Salzburg

Where to stay

Budget hostels cluster around the Hauptbahnhof and along Linzer Gasse on the right bank of the Salzach. That puts you a short walk from Mirabellplatz and an easy 10-minute stroll across the river to the Altstadt, without paying the premium for sleeping inside the old town itself.

Getting around

• The Salzburg Card (available in 24, 48, and 72-hour versions) covers the Festungsbahn funicular, entry to Hohensalzburg fortress, and all city buses. If you plan to visit more than two paid attractions, it typically pays for itself before lunch.
• The Grünmarkt near the cathedral sells bread, cheese, and sausage at everyday prices. A far cheaper lunch than anything on Getreidegasse, where restaurant margins are aimed squarely at day-trippers.
• The city runs on a trolleybus network (Obus) that covers most areas you will actually want to reach. Buy a strip ticket from the machines at major stops rather than paying the higher single-ride fare on board.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest in November and early March. July and August are the hardest months to find affordable beds, as the Salzburg Festival draws visitors from across Europe and inventory gets booked weeks in advance.