Where to stay in Salzburg

The magnificent city of Salzburg is a real gem located at the foot of the Alps not far from the German border. If by day the city presents its visitors with a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, by night it is an even more amazing experience. The city with its lights, elegant illuminated buildings and typical restaurants becomes truly magical. The advice, therefore, is to include in your travel plan at least one or two nights in the city.

There are many tourists who decide to visit Salzburg in the daytime, so in the evening you can either take a leisurely walk without the flow of tourists during the day or experience the city’s lively nightlife. It has to be said that accommodation in Salzburg is slightly more expensive than the Austrian average so it is recommended to book your stay in advance so you can find good rates. This destination offers a wide choice of different types of accommodation in various price ranges, so it is not difficult to find accommodation to suit your needs. In the centre, there are not only 45-star hotels in elegant buildings, but also cosy hotels in typical Tyrolean style or design hotels with spectacular views. There are also cosy B&Bs, modern hostels or guesthouses.

The best area in which to sleep is definitely the old town where most of the sights are located and can be reached on foot; however, it must be said that this is also the most expensive area. Just move a little away from the central area to find nice accommodation at cheaper prices. If you are looking for peace and quiet and nature, you can find accommodation on the outskirts of the city, such as Salzburg-Aigen or Maxglan, and thanks to public transport you can easily reach the centre.

Here, then, is a mini-guide to the best areas in which to stay in Salzburg: for each area, we have selected the best solutions in each category.

Old town (Altstadt)

The centre of Salzburg, known as the Altstadt, is an area full of stately palaces, elegant cafés and sites of great historical interest. Traversed by the Salzach River, the city is nestled between lush green hills that create a unique and extraordinary natural environment.

Staying in this part of the city gives visitors the opportunity to get to know the oldest part of Salzburg even in the evening and to have many attractions nearby, including Mozart’s birthplace. In addition, this area is characterised by the presence of many restaurants, bars and clubs as well as shops, boutiques and many other facilities. From here, it is possible to reach the Hohensalzburg Fortress via a steep path or by funicular railway.

In this district, there are numerous hotels in old buildings, modern hotels with views and even a few hostels. This is the most attractive but also the most expensive area.

Hotels in the city centre

Neustadt

The Neudstadt is one of the 24 districts into which the city of Salzburg was divided and lies on the opposite side of the river from the historic district (Altstadt). From this area, it is a quick walk to the Altstadt. Here you will find elegant Baroque palaces such as the Schloss Mirabell, a stately building that the prince-archbishop von Raitenau gave to his mistress Salome Alt, and sites of interest such as the Toy Museum, which houses the classic games of yesteryear.

Neudstadt is a very beautiful district during the day but also at night and is considered by many to be the area for nightlife lovers. In fact, the area is full of breweries, pubs and clubs that in the evening become the perfect place to spend time with friends. Neudstadt boasts respectable accommodation that is mostly large hotel chains or design hotels. Alongside these, there are also hostels, delightful Tyrolean-style hotels and various family-friendly accommodations. Due to the very central location, the prices here are quite high, but if you book in good time, you can find promotions.

Hotels in Neudstadt

Elisabeth Vorstadt

Close to the Neustadt district is Elisabeth Vorstadt, which is a fairly central area that also includes Salzburg’s railway station. The area is therefore convenient if you come by train or need to take it for some excursions. Accommodation here is cheaper than in other areas but you are always within walking distance of the main sights.

This used to be a quiet residential neighbourhood, but in recent years the municipality has started a programme of redevelopment of the area to make it more modern and lively. Over time, clubs and cultural centres have sprung up here where theatre and music events are organised. Accommodation can certainly be found in this area that is a good compromise between price and location.

Hotels in Elisabeth Vorstadt

Mülln

Mülln is a district that runs to the left of the Salzach river and borders the Altstadt, but it is a real little-known gem for tourists. The name of the area derives from the fact that there were once many mills here of which no trace now remains.

The area is home to Salzburg’s most atmospheric brewery, the Augustiner Bräustübl, which is located inside a monastery and is a 15-20 minute walk from the centre. The district boasts beautiful accommodation at very affordable prices, including several hotels, flats and a few hostels. It is ideal for those who want to stay in a quiet, authentic area but not too far from the centre.

Hotels in Mülln

Maxglan

Little known to tourists, Maxglan is a district located to the west of Mülln. This is a quiet residential area that was once an agricultural village that grew up around the Church of St. Maximilian. Scarcely frequented by tourists, Maxglan boasts a few hotels, B&Bs and several flats that offer excellent value for money.

The area is also rich in cafés, restaurants and boutiques. From here, it is easy to reach the historical centre by public transport or a pleasant walk of a few kilometres. There are no major sites of interest except for the Church of St. Maximilian and the Hangar-7 museum.

Hotels in Maxglan