Where to stay in Salzburg, Austria in 2026

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Quick Answer: Top Salzburg Hotels

1. King beds and garden views: Gentle Hide Designhotel
2. Where some of the SoM cast stayed in 1964: Hotel Bristol Salzburg
3. Popular rooftop restaurant and bar: IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg
4. Close to Mirabell Palace: Hyperion Hotel Salzburg
5. Luxury splurge in elegant historic building: Hotel Sacher Salzburg
6. Apartments, studios, suites w/ kitchenettes: master Mirabell
7. Adults only retreat with spa: Hotel Stein
8. Best budget-friendly stay: HOTEL andrä
9. Best stay in Altstadt near fortress: Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt

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Where to Stay in Salzburg, Austria: Our Recommendation & Tips

The Austrian city of Salzburg is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful Baroque architecture, cultural landmarks, and rich history. As you plan your trip to this charming city, choosing the right area to stay in and the perfect hotel for all your needs and preferences is crucial! If you’re arriving by car, remember, that almost all city parking is paid and it’s not cheap!

Salzburg is divided by the Salzach River into Altstadt (Old Town) on its left/south bank and Neustadt (New Town) on the right/north bank. The Old Town or historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and iconic landmarks like Mozart’s Birthplace, the Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress. It’s also great for shops and restaurants. However, this area is also more compact, further from the main station, and has fewer hotel choices.

The majority of Salzburg visitors stay on the right/north bank or Neustadt where fine accommodations are plentiful. In the Neustadt you’ll find the Mirabel Palace and gardens and the starting point for the Sound of Music Tour. The Salzburg main train station is also located on this side. Although the Neustadt has less of an historic atmosphere, it’s still within easy reach from Old Town by foot or public transport since Salzburg is a relatively small city.

If you stay in the Neustadt, you’ll also be close to some of our best recommended activities. You can book a Mozart Concert at the Mirabell Palace, or book dinner and a classical concert at the Palace. Foodies will love the fun Apple Strudel & Salzburger Nockerl class. Be sure to book these events early as they can quickly sell out.

Most of our recommendations are in the New Town, but regardless of where you stay, both sides offer great starting points to discover this beautiful city!

Best Hotels in Salzburg

1. King beds and garden views: Gentle Hide Designhotel

The Gentle Hide Designhotel is a serene retreat that offers exceptional facilities in the heart of the city. It features tranquil spaces for guests to relax in the garden or on the terrace and its interiors blend elegance and comfort. The hotel features spacious rooms, room service, a buffet breakfast, air-conditioning, a bar, coffee shop and beautiful dining room. A parking discount is available for the nearby Mirabell garage, and all the major sites are within easy walking distance.

2. Where some of the SoM cast stayed in 1964: Hotel Bristol Salzburg

Hotel Bristol is located in the heart of Salzburg, steps away from Mirabell Palace. This historic 5-star hotel offers an award-winning restaurant and spacious and elegant rooms that overlook the city. The interior is decorated with antiquities, paintings, and collectibles, and rooms are individually furnished. The hotel features a breakfast buffet in the Crystal Room, a bar, a library and the Polo Lounge restaurant serving international and Austrian specialties. Most major sites and cultural attractions, including the famous Getreidegasse shopping street are within easy walking distance. Hotel Bristol Salzburg offers a concierge service and valet parking with paid parking nearby.

Fun fact – during the filming of The Sound of Music, actor Christopher Plummer stayed at the Hotel Bristol and would play the piano at the hotel bar!

3. Popular rooftop restaurant and bar: IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg

The 4-star IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER is centrally located and offers a panoramic view over the city. All rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned and the hotel features a sauna and fitness facility. A rich breakfast of regional and organic products is available each morning in the IMLAUER Sky Bar and Restaurant. An a la carte breakfast is available until 2pm and the PitterKeller restaurant services dishes that are characteristic for Salzburg and the region. Guests can make use of the valet parking service or the hotel’s own garage.

4. Close to Mirabell Palace: Hyperion Hotel Salzburg

The HYPERION Hotel is a stylish and contemporary luxury hotel conveniently located between the main train station and Salzburg’s Old Town. The interiors are elegant, with spacious rooms featuring high-quality furnishings, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a work desk, mini-bar and soundproofing.

Guests can dine in the hotel’s modern restaurant which serves both regional and international cuisine with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Breakfast is available with continental and buffet selection. After a day of exploring the city, guests can also relax at the hotel’s bar and lounge. Most major attractions are within walking distance and paid public parking is available at a nearby location.

5. Luxury splurge in elegant historic building: Hotel Sacher Salzburg

The Hotel Sacher Salzburg offers a luxury experience with the highest standard of service. Opened in 1866, Hotel Sacher Salzburg is a grand, historic and elegant hotel located on the banks of the Salzach River. It features magnificent and unique views of the historic old town and Hohensalzburg Fortress. All rooms and suites are individually designed and furnished and include original paintings and silk wallpapers. All rooms offer air conditioning, a mini-bar, and bathrobes.

The hotel hosts 3 restaurants! Restaurant Zirbelzimmer, is adorned with wooden paneling and features elaborately carved ceilings and restaurant Salzachgrill serves barbecue specialties. The famous Café Sacher Salzburg serves the original (and delicious) Sacher cake in a characteristic Austrian coffee house ambiance. The Sacher Bar serves a wide range of drinks accompanied by live piano music.

This hotel is certainly a splurge, but a wonderfully elegant and memorable one!

6. Apartments, studios, suites w/ kitchenettes: master Mirabell

Master Mirabell is a recently renovated apartment hotel conveniently located in between Mirabell Palace and the main train station. It has a variety of studio and suite rooms sized to accommodate 1 to 4 people.

Units include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and safe deposit box. The kitchenettes come with a microwave, toaster, and coffee machine. The closest public parking lot is Mirabell Garage (5 min walk).

7. Adults only retreat with spa: Hotel Stein

Hotel Stein is an adults-only boutique hotel that offers contemporary design with views over the city. Renovated in 2018, the hotel offers guests a panoramic view from the rooftop terrace and Steinterrasse restaurant located on the 7th floor.

Rooms feature a mix of modern and classical style with unique furnishings and handcrafted glass decorations. Guests can relax at the hotel’s sauna and spa area. Centrally located directly on the Salzach River, the hotel is a short walking from most major sites and cultural landmarks. A reservation is needed for the nearby paid parking.

8. Best budget-friendly stay: HOTEL andrä

HOTEL andrä is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel in a great central location – just a 2-minute walk from Mirabell Palace and walkable to the main train station. Rooms feature a work desk, soundproofing and air conditioning.

Be sure to have pay attention to check-in and check-out times and to have your confirmation number ready for the automated check-in and check-out system. An optional vegetarian breakfast is served with juice, fresh pastries, and fruits. Rooms feature air conditioning, and some rooms have both queen beds and sofa beds. Paid public parking is available at a location nearby.

9. Best in Altstadt near Fortress: Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt

Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt is located right along the Salzach River in a picturesque historic building on the Altstadt side of town. It’s in close proximity to many restaurants, shops, and cafes as well as top landmarks such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Since it’s near the river, it’s also quite easy to access the other side of Salzburg. The hotel has rooms with all basic necessities, air conditioning, a restaurant on site, and amazing riverside views.