Austria Travel Guide
Austria is one of our favorite countries to road trip. In just a few hours you can go from imperial palaces in Vienna to alpine villages in the Austrian Alps, stroll through Salzburg’s storybook streets or explore the underrated city of Graz. Whether you’re here for history, hiking, Christmas markets or incredible food, Austria is easy to explore and always worth another visit.
Vienna:
Elegant, Historic and Effortlessly Cool
Vienna has a way of feeling majestic without being overwhelming. It’s a city of contrasts, imperial palaces next to laid-back cafés, classical music halls near buzzing street markets and quiet parks just steps from vibrant neighborhoods. Spend the morning exploring Habsburg history, browse vintage bookshops in the afternoon and wind down with a glass of Grüner Veltliner while listening to live jazz by the Danube. Vienna mixes elegance and energy in a way that makes you want to linger, and it’s the perfect base for discovering Austria. Read our Vienna guide →
🏔️ Alpine Adventures
Austrian Alps Travel Guide: Ski, Hike, Repeat
Austria’s alpine regions are pure magic no matter the season. In winter, St. Anton, Zell am See, and Innsbruck transform into postcard-perfect ski resorts with some of Europe’s best slopes. When the snow melts, the mountains come alive with hiking and biking trails, glacier-fed lakes and panoramic viewpoints that are hard to beat. Small villages tucked between peaks serve hearty traditional dishes, while mountain huts offer fresh cheese and ice-cold beer. Whether you’re here for skiing, summer hiking, or just the views, the Austrian Alps deliver endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Read our Austrian Alps guide →
Salzburg:
Music, Mountains and More
If you’re into Mozart or The Sound of Music, Salzburg is your dream come true. But even if you’re not, the old town’s cobblestone streets, riverside cafés and pastel-colored houses are straight out of a storybook. Explore the fortress for sweeping views, stroll the Mirabell Gardens, or hop between cafés for strudel and coffee breaks. The nearby mountains make it easy to combine city sightseeing with outdoor adventures, and Salzburg’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. It’s elegant, walkable and every corner is ready for your camera. Read our Salzburg guide →
Graz:
Austria’s Underrated City Break
Graz completely surprised us. We almost skipped it on our drive through Austria, but it ended up being one of our favorite cities in the country. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is easy to explore on foot, the Schlossberg offers some of the best views in Austria and the food scene is packed with traditional Styrian restaurants and cozy cafés. Whether you’re stopping for a night or planning a long weekend, Graz deserves a spot on your itinerary. Read our Graz Travel Guide →
Know Before You Go: Austria
Best Time to Visit
April to October for hiking, festivals, and warm weather. December for Christmas markets and winter charm. January to March is peak ski season in the Alps.
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas.
Getting Around
Austria’s public transport is excellent. Trains connect most major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, while regional buses and trams make it easy to explore smaller towns and alpine villages. Renting a car is best if you want flexibility in the mountains.
Travel Tip
Austria’s regions are close together, so you can combine city sightseeing with alpine escapes in a single trip, Vienna, Salzburg and the Alps are just a few hours apart by train.
More Austria From the Podcast
Want more Austria stories in your ears? Listen to our podcast episodes on Vienna and Innsbruck and the Aqua Dome.