Best Hotels and Neighborhoods to Stay in Vienna and Salzburg for First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Austria and wondering where to stay? Vienna and Salzburg are two of Austria’s most iconic cities. While Vienna is full of grand palaces and coffeehouses, Salzburg is enchanting in a different way with its picturesque old town and alpine views. If you’re visiting for the Christmas markets like us, then Vienna and Salzburg are must-visits for the most magical Christmas markets you will see. Read on for our picks of the best hotels in Vienna and Salzburg in the most convenient areas for sightseeing!

Vienna Hotel Recommendations

Staying in the inner town of Vienna is the best way to experience the city, in my opinion. You’re right in the middle of all the action, with famous spots like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace just a short walk away. It’s super convenient to get around, and everywhere you turn, there’s an elegant café or restaurant to try. Just look at this view from our hotel! Especially if you’re visiting during Christmas, the inner town is the best place to stay to be surrounded by Christmas magic at all of the Christmas markets that are just a short walk away.

Pension Sacher – Apartments am Stephansplatz ($$)

We loved the Pension Sacher – Apartments am Stephansplatz. The location is fantastic. This hidden gem is located kitty corner from St. Stephen’s Square (which has a festive Christmas market). Most of the apartments have a view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral! The apartments are clean and comfortable, with a small kitchen. And the hosts are so nice!

Nikolai Homes ($$)

If Pension Sacher is not available, another great apartment option in that area is Nikolai Homes. They have a range of studios that all have a kitchenette. Each studio is uniquely and beautifully decorated so you feel like you’re staying in a friend’s home rather than a hotel.

Salzburg Hotel Recommendations

Tourists visiting Salzburg usually say either in the old town, or across the river near Mirabell Gardens. Staying in the old town puts you right next to all the main sights and Christmas markets. And you get the charm of walking down the cobblestone roads.

On the other hand, staying near Mirabell Gardens gives you a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s still central, but you’ll get a bit of a quieter atmosphere, and the views of the fortress from this area are incredible. Plus, you’re still just a short walk to the old town, so you get the best of both worlds: a peaceful setting but close to all the action. We stayed in the Mirabell Garden area when we visited and enjoyed being slightly outside the hustle and bustle.

Both areas are convenient and charming in their own way, so it really comes down to whether you want to be right in the heart of the action or enjoy a quieter, more scenic area with easy access to everything.

Boutiquehotel am Dom ($$)

Salzburg is small and very walkable. To stay right next to the main Christmas market in Residenzplatz, stay at the Boutiquehotel am Dom, which is just down the street from the plaza. The rooms are clean and the bathrooms are modern.

Apartments Salzburg – Bergstrase ($$)

For an apartment type stay, book rooms at the Apartments Salzburg – Bergstrase. It is located across the river, closer to Mirabell Gardens. We stayed close by to here and it is a pleasant 10 min walk to the Residenzplatz Christmas market. They have a variety of newly renovated condos with small kitchenettes.

Now that you have found the perfect hotels in Vienna and Salzburg to stay, check out our Christmas Market itinerary to find the best Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg (and beyond!) to make your visit even more magical!