Where to Stay in Salzburg 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Salzburg is Austria's baroque jewel, birthplace of Mozart and filming location for The Sound of Music. This compact city is easily walkable, with the UNESCO-listed Altstadt on one side of the Salzach River and elegant Neustadt on the other. Most visitors stay in the historic center, though Sound of Music fans may want proximity to filming locations scattered around the outskirts.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Altstadt (Old Town)
Wake up in a baroque masterpiece with Mozart's birthplace, the cathedral, and fortress views steps away. The narrow Getreidegasse, elegant squares, and riverside walks create the quintessential Salzburg experience. Worth the premium for first-time visitors.
Altstadt
Neustadt
Nonntal
Riedenburg
Aigen
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Hotels directly on Getreidegasse can be very noisy - ask for courtyard rooms
- • Elisabeth-Vorstadt near station is convenient but lacks atmosphere
- • Festival season (July-August) books out months ahead - plan early
- • Some 'Salzburg' hotels are actually in suburbs - verify location
Understanding Salzburg Geography
Salzburg is divided by the Salzach River. The Altstadt (Old Town) sits on the south bank beneath Hohensalzburg Fortress. Neustadt (New Town) is on the north bank with Mirabell Palace. The train station is north of Neustadt. Sound of Music sites are scattered from Nonntal to Hellbrunn.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Salzburg
Altstadt (Old Town)
Best for: Mozart's birthplace, Getreidegasse, cathedral, fortress views, Sound of Music sites
"Baroque UNESCO masterpiece with Mozart heritage and Alpine drama"
Pros
- Walk to everything
- Most beautiful area
- Historic atmosphere
Cons
- Expensive
- Crowded in summer
- Limited parking
Neustadt (New Town)
Best for: Mirabell Palace, Linzer Gasse shopping, Mozart residence, quieter than Altstadt
"Elegant town across the river with famous gardens and boutique shopping"
Pros
- Mirabell Gardens
- Good shopping
- Near train station
Cons
- Less historic charm
- Busy main street
- Tourist groups at gardens
Nonntal
Best for: Nonnberg Abbey (Sound of Music), quiet residential, fortress funicular
"Quiet neighborhood beneath the fortress where Maria's abbey stands"
Pros
- Sound of Music sites
- Peaceful
- Authentic local feel
Cons
- Steep hills
- Limited dining
- Quiet evenings
Riedenburg / Maxglan
Best for: Schloss Leopoldskron (Sound of Music), quiet setting, residential Salzburg
"Residential area with famous Sound of Music palace lake"
Pros
- Near Leopoldskron
- Budget-friendly
- Quiet
Cons
- Far from center
- Need bus
- Limited attractions
Aigen / Parsch
Best for: Hellbrunn Palace, quiet luxury, mountain setting, Sound of Music gazebo
"Leafy southern suburb with famous palace and mountain backdrop"
Pros
- Near Hellbrunn
- Beautiful setting
- Peaceful
Cons
- Far from Altstadt
- Need transport
- Limited dining
Accommodation Budget in Salzburg
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
YOHO International Youth Hostel
Neustadt
Lively hostel with Sound of Music screenings, free city tours, and excellent location near Mirabell Gardens.
Star Inn Hotel Premium
Near Hauptbahnhof
Modern budget hotel near train station with excellent value and easy access to center.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel am Dom
Altstadt
Stylish boutique in historic building steps from cathedral with contemporary design and excellent breakfast.
Arthotel Blaue Gans
Altstadt
Art-filled boutique in 650-year-old building, one of Austria's first art hotels. Historic bones with contemporary soul.
Hotel & Villa Auersperg
Neustadt
Charming family-run hotel with garden, rooftop spa, and warm Austrian hospitality. Hidden gem near Mirabell.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Altstadt
Legendary 600-year-old hotel on Getreidegasse with antique-filled rooms and traditional Austrian elegance. Salzburg's most storied address.
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Neustadt
Riverside luxury with fortress views, famous Sacher Torte, and imperial Austrian grandeur.
Schloss Leopoldskron
Leopoldskron
Stay in THE Sound of Music palace with lakeside setting, historic rooms, and breakfast where the Von Trapps 'lived.'
Hotel Schloss Mönchstein
Mönchsberg
Castle hotel atop Mönchsberg with panoramic views, Michelin-starred dining, and fairy-tale setting.
Smart Booking Tips for Salzburg
- 1 Salzburg Festival (late July-August) requires 6+ months advance booking and triples prices
- 2 Christmas markets (late Nov-Dec) are popular - book 2-3 months ahead
- 3 Easter Festival also impacts availability
- 4 Sound of Music tours run daily - hotel location doesn't affect them
- 5 Day trips to Hallstatt, Sound of Music country, and eagles nest are easy from any location
- 6 The Salzburg Card includes transport and attractions - check if hotel provides
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Salzburg: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.