The UNESCO-listed heart — a warren of baroque squares, domed churches, the cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and the shop-lined Getreidegasse, beneath the great clifftop fortress. Central, beautiful and entirely walkable, with every major sight on the doorstep; the classic base for a first visit who wants to be immersed in the historic city, though it's the priciest and busiest area. Salzburg at its most magical. Utterly picturesque.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€230–400
typical per night in Austria
You pay for the postcode
One of the pricier addresses in Salzburg.
Where it sits
The circle is Altstadt and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- Café culture & Salzburger Nockerlright here135 m
- Mönchsberg walk & Museum der Moderne6 min walk514 m
- Mozart Residence & concerts8 min walk645 m
- Mirabell Palace & Gardens10 min walk823 m
- The Sound of Music sights10 min walk823 m
- Kapuzinerberg walk11 min walk926 m
- Augustiner Bräustübl beer garden16 min walk1.3 km
- Hellbrunn Palace & trick fountains12 min taxi4.1 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 1.Hohensalzburg Fortress — Salzburg's crowning glory — the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, perched dramatically on a cliff above the old town. Ride the funicular up (or hike) to explore the ramparts, state rooms, museums and torture chamber, and drink in the breathtaking panorama over the baroque city to the snow-capped Alps beyond. The views alone are worth the trip, and the castle is a fascinating plunge into the city's history. An unmissable, spectacular highlight; go on a clear day for the vistas. Simply magnificent.
- 2.Getreidegasse — The most beautiful street in Salzburg — Getreidegasse, a narrow, atmospheric medieval lane in the old town, famous for its ornate wrought-iron guild signs hanging above the shops (even McDonald's has one), tall pastel townhouses and, at number 9, the yellow house where Mozart was born. Stroll the elegant street, admire the intricate signs, browse the boutiques and traditional shops, and soak up the baroque charm. The photogenic heart of the old town and a joy to wander. An unmissable, quintessential Salzburg experience. Lovely and lively.
- 4.Salzburg Cathedral & Domplatz — The magnificent baroque heart of the old town — Salzburg Cathedral (Dom), a grand domed masterpiece where Mozart was baptised and played the organ, fronting the elegant Domplatz square. Step inside to admire the soaring, ornate interior and the mighty organs, then explore the surrounding squares (Residenzplatz with its grand fountain, and Kapitelplatz) that form the baroque core. A beautiful, atmospheric and central highlight, and free to enter. The stately centrepiece of Salzburg's UNESCO old town; don't miss the connected squares. Grand and serene.
- 5.Mozart's Birthplace — The city's most famous address — the bright-yellow house at Getreidegasse 9, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 and spent his childhood, now a museum displaying his violins, portraits, letters and family life. A moving, fascinating pilgrimage for music lovers and a window into the genius who defines the city; explore the rooms where he grew up and the instruments he played. A must for anyone drawn to Mozart, and a rich slice of Salzburg's cultural heritage. An essential, atmospheric highlight of the old town. Fascinating and evocative.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Altstadt; flights via Google Flights.