Where to Stay in Salzburg: The Best Areas & Hotels
Having been to Salzburg several times, I like to think I know the city pretty well by now.
Most of the time I’ve only spent one day in Salzburg – after all, it’s just about a 1.5‑hour train ride from where I live – but I’ve also stayed longer on a few trips.
I wouldn’t call Salzburg a very large city, but choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference in how easy and enjoyable your visit is.
From the historic streets of the Old Town to quieter neighbourhoods along the river or near the palace, each area has its own vibe.
Some spots are perfect if you want to be right in the middle of the action, while others are better for a slower, more local experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the five best areas to stay in Salzburg, plus a few hotel picks for each, so you can find the spot that fits your style and plans.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
1. Altstadt (Old Town)
If you want to be in the heart of Salzburg, Altstadt is the place to be. Walking through these cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time – baroque buildings, little squares, and the smell of fresh coffee from cafés.
Everything is close by: Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, Residenzplatz, and the Getreidegasse with its quirky shops are all just a few minutes’ walk. You don’t even need public transport unless you want to escape the city bustle for a bit.
If it’s your first time in Salzburg, I promise, this is the best place to soak up the city’s vibe.
Pros of Staying in Altstadt
- Walking distance to major sights
- Charming historic streets with lots of atmosphere
- Plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars within a few minutes
- Museums, galleries, and cultural spots around the corner
Cons of Staying in Altstadt
- Higher hotel prices than in other areas
- Can get crowded during peak season or festivals
- Streets can be lively at night
Top 3 Hotels in Altstadt (Old Town)
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Hotel Goldener Hirsch is the ultimate blend of history and luxury. Located right in the heart of the Old Town, it’s surrounded by charming streets, shops, and restaurants.
The rooms are elegantly furnished with traditional Austrian décor, and the hotel features a fine dining restaurant, a cozy bar, and exceptional service that makes every stay special.
Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse
A boutique gem in Salzburg’s Old Town, Hotel Goldgasse combines modern luxury with intimate charm. Each room is individually designed with stylish décor, offering comfort and sophistication.
You can enjoy a private courtyard, a chic lounge area, and easy access to the city’s top attractions, including Mozart’s birthplace and the fortress.
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Renowned for timeless elegance and luxury, Hotel Sacher overlooks the Salzach River, giving rooms stunning views of the city.
The hotel features spacious, opulently decorated rooms, a fine dining restaurant, a spa and wellness area, and the legendary Café Sacher serving the original Sacher-Torte.
2. Neustadt (New Town)
Neustadt sits just across the river from the Old Town, giving you a more relaxed, local vibe while still keeping you close to the main sights. The area is filled with cafés, cozy coffee spots, quirky boutiques, and small galleries.
The beautiful Mirabell Gardens are right here, perfect for a morning stroll or a picnic on a sunny day.
It’s lively enough to feel like a real neighbourhood, but calmer than Altstadt – perfect if you want to be central without the nonstop crowds and tourist chaos.
Pros of Staying in Neustadt
- Short walk to Altstadt and main attractions
- Trendy cafés, bars, and boutique shops
- Beautiful spots like Mirabell Gardens and the Salzach riverside
- Slightly quieter and more relaxed than the Old Town
Cons of Staying in Neustadt
- Less historic charm than Altstadt
- Fewer ultra-luxury hotels or boutique options right on hand
- Nights can feel quieter, so if you want nonstop buzz, it’s more low-key
Top 3 Hotels in Neustadt (New Town)
Boutique & Design Hotel AUERSPERG
The Boutique & Design Hotel AUERSPERG is perfect if you love modern design with a personal touch. The rooms are bright, contemporary, and thoughtfully decorated, offering both comfort and flair.
You can enjoy a cozy lounge, a café serving gourmet breakfast, and a location just a short walk from Mirabell Palace and the city center.
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
Hotel am Mirabellplatz is a charming boutique hotel that sits right by Mirabell Palace and its gardens, with the Old Town just a short walk away.
It’s in a historic building from the 17th century that was once an archbishop’s residence, so it has character and charm mixed with modern comfort.
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter is a classic, comfortable city hotel near Mirabell Gardens, with easy access to both the Old Town and public transport.
Rooms are modern and spacious, and the rooftop Sky Bar is a real highlight with great views over Salzburg.
3. Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Elisabeth-Vorstadt is a practical, well-connected area just north of the Old Town, near the main train station.
It’s not as charmingly historic as Altstadt, but it’s perfect if you want easy transport, good value hotels, and still quick access to the city center.
Elisabeth-Vorstadt is lined with trees, little local cafés where you can sit with a coffee and watch the world go by, and a mix of modern apartments, guesthouses, and smaller boutique hotels.
Pros of Staying in Elisabeth-Vorstadt
- Walking distance or a short bus ride to Altstadt
- Close to the main train station
- More affordable hotels than the Old Town
- Local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants
Cons of Staying in Elisabeth-Vorstadt
- Less historic charm than Altstadt or even Neustadt
- Fewer tourist attractions within immediate walking distance
- Nights can feel quiet
Top 3 Hotels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Cocoon Salzburg
Cocoon Salzburg is a modern, stylish hotel with a fun, youthful vibe just south of the Old Town. Rooms are compact but cleverly designed and well-thought-out.
It’s a great choice if you want design flair without the hefty price tag, and it’s still an easy walk to Mirabell Gardens and city sights.
Design Hotel zum Hirschen
Design Hotel zum Hirschen blends classic charm with quirky design touches right in the heart of the city. The interiors are warm, stylish, and a little playful – more boutique than generic.
You’re steps from Getreidegasse, cafés, and all the historic highlights, so you can explore on foot with zero stress.
arte Hotel Salzburg
arte Hotel Salzburg has a modern, creative vibe and feels a bit different from the usual city hotels. It’s right next to the main train station, and the Old Town is just a short walk away, so it’s still easy to explore the city on foot.
The rooftop bar is a highlight, especially in the evening, and the overall vibe is relaxed and contemporary.
4. Nonntal
Nonntal is a quiet neighbourhood just south of the Old Town, with a more residential, peaceful vibe.
The streets are lined with charming old houses, little cafés, and local shops, and you’ll also find green spaces and small parks where you can take a morning stroll or enjoy a coffee on a bench.
It’s ideal if you want to escape the crowds for a bit while still being close enough to walk or take a short bus ride into the center.
From here, you can also enjoy nice views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress without being right in the tourist hub.
Pros of Staying in Nonntal
- Peaceful, residential streets with a relaxed vibe
- Close to Old Town
- Local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants
- Scenic spots and green spaces
Cons of Staying in Nonntal
- Fewer hotels and tourist facilities than in the central areas
- Not ideal if you want to be in the heart of the action or nightlife
- You’ll need to walk a bit or take a bus to reach most major attractions
Top 3 Hotels in Nonntal
ARCOTEL Castellani
ARCOTEL Castellani is modern, simple, and comfortable, right along the river and just south of the Old Town.
It’s quiet, yet still only a short walk across the river to Mirabell Gardens and the city center. Rooms are spacious, clean, and well-equipped, making it an easy base for exploring Salzburg.
Hotel Via Roma
Hotel Via Roma sits a little off the main streets in Nonntal, making it a calm, easy place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
The rooms are simple but tidy, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. A few cafés and bakeries are nearby, and the Old Town is just a short walk or bus ride away.
Pension Katrin
In a quiet corner of Nonntal, Pension Katrin is a cosy, family-run guesthouse. The rooms are simple but thoughtfully arranged, with comfy beds and little touches like fresh flowers or local art on the walls.
It’s just a short walk or quick bus ride to Mirabell Gardens and the Old Town, making it perfect if you like staying somewhere personal and quiet, yet still close to the city’s main sights.
5. Leopoldskron-Moos
Leopoldskron-Moos is a peaceful, green corner of southwest Salzburg, famous for the Leopoldskron Palace and its lake.
Streets are lined with trees, historic villas, and small gardens, making it a perfect spot if you want space, nature, and scenic walks, while still being close to Salzburg’s main sights.
Compared to Nonntal or Neustadt, it feels a bit more like a hidden corner of the city – a spot where locals live, and tourists are few.
Pros of Staying in Leopoldskron-Moos
- Quiet streets with a peaceful, residential vibe
- Stunning scenery around Leopoldskron Palace and the lake
- Great for walks, cycling, and enjoying green spaces
- Still close enough to Old Town by bike, bus, or short drive
Cons of Staying in Leopoldskron-Moos
- Very few traditional hotels – mostly apartments or the castle hotel
- Not ideal for nightlife or lively city streets
- You’ll need transport to reach most major attractions
Top 3 Hotels in Leopoldskron-Moos
Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron
Stepping into Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron feels like entering a little fairytale. The palace itself and the surrounding lake are stunning, and the rooms are classic, elegant, and full of character.
Walking around the gardens or along the lakeshore is a highlight, especially in the morning when it’s quiet. It’s a calm, scenic base if you want to feel a bit removed from the city bustle but still reach the Old Town in minutes by bike or bus.
Design Hotel Frauenschuh
Set just a short distance from the Old Town, Design Hotel Frauenschuh mixes contemporary style with a personal vibe. The rooms are simple, bright, and comfortable, with a few modern details.
It’s perfect if you like small boutique hotels that are convenient for exploring without feeling like you’re in the middle of the crowds.
Casa Anna Leopoldskron
Casa Anna Leopoldskron is a bright, modern apartment option right near the palace and lake. The space is private and practical, with a small kitchen and everything you need for a self-catered stay.
Being slightly tucked away makes it peaceful, but you can still reach the Old Town quickly on foot or by bike.
Check out:
One Day in Salzburg – 7 Essential Things to See & Do
15 Awesome Day Trips From Salzburg (Insider Guide)
A Perfect Day Trip to Hallstatt & Gmunden
Like it? Pin it!
Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
