Cheap city break Salzburg

When is the best time to visit?

May and June are ideal for a first visit: the Mirabell Gardens are in bloom, temperatures are pleasant (15 to 22 degrees) and crowds are manageable. July and August are the busiest months due to the Salzburg Festival (world-class opera and classical music). September and October offer quieter streets and lower prices, with the beautiful autumn palette around the Alps. December is magical for Christmas markets on multiple squares. January and February are the cheapest: hotel prices up to 60 per cent lower.

Best neighbourhoods in Salzburg

• Altstadt (UNESCO, left bank) The historic heart with the fortress, Getreidegasse, the Cathedral and most attractions. Touristy and expensive to stay in, but unmissable for a day of exploring.
• Schallmoos (right bank) The hip, young neighbourhood with local restaurants and budget eateries outside the tourist circuit. Walking distance from the centre.
• Maxglan (near the airport) Residential middle-class district with the Stiegl brewery, independent shops and traditional Gasthofe. A 10-minute cycle ride from the centre.
• Lehen (northwest) The most populous and diverse district, popular with students. Budget-friendly and well served by the trolleybus (Obus).
• Nonntal / Riedenburg (below the fortress) Quiet, green neighbourhood at the foot of the Festungsberg with Nonnberg Abbey and scenic walking routes up to the castle.

Top 5 attractions in Salzburg

• Hohensalzburg Fortress One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, reached by the historic funicular railway. Basic ticket (funicular plus tour) approx. 15.50 euros; all-inclusive approx. 19.20 euros.
• Mozart's Birthplace Getreidegasse 9: the house where Mozart was born in 1756, furnished with authentic furniture and instruments. Entrance approx. 15 euros; combination ticket with Mozart Residence approx. 23 euros.
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens Baroque palace complex with iconic symmetrical gardens and Pegasus fountains, famous from The Sound of Music. Gardens are free; perfect for an afternoon stroll.
• Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains Baroque pleasure palace from 1619 with hidden water jets that will get you wet: the most unique attraction in Salzburg. Entrance approx. 15 euros per adult.
• DomQuartier (Cathedral Quarter) A continuous museum trail through the Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace and residence buildings with art by Rubens and Rembrandt. Entrance approx. 15 euros.

Flights and transport from the Netherlands

Transavia flies direct from Eindhoven (EIN) to Salzburg (SZG) in approximately 1 hour 25 minutes, twice a week, return from approx. 165 euros. From Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Transavia and easyJet fly direct in approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, return from approx. 130 euros. From the airport (4 km from the centre), city bus route 2 runs to the Hauptbahnhof in approximately 25 minutes for approx. 2.60 euros. A taxi costs approximately 16 to 20 euros. The Salzburg Card (24 hours 30 euros / 48 hours 39 euros / 72 hours 45 euros) covers both public transport and entrance to 24 attractions and is quickly worthwhile compared to buying tickets separately.

What does a city break in Salzburg cost?

Hostels from 16 euros per night, mid-range hotels 80 to 180 euros. Eating out is affordable away from the Altstadt: schnitzel at a Gasthof 10 to 15 euros, coffee (Melange) 3.50 to 4.50 euros, beer 4 to 6 euros. The fortress costs approx. 19 euros entry, Mozart's Birthplace approx. 15 euros. For a long weekend (3 nights, flight from Eindhoven, hotel and food) budget realistically 315 to 395 euros per person in the budget segment.