Welcome to my Frequently Asked Questions about the best places to stay in Salzburg, you can see more about where to stay in Salzburg in this guide 10 Best Areas to Stay in Salzburg.
Where To Stay In Salzburg For Christmas Markets?
Come Christmastime, Christmas markets start popping up all over Salzburg and the surrounding area. Whilst you should definitely visit several of them if you have the time, the biggest and most iconic of Salzburg’s Christmas markets is held in the Residenzplatz square in Altstadt.
Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to stop in the Weihnachtsmuseum, to view its impressive collection of Christmas figurines. It’s located on the north-eastern corner of the Residenzplatz, so you can stop by on your way to the market.
There are plenty of hotels near the square, although the popular, central location, means they can charge higher rates for the privilege of their convenience. The Altstadthotel Weisse Taube is a ‘very good’ option in a historic building, just a road away from where the market is held.
Where To Stay In Salzburg In December?
December in Salzburg is hugely centred around the city’s Christmas celebrations. Tourists travel from all over the world to visit the numerous Christmas markets that take place across the town. Altstadt is the centre point for the celebrations, with the most iconic Christmas market being held in the plaza next to the grand Salzburg Cathedral.
However, markets aren’t the only reason Altstadt should be your first choice for a December visit. Full of historic churches down every winding street, the whole area is transformed into a picturesque scene that wouldn’t be out of place on a Christmas card.
Of course, being as popular as it is, hotels fill up fast around this time. Make sure you get your room booked early to make sure your top choice is available.
Where To Stay In Salzburg Old Town?
Salzburg Old Town, or Altstadt as it is locally known, is one of the most popular areas for visitors to stay during their trip to Salzburg. It’s not hard to see why, with so much to see and do in the area, and some beautiful, historical architecture making it an aesthetic delight to wander around.
There are plenty of options for accommodation, although most cater to higher budgets. Some more affordable options are available, but they tend to be more basic. The Boutiquehotel am Dom is a ‘superb’ option, offering stylish rooms at the heart of the Old Town, right behind Residenzplatz.
Where To Stay In Salzburg First Time?
If it is your first time staying in Salzburg, you should definitely consider staying in either of the central districts of Altstadt or Neustadt.
Altstadt is the ‘Old Town’, the historic heart of the city, full of fascinating sights and attractions. The winding streets are lined with traditional architecture that create a fairy-tale, alpine aesthetic.
Neustadt, or ‘New Town’, is directly across the river and offers a somewhat more contemporary experience. There is still plenty to see and do, and you would be just a short journey across to the attractions of Altstadt, but it has a distinctly more modern vibe.
Where To Stay In Salzburg On A Budget?
Elisabeth Vorstadt is particularly well known for being one of the more budget friendly districts of Salzburg. One of the new areas of the city, the neighbourhood is still undergoing rejuvenations, with most of the activity around the main Salzburg train station.
The Keep Eco Residence is a unique hostel, with stylish rooms decorated around the theme of driftwood. It’s a ‘very good’ option, located just across the tracks from Neustadt and subsequently, just a short journey from the major attractions.
Where To Stay In Salzburg Near Train Station?
The main Salzburg Train Station is located in the north of the city in the district of Elisabeth Vorstadt. Whilst the district is known for being cheaper and less developed than other areas of Salzburg, the area around the station has undergone rejuvenation projects and boast a number of modern hotels.
The H+ Hotel Salzburg is a ‘very good’ hotel, just outside of the station’s main entrance. Offering modern rooms and a buffet breakfast with a wide serving window, you are sure to have a comfortable stay at the H+.
Where To Stay In Salzburg With Family?
If you are visiting Salzburg with family, particularly with children, the neighbourhood of Nonntal, immediately south of Altstadt, should be a consideration. Just a short distance from the major attractions, with the benefits of fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodation, you won’t need to worry about shepherding your children all over the city.
The area is also full of parks and playgrounds, ideal for kids to work off some energy.
How Many Days To Stay In Salzburg?
If you plan a well-structured itinerary, that includes only the things you most want to see in Salzburg, and stick to it, you could certainly enjoy a long weekend getting an introduction to the city.
However, with so much to see and do in Altstadt alone, if you have the time to spare for a longer vacation, you could definitely fill a week without running out of attractions to keep you entertained.
This is particularly true if you are visiting in December, when numerous Christmas markets and events pop up across the city. You should definitely plan ahead to make sure you can fit everything in though, however long you can stay.
Is It Better To Stay In Salzburg Or Hallstatt?
If you are interested in experiencing the history and traditional culture of Austria, Salzburg and Hallstatt offer two rather different perspectives and appeals.
The little village of Hallstatt provides the sort of idyllic, picturesque Alpine aesthetic that lives in the heart and imaginations of anyone with a love for fairytales. The winding alleys between historic houses, set against the backdrop of towering mountains and beautiful lakes, are definitely stunning.
Remote small towns do have a much narrower appeal than the broad array of attractions available in bustling cities though. Salzburg has the history and architecture, but also modern conveniences, hospitality and entertainment venues to make it a more holistic representation of Austria, today.
For your first time in Austria, try Salzburg. If you are familiar with modern Austria, or happen to be travelling around various parts of the country, Hallstatt is definitely worth a visit.
See more: 21 Best things to do in Salzburg, Austria
That’s my Frequently Asked Questions about the best places to stay in Salzburg. See more about Austria travel here: