Spring
A time of blooming flowers and mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities.
Travel guide
Austria
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning alpine landscapes, and historic cities. Beyond Vienna, explore charming towns and breathtaking natural wonders.
- Best MonthsApril to June, September to October
- AirportsVienna International, Salzburg Airport, Innsbruc
- TransitExtensive train and bus network
- Power230V, 50Hz
- Tipping10-15% recommended
- LanguageGerman
01
When to go
The best time to visit Austria is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Easiest monthsHot, coast booked outWinter: rain and cold nights
Summer
Warm temperatures ideal for festivals and exploring the countryside.
Winter
A snowy wonderland, great for skiing and winter sports.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Cultural Hub
Innere Stadt
The historic center of Vienna, filled with stunning architecture, museums, and cafes.
Can be crowded with tourists.
Historic
Salzburg Altstadt
The old town of Salzburg, known for its baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Mozart.
Best explored on foot.
Scenic
Innsbruck Old Town
A picturesque area with colorful buildings and a backdrop of the Alps.
Great for photography.
Artistic
Graz Stadtmitte
The city center of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a vibrant arts scene.
Less touristy than Vienna.
Social
Linz Hauptplatz
The main square of Linz, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.
Ideal for people-watching.
Relaxing
Bregenz Seaside
Located on Lake Constance, known for its summer festival and beautiful waterfront.
Visit in summer for events.
Leisure
Klagenfurt City Center
The heart of Klagenfurt, featuring parks and the famous Wörthersee lake nearby.
Enjoy outdoor activities.
Convenient
Wiener Neustadt
A historic city with a mix of medieval and modern architecture, close to Vienna.
Good base for day trips.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Wiener Schnitzel
A breaded and fried veal cutlet, best enjoyed in traditional Viennese restaurants.
→ Pair with potato salad.
Sachertorte
A rich chocolate cake with apricot jam, famous in Vienna.
→ Try it at Café Sacher.
Apfelstrudel
A delicious apple pastry, widely available in bakeries across Austria.
→ Best served warm with cream.
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef served with root vegetables and horseradish, a classic dish in Vienna.
→ Enjoy with a glass of wine.
Kaiserschmarrn
A fluffy shredded pancake, often served as a dessert in alpine regions.
→ Perfect after a day of hiking.
Brettljause
A hearty snack platter of cold cuts, cheese, and bread, popular in rural areas.
→ Great for picnics.
Goulash
A savory stew of meat and vegetables, common in Austrian cuisine.
→ Try it in local taverns.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Schönbrunn Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial summer residence in Vienna.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
An iconic Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Vienna.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
A medieval fortress overlooking Salzburg, offering panoramic views.
The Ringstrasse
A grand boulevard in Vienna lined with historic buildings and monuments.
Lake Constance
A beautiful lake shared with Germany and Switzerland, ideal for outdoor activities.
The Grossglockner
Austria's highest mountain, offering stunning alpine scenery and hiking trails.
Belvedere Palace
A historic palace complex in Vienna, home to an impressive art collection.
Melk Abbey
A stunning baroque abbey overlooking the Danube River.
The Vienna State Opera
One of the leading opera houses in the world, located in Vienna.
Eisriesenwelt
The largest ice cave in the world, located near Werfen.
Zell am See
A picturesque town by a lake, popular for skiing and summer activities.
The Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial
A somber memorial site that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust.
The Styrian Wine Road
A scenic route through vineyards in Styria, perfect for wine lovers.
The Vienna Prater
A large public park in Vienna, famous for its amusement park and Ferris wheel.
The Austrian National Library
One of the most beautiful libraries in the world, located in Vienna.
The Tyrolean Alps
A stunning mountain range ideal for skiing and hiking.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Main Airports
Austria is served by several international airports, including Vienna International Airport (VIE), Salzburg Airport (SZG), and Innsbruck Airport (INN).
VIEVienna International Airport
SZGSalzburg Airport
INNInnsbruck Airport
Train Travel
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) offers efficient train services connecting major cities and scenic routes through the countryside.
Public Transport
Cities have extensive public transport networks, including trams, buses, and subways, making it easy to navigate.
Car Rentals
Renting a car is a good option for exploring rural areas and the Alps, but be aware of parking regulations.
Biking
Many cities are bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and rental services available.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
Type C and F plugs are used in Austria.
Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is customary; round up the bill or add 10-15%.
Language
German is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip Duration
A week is ideal to explore major cities and regions.