🇦🇹 Austria Travel Guide
Chic cities, the Alps, and enough schnitzel to keep you full for days.
Austria is one of those rare places that manages to feel grand and down-to-earth at the same time. One moment, you’re admiring Klimt’s The Kiss in a palace-turned-museum. The next? You’re in a mountain hut sipping hot chocolate in ski boots. Whether you’re into classical music, epic mountain views, charming villages, or cozy cafés, this Austria travel guide covers it all — and Austria delivers, beautifully.
Vienna:
Vienna Austria Travel Guide: Elegant, Historic, and Effortlessly Cool
Majestic yet livable – Vienna is one of Europe’s rare cities that feels both majestic and livable. Grand palaces and stately museums sit comfortably next to laid-back cafés and parks. You can spend the morning exploring Habsburg history, the afternoon browsing bookshops or vintage stores, and the evening listening to a live string quartet — or sipping wine along the Danube. It’s polished without being pretentious, and it has a quiet confidence that makes you want to linger.
🏔️ Alpine Adventures
Austrian Alps Travel Guide: Ski, Hike, Repeat
Austria’s mountain towns are pure magic — and not just in winter. St. Anton, Zell am See, Innsbruck… the list goes on. Skiing is top-tier, but summer brings mountain lakes, wildflower-covered trails, and endless fresh air. It’s an outdoorsy dream.
Salzburg:
Salzburg Austria Travel Guide: Music, Mountains, and Marzipan
If you’re into Mozart or The Sound of Music, Salzburg is your dream come true. But even if you’re not, the mix of elegant old town streets, nearby mountain trails, and riverside cafes will win you over. It’s walkable, gorgeous, and perfectly photogenic.
🧠 Know Before You Go: Austria Edition
🛂 Visas & Entry: Austria is part of the Schengen Zone. U.S. citizens can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
🚨 Emergency Numbers:
Police: 133 | Medical: 144 | Fire: 122
Or just dial 112 for the EU-wide emergency number.
🏥 Healthcare: Pharmacies (Apotheke) are easy to find and usually well-stocked. For emergencies, head to the hospital or call 144. Travel insurance is a smart idea.
💶 Money: Austria uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always handy to carry some cash for small shops or remote areas.
📶 Mobile & Internet: Wi-Fi is reliable in cities and hotels. For extended stays or road trips, consider a prepaid SIM from A1, Magenta, or Drei.
💁 Tipping: It’s common to round up or tip 5–10% at restaurants and cafes. No need to overthink it — just be courteous.
🕒 Store Hours: Most shops are closed on Sundays. Plan ahead if you’ll need groceries or essentials.
🐾 Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome on public transport and in many hotels and restaurants. Keep them leashed, and bring a muzzle if using long-distance trains.