different.
Best For: Nature lovers, families, relaxation, outdoor activities
Sights to See: Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains, Salzburg Zoo, and beautiful walking trails
Where to Stay:
Budget: Hotel Turnerwirt – A cozy, family-run hotel that’s perfect for budget travellers.
Midrange: Austria Classic Hotel Hölle – Offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the main attractions.
Luxury: Schloss Leopoldskron – Stay in a historic palace with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Day trips we recommend from Salzburg
🦅 Step back in time at the Eagle’s Nest! Salzburg to Eagle’s Nest & Berchtesgaden Tour
🏞️ Uncover the magic of Hallstatt! Half-Day Tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt
🎶 Follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family! Original Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg
👉One of my favourite day trip from Salzburg!
FAQ
The best area to stay in Salzburg depends on your travel preferences. For first-time visitors, the Old Town (Altstadt) is ideal due to its proximity to the main sights. Neustadt is great for shopping and dining, while Elisabeth-Vorstadt offers convenience for travellers using public transport.
Both sides of the Salzach River have their charm. The Old Town (Altstadt) is on the left bank and offers a more historic, tourist-friendly experience, while Neustadt on the right bank provides a more modern feel with easy access to shopping and dining.
You can see the main sights of Salzburg in 1-2 days, but staying for 3 days allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace and take day trips to nearby attractions like Hallstatt or Berchtesgaden.
Salzburg is a very walkable city, especially if you’re staying in or near the Old Town. For longer distances, the public transport system (buses) is efficient and easy to use. The Salzburg Card offers unlimited access to public transport.
The main sights in Salzburg include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral, Mirabell Palace & Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, and the Old Town.
Yes, Salzburg is a very safe city for travellers. I felt completely at ease walking around both day and night.
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