Where to stay in Salzburg – 5 best areas and the best accommodation in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is a picturesque city in Austria situated at the foot of the Alps and is surrounded by nature and beautiful mountain scenery. Salzburg is also known as the city of Mozart and is famous for its classical music scene and the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I’ve lived in Salzburg for more than 10 years and called different parts of this beautiful city home. With its charming baroque buildings, young urban vibe, cultural offers, and beautiful scenery, this city has a very special place in my heart.

In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about the different areas of Salzburg and help you choose the perfect location and accommodation for your stay.

This guide to accommodation in Salzburg will walk you through:

1. A geographical breakdown of the best areas to stay in Salzburg
2. All the info you need to make an informed decision on the best area for you
3. A selection of the best accommodation options for each area, budget, and type of accommodation

Where to stay in Salzburg – best (and worst) areas and suburbs

In Salzburg’s city center lies an incredibly charming Old Town which is home to most of Salzburg’s must-see attractions. Settling near this historic area will let you explore many of its sights on foot and you won’t need to rely on public transport. With plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, the Old Town and its adjacent neighborhoods are popular places to stay for a Salzburg getaway.

Yet, if you are looking for a peaceful, green setting away from the lively city center, Salzburg’s fantastic public bus network has you covered. The region around Salzburg offers breathtaking landscapes just a stone’s throw away from the city as well as easy access to incredible day trips.

No matter what’s your travel style, below I’ll share the best neighborhoods, helping you find your perfect home away from home for your stay in Salzburg.

5 Best areas to stay in Salzburg

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best districts and areas to stay in Salzburg:

1. Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt) is the charming and historic heart of Salzburg, divided by the river Salzach into the left and right Old Town. Its narrow winding streets lead you to the majority of must-see attractions, making it the best area to stay in Salzburg if you want everything just around the corner.

2. Neustadt is a hip neighborhood adjacent to the right Old Town and has many popular sights within walking distance. With its impressive townhouses, trendy restaurants, and cool concept stores it’s a great area to stay in and explore.

3. Elisabeth-Vorstadt, home to the main train station and also known as the Bahnhofsviertel, is a modern district with more affordable accommodation options located just north of Neustadt.

4. Nonntal is located south of the Old Town stretching behind Festungsberg, one of Salzburg’s city mountains, and offers a great mix of a young, urban atmosphere and green spaces despite its quite central location.

5. Hellbrunn lies in the south of Salzburg and is named after the iconic Hellbrunn Palace. It provides a peaceful escape just outside the city, surrounded by greenery. A short 15-minute bus ride takes you to the city center.

Refer to this map of Salzburg sights to find the best area for you considering the sights you want to see.

Unsafe areas to avoid in Salzburg

Salzburg is generally a safe city and during my time there I never felt unsafe, even when wandering the streets alone at night. However, it’s wise to exercise caution in specific areas.

The district Lehen has a higher reported crime rate and its park is known for its small-scale drug scene, particularly after dark. However, Lehen is not a touristy area and far from most sights, so it is unlikely you will find yourself there.

Like in any other touristy area, you should exercise common-sense safety measures and keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially in the lively crowds of the Old Town.

Best accommodation in Salzburg

Salzburg offers a variety of accommodation options, combining historic charm and modern elements to cater to every traveler’s preference. Whether you fancy the buzzing heart of the city with its historic flair or a peaceful green escape, Salzburg has got it all.

Explore this detailed guide and take a closer look at the best accommodations in each neighborhood. Don’t worry – I’ll provide a range of options to ensure you find the ideal lodging for your Salzburg city break that suits both your preferences and your budget.

Where to stay in Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt)

Best for: first-time stays, sightseeing

Known for: Mozart’s Birthplace & Residence, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral

See deals: Accommodation in Salzburg Old Town

The historic Old Town is the heart and soul of Salzburg and draws you in with its charming alleys and centuries-old structures. Choosing to stay in the Old Town means having the city’s main attractions like the Salzburg Cathedral, the iconic Getreidegasse, and Mozart’s birthplace right at your doorstep and you can easily explore them on foot. 

The district is divided by the Salzach River, creating the left and right Old Town – the choice between them is yours. I found both equally charming and you will find not only lots to see and explore but also some of the best hotels in Salzburg on either side. Plus, the many bridges make it a breeze to get from one side to the other. Surrounding the Old Town’s sights you can find boutique shops, cozy bars, and authentic restaurants.

The Old Town is, without a doubt, the best place to stay in Salzburg for exploring this historic area and its sights. However, the busy Old Town creates a lively atmosphere that may also bring a bit of additional noise, especially during peak seasons. 

To get an in-depth look at Salzburg’s historical attractions, join this private walking tour that takes you to the best places in the Old Town.

Best hotels in Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt)

Best apartments and holiday homes in Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt)

Where to stay in Neustadt

Best for: shopping, nightlife, sightseeing

Known for: Mirabell Palace & Mirabell Gardens, St. Andrew’s Church, Salzburg Congress

See deals: Accommodation in Neustadt

Neustadt is situated next to the Old Town on the right side of the Salzach River and emerged in the late 19th century on the grounds of the former city walls. Today, the district offers a unique architectural flair and is often referred to as Andräviertel by locals thanks to its attraction St. Andrew’s Church.

If you’re on the lookout for a hip district with trendy restaurants and bars with a busy nightlife, Neustadt is your go-to. I really enjoyed the vibe in Neustadt’s streets at night. Popular landmarks like Schloss Mirabell with its picturesque Mirabell Gardens, Linzergasse, and the Mozart Residence are all within easy reach and can be explored on foot.

The Old Town is only a stone’s throw away, making Neustadt one of the best places to stay in Salzburg for proximity to must-see attractions without having crowds right at your doorstep.

Best hotels and apartments in Neustadt

Where to stay in Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Best for: access to train network, cheaper accommodation

Known for: Salzburg main station

See deals: Accommodation in Elisabeth-Vorstadt

If you are looking to combine your Salzburg stay with day trips to the surrounding villages and regions, Elisabeth-Vorstadt is the perfect choice for you. It is located just north of Neustadt and is home to Salzburg main station, Salzburg’s main transport hub. 

The main station serves as your central link to the Salzburger Lokalbahn, seamlessly connecting you to the surrounding regions of Salzburg. Plus, you can catch high-speed trains to more distant destinations.

Near the man station, you’ll discover a range of lodging options, from business hotels to classic pensions and hostels, offering budget accommodation in Salzburg.

While Elisabeth-Vorstadt might not have notable landmarks, its strategic proximity to the main station makes it a great base for exploring the city and the Salzburg region. Access to the Old Town is a breeze, you can either use the public bus system or take a scenic 20-minute stroll along the Salzach River.

Keep in mind, that the convenience of being close to Salzburg’s main station comes with a trade-off of potential noise since this area is constantly busy.

Best hotels and apartments in Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Where to stay in Nonntal

Best for: parks and nature, hip bars and restaurants

Known for: Salzburg’s art scene, recreational areas

See deals: Accommodation in Nonntal

If you fancy a touch of greenery for your city getaway, Nonntal is the best neighborhood to stay in Salzburg. Here, you can unwind in nature and enjoy the beauty of Salzburg’s landscape while still being only a 15-minute walk away from Salzburg’s Old Town.

In the southern part, you can find accommodation close to recreation areas offering parks and paths through Salzburg’s nature. The northern part is home to Salzburg’s art scene with various museums and cultural offers. Nonntal is also popular among students and offers not only hip bars and budget-friendly restaurants but also cheap places to stay in Salzburg.

While Nonntal may not host many of the must-see attractions, its proximity to the most beautiful parks and Hohensalzburg Fortress compensates for it. Choose your accommodation in Nonntal if you want a great mix of urban atmosphere and moments in nature.

Best hotels and apartments in Nonntal

Where to stay in Hellbrunn

Best for: families, travelers bringing/renting a car

Known for: Hellbrunn Palace, Hellbrunn Zoo, local recreation areas

See deals: Accommodation in Hellbrunn

Located approximately 3.5 miles (5.5 km) south of Salzburg’s Old Town, Hellbrunn is renowned for its picturesque Hellbrunn Palace, fun trick fountains, and expansive parkland. The landscape around Hellbrunn Palace is one of Salzburg’s most popular recreational areas and both tourists and locals come here to enjoy a break from the city. Close to Hellbrunn Palace you can find Hellbrunn Zoo which is another popular attraction in nature.

To get to Salzburg’s city center you can take a 15-30 minute bus ride. Additionally, Hellbrunn offers easy access to many popular regions, making it the best location to stay in Salzburg for day trips by car.

Best hotels and apartments in Hellbrunn

What you need to know before choosing your Salzburg accommodation

Salzburg is a truly charming destination with its historic city center and stunning views of the surrounding region. To make the most of your stay, consider the following factors when choosing where to lay your head.

Accessibility 

Salzburg’s Old Town is predominantly a pedestrian zone. If you’re thinking about staying in one of the many hotels in Salzburg’s Old Town, consider the unique layout of the city. Some areas are only accessible on foot, potentially requiring you to carry your luggage a fair distance – sometimes over cobblestones and stairs.

Also, if you’re arriving by car, make sure you choose accommodation that offers parking facilities. The city is struggling with a shortage of parking spaces.

Salzburg’s City Mountains

Salzburg is framed by three city mountains which are bordering the Old Town from the east, south, and west. Mönchsberg is the only mountain with a tunnel, connecting the Old Town to the district of Riedenburg on the other side of Mönchsberg. However, in general, the city mountains need to be navigated around to reach the city center with its attractions, which can make traffic a tad tricky and very slow at rush hour. Keep this in mind when choosing your accommodation, as it might add significant travel time to get to the inner city or back to where you stay when relying on the public bus network or taking the car.

Getting to Salzburg

By Air: Salzburg is serviced by Wolfang Amadeus Mozart Airport1.8 miles (3 km) from the city center. For the quickest journey from the airport to the city, opt for a private transfer. It should take you roughly 10 to 20 minutes from the airport to the city center, depending on traffic.

By train: Salzburg also offers an excellent railway network, with trains connecting the city to various major destinations within Austria and neighboring countries. The train station is situated to the north of the city center and is easily accessible via bus or on foot.

By car: If you rather travel by car, reaching Salzburg is pretty straightforward as well. From within Austria, you can take the A1 or A10 autobahn, and if you arrive from Germany, use the A8. Make sure you get the vignette. Parking in downtown Salzburg is available but fees apply.

Getting around Salzburg

If you stay in Salzburg’s Old Town, most attractions will be located within walking distance. Most parts of the Old Town are a pedestrian area and the narrow streets are best explored on foot, allowing you to enjoy the charm of this historic area.

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore Salzburg. It takes you directly to the most important sights, and is a more efficient alternative to public transport, especially during winter traffic conditions.

Read next: Salzburg in winter

While Salzburg has a well-connected public bus system, the buses are often late in winter, especially when there’s snow.

Salzburg also operates a local train with multiple stops across the city. This is a great option if you want to explore areas beyond the Old Town and you have a train station nearby. Especially in winter, trains are often faster than buses.

Planning a trip to Salzburg?

Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Alps, Salzburg’s got it all – a cute old town, stunning alpine views, and a Mozart connection. The baroque architecture, especially Hohensalzburg Fortress, and its association with The Sound of Music make it uniquely interesting.

Austria offers diverse experiences, from rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg, to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the Alps. For insights on must-visit attractions and tips to make the most of your experience in this wonderful country make sure to check all my articles on Austria!