Salzburg

Mozart and The Sound of Music. These are the two things you have to mention when you talk about Salzburg. And yes, musical this town is - walking round the Heritage listed Altstadt you'll hear recitals drift from the many churches. Down side streets you'll hear snatches of classical music pouring from open windows. But Salzburg is also very beautiful, something Mozart himself was very proud of. Our pick of the best places to stay in Salzburg are all ideally to situated to make the most of all this beautiful city has to offer.

Salzburg looks like she's been drawn specially for a child's picture book: the fortress surrounded by green mountains on all sides and below the bright colours and spires and domes of her cramped, cobbled centre. On the other side of the river Salzbach you'll find wider boulevards, grand municipal buildings and generous well kept parks.

If you have a list of Salzburg's highlights already, go straight to our guru's list of recommendations. Otherwise here are some good reasons to visit, and some of the best places to stay in Salzburg to enjoy them.

Altstadt's Highlights

Translated to Old Town, this is where many of Salzburg's main attractions can be found and many visitors don't leave this district and the beautiful baroque architecture found there. Don't miss Festung Hohensalzburg (Castle), Salzburger Dom (Cathedral), and Salzburg Residenz (former home of the Prince-Archbishops who rules Salzburg).

Mozart Lovers Highlights

The obvious highlight is Mozart's birthplace at Getreidegasse 9. It's now a museum devoted to Mozart and his family. At Makartplatz 8 you'll find Mozarts Wohnhaus, or Mozart's Residence, another Mozart museum, famed for an exhibition of portraits.

If you're interested in the new generation of Mozarts inspired by Salzburg, hang around the Mozarteum University of Music and Art, right beside Schloss Mirabell.

Short city break

If you only have a short time then definitely visit the Salzburg Residenz, definitely Schloss Mirabell and definitely Salzburger Dom. You should also find time to stroll in the parks and take in a concert.

What not to miss:

• Take a walk on the Mönchsberg and enjoy the spectacular views.
• Visit the fantastic DomQuartier Museum.
• Stroll through the manicured Mirabell gardens (featured in The Sound of Music).
• Cycle the beautiful 3.5km route to Hellbrunn Palace.
• Visit Mozarts birthplace, residence and visit the Mozart Museum.

The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in Salzburg offers something for everyone, from the budget conscious to those seeking five star luxury on a grand scale.

For a central location

• Right next to the cathedral, the Boutique Hotel Am Dom is the best place to stay if you don't want to walk far to see the sights. Converted from an 800 year old town house, it's decor is now quite modern.
• If you're looking for a more traditional hotel, the Goldener Hirsch is one of the best. Not quite as close to the Fortress but still well located. The generous buffet breakfast and renowned Nurnberger Bratwurstl will fuel the small extra distance you'll need to walk.
• Primarily the home of novices training to become monks, Haus St Benedikt also opens its doors to regular folk. As you might imagine the bedrooms and minimalist, but include all the modern comforts. One of the highlights is breakfast which is taken communally with the monks! Only about two minutes from many of Salzburg's main attractions, this haven of calm is also one of the best places if you want a central base.
• Situated in a tastefully restored 800 year-old townhouse, Boutique Hotel am Dom boasts the perfect location from which to explore Salzburg. Rooms are sleek and contemporary, with historic features - bare stone and wooden beams.

For city views

• Mozart loved the view of Salzburg and staying at the Hotel Schloss Monchstein allows you to see it all spread out from your window. Rooms are fine and large and though its restaurant is small the standard is excellent. The modern spa, offering all kinds of treatments imaginable, makes it one of the best places to stay if your goal is to relax.

For luxury

• Hotel Sacher Salzberg is one of the city's grandest hotels. An elegant timeless classic on the river Salzach. Beautiful wallpapered bedrooms and suites with marble bathrooms. Excellent traditional Austrian restaurant, spa, and spectacular views.
• Hotel Bristol is a very smart Five Star hotel. Traditional elegance throughout classic rooms, suites, and apartments. Antiques, artworks, rich fabrics. Excellent restaurant and business centre.
• A romantic hilltop castle in an extensive park and gardens, with fine views over Salzburg. Hotel Schloss Monchstein boasts a gourmet dining and a top spa. Rooms are luxuriously finished, with priceless antiques and marble bathrooms.

For a city break

• Arthotel Blau Gans is the perfect city break hotel. Converted from an ancient building, it is both charming and comfortably modern and clean. There's great art on the walls, the restaurant has a good reputation for excellent use of local produce and is popular with locals as well as guests. And it's centrally located. All adding up to make it one of the best places to stay on a city break.
• A charming hotel well located in a pedestrianised area of Salzburg. Hotel Goldgasse features individually styled rooms with playful design, frescoed walls, contemporary furniture and bold colours.
• This ancient though luxurious hotel oozes history, offering sophisticated service in a traditional Austrian setting. Authentic antiques, delicious cuisine and a cosy ambience makes Goldener Hirsch a top choice for a luxury stay.

For contemporary style

• Hotel Stein is a chic contemporary hotel with panoramic views over the city from the terrace. Shiny, polished rooms and suites with parquet floors and modern furniture.

For great value

• This simple guest house, Gastehaus im Priesterseminar, has minimalist, comfortable bedrooms with large windows and en suite bathrooms. A great location just five minutes walk from the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
• Hotel Krone 1512 is a lovely townhouse hotel with large sunlit rooms in contemporary design. Rooms, suites and an apartment with light parquet floors, large white beds and splashes of modern art.
• Hotel Rosenvilla wonderful hotel just outside the city centre. A traditional flower clad building with contemporary interiors. Romantic rooms and suites have four poster beds, lots of natural light, wooden floors and all the mod cons.

For just outside the city

• Hotel Pension Bloberger Hof is a lovely traditional hotel on the outskirts of Salzburg. Charmingly authentic living areas and bright rooms, suites, and an apartment. A great choice for honeymooners, couples or families.
• Die Gersberg Alm beautifully restored former Inn, just outside of Salzburg. The warm, welcoming and modern rooms boast excellent views from private balconies and large windows.
• A breathtaking Five Star hotel on the edge of a lake and at the foot of the mountains. Schloss Fuschl boasts stunning rooms and suites decorated to perfection; all the mod cons, sumptuous beds, impeccable style.

For an active holiday

• Hotel Melanie offers contemporary and spacious rooms, ten minutes away from Wals' town centre. It's perfect for those looking to be active with an indoor pool, bikes available for free and plenty of local hiking trails.
• Romantik Hotel Gmachl is a chic hotel in a stunning mountain setting. Elegant rooms with beamed ceilings, parquet flooring and large windows open up onto gorgeous views. A fine restaurant serves Austrian haute cuisine amidst in elegant surrounds. Plus there is an expansive spa, ideal for relaxation after a day outdoors.

For families

• Character abounds at the kooky family-run Arte Vida. Each individually decorated room bristles with boutique charm and Moroccan inspired furnishings.
• Hotel & Villa Auersperg is a charming, contemporary, family-run hotel. Guests can relax in the hotel spa or lie back on the charming garden terrace after a day of exploring the city. Bright modern decor, and great for families with young children.
• Arthotel Blaue Gans is a cool urban hideaway, with modern, bright rooms in a 14th century building. Decorated with over 100 original contemporary artworks - a beautiful contrast to the stuccoed ceilings and wooden floors. Suites are well equipped for families.

For a city centre apartment

• For those who prefer to self cater when they're on holiday, we recommend a visit to our online partner Booking.com, where you'll find a full range for top notch luxury pads to cheap studios.

Travel information

• Fly to Salzburg W.A. Mozart International Airport located 20 minutes from the city centre. Salzburg's railway station, the Hauptbahnhof, is well connected across Austria and Europe.
• Salzburg is a year round destination with each season offering its own charm however September and October are particularly nice months when the tourist crowds have reduced and the weather is still temperate.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse our list of the best places to stay in Salzburg
• Expand your search to include all our recommendations in Vienna or Innsbruck.
• Alternatively contact one of our friendly gurus for additional help and advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Salzburg