travel blog about austria

Austria Travel Blogs

These are all of my travel blogs about austria. .

From exploring the vibrant cities of Vienna and Salzburg, to summer adventures in the mountains surrounding Innsbruck and eating my way around the foodie city of Graz, find out the best places to travel to in my Austria travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

The Perfect Weekend In Graz – Itinerary

Austria’s second city is known for its food scene, fairytale old town and its ever-evolving creative side. If you’re thinking of visiting, here’s how to spend the ultimate weekend in Graz.

19 best hidden gems in europe.

The best hidden gems in Europe include stunning mountain towns in Italy, overlooked islands in Croatia, the ultimate detox spot in Sweden and some surprising places to hit the slopes.

Unique places in vienna – a fun vienna itinerary.

Say ‘hallo’ to the summer city that took me by surprise. Hear what made this trip extra special, and a few of my favourite places to visit in Vienna! 

I’ve just spent a few days exploring Vienna in Austria. Before my trip, it wasn’t a city I’d associated with summer breaks. It’s so easy to package Austria into this neat little box of skiing, mountains and Christmas markets, with a touch of ‘the hills are alive’! Rather like my previous adventures in Austria (which took me to Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg) – it’s a country that keeps surprising me. 

I visited the city for the Vienna Tourist Board’s intriguing campaign: #UnratingVienna . They’re on a mission to remind travellers that there’s more to travel than ratings and must-sees. The plan for my trip? Well.. there wasn’t one! It was time for me to discover the city on my own. I wouldn’t be checking Trip Advisor to find the best restaurants or racing around the city trying to tick off the top 10 attractions like the Schönbrunn Palace and the Natural History Museum. I’d be exploring with an open mind and seeing what I found naturally.

Visiting Swarovski Crystal World – Innsbruck, Austria

Blingtastic Swarovski crystals, a light exhibition, intriguing modern art and stunning gardens,  Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) is one of the top places to visit near Innsbruck! 

Instagram-worthy views in salzburg, austria.

Grab your camera and let’s go in search of the best views in Salzburg!

Brimming with history and amazing architecture, Salzburg is one of Austria’s most impressive cities. But for those who don’t want to spend hours in museums or cathedrals, what is there to see in Salzburg? And where should you go for the best views of Salzburg?

Austria Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

Austria is a stunning country bursting with history and culture. From Vienna’s imperial architecture to sprawling vineyards to snowy alpine peaks to world-class opera and ballet, Austria has something for everyone and every budget.

Whether you’re backpacking around the country or just traveling here on a short trip, Austria has a lot to offer.

Vienna is the gateway to much of Central Europe; Graz and Linz boast historic old towns and funky cafes; and Salzburg is a picturesque Baroque city close to mountains and lakes. The country is also home to the dramatic “Sound of Music” alpine scenery where you can hike in the summer, ski in the winter, and sing as you run through the rolling hills.

I am forever blown away by the sheer beauty of this country. It is one of the most spectacular in Europe (especially if you like hiking and skiing).

This travel guide to Austria has all my tips and tricks so you can plan the ultimate adventure without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Austria

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in austria.

1. Visit Vienna

For centuries, Vienna was the stomping ground for the Habsburg rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, you can admire ornate architecture by day and hang in summer pop up bars and clubs on the Danube at night. Be sure to check out the Belvedere Palace, The Hofburg (a palace complex with museums), and Schonbrunn Palace (the summer home with a huge garden that is my favorite). Some other incredible things to do include a trip to the Vienna Naschmarkt (with more than 120 food stalls and market vendors) or an afternoon at MuseumsQuartier, a massive arts and culture district. If you go during the holiday season, Vienna’s Christmas markets are legendary, including Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz (the square in front of the town hall), one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. This imperial city has a lot to do!

2. Check out Salzburg

The birthplace of Mozart, this city has a lot of attractions relating to the city’s most famous son. Visit the house where he was born and have coffee at Café Tomaselli where Mozart used to frequent. The city was also the shooting location for “The Sound of Music” and you can take a self-guided walking tour retracing the Von Trapp’s steps. There’s also an 11th century fortress (Hohensalzburg Castle), a Renaissance palace (Schloss Hellbrunn), scenic hikes, cobblestone streets, cool cafes, beautiful churches, views of the Alps, and a ton of Baroque charm. I really liked it and found it to be like a Vienna without the crowds (I mean it’s still crowded but not as crowded).

3. Ski in Arlberg

St. Anton is a particularly lovely town in summer but it swarms with visitors during ski season. With 87 lifts and cable cars, more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) of slopes and 200 kilometers (124 miles) of open terrain, it’s Austria’s largest inter-connected ski area and is known as a go-to destination for serious skiers because of its challenging slopes and numerous off-piste opportunities. Day passes start at 75 EUR per person (not including rentals).

4. Go on a wine tour

Austria’s vibrant wine scene has earned a worldwide reputation for quality and innovation. The country’s wine regions are beautiful and easy to visit. Burgenland and Lower Austria, for example, are within a one-hour drive from Vienna. You’ll be able to sample reds, whites, and Sekt, Austria’s sparkling wine. Expect a full-day winery bike tour of the stunning Wachau Valley to include 2-3 wine tastings and to cost 100 EUR. I always include a wine tour when I run tours to Vienna and it’s the number one thing people remember about the trip.

5. Cycle the Danube

This is one of the most famous cycle routes in Europe, stretching from Passau, Germany into Austria. Since it’s also one of the most traveled, there’s no lack of tour operators offering holiday packages. Depending on where you begin and end, the entire journey can take 4-6 days. Expect to pay 400-500 EUR for a self-guided multi-day tour of the journey, which usually includes accommodation, a set of cycling maps, and daily luggage transfer. Guided tours start at about 1,000 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Austria

1. visit vienna’s museum of art history.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is the largest art museum in the country, with works from ancient Egypt and Greece through to the 18th century. There are over 700,000 items in the collections so it’s worth taking the time to explore (especially if you’re a history buff like me). Opened in 1891, the primary collection originally belonged to the Hapsburgs, which includes tons of portraits, classical paintings from masters like Gustav Klimt, and armor. Admission is 21 EUR.

2. Hit the slopes

Austria’s mountainous countryside offers up plenty of opportunities for skiing in the winter (I mean, it is the Alps after all!). Ski and snowboard rentals start at around 50 EUR. Lift passes vary between 40-70 EUR per day and the more popular and larger resorts tend to be on the upper end of that scale (but you get more ski runs for that). Niederau, Lech, and Obergurgl are good places for beginners.

3. See St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Stephansdom is a 12th-century Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in Vienna, noted for its colorful roof. The cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt over the years, with the current version largely initiated by Duke Rudolf IV (1339–1365). Its most recent reconstruction took place just after World War II. You can take a tour of the cathedral and climb the north and south towers (which offer excellent views of the city). Under the cathedral are catacombs holding the remains of over 10,000 people, including important nobility and victims of the plague. All-inclusive admission with tour is 25 EUR; admission to the cathedral only is 7 EUR. Self-guided audio tours are 5 EUR. Catacombs tours are 7 EUR and going up the towers costs 6.50 EUR for the South Tower and 7 EUR for the North Tower.

4. Walk the Ring Road (Ringstrasse)

This historic loop stretches just over 5 kilometers (3 miles) around Vienna and is brimming with beautiful architecture. It’s here where you can find the Parliament building, City Hall, both the Museum of Art History and the National History Museum, as well as the State Opera. Strolling the tree-lined boulevards is a relaxing (and free) way to spend some time soaking up the city and admiring its history and imperial design.

5. Visit Schloss Hellbrunn

This Baroque palace was built in the 17th century in Salzburg as a retreat for the one percent, and is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. The palace is noted for its trick water fountains that are hidden in benches, tables, and around the grounds. These “secret” fountains spray visitors when they don’t expect it. It’s funny to see — as long as you aren’t the one getting sprayed! The gardens here are partially landscaped and make for a great place to relax. It’s even fun to visit even in the winter months when the courtyard is transformed into a Christmas market. The palace and trick fountains are closed for winter refurbishments until late March 2024, but the park is still open. Admission is 15 EUR.

6. Visit the National History Museum

Home to a detailed anthropology exhibit, as well as a planetarium and prehistoric exhibit, the National History Museum is worth the time to explore if you’re a museum buff. Their collection boasts over 100,000 items, including a huge collection of meteorites. It’s also home to the 25,000-year-old Venus of Willendorf statue, which was discovered in Austria. There’s also a planetarium that offers shows in German and English (the live shows are only available in German). Admission is 18 EUR.

7. Get outside in Innsbruck

One of the most beautiful towns in the entire country, Innsbruck is in the Alps and filled with cobblestone streets, a historic center that dates back more than 500 years, and lots of great restaurants. It serves as a launching pad into the nearby Nordkette mountains where you can hike and camp. Don’t miss the Golden Roof, an impressive alcove balcony with 2,657 copper tiles covering its roof (it’s the best museum in the city!). There’s a lot of great hiking in the area, cool bars, and one of the best food tours I’ve ever taken (Innsbruck Food Tour). It’s an awesome city for outdoor activities any time of the year. Since it’s a big student town, it’s also one of the more affordable destinations in the country. I could have easily spent double the amount of time here.

8. Relax in Hallstatt

Hallstatt makes a great day trip from Salzburg (it’s just one hour away). The tiny, picturesque town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can see in a single day. Spend an hour walking around the central square, home to a 19th-century church and fairytale alpine architecture. For impressive views, visit the skywalk above town — don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights. It’s a one-hour hike to the top or a 5-minute funicular ride on the Salzbergbahn Hallstatt, which re-opens in early February 2024 (22 EUR). There’s also a swan-filled lake, a waterfall, a bone house with more than 6,000 decorated skulls, and nearby mountains that provide ample hiking opportunities. You can take a tour of the nearby salt mines (the world’s oldest) or take a scenic boat ride on the lake. Hallstatt also serves as a gateway to the Salzkammergut region, where you can find even more lakes, forested mountains, and historic villages.

9. See a classical performance

Austria has contributed its fair share of composers to the world, so it’s no surprise that you can find plenty of opportunities to indulge in the classics here. Just going to one of the many theaters and concert halls in Vienna is an experience in and of itself as the buildings are so historic and beautifully decorated. If you’ve ever considered taking in an opera, symphony, or ballet (the Vienna State Ballet is one of the best in the world), this is the place to do it. Prices vary depending on the performance but expect to pay at least 40 EUR for standard tickets. Alternatively, show up a few hours before the opera for standing room only tickets that start at 4 EUR.

10. Go hiking

Hiking trails in Austria are well-marked, and there are even mountain huts along many trails to provide shelter. With almost 30% of the country’s natural landscape marked as protected, it’s easy to see why hiking is such a foundational part of the culture here. Pack a lunch, hit the trails, and enjoy all that the country has to offer! The Pinzgauer Spaziergang route in Zell am See is one of the best hikes you can do, covering 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from Saalbach to Schmittenhöhe’s peak. If you’re looking for a more serious trek, try the 280-kilometer (175-mile) Eagle Walk from St. Johann to St. Anton am Arlberg. There are also several smaller hikes that offer flat paths around lakes and forests.

11. Visit Graz’s Old Town

This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 1,000 buildings, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. It’s a picturesque area worth exploring, especially if you love history and architecture. There are street cafes, art galleries, and lots of shopping opportunities here as well. Climb the 260 steps to the top of Schlossberg (the fortress on the hill) for sweeping views. If you want a guided tour of the area, they start at around 20 EUR. While Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, it sees far fewer tourists than Vienna.

12. Visit Mozart’s Geburtshaus

Located in Salzburg, the townhouse where Mozart was born in 1756 (he was the family’s seventh child) and spent his childhood years is now a museum. The living area of this once middle-class residence has been restored to be a snapshot of the musician’s 18th-century life with original furniture. Noteworthy pieces include several portraits of Mozart, hand-written letters on display as well as his violin and clavichord (which he used to compose The Magic Flute). There are also rotating exhibits that change annually. The tour is about an hour and admission is 13.50 EUR.

13. Visit the Belvedere

This is one of my favorite places in Vienna. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belvedere is composed of two palaces and is split into the permanent collection at the Upper Belvedere, special exhibitions at the Lower Belvedere, and contemporary art at the Belvedere 21. It’s home to an incredible art collection spanning more than 800 years with works by Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh and a large portrait collection (which is my favorite). There is also a rotating exhibit hall with renowned Austrian and international art. The free grounds feature beautiful fountains, gravel walkways, ponds, statues, plants, and flowers and are perfect for a stroll on a nice day. Admission starts at 16 EUR. You’ll save a few euros if you buy online ahead of time.

14. Wander Hohensalzburg Castle

Standing high over the city of Salzburg, this magnificent castle dominates the city. The fortress has been in use since the 11th century, though it’s undergone several expansions and renovations. There’s a nice hike up to the castle (it takes about 30 minutes), or you can take the funicular. At the castle, there are ancient ruins, a cool historical tour, and panoramic views of the city to enjoy. The fortress also has a collection of museums, including the Marionette Museum and the Museum of the Rainer Regiment (which highlights the former Salzburg house military regiment). Admission is 14 EUR and includes the funicular.

15. Explore the Sigmund Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud, the famous founder of psychoanalysis, lived in this apartment-turned-museum from 1891-1938. The museum was opened in 1971 with the help of Anna Freud (his youngest daughter) and is home to the original furniture, Freud’s private collection of antiques, and the first editions of his works. There are also films from his private life. It’s small and only takes about an hour to visit. Admission is 15 EUR.

How to Stay Safe in Austria

Austria is a very safe country. Violent crime here is rare, and it’s generally safe to walk or take public transportation at night. The only real issue you need to be on the lookout for is petty theft and pickpocketing, which can occur in high-traffic areas in Vienna and Salzburg. As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry or wave around valuables, and always keep your wallet secure when out and about. If you’ve rented a car, don’t leave valuables or suitcases inside where they are visible.

Scams here are rare, but you can read about common travel scams to avoid.

Always check the weather before going off hiking and make sure you have everything you need (water, raincoat, food, etc.). Be mindful that you might not have cell coverage in remote areas, especially in the mountains.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). In Vienna and Salzburg, several hostels offer female-only rooms. If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Austria

Austria has plenty of hostels that are fun, clean, and affordable. Here are some of my favorite places to stay:

• Jugendgaestehaus Linz (Linz)
• Wombats City Hostel (Vienna)
• The MEININGER Hotel (Vienna)
• Der Salzburger Hof and Hotel-Annex (Salzburg)
• Hostel Marmota (Innsbruck)
• The A&O Graz Hauptbahnhof (Graz)

Austria Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 16-45 EUR per night
• Hostel private rooms – 40-75 EUR per night
• Budget hotels – 60-80 EUR per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 50 EUR per night
• Airbnb apartments – 65-100 EUR per night
• Campsite – 5-22 EUR per night
• Market lunch – 10-14 EUR
• Sit-down restaurants – 15-30 EUR
• Casual take-out places – 10-20 EUR
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 9 EUR
• Beer – 4.25 EUR
• Glass of wine – 5 EUR
• Cappuccino/latte- 3-4 EUR
• Bottled water – 2.20 EUR
• Groceries for a week – 40-60 EUR

Austria Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 65 eur per day.

On a backpacker budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, visit a few museums, take a free walking tour, limit your drinking, and take public transportation to get around. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your budget per day.

Midrange – 160 EUR Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in an Airbnb or private hostel room. You’ll be able to eat out for some meals, have a few drinks at the bar, see more museums and palaces, day trip to Bratislava, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

Upscale – 330 EUR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink out at the bar as much as you’d like, visit more palaces or go to the opera, rent a car or take taxis to get around, and do some private guided tours.

Austria Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Expenses in Austria can add up quickly with all its pricey accommodations, high-end restaurants, and costly outdoor activities and tours. However, there’s plenty of free activities and delicious cheap eats to help keep your costs down. Here are some tips on how to save you money when you visit:

Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is clean and safe so bring a reusable bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. LifeStraw is my go-to brand since they have built-in filters to always ensure your water is clean.

Take a free walking tour – Vienna offers a handful of free walking tours which are great ways to get familiar with the city and the culture. Good Tours , Anna Loves Vienna , Vienna Greeters , and The Original Free Vienna Walking Tour are all great options — just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

Visit museums for free – Many museums in Vienna are free to visit the first Sunday of every month. That list includes the Wien Museum, Museum of Military History, the Uhrenmuseum (clock museum), and the Roman Museum

Ride the Flixbus – Flixbus is a budget-friendly way to explore the country. They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent enough sites for overnight and long-haul bus journeys.

Cook your own meals – Many hostels here don’t include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money make sure you book accommodation that does. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it definitely saves you money!

Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing (or similar sharing economy sites) is a great way to not only save money but you get to meet a knowledgeable local who can help you better understand the country and its people.

Skip the City Airport Train in Vienna – Unless you are in a rush to get downtown, skip the City Airport Train. It’s 11 EUR compared to the regular train that is only around 4.30 EUR. The time difference is negligible, and that extra 6.70 EUR is better spent on a cold beer!

Walk everywhere – All of the major cities in Austria are quite walkable. Skip public transportation to save a few euros.

Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!

How to Get Around in Austria

Public transportation – Public transportation is clean, safe, and reliable across Austria, with lots of options within larger cities. Expect to pay around 2.40 – 2.60 EUR for a one-way adult ticket on Vienna’s trams, underground subway, and buses. The underground (U-Bahn) runs from about 5:00 AM to midnight and is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Several bus lines run from 12:30 AM. to 5 AM. Always validate your ticket at the machine before boarding. In Graz, a one-hour tram pass is 3 EUR, and tram and bus prices in Salzburg start at 2.30 EUR. Most cities offer day passes, such as Vienna’s 24-hour pass for 8 EUR (there’s also a 48-hour pass for 14.10 EUR and 72-hour pass for 17.10 EUR).

Train – Trains are the best way to get around Austria. They’re fast and affordable, with tickets from Vienna to Graz (2.5 hours) costing as little as 25 EUR and Vienna to Salzburg (3 hours) costing around 40 EUR — those prices require advance booking. Tickets to nearby cities outside of Austria are quite affordable, too. For example, Vienna to Prague (4 hours) starts at about 40 EUR while Vienna to Budapest (2 hours) costs about 30 EUR. Consider Nightjet, Austria’s overnight train. Destinations include Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck, Bregenz, and Arlberg. Additionally, you can take it to more than a dozen countries. Prices start at around 40 EUR to Berlin, or about 60 EUR to Paris for carriage seats. Expect to pay more than 100 EUR for a sleeper cabin.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Bus – Flixbus has routes from Vienna to Graz and Vienna to Bratislava. It’s the cheapest way to get around. The ride from Vienna to Graz offers tickets for as low as 10 EUR (the train costs 40 EUR) while the journey to Bratislava is just 5 EUR.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying around the country is possible, but it’s not going to save you any time once you factor in getting to/from the airport. Flights are usually double or triple the price of the train at best, so I’d avoid flying when you visit. The country is small and the trains are fast.

Ridesharing – Use the ride-sharing app BlaBlaCar for both medium and long distances. You can usually find rides for popular routes if you look a couple of days in advance. All you do is pay a small fee (essentially chipping in for gas) and you’re on your way. It usually isn’t much cheaper than the bus, but it’s faster and more interesting!

Car rental – Car rentals cost 20-40 EUR per day. Make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you rent as it is required. To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Austria is very safe, though not very common. For safety tips and information, check out HitchWiki . It’s the best website for hitchhiking info.

When to Go to Austria

There’s no wrong time to visit Austria. The summer months (June-August) offer the best weather, with daily highs around 30°C (86°F). Go in summer for activities like music festivals, “beach” events on the Danube, and plenty to see in the palace gardens across the country. Summer is peak season for tourism so expect crowds in Vienna and Salzburg.

Winter is from December to March. It gets cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -15 °C (5°F). That said, November and December are considered to be the most magical months in Vienna and Salzburg because of their famous Christmas markets and snow-covered alpine villages. It’s also the best time for skiing or snowboarding in the Alps. There are also plenty of holiday concerts and classical music events in Vienna in December.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Austria is shoulder season in the spring and fall (April-June and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds. This time of year is especially good for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. In spring, the hillsides are blooming, and October and early November offer amazingly vibrant fall foliage.

Austria Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Austria Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Austria travel and continue planning your trip:

Vienna Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Vienna

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Austria Itinerary

Last Updated on February 20, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out an Austria itinerary is one of the top things to do when visiting Central Europe. This beautiful country nestled between Germany, Switzerland , Italy , the Czech Republic , Slovenia , Hungary and Slovakia has a lot to offer beyond Vienna or Salzburg . And whether you have 5 or 7 days in Austria, you’re sure to have a blast exploring this gorgeous Central European nation.

From chic cities to charming villages, to gorgeous mountaintops to lovely lakes, Austria is a dynamic and interesting destination that is a joy to explore. Easy to navigate and filled with history, planning out the ideal trip to Austria is a treat.

So if you’re planning to spend a few days to a week in Austria, follow this itinerary to ensure you get a good feel for this country – though you may want to plan another trip in the future!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Austria?

If you want to see more than the capital city and get to a couple of different places, then consider spending at least 5 days in Austria.

However, if you’re interested in digging deeper and visiting more than two different cities, then mapping out at least 7 days is going to be your best bet.

With a week in Austria, you have the opportunity to visit several different places, have the time to get to know some of the cities and also have the opportunity to explore some smaller towns and natural areas as day trips.

You also really can’t go wrong with spending 10 days in the country or more. With this amount of time, you don’t need to leave anything off of your itinerary and you will be able to spend time in some more far-flung places and areas a bit off the beaten tourist trail.

Getting To & Around Austria

Located in the centre of Europe, Austria — and, particularly, the capital of Vienna — is easy to reach from virtually all of Europe and many destinations further afield.

Vienna Airport is a large international airport that has countless flights to and from a myriad of countries and cities in the world, so arriving in Austria from abroad is not a problem.

Austria is also well-connected by rail and bus from nearby countries and cities. Vienna is directly connected to cities like Budapest , Prague , Munich and Ljubljana and many other smaller cities are also well-linked across the continent. You can view train schedules here.

Once in Austria, you have a few options when it comes to getting around. In the cities, plan to rely on getting from point A to B on foot or using the city’s public transit. Austrian cities are incredibly easy to navigate and there is no need to have a car while exploring.

You also can easily get between cities and major urban areas via both an extensive rail system and bus.

However, if you want to easily make stops between cities or would like to get out in nature, see the countryside and have some flexibility, it can be worth it to opt for a car rental and go for an Austrian road trip.

This will allow you to spend time in the Bavarian Alps, the Zillertal Alps and the town of Mayrhofn, the Danube Valley and drive along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

If you decide to hire a car while in Austria, you can compare prices across several major companies on Rentalcars.com.

One thing to note when driving in Austria is that you will need a vignette – or toll sticker. If you rent a car while in Austria already, this will be taken care of for you. However, you will need to purchase one upon crossing over from a neighbouring country.

5 to 7-Day Austria Itinerary

Day 1 – vienna.

The perfect place to begin any visit to Austria is in the capital city of Vienna . Often considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the world, Vienna is an absolutely beautiful city that is packed with history and interesting things to do.

Spend your first day in Vienna wandering around and taking in all of the top sites.

You can go on a walking tour to get your bearings before heading to sites like the Vienna Opera House, enjoying the art collections at the Albertina Museum or taking in the iconic attractions of the Spanish Riding School and the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg. End your day taking in the beautiful St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Vienna is also absolutely wonderful to simply wander around or to park yourself at one of its iconic cafes and enjoy a classic Viennese pastry and coffee. This is absolutely one of the best things to do.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Motel One Wien – Hauptbahnhof — This hotel is a fantastic accommodation option for those travelling on a mid-range budget in the Austrian capital. Located very close to Vienna’s main train station, they have several room sizes to choose from and an option to add breakfast each morning.

Hotel Brauhof Wien — Those after luxury in the Austrian capital will love this 4-star hotel. They have a range of beautiful, plush rooms to choose from and countless other amenities to ensure that your stay is an unforgettable one.

Hostel Ruthensteiner — This family-run hostel can be a fantastic option for both budget or solo travellers in Vienna. They have both private rooms and dorm beds available and several common areas and kitchen facilities that make it easy to meet other travellers in the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vienna hotels!

Day 2 – Vienna

Day 2 of your Austria trip should still be spent in Vienna. As the capital and largest city in the country, there is a lot to do here and you definitely need at least two full days within the city itself to do it justice.

On your second day, it’s time to explore a bunch of sites that you didn’t get to the day before. These can include touring Schonbrunn Palace (you can book a guided tour here ), heading to Karlskirche or wandering around Schloss Belvedere.

Plan to spend your afternoon taking in the museums in the Museums Quartier, which includes places like the Leopold Museum and the Modern Art Museum.

Day 3 – Vienna

One of the benefits of spending 3 days in the Austrian capital is that you will have the time to go on a day trip from the capital. Because we’re exploring more of Austria itself if you’re spending 5 or 7 days in the country, this is a great time to take a day trip outside of Austria.

Heading to the Slovak capital of Bratislava is an excellent day trip option from Vienna.

Located only about an hour via train from the Austrian capital, Bratislava is an interesting place to spend a day and it is completely different from Vienna so you will get a good change of pace. You can go independently or organise a guided tour.

Bratislava’s compact nature means that it can easily be explored in just one day and it’s the perfect way to head outside of Austria during your trip to Austria!

Day 4 – Salzburg

After spending a few days in Vienna, the next stop on your itinerary through Austria should be the western city of Salzburg . Known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for the classic musical The Sound of Music , Salzburg is a lovely city to enjoy and no trip to Austria would be complete without visiting.

Though small in size, Salzburg has enough to offer visitors to merit spending 2 days here. So if you’re only planning for 5 days in Austria, this will be the final stop on your itinerary.

Spend your first day in Salzburg taking in the main sites of this beautiful city. In the morning, explore the old town, wander down Getreidegasse, browse through the stalls in the Grünmarkt, visit the Salzburg Cathedral and take in the views at Residenzplatz – Salzburg’s main square.

Later, head up to the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress and stroll along the walking trail on Monchsberg until you reach the Augustiner Brau Brewery, which is well-known for its classic and massive beer garden.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Gästehaus im Priesterseminar – This guesthouse is an excellent option for mid-range visitors to Salzburg. They have a wonderful, centrally located in a beautiful baroque building and they have several lovely rooms on offer – perfect for exploring the city!

Boutique Hotel Auersperg – If you’re after a luxury option in Salzburg, you’re sure to love this boutique hotel in the centre of the city. It has been family-run for generations and it is located within spitting distance of all of Salzburg’s top sites. They have luxe rooms available and countless other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Yoho International Youth Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this centrally located hostel. They have both private and dorm rooms available, good common areas and self-catering options and, for those who want it, they screen “The Sound of Music” every evening

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Salzburg hotels!

Day 5 – Salzburg

On the final day of your 5-day trip to Austria (or simply your final day in Salzburg if you’re planning on spending 7 days in Austria), plan to spend the day digging deeper and getting to know Salzburg just a bit better.

There is plenty to keep you occupied on your second day in Salzburg. Plan to spend your day wandering through the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, take in one or two of the city’s many museums and take a river cruise along the Salzach to see the city from a different perspective.

You can end your day in one of the city’s fine restaurants or even visit another beer garden to sample some great Austrian brews.

Day 6 – Gollinger Waterfall & Hallstatt

Treat day 6 as a travel day between Salzburg and Austria’s second-largest city of Graz. This day is best to do if you have a car, as it will give you the flexibility to make stops along the way and to enjoy the rural and natural side of Austria.

For those looking to get a bit active, then make your first stop en route to Graz be the Gollinger Waterfall. This waterfall is absolutely beautiful and there is a hiking trail that can take you around the falls and allow you to view it from different vantage points. The hike is pretty easy and it’s suitable for those of a moderate fitness level.

After enjoying the waterfall, drive a bit further to visit the iconic town of Hallstatt. This town is well-known on Instagram feeds and it is absolutely beautiful. However, it is also incredibly popular amongst international visitors and can be absolutely packed with tourists.

If you’re keen to avoid crowds and want a more laid-back alternative to Hallstatt, then consider making a trip to the town of St Gilgen on Wolfgansee, a large lake located a little bit closer to Salzburg.

For those who don’t have a car and are going this by public transport, it’s not going to make sense to stop at Hallstatt or the Gollinger waterfall. What you can do instead is spend your morning on a lovely day trip to St Gilgen and Wolfgangsee before taking an afternoon train from Salzburg to Graz.

End your day of exploration in the beautiful city of Graz.

Where to Stay in Graz

Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel – This classic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a great place to stay in Graz. They have a range of beautifully decorated rooms and it is filled with antiques and artwork. There are lots of rooms to choose from, a swimming pool, and plenty of other fantastic amenities.

Aiola Living Graz – This boutique hotel is a great option for visitors to Austria’s second city who are looking for a swish place to stay in the centre of town. They have clean, modern and comfortable rooms on offer and there is also an on-site fitness centre for guests to use at their leisure.

B&B Hotel Graz-Hbf – This hotel is a great option for those travelling in Austria and visiting Graz on a budget. They have a range of private rooms available and a great location close to the train station – perfect for exploring the city and for continuing on your trip in Austria. There is even an option to include breakfast.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Graz!

Day 7 – Graz

The final day of your 7-day Austria itinerary should be spent exploring the absolutely beautiful and charming city of Graz .

This city often gets overlooked when people plan trips to Austria and this is really a shame – it has quite a lot to offer and its compact size means that you don’t need to dedicate a lot of time to it.

Start your day at the Kaiser Josef Market before meandering over to the Grazer Burg where you can take in the fascinating double spiral staircase. Then, head over to the Graz Cathedral and tour this incredible structure before watching the clock chime and the interesting puppets at the city’s Glockenspiel.

Spend your afternoon up at Schlossberg, the castle hill that has incredible views over the city – it is accessible via funicular. Then, head over to the hip Lend area and, if you’re so inclined, visit the Kunsthaus – a modern art museum. If you’re more interested in history, then you could head to the Styrian armoury, instead.

End your day at one of Graz’s many phenomenal restaurants – and make sure to sample some of the great wines grown in the region!

Have More Time?

If you, for example, have 10 days in Austria or more, then the world is your oyster. For those who want to see more of this beautiful country, head to the west and make sure to explore the Tyrol region. The Alpine city of Innsbruck is infinitely popular and is a perfect getaway for those looking for an active holiday. From here, you can also visit the gorgeous glaciers at Dachstein.

If you’re interested in heading to some neighbouring countries, Slovenia is well-located and easy to get to from Graz. Consider spending heading to the city of Maribor before venturing onto Ljubljana (and beyond, if you have the time!).

There is a lot to see and do in and around Austria and it is likely impossible to plan a bad itinerary in this beautiful country. However, with the proper planning and knowledge, you can map out the absolutely perfect trip for you and your travel style.

Are you planning a trip to Austria? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Planning a Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna

The Perfect Day Trip to Salzburg from Vienna

Salzburg or Vienna: Which Austrian City to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

would like to know about visiting Styria and Karnten

Hi, Amazing article, helps a lot!

I have more questions around sightseeing near Hallstatt and Salzburg- for eg- 5 fingers, lake wolfgangsee..what else can i explore on these lines? and any budget hostels to stay a night probably in or near Hallstatt?

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