Things To Do
in Austria
Austria is a landlocked alpine nation in Central Europe celebrated for its classical music heritage, imperial palaces, and sweeping mountain landscapes. Its cities blend Baroque architecture with modern culture, while the countryside offers pristine lakes, alpine scenery, and timeless villages. The transport network is efficient, making day trips to alpine passes, wine regions, and imperial towns easy from Vienna or Salzburg.
Across all seasons, Austria invites refined sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and warm café culture with careful attention to etiquette and comfort.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Vienna and check-in at your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while observing the vibrant city life. Afterward, take a stroll in the historic center and soak in the stunning architecture.
Visit the impressive Schönbrunn Palace, exploring the opulent rooms and lush gardens. Don't miss a walk through the park, where you can spot a beautiful view from the Gloriette. For lunch, savor traditional Austrian schnitzel at a nearby restaurant.
Experience the magic of Vienna by attending a classical concert in one of its famous concert halls. Before the show, have dinner at a wine tavern, where you can pair local wines with delicious regional dishes. After the concert, enjoy a moonlit walk along the Danube River.
Start your day at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to a rich collection of artworks. Spend your morning admiring masterpieces from renowned artists such as Vermeer and Rembrandt. Take breaks to enjoy the museum's stunning architecture and exhibits.
Head to the Belvedere Palace to view its extensive art collection, including Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss'. Stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens and enjoy a light lunch at the on-site café. Afterward, visit the nearby Karlskirche for a quick photo opportunity.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at a restaurant that specializes in Viennese cuisine. Afterward, visit a traditional coffee house for a slice of Sachertorte and a cup of coffee. Wrap up the evening by wandering through the lively streets of the city, soaking in the atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚖Taxi start (within city) | $3-6 |
| 🍺Beer (0.5 liter, local pub) | $3-5 |
| 🛏️1 night in mid-range hotel | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High-quality public transport and easy day trips to mountains and wine regions
- Rich cultural heritage, classical music, and world-class museums
- Safe, clean cities with excellent coffeehouse and pastry culture
- Stunning alpine scenery and pristine lakes for outdoor enthusiasts
- Well-organized tourism infrastructure and English-friendly services
- High tourism pressure in peak seasons and popular cities
- Prices can be high in city centers and premium restaurants
- Some rural areas may have limited English signage or services
- Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable; require planning
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Zahlen bitte." - The check, please.
- "Entschuldigen Sie bitte." - Excuse me, please.
- "Ich heiße …" - My name is …
Places to Visit in Austria
Visit one of these nice places.
A grand Baroque palace with ornate gardens, fountains, and a clear view of the palace façade—great for morning light.
Gothic masterpiece in the old town, with stairwells and tower views offering city panoramas.
Iconic lakeside village with crystal-clear water, pastel houses, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Beautiful formal gardens framing the fortress and the old town; famous for the Pegasus bridge and geometric paths.
Castle overlooking Salzburg with sweeping views over rooftops, river, and mountains.
Food in Austria
Austria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A breaded veal or pork cutlet traditionally served with potato salad or cucumber salad.
Must-Try!
Boiled beef served with horseradish, applesauce, and roasted potatoes; a classic Vienna dish.
Dense chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze; iconic in Vienna and beyond.
Flaky pastry filled with tart apples, cinnamon, raisins, and sugar; best with vanilla sauce or cream.
A cheese-filled sausage popular at markets and casual eateries; great with mustard and bread.
Crispy fried chicken, often enjoyed with lemon and salad or potato sides.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic open-air market offering fresh produce, spices, delis, and international street foods; great for sampling.
A lively market with diverse stalls, Balkan and Mediterranean bites, and casual eateries.
Seasonal and year-round market stalls offering local cheeses, breads, and snacks ideal for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common; start with 'Grüß Gott' (Hello) or 'Guten Tag' in formal contexts; use 'Sie' for strangers, 'du' is reserved for close friends.
Punctuality is valued in business and social settings; arriving on time is courteous.
Awareness of personal space; avoid interrupting; modesty in compliments is appreciated.
Keep hands visible, use utensils properly, and try to finish your plate; tipping is separate from the bill and not mandatory if service is included.
Safety
Tipping in Austria
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if service is satisfactory; otherwise tip as you prefer. In cafés or bars, rounding up the bill is typical.
Cash (Euro) is widely accepted, and credit/debit cards are commonly used. Contactless payments are standard; in rural spots cash may still be preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, vibrant outdoor cafés, lake swims, and hiking in the Alps; occasional thunderstorms; carry a light layer for cooler evenings.
Mild days and crisp evenings; grape harvests and wine tastings in alpine valleys; fall colors add dramatic scenery.
Snow-capped peaks, Christmas markets, and world-class ski resorts; cold, so dress in layers and plan for early sunsets.
Blooming gardens and fresh markets; ideal for city sightseeing and alpine hikes with fewer crowds.
Austria at Night
Hiking in Austria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Proximity to Vienna; forested trails with scenic alpine viewpoints and a cable car to higher ridges.
Scenic cliffs and panoramic overlooks with network of easy to challenging trails.
Impressive karst landscapes with glacier views and high-altitude hiking on well-marked routes.
Airports
How to reach Austria by plane.
Austria's primary international hub with broad connections to Europe and long-haul destinations; easy rail connections to central Vienna.
Smaller but efficient airport serving Salzburg and nearby regions; convenient for alpine trips and day trips.
Gateway to Tyrol's mountains; seasonal and international flights connect to major hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly German-speaking with strong regional identities; polite and reserved in public spaces.
Vienna hosts a large international community and several universities; English is common in urban areas.
Year-round visitors drawn to music, history, and alpine scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple of Austrian winters with world-class resorts in Tirol and Salzburg regions.
Widely followed in cities; Bundesliga matches and local leagues are common.
Road and mountain biking, with scenic routes along rivers like the Danube and in the Alps.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Austrian dishes can be made vegetarian by omitting meat; look for Fürnkraut, Käseknödel, or mushroom variants. In restaurants, ask for 'ohne Fleisch' (no meat) or 'vegetarisch.'
Choose vegetable-based dishes, salads, dumplings, and plant-based pastries; many menus include 'vegan' markers or can adapt with kitchen clarification.
Most places can accommodate with simple dishes (grilled meats, potatoes, salads) or clearly labeled gluten-free options; communicate dietary needs in German or English.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Austria.