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🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Very Safe💰 Budget: EUR 70/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: Jun, Sep, Oct
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Quick Answer

Stay in Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Offers more affordable accommodation and dining options, with excellent transport links to the city center.

See full Salzburg neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Salzburg

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

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1

Maxglan

A more residential and relaxed area known for its local charm and proximity to the airport.

Our top picks in Maxglan

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Cocoon Salzburg$$

Modern hotel with a unique alpine-chic design and comfortable rooms.

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Hotel Schöne Aussicht$$

Offers great views over the city and a peaceful atmosphere.

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Airporthotel Salzburg$$

Directly at the airport, ideal for early departures or late arrivals.

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🛡️ Very safe, a quiet residential...Budgetfamiliesbudget
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2

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

A vibrant, up-and-coming district with a mix of residential areas, local shops, and good transport links.

Our top picks in Elisabeth-Vorstadt

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Motel One Salzburg-Hauptbahnhof$$

Modern and stylish budget hotel directly opposite the main train station.

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Meininger Hotel Salzburg City Center$

Offers both private rooms and dorms, with good communal facilities.

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Hotel Via Daniela$$

Comfortable hotel with friendly service, a short walk from the station.

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🛡️ Generally safe, but exercise c...Mid-rangebudgetsolo travelers
View Hotels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt
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3

Neustadt

A bustling commercial and residential area just across the Salzach River, offering a mix of modern amenities and historic buildings.

Our top picks in Neustadt

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Hyatt Regency Salzburg$$$

Elegant hotel with a prime location on the banks of the Salzach River.

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Hotel zur Post$$

Traditional hotel offering comfortable rooms and a central location.

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Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell$$

Modern design hotel located near Mirabell Palace and the city center.

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🛡️ Safe during the day; at night,...Mid-rangefirst-timersnightlife
View Hotels in Neustadt
View all hotels in Salzburg

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Maxglan
BudgetA more residential and relaxed area known for its local charm and proximity to the airport.
familiesbudget
Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Mid-rangeA vibrant, up-and-coming district with a mix of residential areas, local shops, and good transport links.
budgetsolo travelers
Altstadt (Old Town)
LuxuryA picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history, music, and Baroque architecture.
first-timerscouples
Neustadt
Mid-rangeA bustling commercial and residential area just across the Salzach River, offering a mix of modern amenities and historic buildings.
first-timersnightlife
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Find budget-friendly hostels in Salzburg

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Salzburg

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Salzburg. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

🗺️

Find free walking tours in Salzburg

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Salzburg

1

Maxglan

Budget

A more residential and relaxed area known for its local charm and proximity to the airport.

familiesbudgetdigital nomads
  • +Quieter and more local feel
  • +Good value for money
  • +Convenient for airport travelers
  • -Further from the main tourist attractions
  • -Fewer dining and entertainment options
🏨 Cocoon Salzburg🏨 Hotel Schöne Aussicht🏨 Airporthotel Salzburg
2

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

Mid-range

A vibrant, up-and-coming district with a mix of residential areas, local shops, and good transport links.

budgetsolo travelersdigital nomadsfoodies
  • +More affordable accommodation and dining options
  • +Excellent public transport connections
  • +Authentic local atmosphere
  • -Less picturesque than the Altstadt
  • -Can feel a bit more commercial and less charming
🏨 Motel One Salzburg-Hauptbahnhof🏨 Meininger Hotel Salzburg City Center🏨 Hotel Via Daniela
3

Altstadt (Old Town)

Luxury

A picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history, music, and Baroque architecture.

first-timerscouplesculturefoodies
  • +Central location with all major attractions nearby
  • +Charming atmosphere and beautiful architecture
  • +Excellent dining and shopping options
  • -Can be very crowded, especially during peak season
  • -Accommodation can be more expensive
🏨 Hotel Sacher Salzburg🏨 Hotel Goldener Hirsch🏨 Arthotel Blaue Gans
4

Neustadt

Mid-range

A bustling commercial and residential area just across the Salzach River, offering a mix of modern amenities and historic buildings.

first-timersnightlifefoodiesshopping
  • +Excellent shopping and dining scene
  • +Lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings
  • +Good access to both sides of the river
  • -Can be noisy due to traffic and nightlife
  • -Less historically concentrated than the Altstadt
🏨 Hyatt Regency Salzburg🏨 Hotel zur Post🏨 Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell

Daily Budget (Budget)

EUR 70/day

Hostel St. Julian's dorm bedEUR 25
Lunch at Trattoria L'Osteria (pizza or pasta)EUR 15
Dinner from a local bakery or supermarketEUR 10
Salzburg Card (24 hour - covers transport and some attractions)EUR 25
Explore Mirabell Gardens (free entry)EUR 0
Walk through the Old Town (Altstadt)EUR 0
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Salzburg

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Stiegl-Brauwelt

This is more than just a brewery; it's an immersive experience where you can learn about Stiegl beer's history, enjoy a guided tour, and taste various brews with delicious Austrian snacks.

foodMaxglan
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Imbergstiege

FREE

This charming, steep staircase connects the Neustadt to the Mönchsberg and offers a picturesque walk with lovely hidden courtyards and a glimpse into local residential life.

streetAltstadt
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Trattoria La Stella

A beloved local spot for authentic Italian pizza and pasta, known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, providing a delicious escape from traditional Austrian fare.

foodNonntal

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Salzburg

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Salzburg Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Salzburg on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Local street food and cuisine
2

Salzburg Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Salzburg with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details
Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Salzburg: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Salzburg's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details
Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Salzburg: Scenic Excursion

Escape Salzburg for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Salzburg Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Salzburg's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in Salzburg

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1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Salzburg

Backpackers in Salzburg: FAQ

What is the best area in Salzburg for backpackers?
Maxglan is our top pick for backpackers in Salzburg. A more residential and relaxed area known for its local charm and proximity to the airport. It is a budget-friendly area known for families, budget, digital nomads.
Is Salzburg safe for backpackers?
Salzburg is rated "very safe" overall. The Altstadt is well-lit and generally safe, though quieter side streets can be empty. Elisabeth-Vorstadt near the train station requires a bit more awareness late at night. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Salzburg for backpackers?
Expect to spend around EUR 70 per day in Salzburg as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Salzburg?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Salzburg?
The most affordable hostels in Salzburg are typically found in Maxglan. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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