Salzburg is the capital city of the state of Salzburg in Austria. Located on the western side of the country, the baroque city is surrounded by beautiful mountains, pristine lakes, and winding streams and rivers. It is most famous as being the birthplace composer Mozart. Tourists can wander around the narrow streets and check out the many majestic palaces, the awesome works of architecture, places where the Sound of Music was shot, grand castles, and natural landscapes.
Salzburg is also well known for its numerous music festivals. The street music is soothing and will appeal to one and all. Varied events occur in the city throughout the year, including the jazz festival and the week of Mozart. Travelers can also take a day trip outside the city and check out the Untersberg mountain. A cable car is available for a ride to the top of the mountain from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Presented below is information about where to stay in Salzburg. Some good hotels in Salzburg include Boutique Hotel Am Dom, Hotel Schloss Monchstein, Goldener Hirsch, Hotel Bristol, Haus St Benedikt, Hotel Sacher Salzberg, and Hotel Schloss Monchstein.
- Altstadt/Old Town
The old town of Salzburg is one of the most scenic neighborhoods in the city and home to some of the best tourist attractions. Locally referred to as Aldstat, it is full of historic and grand buildings and the deep culture and history of the city can be felt and observed everywhere one looks. In 1996, Old Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main attraction of Altstadt is the 17th century cathedral. It is the place where baptism of Mozart occurred and also where he used to play the organ. Both the interiors and the exteriors of the majestic cathedral are impressive and its distinctive architecture is a sight for sore eyes! Some other historical attractions include St Peter’s Abbey, the Nonnberg Abbey/the Abadía de Nonnberg , and many other churches. These landmarks offer fantastic insights into the history and culture of the city. Visitors who opt for accommodation in Old Town can easily walk up to all these wondrous places.
The Hohensalzburg Castle is another major tourist hot spot in the area. It is one of the largest castles in the continent from the medieval era. Even though the castle is considered to be a part of Altstadt, it is located on top of a hill and thus quite some distance away from other attractions in the area. Tourists staying in Altstadt can walk for around twenty minutes to reach the fortress and later revel in the mesmerizing views from the top.
The Plaza Residenz is also a popular gathering place for travelers and locals. It is home to the Residence Fountain, the most striking fountain in the region. The jets of spraying water and the ornate detailing of the fountain is a truly wondrous sight to behold. The fountain is regarded by many experts as one of the most important Baroque structures in the continent. The square is vibrant and full of life almost all the time; there are music events, public telecast of major sports, or street performances, etc. This location was used in the movie ‘Sound of Music.’
The old town is indeed the best place to stay in Salzburg, especially for fans of Mozart. The area has numerous monuments that offer homage to the legendary composer. A small street for pedestrians, known as Goldgasse street, is the place where the musician was born. His first home, i.e., no. 9, is still located here. The street also has many popular bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as the best fine dining places in the city. The second family house of Mozart, called Mozart Residence, is located on Markatplatz. It has been converted into a museum and features the composer’s fortepiano and other memorabilia on display.
- Elizabeth-Vorstaldt district
Elizabeth-Vorstaldt is located just outside the borders of old town, but is quite centrally located. It is been rebuilt in the past for 3 times. Travelers tend to stay in this area as it is fairly close to the major attractions of Salzburg and the accommodations are more affordable as compared to hotels in the historic Centre of the city.
The district is endowed with lots of natural beauty and hence a great place to spend romantic and interesting strolls in the outdoors. Visitors can easily walk from this district to all the major hot spots. The walk from Elizabeth-Vorstaldt to the birthplace of Mozart takes around 15 minutes; and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens are only 10 minutes away.
It is important to remember that Elizabeth-Vorstaldt is largely residential with minimal cultural prospects. It is also fraught with heavy traffic and maybe a bit too seedy for some travelers.
- Maxglan district
Maxglan is mainly regarded as a residential area of Salzburg. It is a much sought after area to live in. The district is home to many high-end hotels as well as diverse options of luxury shopping. Tourists who choose to stay in this area can use public transport or walk to the old town. The streets from Maxglan to Aldstat are lined with numerous trendy shops and boutiques.
As compared to old town, there are not many great places to see in this district. Travelers can however enjoy a few activities like visiting the local church. The 14th century Parish Church of St. Maximillian is a stunning Baroque design building and not much is known about its history as yet. Tourists can also check out Hangar-7, a top draw for visitors. This hanger is owned by Dietrich Mateschitz, the head of Red Bull, and is home to the billionaire’s private collection of planes.
Maxglan is a great place to stay in Salzburg for tourists who prefer high-end luxury accommodation and neighborhood. Even though the entertainment options are limited, all the major attractions of the city are easily reachable via public transport or on foot.
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