Salzburg is a baroque city of about 156,000 people on the Salzach River, set against the northern edge of the Alps and a few kilometres from the German border. Its UNESCO-listed Altstadt is dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the city is best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the setting of The Sound of Music, and the home of the Salzburg Festival. Compact, walkable and surrounded by lakes and mountains, it works equally well as a culture-focused city break and as a base for the Salzkammergut and Bavarian Alps.
Accommodation overview
Salzburg's hotels cluster in a few areas. The Altstadt (old town) on the left bank of the Salzach, around Getreidegasse and Residenzplatz, holds the historic luxury and boutique hotels within walking distance of Mozart's Geburtshaus, the Dom and the Hohensalzburg Fortress funicular. The Neustadt and Linzer Gasse on the right bank, including the Mirabell area, are a short walk across the Staatsbrücke or Makartsteg and have many mid-range four-star hotels. Around the Hauptbahnhof and in Schallmoos, rooms are practical for rail arrivals and cost less, with the budget chains and hostels. Further out, Nonntal, Leopoldskron, Maxglan, Itzling, Gneis, Aigen and Parsch offer quieter guest houses and lower rates, linked to the centre by Salzburg AG trolleybuses and the S-Bahn. Rates run from roughly €25-45 for hostel beds and €60-110 for guest houses to €250 and above for the five-star hotels, and prices rise during the Salzburg Festival (late July-August), the Easter Festival, Advent and the Christmas markets. A local tourist tax (Ortstaxe) is charged per person per night on top of the room rate.
- Budget
- €60-150 (~$70-175) per night for budget chains and guest houses; hostel dorm beds from about €25-45 (~$30-52)
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
PLAZA INN Salzburg City
Three-star chain hotel on Saint-Julien-Straße near the Hauptbahnhof.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Bergland
Family-run hotel in a quiet Schallmoos street near Linzer Gasse.
Check rates on Booking.comVilla Verde
Small hotel in a villa on Leopoldskronstraße, a quiet street between the Mönchsberg and Leopoldskron lake.
Check rates on Booking.comGasthof Überfuhr
Riverside inn with guest rooms on the Salzach in the south of Salzburg, on the cycle path towards Hellbrunn.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Astoria Salzburg
Three-star hotel on Maxglaner Hauptstraße in the Maxglan district west of the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Edlinger
Family-run hotel on Maxglaner Hauptstraße in Maxglan, west of the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Josefa
Small hotel on Nußdorferstraße between Maxglan and the Mönchsberg, a short walk from the Neutor.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Plainbrücke
Small hotel in the Itzling district on Itzlinger Hauptstraße, with bus connections to the centre.
Check rates on Booking.comHaus Arenberg
Guest house with a garden in the Parsch district, east of the centre.
Check rates on Booking.comPension Katrin
Three-star guest house in Nonntal, south of the old town near Nonnberg Abbey.
Check rates on Booking.comPension Herbert
Guest house on Nonntaler Hauptstraße in the Nonntal district south of the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comPension Wallner
Two-star guest house in the Riedenburg area, south-west of the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comMotel One Salzburg-Mirabell
Design budget hotel on the Salzach quay about 10 minutes' walk from Mirabell Palace and 15 minutes from the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comMotel One Salzburg-Süd
Chain budget hotel on Alpenstraße in the south of the city, on the bus route to the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comCOCOON Hotel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
Design budget hotel on Rainerstraße a few minutes from the Hauptbahnhof.
Check rates on Booking.comA&O Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
Budget hostel and hotel next to the Hauptbahnhof with dormitory beds and private rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comMEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center
Hybrid hotel and hostel in Schallmoos, with dormitory beds, private rooms and a guest kitchen, east of the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comYOHO International Youth Hostel
Independent hostel near the Hauptbahnhof and Mirabell Gardens, known for a nightly Sound of Music film screening and a common room.
Check rates on Booking.comStadtalm Naturfreundehaus
Mountain hut-style hostel on the Mönchsberg above the old town with dormitories and private rooms, reached on foot from the old town or via the Mönchsberg lift.
Check rates on Booking.comEduard-Heinrich-Haus
Youth hotel in the south of the city, about 20 minutes' walk from the Aigen S-Bahn station, with dormitory beds, double and family rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comJugendherberge Salzburg-Aigen
Youth hostel in the Aigen district at the foot of the Gaisberg, with dormitories and family rooms, south-east of the centre.
Check rates on Booking.comKolpinghaus Salzburg
Hostel and guest house in Itzling run by the Kolping organisation, with bus connections to the centre.
Check rates on Booking.comB&B Hotel Salzburg-Nord
Chain budget hotel in the north of Salzburg, with bus links to the centre.
Check rates on Booking.comJUFA Hotel Salzburg City
Family-oriented hotel on Josef-Preis-Allee near the Salzburg Congress, with family rooms and a restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comBlack Home City Hotel
Apartment-style hotel in Maxglan, with kitchens in most rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range
Hotel Stein
Four-star hotel on the Salzach quay next to the Staatsbrücke, known for its rooftop terrace with a view of the old town and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Check rates on Booking.comArthotel Blaue Gans
Boutique art hotel in one of the oldest inns in Salzburg, on Getreidegasse. Rooms are furnished in a modern style with contemporary art displayed throughout.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Altstadt Salzburg
Family-run four-star hotel in a group of old buildings on the Rudolfskai, near the Mozartsteg and Getreidegasse.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Elefant
Four-star hotel in a historic building in the old town, a short walk from the Rathaus and Getreidegasse.
Check rates on Booking.comAltstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich
Family-run four-star hotel in the Neustadt, between Mirabell Palace and the Salzach.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Amadeus
Four-star hotel on Linzer Gasse, the shopping street on the right bank of the Salzach, a short walk from the Mirabell Gardens and the Mozart Wohnhaus.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel am Dom
Small hotel on Goldgasse in the pedestrian old town, close to the cathedral and Residenzplatz.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Goldgasse
Small hotel in a historic building on Goldgasse, in the heart of the old town between Alter Markt and Residenzplatz.
Check rates on Booking.comBoutique Hotel Auersperg
Family-run four-star boutique hotel near the Mirabell Gardens, with a garden and sauna.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Markus Sittikus
Four-star hotel on Markus-Sittikus-Straße between the Hauptbahnhof and the Mirabell Gardens.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Weisse Taube
Small old-town hotel on Kaigasse, near the Kollegienkirche and the Festival Halls.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Wolf
Family-run hotel in a historic building on Kaigasse, a short walk from the Festival Halls and Residenzplatz.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Kasererbräu
Four-star hotel at the southern end of Kaigasse, near Nonnberg Abbey and the Festung funicular.
Check rates on Booking.comLeonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu
Boutique hotel in the former Gablerbräu brewery building on Linzer Gasse, next to the Staatsbrücke and the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Stadtkrug
Three-star hotel and restaurant on Linzer Gasse, a short walk from the Salzach bridges to the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comCity-Hotel Trumer Stube
Three-star hotel on Bergstraße below the Kapuzinerberg, with a short walk to Linzer Gasse and the Mozart Wohnhaus.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Palais Mirabell
Four-star hotel directly opposite Mirabell Palace and its gardens, operated by the Imlauer hotel group.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg
Four-star hotel in a quiet Neustadt street near the Salzach and the Kapuzinerberg, close to the Mozart Wohnhaus.
Check rates on Booking.comImlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
Four-star-superior hotel near the Hauptbahnhof on Rainerstraße, with a wellness area and restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comLoft Collection Salzburg Mirabell
Design apartment-hotel on Rainerstraße, a short walk from the Hauptbahnhof and the Mirabell Gardens.
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Four-star chain hotel on Franz-Josef-Straße, between Mirabell and Linzer Gasse.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Mozart Hotel
Four-star boutique hotel on Franz-Josef-Straße in the Neustadt, close to Mirabell Palace and Linzer Gasse.
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Salzburg Hotel
Four-star-superior hotel beside the Mirabell Gardens in the Neustadt, a short walk from the old town.
Check rates on Booking.comDorint City-Hotel Salzburg
Four-star chain hotel in the Schallmoos district on Sterneckstraße, near Linzer Gasse.
Check rates on Booking.comHoliday Inn Salzburg City
Four-star chain hotel in Schallmoos near the Kapuzinerberg.
Check rates on Booking.comMercure Salzburg City
Four-star chain hotel in Schallmoos, a short walk from Linzer Gasse.
Check rates on Booking.comPLAZA Premium Salzburg
Four-star chain hotel in Schallmoos, around 20 minutes on foot from the Altstadt.
Check rates on Booking.comH+ Hotel Salzburg
Four-star hotel on Südtiroler Platz directly in front of the Hauptbahnhof.
Check rates on Booking.comAustria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg
Four-star hotel beside the Hauptbahnhof with a restaurant, bar and conference facilities.
Check rates on Booking.comWyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center
Four-star-superior conference hotel adjacent to the Hauptbahnhof.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Hohenstauffen
Family-run hotel on Elisabethstraße in the Elisabeth-Vorstadt, a few minutes from the Hauptbahnhof.
Check rates on Booking.comParkhotel Brunauer
Four-star hotel with a garden on Elisabethstraße near the Hauptbahnhof.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Goldenes Theater
Design-oriented four-star hotel in Schallmoos with a theatre theme, a short walk from Linzer Gasse.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Hofwirt
Three-star hotel and inn at the start of Schallmooser Hauptstraße, a few minutes' walk from Linzer Gasse.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Neutor
Hotel near the Neutor tunnel at the foot of the Mönchsberg, a few minutes' walk from the old town and the Mönchsberg lift.
Check rates on Booking.comARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg
Four-star hotel on Alpenstraße south of the old town, with a restaurant and bar.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schaffenrath
Four-star hotel on Alpenstraße in the Gneis area south of the city centre, with a pool and sauna.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Heffterhof
Villa-style hotel with a garden in the Parsch district east of the centre, with a wellness area and restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comDas Grüne Bio-Hotel zur Post
Organic-certified hotel in Maxglan, with rooms in the Bürger Haus and Garten Haus buildings.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Five-star hotel on the Salzach riverbank opposite the old town, part of the Sacher family of hotels. It houses the Café Sacher, which serves the Original Sacher-Torte, and a restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Goldener Hirsch, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Five-star hotel in a group of medieval townhouses on Getreidegasse, a few steps from Mozart's Geburtshaus. Interiors are Austrian country-house in style and the hotel has hosted Salzburg Festival guests for decades.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schloss Mönchstein
Castle hotel in a park on the Mönchsberg above the old town, with views across the rooftops to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Dining is in the hotel restaurant and on the garden terrace.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Bristol Salzburg
Five-star hotel on Makartplatz, opened in 1892 and a short walk from Mirabell Palace and the Salzach bridges to the old town. Mozart's Wohnhaus stands next door.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
Five-star hotel in a group of historic buildings on Judengasse, between Mozartplatz and Getreidegasse.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schloss Leopoldskron
Rococo palace on Leopoldskron lake, built in 1736 and used as a filming location for The Sound of Music. It operates as a hotel with rooms in the palace and annexes.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Altstadt
The historic left bank of the Salzach with Getreidegasse, Residenzplatz, the Dom and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Prices are highest here; hotels include Goldener Hirsch, Radisson Blu Altstadt, Hotel Elefant, Hotel Altstadt and Arthotel Blaue Gans.
Best for: first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere
Neustadt and Linzer Gasse
The right bank of the Salzach around Mirabell Palace, Makartplatz and Linzer Gasse. Hotels include Hotel Sacher, Hotel Bristol, Hotel Amadeus and Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich.
Best for: mid-range comfort within a 5-10 minute walk of the old town
Hauptbahnhof and Schallmoos
The area around Salzburg Hauptbahnhof and Schallmoos, with the budget chains, hostels and business hotels.
Best for: rail arrivals, airport buses and lower rates
Nonntal, Leopoldskron and Mönchsberg
Quieter districts south and west of the old town. Schloss Leopoldskron, Schloss Mönchstein and Stadtalm are here.
Best for: scenic stays and quiet nights close to the Altstadt
Maxglan, Itzling, Gneis, Aigen and Parsch
Residential districts with guest houses and hostels, linked to the centre by Salzburg AG trolleybuses and the S-Bahn.
Best for: budget travelers and drivers with a car
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Five-star hotel on the Salzach riverbank opposite the old town, part of the Sacher family of hotels. It houses the Café Sacher, which serves the Original Sacher-Torte, and a restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Goldener Hirsch, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Five-star hotel in a group of medieval townhouses on Getreidegasse, a few steps from Mozart's Geburtshaus. Interiors are Austrian country-house in style and the hotel has hosted Salzburg Festival guests for decades.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schloss Mönchstein
Castle hotel in a park on the Mönchsberg above the old town, with views across the rooftops to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Dining is in the hotel restaurant and on the garden terrace.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Bristol Salzburg
Five-star hotel on Makartplatz, opened in 1892 and a short walk from Mirabell Palace and the Salzach bridges to the old town. Mozart's Wohnhaus stands next door.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
Five-star hotel in a group of historic buildings on Judengasse, between Mozartplatz and Getreidegasse.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Schloss Leopoldskron
Rococo palace on Leopoldskron lake, built in 1736 and used as a filming location for The Sound of Music. It operates as a hotel with rooms in the palace and annexes.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book Altstadt and Neustadt hotels at least 3-4 months ahead for the Salzburg Festival (late July-August), Easter and the Advent weeks; the best rooms near Getreidegasse sell out first.
Salzburg levies a tourist tax (Ortstaxe) per person per night, normally not included in the quoted room price; the amount appears on the final bill.
Hotels outside the Altstadt in Maxglan, Itzling, Gneis or Aigen are cheaper and connect to the centre by Salzburg AG trolleybus lines; the Salzburg Card includes the local public transport.
Many old-town hotels have no parking of their own and the Altstadt is largely pedestrian; drivers should choose a Neustadt or outer-district hotel with a garage or use the Mönchsberg garage (Altstadtgarage) and confirm the daily fee when booking.
Hostels such as YOHO, MEININGER and A&O offer private rooms as well as dorm beds and are close to the Hauptbahnhof; Stadtalm sits above the old town on the Mönchsberg, so check its reception hours before a late arrival.
Salzburg Airport W.A. Mozart (SZG) is about 5 km west of the city; Maxglan hotels are the closest in the city, and bus line 2 connects the airport to the Hauptbahnhof and city centre.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.