Explore Salzburg on a Budget
With its swirl of baroque palaces, lavish concert halls, masterpiece-packed art galleries, and fancy hotels, Salzburg might not be the first place that leaps to mind for a budget break. However, even high culture doesn’t cost the earth here. With some careful planning, you can immerse yourself in Austria’s Alpine capital for very little.
It is no cliché to say that the best things in Salzburg are free: whether you’re exploring Unesco-listed Altstadt’s baroque plazas, churches, and abbeys, hiking up to wooded hills that gaze dreamily toward the not-so-distant Alps, or watching students perform classical music for nothing. Read on for our top ten tips on how to cut costs in Salzburg.
Travel Smart with Budget Airlines
A number of budget airlines (Ryanair and easyJet among them) fly to Salzburg, allowing you to secure some terrific deals if you dodge the high season and plan your travel well. When prices spike, consider flying to larger cities like Vienna (2½ hours) and Munich (1½ to two hours) that are easily reachable by train.
If planned well in advance, ÖBB Sparschiene tickets can be an absolute steal; you can travel to Vienna for as little as €20, provided you are flexible about train schedules. The nightjet train service is also an excellent option for reaching 25 cities in Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe for as low as €30.
Avoid the Peak Season
Salzburg experiences two peak seasons. During summer holidays (July and August), the city becomes crowded, particularly during the Salzburg Festival, when even standard hotel rooms are scarce. Room rates soar and crowds grow. In December, the festive charm of Christmas markets brings in significant visitors and higher prices.
To save money, consider visiting in spring or autumn for better flight prices, lower accommodation rates, and substantially fewer tourists.
Explore on Foot or by Bike
Salzburg’s sight-packed Altstadt is a joy to explore on foot, providing an authentic experience of its pedestrianized streets. Unless you venture further from the city center, walking or cycling should suffice. A well-maintained network of cycle paths makes Salzburg one of Austria’s most bike-friendly cities, with scenic routes along the river that provide seamless access to the mountains. Rent bicycles easily around the city.
Public transportation in Salzburg (SVV) is efficient and economical. Buying tickets online or via machines typically proves more affordable than purchasing them on board. A Tageskarte day pass (€4.50) is often a better value than individual tickets (€2.10 each).
Take Advantage of Free Tours
If it’s your first time in Salzburg, participating in a Free Walking Tour is an excellent way to acclimate yourself to the city and visit major attractions. Tours typically last an hour and a half and pass landmarks like Schloss Mirabell and Residenzplatz. While the tours are technically free, tipping your guide is appreciated.
Enjoy Affordable Dining Options
In the 17th century, Salzburg’s Augustinian monks were known for their brewing skills, which is evident today at the Augustiner Bräustübl. This venue features a large beer garden under chestnut trees where you can savor traditional snacks at reasonable prices.
Find Budget-Friendly Accommodation
Finding affordable lodging in Salzburg can be daunting due to the prevalence of upscale hotels. Generally, it is wise to avoid Altstadt to save money, as prices can increase by 10-20% during events like the Salzburg Festival.
Consider exploring options in nearby areas such as Moosstrasse, which hosts charming family-run B&Bs for about €80 per night with breakfast included.
Shop Local for Picnic Supplies
If the sun is shining, visit the Grünmarkt on Universitätsplatz to find fresh picnic supplies, including fruits, vegetables, and local cheeses. For artisanal bread, stop by Stiftsbäckerei St Peter, a historic bakery linked to the abbey complex.
Lunch Deals Over Dinner Prices
One effective way to save money is by opting for lunchtime fixed menus, which can cost as little as €10 for two courses at many restaurants. For an errand option, check out the university café Mensa Toskanatrakt, offering excellent lunch value.
Utilize the Salzburg Card
If you’re visiting several attractions, consider investing in the Salzburg Card, which provides unlimited public transport access, entry to key sites from the state rooms of Residenz to the Salzburg Museum and the clifftop Festung Hohensalzburg. The card also grants free entry to the cable car up to Untersberg.
Experience High Culture Frugally
Despite its high cultural standing, Salzburg offers numerous low-cost experiences. For classical music enthusiasts, attend weekday rehearsals at the Mozarteum for free. Similarly, under-30s can access last-minute tickets at the Landestheater for only €6, available just before performances. Enjoy the Salzburg Festival by obtaining affordable standing seats or watching free opera screenings on Kapitelplatz.
