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Salzburg’s old town is the best place to stay. It is split into two halves by the Salzach River, but thanks to three footbridges, it is easy to walk to most of the top tourist attractions and explore the entire city by foot.
The north side of Salzburg includes the Linzergasse shopping district, the Mozart Museum, and Mirabell Palace and Gardens, with the train station on the outer edge.
In the southern section of the old town, you will find University Square, landmark churches and cathedrals, Residenzplatz, and Mozart’s birthplace, among other sights.
Because of the city’s narrow streets and numerous pedestrian-only areas, those with a car may find that walking or public transportation is the best way to get to most places. Tourists who have their own vehicle do have the advantage of easier access to attractions near Salzburg, like the famed Schloss Hellbrun estate with the Sound of Music Pavilion, and Zoo Salzburg Hellbrunn, which is popular with families. For those who do not, there is safe and dependable bus service to and from most nearby attractions.
On This Page:
- Where to Stay in Salzburg for Luxury
- Where to Stay in Salzburg: Mid-Range
- Where to Stay in Salzburg on a Budget
- Where to Stay in Salzburg for Families
- Where to Stay in Salzburg for Romance
Where to Stay in Salzburg for Luxury
Tucked in the narrow streets of the southern section of the old town, among the shops of Getreidegasse, the 600-year-old Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg is a favorite spot for celebrities visiting the historic city’s nearby sights, like University Square, Residenzplatz, and Mozartplatz. Those visiting in the holiday season will also be close to the city’s oldest and biggest Christmas Market, the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt.
The staff provides five-star service, including a knowledgeable concierge and room service, and amenities include a restaurant, business center, and airport transportation. The hotel and its rooms are furnished with antiques and decorated with fine tapestries that add to the rich character of this historic building.
The Hotel Goldgasse is fully updated with the latest technology but has retained its old-world charm in the wide exposed beams, muraled walls, and original stone steps. Each room is individually decorated in its own theme and includes a mini-fridge and coffee maker.
The breakfast here is one of the best you will find anywhere. The Goldgasse is located in the heart of the old town, just a block from Market Square and a short walk to Salzburg Cathedral, Michaelskirche, and the Glockenspiel.
Hotel Bristol Salzburg is a five-star hotel located just one block from the Mozart-Wohnhaus (Mozart’s birthplace) in the north side of the old town, close to the footbridge that leads to the attractions in the southern side of the old town. The Bristol offers rooms, suites, and apartments to fit any size group, and has a full selection of services on-site, including a salon, bank, and shopping. The hotel also offers conveniences such as bicycle rentals and babysitting, and breakfast is complimentary.
Where to Stay in Salzburg: Mid-Range
The family-owned Stadtkrug Hotel has a prime location on Linzergasse, Salzburg’s premier shopping street on the northern side of town. This pedestrian-only route runs along Kapuzinerberg park and is filled with high-end boutiques and restaurants, although you will want at least one meal on-site – the house chef’s organic Highland beef is unsurpassed.
Updates to this 800-year-old building have kept the original structure intact, including exposed wooden beams and stone archways, and the owners have taken care to retain its ambiance with classic and tasteful décor.
A few blocks north, the Hotel & Villa Auersperg is only a 10-minute walk to the Mozart Residence and Museum, and it takes about 35 minutes to get from the hotel to the top of the Kapuzinerberg trail, where you can look out over the entire city.
It has a sleek, modern feel and offers spa services, a rooftop terrace, peaceful backyard with a garden, and a game room. The hotel is dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including the use of local organic produce at the in-house restaurant.
The IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg , formerly the Crowne Plaza Hotel, also has a restaurant and spa, as well as a fitness center with a pool and sauna, which has beautiful mountain views. Although located on the far side of town by the train station, it is just a few minutes’ walk from Mirabell Palace and on the same block as the tourist office; most of Salzburg’s commercial tour companies meet along this same street.
From the hotel, you can reach the Mozart Museum in 10 minutes on foot and the other side of the old town via footbridge in around 20 minutes. This is also in an ideal location for tourists who are in town for the Christmas Market at Mirabellplatz.
Located outside the city center, Hotel-Pension Bloberger Hof is an excellent option for visitors with a car. It sits near Salzburg to the south, just five kilometers from the city in a peaceful setting near Schloss Hellbrun, the palace that was immortalized in the film The Sound of Music. This three-star lodging offers incredible value, with free parking and Wi-Fi, and rooms and suites with private balconies; there is also an excellent in-house restaurant.
Where to Stay in Salzburg on a Budget
On the southern side of Salzburg, the Star Inn Hotel Salzburg Zentrum, by Comfort has basic but tidy rooms in a residential neighborhood near the old city gate, Sigmundstor. It is about 10 minutes via pedestrian tunnel to attractions, including Mozart’s birthplace and the Franciscan church. Guest rooms are modern and clean, with options from basic lodgings to business-class suites, perfect for travelers on a budget.
The family-run Adlerhof has a simple elegance that you would not expect in a budget lodging, and has several room options, from very basic to fully equipped apartment-style suites for longer stays.
Near the train station, it is an ideal starting point for excursions to Salzburg’s surrounding attractions, such as Hallstatt, the Ice Caves, Untersberg, and the Salt Mines. Breakfast is complimentary, and there is a limited number of free parking spaces available.
At the northern tip of Kapuzinerberg park, MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center is close to a bus stop where you can catch a five-minute ride to the attractions. What it lacks in location is made up for in affordability and splendid views from the rooftop terrace.
Rooms are clean and modern, and in addition to an in-house restaurant there is a small guest kitchen. A coin-operated washer/dryer is available, and snacks — including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream — are sold in the lobby.
Where to Stay in Salzburg for Families
For a luxury family vacation, the Hotel Sacher Salzburg provides five-star service and has a nearly perfect location that is central to both halves of the city. Overlooking the river, the hotel is just steps from the Kaipromenade (river walk) and the Makartsteg pedestrian bridge and just a couple of blocks from several dozen restaurants, shopping, and some of the top attractions. It is a stunning landmark property, opulent and lavish, known for hosting celebrities and musicians. Suites and family rooms are available, and services include babysitting, room service, airport transportation, concierge, and a chic spa.
For a more affordable option for families on a budget, Hotel Rosenvilla offers four-star luxury accommodations in a casual setting. Located near the river just south of Kapuzinerberg, the hotel is only a few steps from a bus stop, making it easy to get to and from tourist attractions.
Despite the low rates, the Rosenvilla doesn’t sacrifice any quality-guest rooms are lovely and spacious with private balconies, desks, and safes large enough for your laptop. Hotel amenities include a terrace, on-site parking, and free Wi-Fi.
Inside a historic palace, Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron is a landmark property that served as a filming location for The Sound of Music. The building dates back to 1736 and is set on 17 acres of well-maintained grounds by a small lake outside the downtown area.
The hotel is family friendly, with interconnected rooms available as well as suites with sofa beds. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, fitness center, bike rentals, and free parking. If you are traveling with a dog, the hotel is pet-friendly.
Where to Stay in Salzburg for Romance
For a fairy-tale romantic getaway, the Hotel Schloss Monchstein will provide the ambience and setting. Housed in a castle-like mansion near the Museum of Modern Art, rooms are furnished with antiques, and the private event rooms are available for special moments, including civil marriage ceremonies in the Gothic Chamber.
Amenities include an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, a spa and fitness center, airport transportation, free parking, and an intimate restaurant that claims to be the smallest in the world.
In the center of the pedestrian zone and just steps from Old Market Square, Hotel Am Dom is less than five minutes on foot to Mozart Bridge, which crosses the river to the rest of the city’s main attractions.
Rooms look down onto the narrow old town streets, or across the neighboring Residenzplatz, and feature ceilings of traditional exposed wooden beams, original artwork, and a luxurious soaking tub.
Spend a night in Salzburg’s oldest inn when staying at the arthotel Blaue Gans , which dates back more than 650 years. In the historic city center, it is located at the end of the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous shopping street.
The interior decor has a trendy, romantic vibe with contemporary art lining the historic walls and a mix of rooms and suites that have equally appealing design. Breakfast is complimentary, and there is a restaurant on-site. Massage services can be arranged, and guests can take out bicycles to explore the city.
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Salzburg and Surroundings: Use our guide to the top tourist attractions in Salzburg to help plan out your sightseeing. If you have a few days to spend here, consider also doing some day trips to nearby destinations. See the surrounding country side, explore the famous ice caves, or visit towns and cities within easy reach of Salzburg.