austria must visit

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 34 Best Places To Visit In Austria In 2024 That Look Straight Out Of A Picture Book

23 Mar 2023

Tucked in between the soaring Alps, Austria is an enchanting country with dream-like landscapes, picture-perfect meadows and grasslands, stunning baroque architecture and music flowing through its veins.

From pretty villages to magnificent cities, from the best operas to the most lavish desserts Austria has the perfect ingredients to intoxicate your senses. Let us guide you through the picturesque landscapes and stunning cities to find out the best places to visit in Austria , including the usual suspects like Vienna and Salzburg and some hidden unexplored Austria tourist places like Bregenz and Wachau. Be sure that you will have a wonderful time relishing the culture and exploring the Alpine landscapes. Make sure you include all these places to your itinerary and indulge in the experiences they offer for a vacation you will remember forever. 

34 Top Places To Visit In Austria In 2024

And now for an unforgettable experience on your next vacation, make sure you include some of these places to visit in Austria in your itinerary, if not all. And don’t worry. You’ll find plenty of accommodation as well as transport options near all these charming Austria tourist places to make your vacation an enjoyable one!

• Vienna – Walk Down The Glorious Past
• Salzburg – A Date With Mozart
• Innsbruck – The Picture-Postcard Town
• Salzkammergut – Relax And Rejuvenate
• Graz – Immerse In History, Culture, And Food
• Worthersee – A Summer To Remember
• Bad Gastein – A Refreshing Treat For Body And Soul
• Bregenz – Tranquil Days By The Lake
• Wachau – Best Wines And A Dose Of History
• Zell Am See – Pristine Alpine Wonders
• Hoher Dachstein – The Three-State Mountain
• Krimml Waterfalls – Austria’s Famous Paradise
• Vorarlberg – Land Of Mountains
• Tyrol – Heaven In The Alps
• Carinthia – Lakes And Forests
• Styria – Witness The Wildlife
• Burgenland – Taste The Fine Wines
• Hallstatt – Scenic Lake Views
• Mostviertel – Old World Charm
• Alpbach – Skiing And Sledding
• Eisenstadt – Postcard Perfect Sceneries
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Best Road Trip Ever
• Lake Constance – Third Largest Lake In Europe
• National Park Donau Auen – Into The Wild
• National Park Gesause – A Rock Climber’s Paradise
• National Park Hohe Tauern – The Land Of Austria’s Superlatives
• Seewinkel National Park – For Birdwatching
• St Anton am Arlberg – Best Ski Village
• Vienna Woods – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Krems – Explore Nature And History
• Linz – Creative Capital
• Schonbrunn Palace – Heritage Of Austria
• Vienna State Opera – Rendezvous With The Culture
• Eisriesenwelt Cave – A Unique Attraction

1. Vienna – Walk Down The Glorious Past

The city of grand palaces and museums, the home of Opera and Beethoven, Vienna is a city steeped in culture and grandeur. A walk down the city’s beautiful Ringstrasse Boulevard, lined with royal buildings like the Hofburg Imperial Palace and many beautiful parks, is a great way to let the magic of Vienna grow on you. Vienna is one of the best cities in Austria. You can also enjoy lovely coffee at the cafes in Vienna for a chilled-out evening.

The opulent Schonbrunn & Belvedere Palaces and the ornate St Stephen’s Cathedral are architectural marvels and a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Don’t forget to sip the famous Viennese coffee at one of many cozy coffee houses and gaze in wonder at the world-famous Vienna Opera House before you bid adieu to one of the best places to visit in Vienna, Austria.

Ideal for: History, Architecture, Culture Places To Visit in Vienna: Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace Places To Stay  : Hotel Ambassador, Vienna Marriott Hotel Best Restaurants : Ariston Hellenic Restaurant, Restaurant Rote Bar Best Time To Visit: April-May, September-October How To Reach: You can arrive in Vienna via flights from New Delhi and other major international cities.

Must Read: Lakes In Austria

Sikkim-Gangtok-Darjeeling Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Plan your trip today!

Scintillating North-East Family Tour 6D/5N @ Rs 16,065

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Fun-Filled Gangtok & Darjeeling Family Tour 6D/5N @ Rs 18,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Darjeeling Gangtok Family Package 7D/6N @ Rs 20,783

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Family Tour 7D/6N @ Rs 41,265

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Salzburg – A Date With Mozart

One of the must-see places in Austria is Salzburg that brings to mind a charming city surrounded by rolling green meadows, majestic historical buildings and Mozart. The birthplace of the genius composer and the place where the iconic movie Sound of music was shot, Salzburg tops the list of top places to visit in Austria.

The old town Aldsten with its stunning baroque buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the imposing Hohensalzburg fortress boasts of being Europe’s last preserved castle. The grand extravaganza of culture, music and the arts, the Salzburger Festspiele during summers is an experience to remember. So if you are seeking best places to visit in Austria in summer, add Salzburg to your itinerary.

Ideal for: Architecture, Nature, Photography, Music Places To Visit: Hellbrunn Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, Salzburg Castles Places To Stay : Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Sheraton Grand Salzburg, and Salzburg villas Best Restaurants : Indian Restaurant Taj Mahal, Das Restaurant Wasserfall Best Time To Visit: September-October How To Reach: There are a few direct trains between Salzburg and Vienna making rail journey one of the best ways to reach.

3. Innsbruck – The Picture-Postcard Town

The idyllic alpine town surrounded by high mountains has plenty of options that make your stay worthwhile. You could enjoy a leisurely walk through the old town and marvel at the glittering Goldenes Dachl adorned with more than 2500 shiny tiles or get a peek into the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, one of the finest museum for regional heritage in Europe.

A destination for all seasons and one of the most magical places to visit in Austria in winter, Innsbruck has world renowned ski resorts which can be enjoyed in the winter months. Adventure enthusiasts can go hiking up the gorgeous meadows, bungee jumping at Europa Bridge, take the thrilling funicular ride up the Nordkette mountain range, and even check out the Innsbruck nightlife .

Ideal for: Adventure, Architecture, Culture Places To Visit in Innsbruck: Goldenes Dachl, Hofburg, Triumphal Arch Places To Stay : Hotel Grauer Bär, Hotel Central Best Restaurants : Himal Nepali Kitchen Restaurant, Restaurant Lichtblick Best Time To Visit: December-April How To Reach: The best way to reach Innsbruck from Vienna is via train that takes about 4-5 hours.

Suggested Read: Churches In Austria

4. Salzkammergut – Relax And Rejuvenate

This picturesque resort area near Salzburg offers the quintessential Austrian experience, with shimmering blue lakes (76 lakes in all!), stunning alpine ranges, charming villages, and luxurious spa towns. Situated by the Lake Hallstatt and included on UNESCO’s world heritage sites list is the fairy tale village Hallstatt which happens to be amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Austria.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to go in Austria, Halstatt’s stunning pastel-colored houses, underground salt lake Salzwelten and Ice Cave on Dachstein Mountain will take your breath away. The spa town of Bad Ischl and the romantic St Wolfgang are other tourist favorites.

Ideal for: Nature, Culture, Spas, Adventure Places To Visit: Mirabell Palace, Fortress Hohenzsalzburg Places To Stay : Mühlradl Apartments, Hotel Gasthof Weißer Bär Best Restaurants : Restaurant Hubertuskeller, Ledererhaus Best Time To Visit: September-October How To Reach: There is a guided bus tour that will take you to the most interesting points in Salzkammergut.

5. Graz – Immerse In History, Culture, And Food

W ith six universities and one of Europe’s best preserved old town areas, there are so many places to visit in Graz, Austria. It is the second largest and cheapest city in Austria. Graz has so much to satiate the soul of a traveller. Throw in the numerous museums, impressive baroque & renaissance-style buildings and a unique forested hill in the centre of the city offering panoramic views and you have the recipe for a perfect vacation.

Graz will also entice you with its many culinary delights. Cooking enthusiasts can carry home some pumpkin seed oil to pep up their dishes back home. Counted amongst the most offbeat places to visit in Austria, Graz is a must-visit!

Ideal for: History, Food, Education Places To Visit: Eggenberg Palace, Kunsthaus, Altstadt von Graz Places To Stay : NH Graz City, Hotel Weitzer Graz Best Restaurants : Caylend Restaurant, Vina Best Time To Visit: April-September How To Reach: There are direct trains from Vienna to Graz. It takes about 2 hours to get here by train.

Suggested Read: Water Parks In Austria

6. Worthersee – A Summer To Remember

Canoeing, spelunking, pretty churches and the hometown of Porsche are reason enough to spend a few days at Austria’s favoured summer destination. The beautiful Worthersee Lake offers ample opportunities for swimming, boating and canoeing in the summer months.

You can head to the colourful Griffen Stalactite cave for some thrill and exploration. Admiring the 12th century ancient Cathedral of Gurk and a visit to Gmund the birthplace of Porsche complete your list of must-do experiences in one of the best places to go in Austria.

Ideal for: Adventure, Nature Places To Visit: Wörthersee Lake, Casino Velden Places To Stay : Seepark Hotel – Congress & Spa, Hotel Sandwirth Best Restaurants : Restaurant Maria Loretto, Seerestaurant Rosé Best Time To Visit: April, November-December How To Reach: The train journey from Vienna to Worthersee takes about 5 hours.

7. Bad Gastein – A Refreshing Treat For Body And Soul

Head to the spa town of Bad Gastein to take a dip in the healing hot spring waters and breathe in the pure mountain air. Perched on the High Tauern Mountain, this splendid hill town also attracts skiing enthusiasts during the winter, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Austria.

Famous for its Belle Epoque-style hotels and villas, Bad Gastein has some thrilling hiking trails around and ample outdoor opportunities like biking and hiking. The spectacular Gastein waterfall in the heart of the town is an impressive site. Open studios, creative workshops, jazz shows, culinary delights and a buzzing nightlife are more reasons to book your holiday right away!

Ideal for: Relaxation, History, Skiing Places To Visit: Molltaler Gletscher, Stubnerkogel Places To Stay : Johannesbad Hotel Palace, Johannesbad Hotel St. Georg Best Restaurants : Gasteiner Wirtshaus, Ginger n’Gin Best Time To Visit: December-March How To Reach: There are direct trains from Salzburg to Bad Gastein that run every three hours in a day.

Suggested Read: World’s First Beer Pool In Austria

8. Bregenz – Tranquil Days By The Lake

Located on the Eastern edge of Lake Constance, Bregenz offers sweeping views of the Swiss and German Alps. it is one of the best places to visit in Austria. Stroll around the beautiful promenade by the lake or take a cable car up the Pfander Mountain for breathtaking vistas of Lake Constance.

The mountain top is also a great place to relish a lunch with spectacular views or meander along a hiking trail. Get bowled over by the opera and orchestras at the annual Bregenz festival(July-August) performed at the floating lakeside platform. The architecture, history and art legacy of the city can be admired in museums and beautiful buildings across the town.

Ideal for: Nature, Culture Places To Visit: Kunsthaus Bregenz, Pfänder Mountain Places To Stay : Hotel Weißes Kreuz, Hotel Schwärzler Best Restaurants : Wirtshaus am See, Gasthaus Kornmesser Best Time To Visit: July-August How To Reach: There are about 20 trains a day between Innsbruck and Bregenz. The train journey takes 2 hours and 37 minutes.

9. Wachau – Best Wines And A Dose Of History

Flanking the beautiful Danube River, this rich valley is one of the best South Austria tourist attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural significance and unmatched natural splendour, Wachau Valley is popular among wine connoisseurs for some of the best white wines in the world.

Studded with some magnificent monasteries (like the baroque Melk monastery) castles and fortresses Wachau Valley offers lots of history and architectural delights too, this spot deserves to be one on the list of the most famous places to visit in Austria.

Ideal for: Wines, Architecture, History Places To Visit: Aggstein Castle Places To Stay : Hotel Klinglhuber, Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel Dürnstein Best Restaurants : Hotel Restaurant Donauwirt, Restaurant Heinzle Best Time To Visit: March-June How To Reach: Take a train from Vienna to Melk and then a bus from here to Wachau.

Suggested Read: Castles In Austria

10. Zell Am See – Pristine Alpine Wonders

International-level ski slopes, the pristine blue waters of Zell Am See Lake and the picturesque Salzburg mountains make Zell Am See one of the most beautiful places in Austria for natural beauty and relaxation. Add this place to your itinerary if you are visiting Austria in March .

Cycling along the dreamy lake or swimming in the impossibly blue water of the lake are some of the most invigorating experiences in this enchanting alpine town. You can soak in the scenic beauty while sipping coffee at one of the many cafes in the city centre or walk the elevated walkway at St Hippolyte’s Church for some of the best views.

Ideal for: Nature Places To Visit: Lake Zell Places To Stay : Superior Hotel Tirolerhof, Hotel Latini Best Restaurants : Seewirt Das Restaurant, The Burger Factory Best Time To Visit: June-August How To Reach: The train from Salzburg is the best way to reach Zell Am See and takes not more than two hours.

11. Hoher Dachstein – The Three-State Mountain

Image Source

Located at the border of Upper Austria, Styria, and Salzburg, Hoher Dachstein is the second highest mountain in the Northern Alps. The top of the mountain offers gorgeous views that are to die for. The suspension bridge, skywalk, rock climbing, and the ice palace are a few things to see in Austria.

Ideal for: Adventure and Nature Places To Visit: Dachstein Hängebrücke, Alpine Club Austria Places To Stay : Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming, Dormio Resort Obertraun Best Restaurants : Restaurant Bergstation, Dachstein Ruhe Best Time To Visit: June-August

Suggested Read: Day Trips In Austria

12. Krimml Waterfalls – Austria’s Famous Paradise

Famous for being the highest waterfall in Austria, Krimml Waterfalls is a great place to visit and witness with your loved ones. To reach this fall, you’d have to hike a 4 km trail that would take you through multiple observation platforms and around 1.5 hours to reach the highest tier of the waterfall. The place is home to numerous Austria’s best places to visit.

Ideal for: Nature and Adventure Places To Visit: Krimml Waterfalls, Water Worlds Krimml museum Places To Stay : Villa Deningfeld, Chalet Eva Best Restaurants : Pizzeria Cascata, Reinis Pizzeria Best Time To Visit: Early mornings How To Reach: It’s best to reach falls from Innsbruck since Zilertall where the falls are located, is only 50 km from Innsbruck.

13. Vorarlberg – Land Of Mountains

Image Credit: gsibergerin by Pixabay

Located in Western Austria, Vorarlberg is a state that shares its borders with Germany. This region is characterized by mountainous terrain. It is known for its gorgeous alpine landscapes and adventure ski resorts that make it one of the most famous places to go in Austria. Vorarlberg houses Central Europe’s third-largest lake called Lake Constance, on which the capital of this state – Bregenz sits. Stop by at one of Austria’s best places to visit to be breath-taken by the sight of the magnificent mountains.

The mountain landscape of Vorarlberg makes it a hotspot for hiking and trekking activities. Hiking through the forested trail routes will give you a feeling of coming close to nature. And if not trekking, you can enjoy a cable car ride to witness the splendid views of the valleys. Vorarlberg has some really interesting museums in Austria that attract a lot of tourists.

Ideal for: Austria sightseeing , hiking Places To Visit: Lake Constance, Vorarlberg Museum, Pfänder Mountain, Pfänderbahn, Rolls-Royce Museum, Rappenloch Gorge, Bürserschlucht Gorge Places To Stay : Landhaus Am Walde, Hotel Sonnenburg Best Restaurants : Restaurant Guth, Mangold Best Time To Visit: All round the year How To Reach: Board a train from Innsbruck heading to Bludenz and get down at Vorarlberg.

Suggested Read: Hostels In Austria

14. Tyrol – Heaven In The Alps

Image Credit: kordi vahle by Pixabay

Tyrol is a wonderful state located in Western Austria. Resting in the Alps, this place is a popular ski resort destination. There are also many historic sites including Ambras Castle, Ehrenberg Castle and Kufstein Fortress. You will also find some of the most exciting museums in Tyrol. Other than this, Tyrol is the hub of many famous winter festivals in Europe that you must attend. Count it in your list of the best places to visit in Austria in Sepember.

The popular city of Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol. This place features ancient gothic churches and traditional baroque-style buildings and palaces. Tyrol is one of the best places to visit in Austria for anyone who is looking forward to exploring a place with natural beauty and historical relevance.

Ideal for: Historical places, sightseeing Places To Visit: Zugspitze, Hofburg, Bergiselschanze, Triumphal Arch, AREA 47, Zillertal Arena, Alpenzoo, Goldenes Dachl Places To Stay : Grandhotel Lienz, Hotel Trofana Royal Best Restaurants : Restaurant Kupfer Stub’n, Waldgasthaus Triendlsäge Best Time To Visit: April-May, September-October How To Reach: Innsbruck is the nearest to Tyrol from where you can arrange your transport.

15. Carinthia – Lakes And Forests

Image Credit: ignazmerz by Pixabay

Carinthia is a region in Austria that surrounds the highest mountain in the country, Grossglockner. Located in the Southern part of Austria, it falls in the Eastern Alps and is one of the most surreal places to visit in Austria. With so many mountains in its pocket, this region has incomparable natural beauty and charm.

Find yourself surrounded by serene lakes and alpine forests, amidst which sit the beautiful medieval structure, the Hochosterwitz Castle. Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia is an important wine-producing region. The many Renaissance buildings located in the region make it one of Austria best places to visit for history buffs.

Ideal for: Sightseeing, wine-tasting Places To Visit: Minimundus, Weissensee, Casino Velden, Affenberg Landskron, Church of Maria Saal, Klagenfurt Cathedral, Dragon Fountain Places To Stay : Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, Das Ronacher Therme & Spa Resort Best Restaurants : Restaurant Ofenloch, Kutsche Landhaus Restaurant Best Time To Visit: June-August How To Reach: There are direct trains between Graz and Neuhaus in Carinthia.

Suggested Read: Snowbombing In Austria

16. Styria – Witness The Wildlife

Image Credit: 12019 by Pixabay

Wondering what to see in Austria in 7 days? Styria can be one of the options. It is a Southern state in Austria, popular for its wines and castles. This is a picturesque highly forested mountain region in Austria that has a very dramatic landscape. There are endless snow-capped mountains in the region that characterize the landscape of this place.

The Gesäuse National Park and the Herberstein Zoo are home to some of the indigenous and rare wildlife species in the region. The Baroque structure buildings in the region are also a highlight of Styria and are even more awesome during summer in Austria .

Ideal for: Sightseeing, wildlife Places To Visit: Kunsthaus Graz, Hauser Kaibling, Altstadt von Graz, Hochwurzen, Treppe ins Nichts, Gesäuse National Park, Styrassic Park Places To Stay : Schloss Pichlarn, Naturchalet Höflehner Best Restaurants : Pizzeria Roberts, K.U.K. Wirtshaus Best Time To Visit: June-August, September and October How To Reach: There are direct trains between Graz and Vienna. Graz is the capital of Styria.

17. Burgenland – Taste The Fine Wines

Image Credit: oe4yla by Pixabay

Falling in Eastern Austria, Burgenland is one of the major wine-producing regions in the country. A highlight of this region is its lavish castles and other building structures from the 18th century. Go on a Vineyard tour or visit the village museum or explore Seewinkel National Park. Add this to your itinerary’s section of Austria best places to visit.

Ideal for: Sightseeing, wildlife, wine-tasting Places To Visit: Familypark Neusiedlersee, Dorfmuseum Monchhof, Schloss Esterhazy, Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg Places To Stay : Falkensteiner Balance Resort Stegersbach, Country Lake Villa Best Restaurants : Heuriger – Restaurant Gruber – Hofleitner Best Time To Visit: All round the year How To Reach: There are direct buses between Vienna and Burgenland with decent frequency.

Suggested Read: Festivals In Europe

18. Hallstatt – Scenic Lake Views

This is one of the most beautiful Austria tourist attractions as well as one of the most scenic places to visit in all of Europe. It’s essentially a small yet scenic town that sits near the Hallstatt lake overlooking its serene and clear blue waters. When you’re here, scenic beauty isn’t the only thing you’ll get. You can also indulge in some adventurous things to do in Hallstatt like rock climbing, hiking, boating, and see the charming attractions around the town like the Beinhaus (bone house) as well as the ice caves and salt caves.

Ideal for: History, architecture, adventure seekers Places To Visit: Hoher Dachstein, Salzkammergut, Salt Mine Hallstatt, Treppe ins Nichts Places To Stay : Heritage Hotel Hallstatt, Hallstatt Hideaway, Seehotel Grüner Baum Best Restaurants : Bräugasthof, Rudolfsturm, Seecafé Frundsberg Best Time To Visit: March-May, October-November How To Reach: Take a train from Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim and then transfer to a local train heading towards Hallstatt.

19. Mostviertel – Old World Charm

Mostviertel is located in the lower regions of Austria and is among the most captivating cities to visit in Austria. It has everything to make your holiday a scenic and beautiful affair with rolling meadows, snow-laced rugged peaks, and Europe’s largest stretches of pear orchards. It’s mix of diverse landscapes is mind-blowing and it’s this chocolate box scenery that makes it an unmissable part of any Austria tour. So, if you wish to visit the Austria mountains as well as museums and monuments at the same time, then this is the place to be.

Ideal for: Skiing enthusiasts, history lovers Places To Visit: Donauradweg, Hagenbachklamm, Tulln Places To Stay : Hotel Kartause Gaming, Zur Linde Best Restaurants : Souvlaki Bar, Kastner Restaurant & Weinbar, Gasthaus zur Palme Best Time To Visit: May-October How To Reach: There are direct buses running between the two places.

Suggested Read: Rivers In Austria

20. Alpbach – Skiing And Sledding

Alpbach has been voted one of the most beautiful places to visit in Austria in winter and there’s no doubt as to why. This is among the most scenic European villages tucked in the midst of majestic snow-capped Austrian Alps and offers the best places to go in Austria for skiing and sledging. Other than skiing, this town is also known for its unwavering Alpine tradition that can be experienced in its many picturesque wooden farmhouses, scenic cattle fields, and the skilled craftsmanship of the locals.

Ideal for: History, architecture, adventure seekers Places To Visit: Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Church Alpbachtal, Alpbacher Talstation Wiedersbergerhornbahn, Lauserland Places To Stay : Bikepension Gästehaus Larch Alpbach, Alphof Hotel Alpbach Best Restaurants : Zirmalm, Gasthaus Jakober, Jausenstation Zottahof Best Time To Visit: August-September, February How To Reach: It is only 50 km from Innsbruck. You could arrange private or public transport from Innsbruck.

21. Eisenstadt – Postcard Perfect Sceneries

The capital of Burgenland, Eisenstadt is one of the most beautiful places to go in Austria since it is known for its rich history. The city was once home to the renowned 18th-century composer Joseph Haydn. Its baroque castles, manicured gardens, and historical museums make it a tourist-worthy destination in Austria. The cobbled streets, charming cafes and downtown areas will make an interesting feed for Instagram

Ideal For: History, Quaint cafes Places To Visit: Esterhazy Castle, Bergkirche, Schlosspark Eisenstadt, Franziskaner Kirche Places To Stay: Hotel Vicedom, Parkhotel Eisenstadt, Hotel Burgenland Eisenstadt Best Restaurants: Restaurant Villa-Antica, Haydnbrau, Ethno Best Time To Visit: September-November How To Reach: The best way to reach Eisenstadt from Vienna is by train or bus. It’s only 62 km from Vienna.

Suggested Read: Austria In December

22. Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Best Road Trip Ever

Image Credit: GeorgSchober by PIxabay

If you are fond of road trips, then put Grossglockner High Alpine Road on your bucket list. It is one of the must visit places in Austria for nature and adventure lovers. The hairpin road passes through lush alpine meadows, snowfields, and daunting cliffs. The road is literally your gateway to escape into nature. You will find a number of vantage points along the road to admire the raw and breathtaking beauty of Austria.

Ideal For: Road trip, Nature lovers Places To Visit: Grossglockner National Park Places To Stay: Hotel Kasiervilla, Berghotel Hois, Hotel Romerhof Best Restaurants: Rossbach Alm – die Apres Skibar, Hotel-Restaurant Senger, Cafe Bar Laterndl Best Time To Visit: Closed between November-May How To Reach: You could take a train from Vienna to Grossglockner and then rent a car or an automobile to enjoy a road trip.

23. Lake Constance – Third Largest Lake In Europe

One of the best places in Austria, the ethereal beauty of Lake Constance will blow your mind away. The lake straddles in three countries; Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Not only is it the third largest lake in Europe but also one of the most picturesque sites on the continent. One can enjoy a day picnic relaxing and soaking in the beautiful views around. In winter, this place becomes famous for thermal baths. You could also go boating in the lake. So, if you want to explore major tourist places to visit in Austria in June, this Lake Constance should definitely come to your mind.

Ideal For: Picnic, Boating Places To Visit: Mainau, Konstanz Minster, Lindau Places To Stay: Hotel Maier, Seehaus Wellenhof, Hotel Seehof Best Restaurants: Papageno, Meera, Heinzler am See, Biohotel Mohren Best Time To Visit: All months except August How To Reach: You could take a direct flight from Vienna to Fredreichshafen to get to the lake.

Suggested Read: Villas In Austria

24. National Park Danube-Auen – Into The Wild

Recognized in 1996, National Park Danube-Auen is home to a variety of species of animals and plants. The park is sprawling across an area of 93 square kilometres where you can enjoy activities like bird watching, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. The serene lake in the heart of the national park looks inviting and appealing to the eyes. This comes under the top 10 places to visit in Austria. Explore the scenic landscapes and lush greenery in this beautiful national park.

Ideal For: Birdwatching, Wildlife Photography Places To Visit: Josefstag, Napoleons Hauptquartier Lobau Places To Stay: Hotel Marc Aurel, Hotel Altes Kloster, Airport Hotel Deininger Best Restaurants: Gasthaus Binder, Haslauerhof, Jamie’s Deli Best Time To Visit:  Throughout the year How To Reach: The park can be reached from Vienna by local buses.

25. Gesause National Park – A Rock Climber’s Paradise

Are you a rock climber? If yes, then you would like to visit the Gesause National Park which is home to six mountains higher than 2000 m. it becomes a paradise for skiers in winter offering skiing slopes. As far as hiking is concerned, you will find more than 100 km of hiking trails in the park. The stunning scenery is bewildering to the senses. Enjoy rafting in the mighty Enns River that flows through the park. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Austria in September.

Ideal For: Hiking, skiing, rock climbing Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Gesause-Lodge, Landgasthof Buchner, JUFA Hotel Schloss Rothelstein/Admont Best Restaurants: Genuss Region Gesause Edelwild Best Time To Visit: June to September How To Reach: The park offers soft mobility options. Check the official website for additional information.

Suggested Read: Mosques In Austria

26. National Park Hohe Tauern – The Land Of Austria’s Superlatives

National Park Hohe Tauren is one Austria’s tourist attractions since it is the oldest and largest national park in Austria. A land of Australia’s superlatives, find the country’s largest mountains, glaciers, and forests in this national park. Spot beautiful and unique animal species. You could either explore the park on your own or join a tour guided by the park ranger.

Ideal For: Hiking, Mountaineering Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Heimat – Das Natur Resort, Gradonna Mountain Resort Chalets & Hotel, Natur Und Wanderhotel Outside Best Restaurants: Glocknerhaus, Edelweiss Hutte, Restaurant Kirchenwirt Best Time To Visit: Summer season i.e. June-August How To Reach: The best way to reach is by driving down here from Salzburg.

27. Seewinkel National Park – For Birdwatching

Discover the best of Austria and its nature at Seewinkel National Park. located between the Alps and Little Hungarian Plain, Seewinkel consists of a diversity of animal and plants species and landscapes. There are 340 types of bird species that you can spot on your birdwatching tour. It is one of the top places to visit in Austria with family.

Ideal For: Birdwatching, nature walk Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Hotel Weingut Rosenhof, Weingut Sekt & Wein – Walter Klein, Bliem’s Wohnreich Best Restaurants: Radlerkeller, Presshaus Ilmitz, Fasslkeller Fam Kroiss Best Time To Visit: Summer season i.e. June-July How To Reach: The best way is to drive here from Vienna. You could either rent a car or taxi. There are bus stops in Weiden/See and Podersdorf/See if you wish to take public transport.

Suggested Read: Austria’s Most Beautiful Spots

28. St Anton am Arlberg – Best Ski Village

If you are wondering where to go in Austria, then consider putting St Anton am Arlberg on your itinerary. The Austrian village is famous for having one of the best ski resorts in Austria where you can enjoy skiing on the fresh slopes. There are about 100 chairlifts at the resort along with a luxurious spa, indoor rock-climbing centre, and plenty of restaurants. The place boasts of amazing nightlife.

Ideal For: Skiing, nightlife Places To Visit: Valluga, Galzig, Sonnenkopf Places To Stay: Sporthotel St. Anton, Skihotel Galzig, Hotel Garni Ernst Falch Best Restaurants: Endlich, Galzig Bistrobar, The Museum Restaurant Best Time To Visit: December-March How To Reach: Request an airport transfer from Innsbruck or Zurich airport via car, bus or shuttle to your resort in the village. It’s only 75 minute-drive from Innsbruck Airport and two-hours away from Zurich Airport.

29. Vienna Woods – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Image Credit: Wildfaces by Pixabay

What makes Vienna Woods one of the best places in Austria is its abundance of flora-fauna and proximity to the city. When locals want to get away from it all, they drive to Vienna Woods to spend some time in the lap of nature. It is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with home to 150 species of birds, 2000 animals, and various plants. The best part is that it is accessible from Vienna via public transport.

Ideal For: Nature getaway Places to Visit : NA Places To Stay: Ferienwohnung Vonwald, Hotel Ekazent Schönbrunn, Eventhotel Pyramide Best Restaurants: NA Best Time To Visit: April-May, September-October How To Reach: Vienna Woods is large consisting of multiple areas under its belt. You could take a train or bus to these respective point. Get on the bus 566 from Vienna central station to get to Laxenburg Castle Gardens.

Suggested Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations In Europe In Winter

30. Krems – Explore Nature And History

One of the top places to see in Austria is Krems, one of the oldest cities dating back to 995 AD. You can explore a millennium of history in the form of old churches, monasteries, streets and squares. Another great thing to admire in Krems is the fortification structures and burgher houses. A stroll through the streets is going to be such a refreshing experience for you, eating at one of the finest Austrian restaurants , and cafes, and exploring attractions.

Ideal for : Sightseeing, exploring historical sites Places To Visit : Kunsthalle Krems, State Gallery of Lower Austria, Göttweig Abbey, Karikaturmuseum Krems, Steiner Tor Places To Stay : Orange Wings Hotel Krems, Gasthof Klinglhuber Best Restaurants : Gasthaus Jell, Schwarze Kuchl, 2Stein Best Time To Visit : All year round How To Reach : The average journey time to travel between Vienna and Krems an der Donau is 1 hour and 10 minutes, via train. There are approximately 50 trains that run on a daily basis, so the travelling part is easy here.

31. Linz – Creative Capital

Linz is the international creative capital of culture arts and one of the best places in Austria . A contemporary city located on the banks of river Danube. A nice walk along the river with a range of cultural attractions and events will keep you entertained and energized in this beautiful city in Austria. With a great number of stunning architecture and historical buildings, Linz has over the time, been ignored and is usually not the first place that comes to mind when visiting Austria. It’s a modern city which is also the third largest in Vienna and housing some of the best hotels in Austria .

Ideal for : Sightseeing, exploring the culture Places To Visit : Linz’s main square, Schlossmuseum Linz, Pöstlingbergbahn, Ars Electronica Center, The New Cathedral, Grottenbahn Places To Stay : Jugendgästehaus Linz, Courtyard by Marriott Linz, Harry’s Home Linz Best Restaurants : Gościnna Chata, Verdi-Restaurant-Einkehr, Restaurant Rauner Best Time To Visit : May to September How To Reach : Plenty of trains from the capital city, Vienna, ply on a regular basis to Linz. In case you are looking for more exploration, then a ferry ride is also feasible when visiting the city of Linz.

Suggested Read: Austria In May

32. Schonbrunn Palace – Heritage Of Austria

Thinking where to go in Austria? Well, if you are into palaces and all, then this is for you. It is one of the most royal places to visit in Vienna. The palace is a UNESCO World heritage site, so it should be on your bucket list. As you walk into the palace, you will feel the vibes of its royalty. The palace also offers heartwarming attractions like Privy Garden which is full of lush greenery.

Ideal for: History, Architecture Places to Visit: Schonbrunn Palace Places to Stay: Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn Wien, Aparthotel Adagio Vienna City Best Restaurants: Der Gockel, Kutscher G’woelb, Joseph II. – Das Schloss-Restaurant Schonbrunn Best Time To Visit: April to May, September to October How To Reach: There are many trams and buses that go till Schonbrun palace.

33. Vienna State Opera – Rendezvous With The Culture

Vienna state opera is one of the top places in Austria for the culture vultures. If you are interested in art and culture, then this will definitely fascinate you. Firstly, the very structure of the museum will grab your attention. You can take a tour of the museum and learn about the culture of the city in detail here.

Ideal for: Culture, Architecture Places To Visit: Vienna State Opera Places to Stay: The Amauris Vienna – Relais & Châteaux, Mar Suite Apartments – Center Best Restaurants: You Vienna, Bristol Lounge, Bristol Bar, Hard Rock Cafe – Vienna Best Time To Visit: April to May, September to October How To Reach: There are many trams till Vienna State Opera

Suggested Read: Austria In November

34. Eisriesenwelt Cave – A Unique Attraction

There are many places in Austria to visit while you are holidaying there. One of them is Eisriesenwelt Cave. It is one of the most outlandish and mysterious attractions in the country. You will have to go several steps down in order to reach the cave. The cave is surrounded by ice all over and will give you a thrilling experience like never before. If you wish to explore unique places to visit in Austria, don’t forget to visit Eisriesenwelt Cave.

Ideal for: Adventure, Nature Places To Visit: Eisriesenwelt Cave Places to Stay: Berghotel Garni Burgblick, Hotel Adler Best Restaurants: Restaurant Obauer, Berggasthof Zaismann, Gasthaus zum Eisenwerk Best Time To Visit: September to October, April to May How To Reach: There are many buses to go to the cave

Further Read: Salzburg Hotels

Though we’ve included the best places to visit in Austria, there is so much more to experience in this beautiful country and in Europe too! To help you plan your perfect vacation, we would recommend you plan a trip to Austria with TravelTriangle and enjoy a customized holiday just like you have always desired or dreamt of. Happy traveling!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here . Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Austria

Which are some of the safest places to visit in Austria for families with kids?

Austria encompasses a multitude of awe-inspiring places which one can visit with family. Some of the most picturesque and safe places to visit in Austria for families with little ones are: 1. Graz 2. Bregenz 3. Vienna 4. Innsbruck 5. Klagenfurt

Which are some of the must-visit places in Austria for couples?

Austria is home to majestic landmarks, fascinating cities, and charming towns. Amid the plethora of captivating places to visit in Austria, some of the must-visit attractions for couples are: 1. Vienna 2. Salzburg 3. Bad Gastein 4. Feldkirch 5. Hallstatt 6. Innsbruck

Which are the best places to visit in Austria?

There are various places in Austria that you must visit for a memorable vacation in this European country: 1. Innsbruck 2. Salzkammergut 3. Salzburg 4. Vienna 5. Zell am See

Which is the most beautiful city in Austria?

You won’t find one but many towns in the country of Austria that are a true beauty like: 1. Hallstatt Village 2. Innsbruck 3. Bad Gastein 4. Alpbach 5. Durnstein

What is the best way to travel around in Austria?

For a hassle-free travel experience, you should travel around Austria in a train. The Austrian Federal Railways operate the trains in this country.

What is a typical Austrian breakfast?

A typical Austrian breakfast is high in nutrients and the most popular Austrian food includes cooked eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, smoked bacon, sausages, beans, and hash browns.

Which is the best time to visit Austria?

April, May, September & October are the best months to visit Austria.

What should I buy in Austria?

Some of the best souvenirs to get back from Austria are the Mozart Balls and Austrian Beer Glasses.

Is Vienna easy to walk around?

Yes, if you like walking, then you can cover a major part of Vienna on foot. So, do not forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes.

When does it snow in Austria?

One can expect snow in Vienna from late December till March.

What is Austria famous for?

Austria is known for castles, palaces, historical buildings and unique structures that speak of its glorious history.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

People Also Read:

Places To Visit In Mauritius Places To Visit In Arizona Places To Visit In France

Recent Posts

Meilleure vie nocturne d’Europe: 9 villes pour faire la fête comme si de rien n’était

11 Villages In France: Perfect For Adventure Seekers

10 Picturesque Villages In Switzerland Loaded With Natural Charm

10 Charming Villages In Austria That You Can Explore Off The Beaten Path

10 Captivating Reasons To Visit Japan: Unveiling The Land Of Endless Wonders

Hidden Gems In Spain You Won’t Find On Any Other List

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• International
• Europe » Austria »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Maldives Tour Packages
• Bali Tour Packages
• Dubai Tour Packages
• Singapore Tour Packages
• Thailand Tour Packages
• Europe Tour Packages
• Sri Lanka Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Thailand Tourism
• Bali Tourism
• Singapore Tourism
• Maldives Tourism
• Mauritius Tourism
• Dubai Tourism
• Europe Tourism
• Hotels in Thailand
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Mauritius
• Hotels in Bali
• Hotels in Dubai
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Sri Lanka

25 Best Places to Visit in Austria 2024: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by gregor

As a travel blogger living in Austria, I have had the privilege of exploring some of the most beautiful towns, villages, and cities in the country. From the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps to the charming towns and villages nestled in the countryside, Austria is a destination that has something for everyone. In this blog post, I will share with you the best places to visit in Austria , including the most picturesque small towns and villages, the most beautiful cities, and the top attractions in each location.

25 Best Places to Visit in Austria in 2024 – Top Attractions in Austria

Austria is a beautiful country located in Central Europe that is filled with breathtaking natural scenery, charming cities, and rich history. As a travel blogger living in Austria, I have had the opportunity to explore many of its best places to visit. In this blog post, I will be sharing with you the Top 25 best places to visit in Austria that you should not miss during your trip.

HOW TO SPEND 7 DAYS IN AUSTRIA ONE WEEK AUSTRIA ITINERARY

Plan your Trip to Austria?

• 🏨 Find the perfect accommodation on  Booking.com
• 🎡 Book the Best Guided Tour on  GetYourGuide
• 😍 Get more emotions from your trip with  Tripadvisor
• 🚘 Rent a car on  Rentalcars
• ✈️ Buy the cheapest flight tickets with  WayAway
• 🚂 🚌 ✈️ Best prices for Train, Buses, Cars, Ferries, and flights Omio

Vienna, the Capital city of Austria

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Austria. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Vienna is a city that offers something for everyone. Some of the must-visit attractions in Vienna include the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.

VISITING VIENNA – Read my full Vienna Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Vienna:

Wachau Valley – Wachau Danube Valley

The Wachau Valley Danube Valley is a stunning region located in Lower Austria that is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and rich history. A visit to this region is not complete without taking a leisurely boat ride on the Danube River, exploring the charming towns of Krems and Dürnstein, and sampling the delicious local wines.

Read my full Wachau Valley Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Wachau Valley:

DAY TRIP FROM VIENNA TO WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA

Salzburg City

Salzburg is a beautiful city located in the northern part of Austria that is known for its stunning baroque architecture, charming old town, and its association with the famous composer Mozart. The city is also home to several must-visit attractions such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Read my full Salzburg Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Salzburg:

ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE OF SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SALZBURG AUSTRIA

Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee / Bad Ischl

Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee and Bad Ischl are two stunning destinations located in the heart of the Salzkammergut region. These two destinations are known for their picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages. A visit to Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee and Bad Ischl is not complete without exploring the stunning Hallstatt, one of the most photographed villages in Austria.

Hallstatt is a small picturesque village situated in the heart of the Salzkammergut region of Austria. It is one of the oldest and most charming villages in Austria, known for its rich history, traditional architecture, and breathtaking scenery. Hallstatt is also famous for its salt mines, which have been in operation since prehistoric times. Visitors can take a guided tour of the salt mines and learn about the history of salt mining in the region.

Apart from the salt mines, Hallstatt has a lot of other attractions to offer to its visitors. The village is surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal-clear lakes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The Hallstätter See, which is the main lake in the region, offers numerous water sports activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating.

Hallstatt’s old town is another attraction worth visiting. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful baroque buildings, quaint cafes, and souvenir shops. Visitors can also take a cable car ride up to Salzberg Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Read my full Hallstatt Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Hallstatt:

BEST ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN HALLSTATT FOR (TOURISTS)

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HALLSTATT IN 2023, AUSTRIA

Zell am See

Zell am See is a beautiful town situated in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is located on the shore of Lake Zell and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Austrian Alps. Zell am See is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful scenery, winter sports, and vibrant nightlife.

During the winter months, Zell am See is a popular ski resort, with over 138 km of slopes and 50 ski lifts. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports activities. In the summer, the town is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and water sports.

Zell am See’s old town is another attraction worth visiting. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful buildings and traditional Austrian shops and restaurants. Visitors can also take a boat ride on Lake Zell and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road and Valley

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road and Valley is a scenic route that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Austria. The route takes you through the Hohe Tauern National Park, which is home to the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner. The route also takes you through several charming villages, including Heiligenblut and Fusch.

Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park is a stunning natural park located in the Austrian Alps that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and rich wildlife. The park is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Grossglockner Mountain, the Krimml Waterfalls, and the Zell am See-Kaprun ski resort.

Maria Alm is a beautiful village situated in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is located in the heart of the Austrian Alps and is known for its beautiful scenery, traditional architecture, and outdoor activities. Maria Alm is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, with over 150 km of ski slopes and 340 km of hiking trails.

The village’s old town is another attraction worth visiting. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful baroque buildings and traditional Austrian shops and restaurants. Visitors can also take

Innsbruck is a beautiful city situated in the heart of the Austrian Alps. It is the capital city of the Austrian state of Tyrol and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning scenery. Innsbruck is also a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with over 200 km of ski slopes and 55 cable cars.

Innsbruck’s old town is a must-visit attraction for all visitors. The town’s narrow streets are lined with beautiful medieval buildings, charming cafes, and souvenir shops. Visitors can also take a stroll through the city’s beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Hofgarten, which is located in the heart of the city.

Innsbruck is also home to several famous attractions, including the Golden Roof, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the Bergisel Ski Jump. The Golden Roof is a famous landmark of the city and is covered with 2,657 gilded copper tiles. The Hofburg Imperial Palace is a beautiful palace complex that was the seat of the Habsburgs in the 15th century. The Bergisel Ski Jump is a famous ski jumping facility that offers stunning views of the city.

Read my full Innsbruck Travel Guides with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Innsbruck:

16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA – TOP INNSBRUCK ATTRACTIONS

Zillertal Alps

The Zillertal Alps is a stunning mountain range located in the western part of Austria that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery and world-class skiing. The mountain range is home to several ski resorts, including Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, and Fügen, which offer a range of ski runs suitable for all skill levels.AlpbachAlpbach is a charming village located in the Tyrol region that is known for its stunning scenery, charming architecture, and rich history. The village is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Alpbach Church, the Museum of Tyrolean Farmhouses, and the Reither See, a beautiful lake located just outside the village.

Tyrol is a stunning region located in western Austria that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, world-class skiing, and rich cultural heritage. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, the Innsbruck Christmas Market, and the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the largest ski resorts in Austria.

Read my full Tyrol Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Tyrol:

BEST THINGS TO DO IN TYROL, AUSTRIA – BEST ATTRACTIONS IN TIROL

Bregenz is a stunning city located on the shores of Lake Constance that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Bregenz Festival, the Kunsthaus Bregenz, and the Pfänderbahn cable car, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Constance.

Arlberg / Lech and St. Anton am Arlberg

Arlberg is a stunning region located in western Austria that is known for its world-class skiing, breathtaking natural scenery, and charming villages. The region is home to several ski resorts, including Lech and St. Anton am Arlberg, which offer a range of ski runs suitable for all skill levels.

TOP 5 REASONS WHY WE LOVE THE ARLBERG AND YOU SHOULD TOO

Lienz / Ost Tirol

Lienz is a beautiful town located in southern Austria and is known for its beautiful buildings and scenic location. The town has a rich history and is home to several museums and historical sites.

Visitors can take a stroll through the old town and admire the beautiful Gothic and Baroque buildings. They can also visit the Schloss Bruck Castle and the Lienz Museum of Local History. In the winter, the town offers skiing and snowboarding in the nearby ski resorts.

Carinthia is a stunning region located in southern Austria that is known for its crystal-clear lakes, breathtaking natural scenery, and charming villages. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including Lake Wörthersee, the Nockberge Biosphere Park, and the Bad Kleinkirchheim ski resort.

Read my full Carinthia Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Carinthia:

25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CARINTHIA, AUSTRIA, TOP ATTRACTIONS

Lake Wörthersee is a stunning lake located in Carinthia that is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. The lake is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with several water sports activities available, including swimming, boating, and windsurfing.

Read my full Wörthersee Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do at Lake Wörthersee:

TOP THINGS TO DO AT THE WÖRTHERSEE, CARINTHIA, AUSTRIA

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a stunning spa town located in the heart of the Austrian Alps that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class skiing. The town is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Gastein Waterfall, the Felsentherme spa, and the Ski amadé ski resort.

Read my full Bad Gastein Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Bad Gastein:

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BAD GASTEIN – AUSTRIAN ALPS

Krimml Waterfalls

The Krimml Waterfalls is a stunning natural attraction located in the Hohe Tauern National Park that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich wildlife. The waterfall is the highest in Austria, with a total height of 380 meters, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and

Graz is a stunning city located in the southeastern part of Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Schlossberg, the Graz Clock Tower, and the Kunsthaus Graz, a contemporary art museum.

Read my full Graz Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Graz:

TOP 20 BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN GRAZ AUSTRIA FOR TOURISTS

Linz is a vibrant city located in the northern part of Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Kunstmuseum, and the Pöstlingbergbahn, a historic mountain railway.

Read my full Linz Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Linz:

BEST THINGS TO DO IN LINZ, AUSTRIA TOP LINZ ATTRACTIONS

Burgenland is a stunning region located in eastern Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including Lake Neusiedl, the Esterházy Palace, and the Eisenstadt Cathedral.

Read my full Burgenland Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Burgenland:

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BURGENLAND, AUSTRIA, TOP ATTRACTIONS

Eisenstadt is a charming town located in Burgenland that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Esterházy Palace, the Haydn House, and the Bergkirche, a beautiful baroque church.

Neusiedlersee

Lake Neusiedl is a stunning lake located in Burgenland that is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant wildlife. The lake is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with several water sports activities available, including swimming, boating, and windsurfing.

LAKE NEUSIEDLERSEE, BURGENLAND

Lower Austria

Lower Austria is a stunning region located in the northeastern part of Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. The region is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Melk Abbey, the Krems-Stein historic town center, and the Wachau Valley, a beautiful river valley known for its stunning vineyards and picturesque villages.

Read my full Lower Austria Travel Guide with Travel Tips, Recommended Guided Tours, Best Things to do in Lower Austria:

35 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LOWER AUSTRIA, TOP ATTRACTIONS

Melk Abbey is a stunning Benedictine abbey located in Lower Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The abbey is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Marble Hall, the Library, and the Church, all of which are known for their breathtaking beauty.

Krems-Stein historic town center

The Krems-Stein historic town center is a charming area located in Lower Austria that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The area is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Göttweig Abbey, the Danube University Krems, and the Wachau Valley.

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is a stunning river valley located in Lower Austria that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, picturesque villages, and world-class wine. The valley is home to several must-visit attractions, including the Dürnstein Castle, the Melk Abbey, and the Wine Museum.

Austria is a beautiful country that is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you are looking for world-class skiing, crystal-clear lakes, charming villages, or stunning vineyards, Austria has something to offer everyone.

In this blog post, we have highlighted some of the best places to visit in Austria, including Vienna, Wachau Valley, Danube Valley, Salzburg City, Salzkammergut Wolfgangsee/Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Zell am See, Grossglockner High Alpine Road and Valley, Hohe Tauern National Park, Innsbruck, Zillertal Alps, Alpbach, Tyrol, Bregenz, Arlberg/Lech and St. Anton am Arlberg, Carinthia, Wörthersee, Bad Gastein, Zell am See, Krimml Waterfalls, Graz, Linz, Burgenland, Eisenstadt, Neusiedlersee, and Lower Austria.

Each of these destinations has its own unique charm and attractions that make them worth visiting. From the grandeur of Vienna to the natural wonders of the Hohe Tauern National Park, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Austria.

So, whether you are planning a ski trip or a summer vacation, make sure to add Austria to your travel itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!

Most Beautiful Palaces in Vienna – The Must-Visit Palaces in Vienna

Best things to do in vorarlberg, austria 2024 “discover the hidden gems.

Visit Austria: Top 20 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 20 best things to do in austria (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Austria on your next trip and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, i have prepared this guide of the 20 best things to do in Austria , with all the must-see attractions of the country.

Discover Vienna , the enchanting village of Hallstatt , the famous Tyrol region and many more amazing places to visit during your trip.

So, where to go in Austria? What are the best points of interest?

Let’s find out!

2. Salzburg

3. hallstatt, 4. innsbruck, 5. the swarovski crystal workshop, 6. the grossglockner road, 7. the eisriesenwelt cave, 8. krimml falls, 9. melk abbey, 11. the semmering railway, 12. the salzkammergut lakes, 13. admont abbey, 14. the dachstein massif and its suspension bridge, 16. st. florian monastery, 17. skiing in austria, 18. relaxing at a spa in austria, 19. attend a classical music concert, 20. minimundus, things to do in austria: the tourist map, you're traveling in austria these articles will help you, visit austria: the 20 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Austria, I have prepared a detailed on week itinerary. You should read it after reading this article.

You can find it here, simply click on the orange link to read the article:

• Itinerary: A week in Austria

It will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

If you’re going to Austria , you need to visit Vienna , the capital.

Constantly rated as one of the most pleasant cities to live in , it’s also culturally prolific.

Vienna is THE city of museums , with more than a hundred to choose from! If you add to that lots of theaters, operas, palaces, and churches , you get one of the must-see destinations in this tourist guide to Austria .

Here are the best places to visit in Vienna:

• Schönbrunn Palace (get your tickets here!) , used as a summer residence by the Habsburg imperial family. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hofburg Palace : the Habsburgs’ former winter residence now houses the Austrian president’s offices. A must to learn about the life of Empress Sisi .
• The MuseumQuartier , a district that covers over 60,000 square meters. There are some great (obviously) museums here, like the Leopold Museum and the Mumok .
• Belvedere Palace , where you’ll find works from Klimt, another world-renowned Austrian artist .
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral on the central square of Vienna.
• The Naschmarkt , Vienna’s biggest market.

You will find every information you need to visit Vienna in my article: The 20 Best Things to Do in Vienna .

UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums, palaces, garden… Vienna is a super touristy city, so you will most likely have to wait in line to enter the city’s must-see attractions.

Hopefully, you can avoid that and save a lot of time (and money 😎 ) by buying the Vienna Pass.

It will allow you to skip the lines at all the major Vienna monuments!

You read that right, with this pass, you get fast-track access to over 70 sites and unlimited rides on the hop-on-hop-off bus.

Simply click the button below for all the details on the Vienna Pass:

Salzburg is another city you should visit during your trip to Austria .

The city is famous for being the birthplace of one of the most celebrated music composers in history: Mozart . In fact, Salzburg hosts one of the world’s largest classical music, opera, and theater festivals every year.

But no matter when you visit Austria, there are Mozart concerts happening all year round in various locations throughout Salzburg.

During your stay in Salzburg, make sure to visit:

• The Hohensalzburg Fortress (get skip-the-line tickets here!) overlooking the city, was built to protect the princes and archbishops from outside attacks.
• Mozart’s childhood home , where he was born in 1756 and spent his younger days. You’ll find it on Getreidegasse , number 9. The place is now a museum dedicated to the Austrian composer.
• Salzburg’s old town , a Unesco World Heritage Site (always a good tip for a place you don’t want to miss during your trip).
• The Mirabell Palace and its gorgeous garden with fountains and terraces.

Prepare your trip to Salzburg with our article, read it here: The 12 Must-Sees in Salzburg.

Hallstatt is an incredibly charming and picturesque village that is definitely worth a visit in Austria.

It has all the elements of a postcard-perfect setting, with its lake and surrounding mountains, narrow streets , flowered balconies , and a church reflecting in the lake’s waters.

No wonder it’s considered one of the most beautiful places in Austria and therefore very touristy all year round.

The village’s main attraction is its Skywalk , a panoramic platform perched above the void.

To access it, you’ll take a funicular from the bottom of the village. Once at the top, it’s simply stunning , especially if you’re afraid of heights like me! But the view is so breathtaking that it’s totally worth it!

It’s also in Hallstatt where you’ll find the world’s oldest salt mine , which you can still and should visit today.

This little village is an unavoidable part of your trip to Austria!

If you want to know everything about Hallstatt and prepare your trip, you should read my article: The 6 best things to do in Hallstat.

Innsbruck is the capital of one of Austria’s iconic regions: Tyrol . The city, in addition to being famous for its winter sports scene , has many other great things going for it, making it one of the must-see places in Austria.

The main tourist activity is the funicular that takes you to Hungerburg Station with its scenic and particularly “Instagrammable” views. The resort is also the starting point for a variety of hiking tours .

From Hungerburg , you can then take the cable car to the top of Hafelekar , the highest peak in the Nordkette Massif at 2,300 meters above sea level (me and my fear of heights…). Rest assured, once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, awe-inspiring views !

You should book your tickets online by clicking here!

Awesome places you don’t want to miss in Innsbruck:

• Exploration of the historic center on pedestrian paths
• The little golden roof , “Goldenes Dachl” in german. A golden balcony built at the time of the emperor’s wedding that eventually became the emblem of the city.
• The Imperial Palace and its sumptuous ballroom.
• Ambras Castle , located on the heights of Innsbruck.

To visit Innsbruck during your road trip in Austria , buying the Innsbruck Card is a great idea.

It includes entrance to major tourist sites , a multi-stop bus tour , use of public transportation and a cable ride up/down.

Book your Innsbruck Card now by clicking on the button below:

Just 15 kilometers away from Innsbruck , in Wattens , is a very popular tourist site in Austria and the Tyrol region: the Swarovski Kristallwelten or in other words, The Swarovski Crystal Worlds .

To get into this underground museum , you’ll litteraly have to walk under the head of a giant of greenery built into the hillside. A green giant whose mouth spits out a waterfall. True story.

Inside, you will find 14 galleries called “Chambers of Wonders” that display the crystal through light effects and a very unique atmosphere. I promise that the experience will be brilliant!

As expected, you will find a Swarovski boutique at the end of the tour with a whole collection of jewelry and accessories.

Get your entrance tickets for the Crystal Worlds tour by clicking on the following button:

A great classic on an Austrian road trip is to take the Grossglockner road , in the Hohe Tauern national park . It’s a bit like the Austrian Route 66 (the chilly, heavily rotating version :p).

This mythical road connects the Salzburg region to Carinthia . Over exactly 48 km and with its 36 hairpin bends , it delivers exceptional panoramas of the entire mountain range.

The entire stretch of road has been landscaped to make the most of it with viewpoints , parking lots, restrooms, restaurants and information points. You can also enjoy hiking on one of the many trails while observing the life of the local inhabitants: very cute marmots and chamois !

This excursion will take you to the highest point of the park, the Kaiser-Franz-Josephs Höhe . Here you will get a breathtaking view of the Pasterze Glacier and the Grossglockner , the highest peak in Austria.

Note that the Grossglockner road is only accessible from May to November and that access to the road is chargeable, €35 for a car , regardless of the number of passengers.

It’s admittedly not cheap, but it’s an activity not to be missed in Austria and the expense is worth it when you consider the beauty of the scenery .

The official website of the Grossglockner route gives you all the details and allows you to buy your access ticket in advance (in various languages).

About fifty kilometers from Salzburg, in the Tennen massif, I warmly recommend you visit the Eisriesenwelt cave . Covering 42 kilometers in length, it is the largest accessible ice cave in the world and one of the main tourist attractions in Austria!

To get there, go to Wefen and follow the path to the visitor center parking lot. You will then have to ride the cable car and take a short walk to access the cave entrance.

Inside, pictures are not allowed and you will only have carbide lamps to give you light.

A unique opportunity to admire strange natural sculptures and magnificent ice palaces through the numerous chambers of the ice cave. Undoubtedly, it is one of the finest natural attractions to explore in the country.

You will find all the information to organize your visit to the Eisriesenwelt cave on the official website (in English). The caves are open to visitors from May to October only.

Let’s continue this Austrian travel guide with another natural delight you should not miss if you are in the region of Salzburg, the waterfalls of Krimml

Located in the Hohe Tauern National Park and standing 380 meters high , they are the highest waterfalls in Central Europe and the fifth largest in the world.

A well-designed 4-kilometer path, dotted with viewpoints at various levels, provides access to all 3 falls.

To reach the highest of the Krimml Falls it takes about 1 hour on foot, possibly more since the climb is a bit rough at the final tier.

If you feel like it, you can then keep hiking inside the national park on one of the many hiking trails.

The official website (in English) is right here. Access to the waterfalls available from mid-April to October.

Melk Abbey is one of the most illustrious abbeys in Austria . Home of monks of the Benedictine order for over 900 years, it was originally a fortified castle.

Built on a rocky hilltop above the Danube river , the abbey is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture. It is an impressive and grandiose edifice that still serves as a place of worship (did I say it was an abbey?) but it also doubles as a school with nearly 900 students.

Once inside, marvel at the church, the emperors’ staircase, and the imperial apartments transformed into a museum. However, the true gem of Melk Abbey is the monumental library , which greatly contributes to its prestigious reputation.

Outside the abbey is a lovely view of the Danube below and its surroundings, and a well-kept garden for strolling or even a picnic..

Conveniently located at approximately an hour by car from Vienna , it is a must-see during a stay in Austria.

Graz , capital of the province of Styria, is the second largest city in Austria .

I strongly recommend exploring this one-of-a-kind city , as it seamlessly blends ancient structures with futuristic architecture . An experience you won’t want to miss!

During your stay in the city, you will be able to see:

• The Schlossberg, a hill that offers an impressive view of the entire city of Graz. You’ll find a funicular that provides effortless access to the top but you can also walk to it if that’s your thing. It feels good, healthy and it warms you up!
• The Landeszeughaus where over 32,000 armor pieces are on display. An exceptional museum to visit and find yourself transported back to the days of knights and dragoons.
• The Joanneum Universal Museum which chronicles the history of this Austrian region.
• Hauptplatz , a cute looking plaza with its typical Austrian houses and plenty of (slightly less typical) food trucks to have a try at some Austrian delicacies. When it comes to testing culinary traditions, Voyage Tips is there and I do my job with passion!

If you want more details about the best things to do in Graz, Austria you should read my article: The 8 best things to do in Graz .

The Semmering Railway line that connects the towns of Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag since 1854 is a Unesco World Heritage site.

It is indeed the first ever mountain railway line built in Europe.

More than 20,000 workers were involved in the construction of the 16 viaducts, 15 tunnels and 100 bridges the line passes through. A true feat for the time!

The Semmering railway runs past the Austrian mountains all along its length and allows you to gaze at the stunning landscapes .

A most unusual activity that I highly recommend as it’s the best way to appreciate this sensational setting. Definitely one you should give a go during your stay in Austria .

The Salzkammergut region is famous for its numerous Alpine lakes making it one of the best spots to check out in Austria if you’re into hiking .

Packed with 76 dark green lakes and delightful villages nestled on the shores, the region features some of Austria’s most beautiful scenery. The village of Hallstatt and its lake I mentioned earlier is actually one of them.

These are my top picks of the most beautiful lakes to see in the Salzkammergut region :

• Lake Atter , (Kammersee in german) the largest in Austria.
• Lake Traunsee with equipped bathing areas, ideal for swimming.
• Lake Irrsee , one of the hottest in Austria. Water temperature can rise up to 27° C!
• Lake Mondsee , pretty well equipped and offering a wide range of water activities such as sailing or water skiing.
• Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee in german) also well equipped and offers a boat rental service.

Admont Abbey is one of the oldest monasteries ever built and is home to the largest monastic library in the world . Two excellent reasons to go check it out if you plan on visiting Austria!

A good number of the nearly 200,000 books from around the world that reside there, such as Diderot and d’Alembert’s Encyclopedia or Martin Luther’s Bible , are extremely rare and valuable historical testimonies. Also featured is an important collection of manuscripts dating back to the medieval period .

Built in the typical Rococo architecture , the edifice, in addition to being the largest monastic library in the world, is also magnificent. The marble floor is surmounted by 7 domes adorned with beautiful frescoes.

Its proportions: 79 meters long , 14 meters wide and 13 meters high are staggering.

The library has been undergoing a 4-year renovation and now welcomes many visitors. If you want to take pictures inside, note that there is an extra charge added to the price of the visit. Definitely worth discovering during your travel to Austria.

To get on with sightseeing in Austria , I now suggest an activity suitable for the most adventurous among you that are not afraid of heights.

Within the impressive Dachstein Massif , you have the opportunity to embrace both elevation and vastness by traversing Austria’s highest suspension bridge .

Soaring 400 meters above the ground and playfully nicknamed the “ Stairway to Nothingness “, this 100-meter-long bridge is an absolute must for adrenaline enthusiasts.

After successfully crossing the bridge, you’ll encounter another thrilling challenge: descending onto the transparent glass platform via a staircase consisting of 14 steps. From there, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent Austrian Alps . Keep going, you’re almost there! You’ve come this far, and the stunning scenery awaits!

To reach the suspension bridge, you need to go through the Dachstein scenic route to reach the cable car station … that will take you to the start of the Skywalk .

For adrenaline junkies, here’s a small list of other scenic platforms that are popping up everywhere in Austria . As a matter fo fact they’re actually popping up all around the world. If you’re that type of traveller, it’s guaranteed thrills !

• Triassic Park
• Top of Tyrol
• Top Mountain Star
• Adlehorst with the added option of a 600-meter zip line descent
• Pyramidenkogel whose tower includes the highest indoor slide in Europe.

After Vienna and Graz, comes Linz , the capital of the Upper Austria Lander and the third most populated city. It is obviously part of our top things to see in Austria.

It’s a particularly modern and contemporary city.

You’ll be able to visit the Lentos Museum , a contemporary art museum and the ARS Electronica Center , an interactive museum focused on electronic technology where you’ll get to do lots of cool science experiments.

Linz also has a very nice historical center with its central square, typical facades , renaissance buildings and many cafes and restaurants to stop by and relax.

Also worth checking out in Linz is the New Cathedral (Mariendom in german). It’s the largest in Austria , it can fit nearly 20,000 visitors . I recommend you go up to the top of the bell tower for an overview of the entire city.

If you want to know everything about Linz and prepare your trip, you should read my article: The 10 best things to do in Linz .

If you are still wondering what to see in Austria , after Melk Abbey and Admont Abbey, you should go take a look at St. Florian Monastery .

It is the largest Baroque abbey in the Upper Austria Länder and one of the oldest still active. The abbey is dedicated to Saint Florian, a christian martyr said to protect against fires and floods, and is governed by the Order of Saint Augustine.

It is also known for hosting and educating what you could call an institution in Austria; the St. Florian Boys’ Choir . They’re famous all over Europe, even going on international tours.

Inside the monastery, 2 artefacts are a must-see: the Bruckner organ with its 7,343 pipes and the huge, richly decorated library holding 150,000 books .

I’m sure you were asking yourself “Did he forget about it?”. Come on! I wouldn’t be talking about the top things to do in Austria if I forgot about the national sport: skiing !

So sure, if you’ve decided to go to Austria in winter, you can obviously go skiing . You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to resorts: quiet and family-friendly or trendy and posh, you can do it the way you want it.

It is in the Tyrol region that you will find the majority of ski resorts and the largest ski areas in Austria.

The biggest ones are Mayrhofen, Kitzbuehel, and Arlberg . All told, the 10 largest resorts total nearly 1,900 kilometers of trail , enough for some serious amount of skiing.

After effort comes comfort… or party! If you’re looking for the trendy version of a ski resort, Ischgl is the place to go. Not exactly your typical family resort, it’s also known as the “Ibiza of the Alps” .

If you find yourself at the ski resort of Wildkogel , you just have to try out the world’s longest slide . With a 1,300 meter drop and 14 kilometers long, it takes 30-50 minutes to get down. An ideal break between 2 skiing sessions.

Another essential activity you have to try during your tour of Austria and especially after long days of sightseeing, is to take a quick trip to one of the numerous spas in the country.

Austria has indeed many water sources with therapeutic properties .

The most renowned of the Austrian spas:

• The Aqua Dome and its flying saucer-shaped pools
• The Alpentherme Ehrenberg and its 6 saunas, each of wich comes with a different atmosphere
• The Alpentherme Gastein with its slide area for children
• The Therme Laa Spa and its 60,000 square meters dedicated to relaxation.

Voyage Tips - Advice Don't be too prudish if you want to enjoy the saunas in Austria, most of them don't allow bathing suits. Yes, you know exactly what "no bathing suit" means.

Mozart was born there . What is a trip to Austria without a classical music concert ? A mistake you will not make.

In addition to Mozart, Vienna is one of the birthplace of classical music , so you'll have no trouble finding a live performance that appeals to you, from the extensive range of choices. There are over 15,000 music-related events each year.

The most mythical venue in Vienna to hear a concert is the Musikverein, internationally known for the Golden Hall and its an extraordinary acoustic quality.

You can book your tickets to attend a Mozart tribute concert at the Musikverein by clicking here!

It also hosts the New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra every year. Broadcast live on TV all over the world, tickets are sold out one year in advance!

Other venues such as Schönbrunn Palace , Auersperg Palace and Karlskirche also host a variety of concerts (at also a variety of prices) that you can enjoy during your stay in Austria.

You can check out this neat website showing, listed by venue (including the Musikverein), all the concerts and live performances held in Vienna. For each concert you will also be able to check the prices (starting at €50 for the cheapest seats).

Finally I'll wrap up this top 20 things to do and see in Austria, with an activity that will appeal to both adults and kids.

While in Austria, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Minimundus Park .

This vast park exhibits nearly 150 scale models (1/25 scale) of the most famous monuments around the world. You will find the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal and many more (about 147 more).

Interesting tidbit: the replica of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was built in 6 years , using the same marble that was used for the real one! And it actually cost them €730,000 to make!

A very pleasant family excursion in Austria that will let you tour the world in half a day .

Prepare for your visit to Minimundus via the official website .

Just to help you visualize the country a little more clearly, I've made you an Austria sightseeing map listing the places to check out that I mention in this top 20 things to do in Austria. You can display the map legend by clicking the button with a small arrow at the top left corner.

If you need help to plan your trip to Austria, don't hesitate to ask me in the comments section below.

Discover all my articles about Austria : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Austria are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to Do in Austria : all best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: One week in Austria - The perfect itinerary for your 7-8 days trip to Austria
• Graz: TOP 10 best places to visit
• Hallstatt: TOP 6 things to do during your stay
• Innsbruck: The 15 best things to do and see
• Linz: TOP 12 places to visit and must-see attractions
• Salzburg: The 17 best things to do
• Vienna: TOP 25 tourist attractions  

You're using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

2 Days in Granada: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

One week in Tuscany: Epic 6-7-8 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 days in Milan: the perfect Itinerary (first time visit)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austria

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 21, 2024

Austria, one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, attracts tourists year-round with places to visit in both summer and winter. In fact, with some of Europe's finest skiing , winter is almost as busy as summer in the country's spectacular mountain regions.

Visitors are drawn as much for the scenic beauty of this Alpine republic's provinces as they are for splendid cities like Vienna (Wien), the historic capital, and beautiful Salzburg , birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

One of Europe's smallest countries, Austria is predominantly a nation of upland areas and high mountains, with the Eastern Alps occupying a good 60 percent of its territory. The River Danube flows for about 350 kilometers from west to east through the northern part of the country, adding to its allure as a tourist destination.

Find the best sightseeing opportunities and things to do with this list of the top tourist attractions in Austria.

1. The Vienna Hofburg: Austria's Imperial Palace

2. salzburg altstadt, a unesco world heritage site, 3. the spanish riding school, vienna, 4. schönbrunn palace, vienna, 5. innsbruck's hofburg and hofkirche, 6. melk benedictine abbey, 7. hallstatt and the dachstein salzkammergut, 8. skiing at kitzbühel and kitzbüheler horn, 9. belvedere palace, vienna, 10. medieval burg hochosterwitz, 11. the grossglockner road to franz-josefs-höhe, 12. st. stephen's cathedral in vienna, 13. klosterneuburg abbey and the verdun altar, 14. maria saal cathedral, 15. krimmler ache: austria's tallest waterfalls, 16. eisriesenwelt: the world of the ice giants, 17. the styrian armoury (landeszeughaus), 18. old town innsbruck & the golden roof, map of tourist attractions in austria, best time to visit austria.

The spectacular Hofburg Palace in Vienna was for centuries the seat of Austria's monarchy, the powerful Habsburgs. Visiting this palace is one of the top things to do in Austria .

Now the President conducts state business in the same rooms that once belonged to Emperor Joseph II. Nearly every Austrian ruler since 1275 ordered additions or alterations, resulting in many different architectural influences, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism.

Together with its many attractive squares and gardens, the entire Hofburg complex occupies 59 acres encompassing 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms. Highlights of a visit include the Imperial Silver Collection and an array of dining services giving a taste of the lavish imperial banquets that once took place here.

Also worth seeing are the Sisi Museum , focusing on the life and times of Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Apartments , a series of 19 rooms once occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna

As the residence of Prince Archbishops, Salzburg was a spiritual center from the earliest days of Christianity in Europe. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) was founded by St. Rupert in AD 690 and served as the residence of the Archbishops until the early 1100s.

The Prince Archbishops employed some of the finest artists and architects of their times to build and decorate their churches, residences, and monasteries, and although these have been "updated" in the tastes of successive centuries, the medieval and Baroque buildings combine to form a beautiful old quarter to explore.

Highlights are St. Peter's Abbey and its church, along with the beautiful cemetery and its catacombs, instantly recognizable as a filming site for The Sound of Music .

Nearby is the cathedral, and wandering among its colorful Baroque burgher houses, you'll find charming squares and attractions that include the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, now a museum. Above the beautiful spires and cupolas soars Salzburg's castle of Hohensalzburg, which you can reach by a funicular.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Salzburg

The Spanish Riding School dates back to the time of Emperor Maximilian II, the man responsible for introducing the famous Lipizzaner horses into Austria in 1562.

Today, it's one of the only places where the classical style of riding preferred by aristocracy is still practiced. Viewing the famous equestrian displays in the Baroque Winter Riding School – held here since the time of Charles VI – is one of the top things to do in Vienna .

Built in 1735, the magnificent hall was designed for the nobility to demonstrate their riding skills. Tickets to watch these magnificent animals perform their ballet are highly sought after, so book online as far in advance as possible.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

Located on Vienna's outskirts, the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace was completed in the early 1700s and was later converted into a summer residence by Empress Maria Theresa.

Highlights of a tour through the 40 rooms of the palace that are open to the public are the Royal apartments, the Great Gallery with its ornate ceiling paintings, the Million Room, and Maria Theresa's salon with its carved and gilded rosewood panels. You'll also see the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, with its gold Rococo-framed mirrors. Behind the 1,441-room palace stretch 500 acres of parks and gardens, also in the 18th-century Baroque style.

Your visit to Schönbrunn should include the many attractions spread throughout these grounds: formal gardens; a labyrinth; the Palm House, filled with tropical and exotic plants and butterflies; an Alpine garden with a farmhouse; Europe's oldest zoo; and the Classical Gloriette, a grand marble structure crowning a hill above the gardens.

A carriage museum in the former Winter Riding School displays dozens of historical state coaches and sleighs. The entire palace and gardens complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna

The Emperor Maximilian I, who reigned in the late 1400s and early 1500s, made Innsbruck the main residence and the seat of the Hapsburg government and, as a result, a focal point of Europe. His palace, the Hofburg, was remodeled by Empress Maria Theresa in 18th-century Baroque and Rococo styles. Highlights of a tour are the chance to view the sumptuous royal apartments, the marble Giant Hall (Riesensaal), and the painted ceilings throughout.

The highlight of the Hofkirche, or Court Church, is the spectacular Tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, who died in 1519. Widely considered the finest work of German Renaissance sculpture, the monument's central feature is the massive black marble sarcophagus with a bronze figure of the Emperor. On the sides of the sarcophagus are 24 marble reliefs depicting events in the Emperor's life, and around it stand 28 larger-than-life-size bronze statues of the Emperor's ancestors and contemporaries (look out for King Arthur).

Other pieces of sculpture include 23 bronze statues of saints from the Habsburg family and 20 bronze busts of Roman emperors.

Address: Rennweg 1/3, 6020 Innsbruck

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Innsbruck & Easy Day Trips

Melk Abbey is one of the world's most famous monastic sites, and its spectacular buildings are laid out around seven courtyards. The most prominent part of this massive 325-meter-long complex is the west end and its twin-towered church rising above a semicircular terrace range.

Perched on a rocky outcrop high above the town of Melk and overlooking the Danube, the abbey contains numerous other great reasons to spend a few hours touring it. These include the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau; the remains of Austria's first ruling family; the House of Babenberg; and the superb 196-meter-long Imperial Corridor with its portraits of Austria's rulers, including one of the Empress Maria Theresa.

Along the way, you'll also see the Imperial Rooms with their displays relating to the abbey's history, along with statues and paintings.

Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melk

Hallstatt is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque small towns in Austria, if not Europe. It's also a good place from which to explore the spectacular Dachstein Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The beautiful Baroque architecture testifies to Hallstatt's wealth, which is based on its long history of salt production from prehistoric times.

You can also visit the underground salt lake in the nearby Hörnerwerk cavern, or explore the Dachstein Caves , one of Europe's most impressive cavern networks, which are, in places, up to 1,174 meters deep. Highlights include the Giant Ice Cave , with its sub-zero summer temperatures and huge caverns with magnificent frozen waterfalls, and the Mammoth Cave , with its huge pipe-shaped galleries formed by an ancient underground river.

Above ground, visitors can tackle the superb 5 Fingers viewing platform, an incredible metal structure hanging over a 400-meter sheer drop with excellent views of the surrounding Alps.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Hallstatt and along the Hallstätter See

One of the best places to ski in Austria , the famed resort town of Kitzbühel spoils snow lovers with its 170 kilometers of skiable pistes and slopes dotted with little mountain huts, where they can stop for traditional Alpine snacks and warming drinks.

Although it's the site of the annual Hahnenkamm, the toughest of all downhill ski races, Kitzbühel has plenty of terrain for all skill levels in its three skiing areas, and the smallest of these, Bichlalm, is dedicated to freeriders.

But Kitzbühel is not just for skiers. With its walls and frescoed houses, and snow-covered Alps for a backdrop, the town is as pretty as Alpine villages get.

The 1,998-meter Kitzbüheler Horn that delights skiers in the winter is a favorite for mountain hikers in the summer, and you can also reach the summit by cable car via the Pletzeralm. It's considered one of the finest summit views in the Tyrol: to the south from the Radstädter Tauern to the Ötztal Alps; to the north, the nearby Kaisergebirge; to the west, the Lechtal Alps; and to the east, the Hochkönig.

To the south of the Kitzbüheler Horn rises the 1,772-meter-high Hornköpfli, also reached by cableway. In addition to the great views, on the summit, you'll find the Gipfelhaus, a unique mountaintop home; a chapel; a restaurant; and an Alpine garden.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kitzbühel & Easy Day Trips

Another of Austria's most-visited palaces – and one that should definitely be included on your Vienna travel itinerary – is the spectacular Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere). Referred to most often simply as "The Belvedere," this important historic site is split into two major sections: the Upper (Oberes) and Lower (Unteres) Palaces.

If you've only got time to explore one, make it the Upper Palace . Here, you'll find the largest portion of the attraction's impressive collection of artworks, as well as have the chance to view one of the country's best preserved architectural gems. Highlights include Sala Terrena, the main hall, notable for its statues and stucco vaulted ceiling; the Carlone Hall, with its ceiling fresco; the two-story Marble Hall, with its many sculptures and paintings; and the impressive Ceremonial Staircase.

The Lower Palace is no less worthy of a visit. Highlights include the Marble Gallery, with its collection of statues; the Grotesque Hall, with its numerous fine wall paintings; and a second Marble Hall, this one known for its fascinating ceiling fresco.

If you're here for the day (you should plan on it!), the palace boasts a great café and restaurant, three shops, and a great Christmas Market for those traveling in the winter months.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna

• Read More: Exploring Vienna's Belvedere Palace: A Visitor's Guide

To the east of St. Veit , on a crag rising some 160-meters above the valley, sprawls the imposing Burg Hochosterwitz, Austria's most important medieval castle. After a turbulent history, the castle-first mentioned in 860 AD-was captured by the Khevenhüllers, and was enlarged in 1570 in the face of Turkish invaders. Never captured by a foe, the castle has remained in the Khevenhüller family since.

The steep access road to the castle, the Burgweg, winds its way up through the 14 defensive gates to the beautiful arcaded courtyard where you'll find the little chapel with its wall and ceiling paintings from 1570 and the church at the southwestern end of the castle with its high altar dating from 1729.

Address: Hochosterwitz 1, 9314 Launsdorf

The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse from Bruck, in the Pinzgau, to Heiligenblut, at the foot of the Grossglockner, was constructed between 1930 and 1935. Following the route of an old Roman road, it is one of the most magnificent mountain roads in Europe .

Although its importance as a route through the Alps has declined, it's still a splendid highway through the Hohe Tauern, Austria's highest mountain massif and one of the country's outstanding attractions. Running for 22 kilometers through the mountains at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, the road consists of a long succession of turns leading up to the summit tunnel on the Hochtor at 2,506 meters and then down into the valley on the far side.

The road is the access to the massive Hohe Tauern mountain range, where Franz-Josefs-Höhe is famous across Europe for its spectacular views. Named after a visit paid by Kaiser Franz-Josef in 1856, this wonderful vantage point stands 2,422 meters above sea level and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding country. Prominent in the view is the Grossglockner which, at 3,798 meters, is Austria's highest mountain.

Be sure to stop at the visitor center for its detailed displays relating to the area's history, as well as exhibits focusing on its glaciers and general tourist information.

Official site: www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/index

The imposing Gothic cathedral of St. Stephen's (Stephansdom) is a landmark inside Vienna's old city center. The original 12th-century Romanesque church was replaced in the 13th century by a Late Romanesque church, of which the massive gate and the Heathen Towers (Heidentürme) survive.

The later Gothic reconstruction in the 14th century added the choir and the Chapels of St. Eligius, St. Tirna, and St. Catherine, and in the following century, the famous 137-meter-high South Tower (Steffl) was constructed. After significant damage in World War II, the church was rebuilt.

The views from the Watch Room at the top of the Steffl are worth climbing its 343 steps, but you can take an elevator to a viewing platform on the North Tower, home to the massive Pummerin Bell. You won't want to miss the 14th-century catacombs and the cathedral treasury, where some of the cathedral's most important objects are displayed.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna

• Read More: Exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

A flight of steps in lovely Klosterneuburg Abbey leads down to the 12th-century St. Leopold's Chapel where Leopold III is buried. It's also where you'll find the famous Verdun Altar. Perhaps the finest existing example of medieval enamel work, the altar consists of 51 panels of champlevé work on gilded copper depicting Biblical scenes by Nicholas of Verdun from around 1181.

Originally on the reading pulpit of the former Romanesque church, the panels were put together to form the present winged altarpiece after a fire in 1329. Four painted panels affixed to the altar in 1331 and the oldest in Austria-they were painted in Vienna before 1329-are now in the Abbey Museum.

Address: Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg

The Church of Maria Saal-more often than not referred to as Maria Saal Cathedral-is perched on a hill high above the Zollfeld and is one of the leading places of pilgrimage in the state of Carinthia in southern Austria. It was here around 750 AD that Bishop Modestus consecrated a church from which the surrounding area was Christianized.

The present twin-towered church was built in Gothic style in the first half of the 15th century on the foundations of a Roman basilica and was remodeled during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Highlights include the west facade with twin towers and its fine old gravestones. Particularly interesting are the 16th-century Keutschach Epitaph depicting the Coronation of Our Lady, and a Roman stone relief from around AD 300.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Klagenfurt & Easy Day Trips

The Krimmler Ache plunges 380 meters in three tremendous cascades and makes for an excellent excursion from the nearby village of Krimml. At an altitude of 1,076 meters, Krimml-perched high above the Salzachtal in a wooded valley-is a wonderful place to stop for a few days if you're into hiking.

In addition to various excellent walks to the waterfalls, there's a rewarding climb to the Schettbrücke and continuing to the spectacular Krimmler Tauernhaus. From here, expert climbers can tackle the 2,911-meter-high Glockenkarkopf on the Italian frontier.

Found on the western edge of the Tennengebirge, the spectacular World of the Ice Giants is the largest system of ice caves in the world. Covering some 30,000 square meters, the caves were carved by an underground river in the Tertiary period. Discovered in 1879, they were opened to the public in 1912, and to date, an amazing 45 kilometers of the network has been explored.

After winding along the Great Ice Wall, you'll be confronted by the massive Hymir Hall with its impressive ice formations and icicles. Stone steps lead to the Eistor, or Ice Gate, a spectacular 1,775-meter-high wall of ice, and the great Ice Palace. Conducted tours last two hours, and the trip to and from the caves takes a few hours, so expect to spend the best part of a day exploring the area.

In the heart of Graz is the Landeszeughaus, the Styrian Arsenal. Built in 1644, the building houses a spectacular collection of completely preserved 17th-century arms and armor-enough, in fact, to arm 32,000 men, including helmets and weaponry.

While in Graz, you should also visit the Landhaus . Built in Renaissance style in 1557-65, its main facade is dominated by rounded windows and a veranda. The lovely arcaded courtyard has three-storied pergolas on two sides and a Renaissance fountain, while in the Knights' Hall there's a splendid stucco ceiling from 1746.

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Graz & Easy Day Trips

The beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck is not only home to some of the country's best preserved architecture, it's also home to some of the most unusual and unique historic buildings. Perhaps the best known of Innsbruck's points of interest is the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl).

This relic from the city's rich Hapsburg past is located in the heart of Innsbruck Old Town (Altstadt), and adorns a Late Gothic oriel window of a former palace, the Neuer Hof, which was used by royalty. You can't miss this perfect selfie spot as you wander along the arcaded Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse. If you time it right (when the sun shines), the roof really does appear to glow.

Consisting of no less than 2,657 gilded copper tiles, the Golden Roof dates back to 1496, when it was added to the building to mark the marriage of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, and served as a royal box, so the couple could enjoy the celebrations in the square to mark the occasion. After taking some pics, be sure to visit the Golden Roof Museum that deals with the Emperor's lasting legacy.

Be sure to spend some time wandering the winding, narrow, streets and alleys around this iconic Innsbruck attraction. In addition to the many fine old buildings here, you'll also enjoy great vistas of the many mountains that surround this beautiful Austrian city.

Address: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck

Cities or countryside? Skiing or hiking? Your plans will determine when is the best time of the year to visit Austria.

Spring: Spring can be chilly in Austria, with temperatures in the 10 to 15 degrees Celsius range in cities and much lower in the mountains. Because the season is short and only truly lasts two months (April and May), most avid outdoor enthusiasts take full advantage of it by heading to the mountains, picnicking near lakes, and discovering small towns full of history and heritage. Although spring sees lots of sunshine, the weather is also highly unpredictable, meaning you should carry an umbrella, especially during the month of April.

One of the best places to visit in Austria in April and May is the Lienz Dolomites. Hiking in this area is very popular because there are options for all levels of experience and fitness. Experienced hikers can find both short and long-distance trails, including multiple-day hikes like the Long Törlweg hike, which takes several days and requires stays in one of the alpine huts, and ups and downs across six summits with stunning panoramic views over the snowcapped peaks.

Summer: Summer is high season in Austria , with temperatures usually in the low to mid-20s Celsius, plenty of sunshine, and crisp evenings perfect for a stroll through the many picturesque towns. Flocks of tourists head to Austria during this season, which results in expensive flights, overbooked hotels, and higher prices everywhere you go.

On the plus side, the sky remains blue, and the air is filled with the smell of flowering meadows. There's no better time to photograph the Alps than in summer, as the visibility is excellent, and the snowcapped mountains can be seen from very far away.

June is the wettest of all warm months but also the one with the most festivals, including the Midsummer Night Celebration, which includes bonfires lit under the light of the moon. July brings the best weather of the Austrian summer — it's mostly dry, it's not scorching hot, and you'll get plenty of sunshine.

August heats up significantly , so it's a favorite time among Austrians to go swimming. Lake destinations such as Lake Plansee and Lake Hallstatt are very crowded and very expensive, and hotels are often booked a year in advance.

Fall: September and October are chilly in Austria but still not cold, with temperatures very similar to spring, except that while spring is rainy and unpredictable, autumn is actually drier and with clear skies . This is the season for cycling tours, hiking, and boating, as the trees are changing into shades of reds and yellow, and the valleys and mountains are stunning everywhere.

If you arrive in early September, you'll get warmer temperatures but without the summer crowds, as everybody is heading back home for school and work. November, though technically part of autumn, can be very cold, with temperatures in the low single digits.

Winter: Winter is technically low season in Austria, as long as you stick to the cities or even small mountain towns-the best time to go to Austria if you're looking for discounts and deals on hotels and flights . Because Austria is a major skiing destination, however, don't expect prices to go down if you're heading to the Alps or have an active outdoorsy vacation planned.

The winter season in Austria starts in November and lasts until March, with temperatures regularly in the minus because of the proximity to the Alps. The air is chilly, even when the sun is out, and snowfall is common and can be very abundant . The weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's are busy, crowded, and much more expensive.

More on Austria

Home » Travel Guides » Austria » 15 Best Places to Visit in Austria

15 Best Places to Visit in Austria

Boasting the rugged tips of the Eastern Alps and the glacial caps of the Hohe Tauern, quaint medieval towns built with timber and set in the shadow of soaring mountaintops, regal cities forged by the hands of Habsburgs and Holy Roman Emperors, the world’s most famous coffee culture and sweeping forests of fir, beach and hornbeam, there’s no question that Austria is one of the handsomest countries on the European continent! Here, we delve into its major metropolises and backcountry spots to spy out all the must-see destinations this glorious nation of ski fields and strudels has to offer. Enjoy our list of the best places to visit in Austria !

The glorious imperial home of the old Habsburg dynasty that once reigned supreme over the heartlands of Central Europe, Vienna is a medley of majestic Baroque facades, elaborate palaces and romantic parks. In the centre of town the mighty Hofburg spreads its grand and neoclassical wings around the manicured Heldenplatz, while the totemic institutions of the Museumsquartier stand nearby, bursting with works by Klimt, Picasso and Warhol. Then there’s the winding web of streets that forms the Vienna Innere Stadt (old town); home to vaulted cafes and art deco teahouses where the spectres of Freud, Wittgenstein and Trotsky still lurk in the alcoves. Yes sir, Vienna’s simply not to be missed!

2. Hochosterwitz Castle

Soaring more than 170 meters above the rolling fields and pine-clad hills that bubble up so beautifully on the Zollfeld plains between the Julian Alps and the Eastern Alps proper, Hochosterwitz Castle is a Game of Thrones-esque symphony of crenulated bulwarks, spiked turrets and formidable gatehouse keeps. It’s hailed as one of the most magnificent citadels in all of Europe, and boasts a history going back more than 1,000 years, encompassing tales of Carinthian dukes, Habsburg emperors and the fear of Turkish invasions from the east. Travellers can scale to the top of Hochosterwtitz along the old fortified entrance path, passing no fewer than 14 defensive gates as they go and watching as panoramas of Slovenia and East Austria unfold on all sides.

3. The Grossglockner

The veritable roof of Austria as a whole makes its home amidst the chiselled summits and rugged peaks of the Hohe Tauern massif. Here, on the very divide between Carinthia and the Zillertal Alps of the Tyrol, the mighty Grossglockner soars to a whopping 3,798 meters above sea level. A symphony of peaks and glacial valleys that rises to the Kleinglockner sub-summit before hitting its highest point on the Grossglockner proper, the mountain is now the second most popular tourist attraction in the country (second only to the Schönbrunn in Vienna). People come to hike in the glorious Alpine landscapes all around the peak, or to traverse the iconic High Alpine Road that hairpins around the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoints and 2,500-meter-high mountain passes.

Oft hailed as the most handsome of Austria’s many winter resorts, Alpbach sits more than 1,000 meters up in the midst of the Tyrolean Alps. Surrounded by blooming meadows of buttercups, poppies and rock jasmine by summer and more than 145 kilometers of groomed skiing runs by winter, travelers can explore a medley of timber chalets and traditional Austrian homes adorned with cascading bougainvillea and carved balconies, not to mention the gorgeous St Oswald Church, where the eminent Erwin Schrödinger lays resting.

5. Finkenberg

The charming little Tyrolean town of Finkenberg can be found cascading down a hillside in the depths of the magnificent Zillertal Valley, a medley of rustic timber homes and Austrian taverns that’s draped in pillows of packed snow by winter and enfolded by evergreen Alpine peaks during the warmer months of the year. And aside from its pretty appearance, the quaint little village is also home to the Finkenberger Almbahnen, which transports skiers and boarders to the celebrated pistes of Mayrhofen, while just a little further down the Zillertal, the mighty Hintertux glacier offers year-round snow sports and fantastic panoramas over the Trentino-Alto Alps in Italy to the south!

Nestled in the very heart of the western Tyrol on the central valley of the River Inn, pretty little Imst clings to the base of the Austrian Alps and the downhill pistes of the Hoch-Imst ski area. The town itself is a charming affair of tight-knit roadways watched over by the occasional Germanic church spire or snow-dusted onion dome, while the bucolic surroundings consist of rolling farm fields, soaring limestone summits, sweeping spruce and fir forests, the occasional timber barn and countless winding hiking and mountain biking trails to boot!

7. Innsbruck

Centred on one truly gorgeous Old Town of Baroque palaces and Tyrolean mansions, Innsbruck is every inch the onetime residence of revered Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Weaving between the cobbled lanes and old imperial palaces left over from Habsburg rule, visitors here can spy out sights like the Golden Roof and the grand whitewashed Hofburg. And then there are armouries to see, and glorious Ambras Castle on the ridges above the city, not to mention the wealth of lively little Bavarian-style beer halls and energetic apres joints touting schnitzel and strudel near the base of the nearby pistes!

8. Zell am See

Austria’s quintessential Alpine lake town, Zell am See hugs its eponymous cobalt-blue waters right on the edge of the mighty Hohe Tauern ranges. From its enclave of fir-clad ridges and snow-mantled peaks, the spot has become a veritable outdoorsy paradise, drawing millions of adventure travelers each year with the promise of some of Austria’s finest sailing, hiking, mountain biking, scenic driving and – of course – skiing, which takes place mainly on the icecaps of the Kitzsteinhorn above nearby Kaprun. And as if that’s not enough, Zell am See is also home to one seriously handsome centre of ice-cream coloured chalets, while rhododendron and edelweiss bloom from the timber verandas and earthy eateries of Dreifaltigkeitsgasse (the town’s main drag).

One of the jewels of the north Austrian lake district that straddles the borders of the Salzburgerland and Upper Austria regions, Mondsee will be recognisable to some as the backdrop to some of the central scenes in The Sound of Music (the famous wedding took place in the historic and beautiful Mondsee Abbey). Gloriously located along the banks of its eponymous lake, shrouded by a phalanx of Alpine peaks – the Drachenwand and the hills of Innerschwand – and loaded with everything from UNESCO-attested cave dwellings to golf courses and sailing clubs, it’s easy to see why this postcard-perfect retreat remains uber-popular amongst locals looking to escape the city.

A glorious Old Town heart and a lively student vibe make Graz one of Austria’s best-loved and most fun-loving cities. Anchored on one seriously attractive Innere Stadt that fuses everything from Renaissance to Gothic to Slavic architectural styles between its cobbled streets and sea of red-tiled roofs, the centre here is awash with fascinating historical sites, like the Schlossberg hill, complete with one curious clock tower, and the Styrian Armoury, where a whopping 32,000 guns, swords, suits of armour and more stand testimony to the city’s onetime place on the frontier between the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe.

11. Hallstatt

The stuff of postcards and travel brochures, Hallstatt has been risen from its valley amidst the gorgeous Salzkammergut to become something of the poster boy for Alpine Austria and its charming medieval towns. It comes complete with terraces of ivy-clad, half-timbered chalets that glow in hues of pink and wood-brown against the reflections of the shimmering Hallstätter See, and is oft hailed as the single most beautiful town in the country. But it’s not all about the looks here: during the first millennium BC the town figured as the centre of a salt mining boom in the Upper Austrian region, and today visitors can spy out the tunnels of the 2,500-year-old Hallein Salt Mine, and a fantastic Heritage Museum that chronicles the ancient history of the town to boot!

12. Feldkirch

Visitors who delve into the alleys and archways, cobbled squares and tight-knit side streets of Feldkirch on the edge of the Austrian Vorarlberg region discover a unique blend of Swiss, Francophone and Germanic heritage. The action centres on fairy-tale Marktgasse, which bustles with authentic beer houses and Rhineland eateries, while it’s the soaring Schattenburg Castle crowning the hillsides just on the edge of town that really draws the eye; a formidable collection of four keeps and fortified bulwarks that was once the home of the Montfort Earls.

13. Bad Gastein

Something of a more regal and straight-laced alternative to the usual Tyrolean timber towns and chalets that pepper the Austrian Alps, Bad Gastein bursts forth from the deep valleys of the Hohe Tauern National Park in an elegant and irresistible medley of Belle Époque and Art Deco. In the middle of the town, the gushing cataracts of the Gastein Waterfall crash around the pretty facades of 19th-century hotels and restaurants, while fir forests rise on all sides and enfold the whole centre in a symphony of green. Of course, many head here for the fantastic skiing during the winter, while others will come in the footsteps of the Empress Sisi, in search of the bubbling spas and natural springs that first made the Gastein valley a major international destination.

14. Salzburg

No list of Austria’s must-see destinations could possibly be complete without a mention of Salzburg ; a melange of magical Baroque and medieval architecture that hits its stride with one chocolate box of a UNESCO-attested Old Town. It was here that Mozart found his romantic muse, here that Julie Andrews yodelled in the valleys; here that the Salzburger bishops raised the mighty Hohensalzburg Castle to command the salt-rich hillsides that roll out towards Bavaria in the distance. But it’s not all history either, because students now party away in Irish pubs along the banks of the Salzach, backpackers sip Stiegl in brewhouses and culture vultures come in their droves for opera, classical concerts and daily renditions of The Sound of Music!

15. The Wienerwald

One of the more off-the-beaten-track destinations to make this list of Austria’s must-sees, the Wienerwald lurks just on the peripheries of Vienna and represents one of the favoured outdoors spots for locals looking to escape the capital for a spell of hiking or biking. In all, the woods of the Wienerwald run for 45 kilometers from the Danube basin, rising in steps and becoming more rugged as they reach the Northern Limestone Alps and Upper Austria. The area is a beautiful patchwork of hornbeams and oaks, fir trees and spruce groves that plays host to wild pigs and oodles of walking trails to boot, not to mention some charming and untrodden villages and towns.

15 Best Places to Visit in Austria:

• Hochosterwitz Castle
• The Grossglockner
• Zell am See
• Bad Gastein
• The Wienerwald

Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Austria

In addition to the fresh mountain air and idyllic scenery, the European country is home to culturally sophisticated cities, quirky places, and breathtaking architecture! I’m a huge fan, and from my time exploring this refined and picturesque country, here are my favourite spots…

As the capital, Vienna is perhaps the city most associated with Austrian life, but I think that doesn’t make it any less attractive. Every time I visit, the elegant city is buzzing with excitement—street theatre, ballets, operas, musicals, art galleries, and shows make it a dynamic and lively city to explore! 

But I love that this modern flavour doesn’t detract from the tradition in this splendid city. There are several imperial palaces and some stunning museums that proudly overlook majestic squares, and I would highly recommend visiting Hofburg, the once impressive home of the Habsburg rulers.

This fusion of fast-paced modern living and serene historical architecture makes Vienna a truly spectacular city. I defy you not to fall in love with it—it’s a stunning gem!

My favorite highlights…

• Catching a performance at the Golden Hall or in one of their beautiful historic churches for an exquisite and cultured experience.
• Visiting the world-famous Schönbrunn Palace and the stunning Rathaus Vienna/City Hall.
• Attending the world-famous Vienna Opera Ball at Wiener Staatsoper (the State Opera House).
• Going for a Viennese coffee, a strudel, and people-watching in the gorgeous historic centre.
• Sipping cocktails while enjoying beautiful views at the 25Hours Hotel rooftop bar, The Dachboden Loft (in the 7th District, the city’s hipster district).

Book A Trip!

We can book your trip hopping around Austria’s beautiful places through our free, top-rated travel planning service !

2. Hallstatt

Now famous with Instagrammers, this small scenic town overlooking the serene waters of Hallstatt Lake is one of my favourite places in Europe. I also think it looks spectacular in both summer and winter. 

The town is filled with chocolate box pretty 16th-century Alpine houses, and its winding cobbled alleyways are home to quaint cafes and independent shops. Some intriguing places make this area particularly interesting and offer you the chance to indulge in rock climbing, hiking, and boating.

I recommend visiting The Beinhaus (bone house), which displays stacks of human remains taken there due to the shortage of grave spaces. Although it sounds morbid, the experience is very different; there is something extraordinary and humbling about visiting the Beinhaus.

In my opinion, the ice and salt caves, with their impressive subterranean salt lake, are also worth visiting and truly spectacular (the funicular railway connects Hallstatt to Salzwelten).

My highlights…

• Taking a stroll along the lakefront, filled with such picturesque scenery, it looked like it was straight out of a storybook.
• Exploring the extraordinary ice caves and seeing frozen waterfalls and incredible ice formations.
• Check out the salt mine, considered the oldest in the world. Children will also love it there as they have a thrilling miners’ slide!
• Hiring a traditional wooden salt boat and exploring the lake!
• Going to Five Fingers Viewpoint, which offers one of the most spectacular views in the Alps!
• Seeing the colorful half-timbered houses in the central Market Square and having dinner at a beautiful open-air restaurant terrace around the lake.

3. Salzburg 

I completely fell for Salzburg’s charms; this is also the place for music fans! It also celebrates its accolade as Mozart’s birthplace by allowing visitors into the home where Mozart was born and running exhibitions there.

Salzburg may be home to Mozart and all things extravagant. Still, for an astounding 70% of overseas visitors, The Sound of Music remains the primary reason for travel to the city, with tour companies all over the town offering their version of the Sound of Music tour. I highly recommend going on one; they are a lot of fun! 

Also brimming with exceptional galleries and museums, a rich array of restaurants, and a diverse selection of shopping opportunities, from farmer’s markets to upmarket stores, I defy you not to fall in love with this utterly charming city, just like I did!

My favourite highlights…

• Going on a Sound of Music Tour , which was hours of kitsch fun!
• Wandering around the beautiful Old Town, one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps, was brimming with stunning baroque architecture.
• Hearing famous Mozart pieces performed inside the historic fortress castle at the impressive Mirabell Palace and Gardens. 
• Wandering down Getreidgasse, a charming Medieval shopping street filled with interesting independent shops.
• Going for a Mozart Dinner Concert at the Baroque Hall of St Peter`s Abbey.
• Experiencing Salzburg’s Beer Halls, my favourite was Augustiner Bräustübl Tavern, which had a garden attached to a monk’s brewery.

4. Innsbruck

I thought this was a stunning Alpine gem! The snow-topped mountains and tall, colourful buildings make it a postcard-worthy alpine destination. It has several well-managed ski resorts and excellent winter sports facilities, perfect for those who love to hit the slopes.

I recommend visiting Ambras Castle, the Folk Art Museum, and the Court Church. Some trendy hip bars are at the centre of a thriving nightlife, so I suggest making the most of these, too.

Serenity has its place here, though, as well, and I fell in love with the gentle pace of life and the many luxurious thermal spas!

• Hanging out in the gorgeous Old Town, filled with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. 
• Visiting Tyrol Panorama, which had a museum and incredible views of the surrounding areas.
• Taking a cable car to Nordkette Mountain Range and seeing stunning Alpine scenery. 
• Swimming in Lake Achensee, Tirol’s largest lake.

5. Vorarlberg

The mountainous region of Vorarlberg boasts beautiful scenery and stunning architecture, and I was seriously wowed by this place when I visited! It’s more than just a new place to explore; it’s seriously a delight for your eyes to witness, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves walking, biking, skiing, and photography!

I personally think the mountains of Vorarlberg present a unique and artistic view for any hiker, explorer, or artist. The landscapes between Lake Constance and the mountains are perfect for long walks, especially with the mountains reaching up to 2,000 metres.

Vorarlberg has several natural wonders. One of my personal favourites is the Verwall area in Montafon. Verwall in Vorarlberg is one of the largest European Protection Areas in the Natura 2000 network.

I love that the views you can enjoy as you hike along its routes are as beautiful and diverse as the mountains! 

Despite being Austria’s second-largest city, I loved Graz’s relaxed location. Although the town is overflowing with beautiful architecture, I love that the city has a youthful vibe. This is down to its young, friendly population and the handful of impressive modern buildings dotted around.

There are many great things to do in Graz. This city has a vibrant arts centre that complements its Renaissance courtyards and baroque palaces. Thanks to the large student population (around 50,000 students spread across four University campuses), the nightlife in Graz is booming! 

Of course, if you’re not much of an art person and don’t see yourself dancing in the late evenings, I suggest visiting the Schloss Eggenberg Parkland Palace Gardens, a relaxing place for frolicking among peacocks! 

7. Zell am See

When you visit Zell am See, I can tell you you will see some fantastic sights! The first one likely to capture your attention is the beautiful bluer-than-blue lake, Zeller See! 

You can dive into the gorgeous lake and cycle around its picturesque, plant-filled shores. Hiking and skiing in the mountains are also available. If you have or rent a car, I recommend driving up high onto the very scenic and famous Grossglockner Road.

More than a million visitors worldwide visit Zell am See every year in search of new sites and adventures. When the sky’s blue is reflected in such a clear lake, it’s a genuinely gorgeous sight!

8. Mostviertel

I personally think Mostviertel is Lower Austria’s most captivating region. It combines rolling green meadows in the North with snow-laced rugged peaks in the South.

This combination of landscapes contributes to the region’s endless charm and boasts Europe’s largest continuous area of pear orchards. Its chocolate-box scenery makes it a wonder for adults and children alike and offers museums, monuments, family activities, and the chance to ski.

I would suggest trying Hotel Kartause Gaming or Zur Linde for hotel options in this area.

Alpbach has been voted the prettiest village in the country, and when I visited I immediately saw why! The sweet village is nestled between a cluster of majestic snow-capped mountains, allowing access to the perfect ski slopes while maintaining a solid alpine tradition.

Alpbach is full of picturesque wooden farmhouses, cattle fields, and locals skilled in traditional crafts. If you fancy a taste of how this country used to be and enjoy the experience of time standing still, then in my opinion, Alpbach is the place for you! 

I would suggest trying Bikepension Gästehaus Larch Alpbach or Alphof Hotel Alpbach for places to stay here.

Within beautiful Tirol lies the historic old town of Innsbruck, which I mentioned above. This incredible region is worth exploring! 

I personally think it’s a truly stunning spot steeped in folklore, mountains, and ski resorts and makes a fantastic destination to visit in this country, either summer or winter – the scenery is truly breathtaking!

Expect miles of walking and hiking trails across nature, fresh air, and clear mountain streams. History lovers can also enjoy the record-breaking suspension footbridge that is Highline179 and I would highly suggest visiting.

This remarkable structure is 114 meters high and 406 meters long; it connects Ehrenberg Castle to the remains of the 17th-century Roman Fortress Claudia in the market town of Reutte.

My must-do highlights

• Visit the suspended terrace of Café 3440 (pictured above), which sits 3,440 m above sea level and offers incredible uninterrupted panoramic views of the beautiful Alpine scenery.
• Go on the Nordkette Cable Car, a gondola lift from Innsbruck to the Nordkette, which offers more gorgeous views.
• Go hiking, rock climbing, and cycling to make the most of the Alpine scenery.

11. Grossglockner High Alpine Road

I think this famous winding, precarious, beautifully scenic road is wow-inducing! It will lead you to the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park as well as up the giddy heights of the Grossglockner (Austria’s tallest mountain), passing through the Pasterze glacier.

In my opinion, it’s an ideal way to experience the landscape at its best, as you’ll pass through mountain forests, alpine meadows, ice plains, and sheer cliff faces.

You can hire a vintage car, take a bus, ride a motorcycle, go by bike, or venture by foot; either way, the experience is jaw-dropping! Villa Orania and Schiefe Alm Hotel Bad Gastein are gorgeous accommodation options in the area.

12. Nationalpark Gesäuse

The newest of this country’s beautiful National Parks, beautiful Gesäuse, is set in mountain ridges, deep valleys, and dense forests. I think it’s the perfect location for exploring unspoiled nature and is a favourite for rafting connoisseurs and hikers.

Of the six mountain peaks over 2000 meters in the park, Hocktor is the highest and most popular among visiting hikers – reaching a staggering 2369 meters in height.

I personally think artists, photographers, and travel bloggers would reap the benefits of visiting such a beautiful setting – if you can reach the top! 

13. Saalbach-Hinterglemm

In the district of Zell am See, you can find a municipality known for its skiing, mountain biking, and other rough and challenging outdoor sports. It’s located in the Saalbach Valley, which has some breathtaking views at any time of day, especially if you’re coming in from Bründlkopf.

This peaceful location primarily consists of small towns and has several transport links – including Zell am See, which is around 20km away.

The town itself is primarily orientated towards tourism, but that doesn’t make it any less of a perfect place for exploring and taking on the outdoors and all it has to offer, I stayed in an eco-hotel here for a few days and I fell in love with the uncrowded, beautiful and tranquil landscapes here! 

14. St. Gilgen

A stroll through the village of St. Gilgen (in Salzburg) is a welcome breath of fresh air for any travel. The town takes you by the northern shore of Lake Wolfgangsee and is coupled with elegance and fashionable flair.

It is a village teeming to the top with traditions, culture, architecture, and unique tourist locations. I thought it was charming, especially if you’re looking for a place filled with Austrian tradition!

The legendary Oxen Cross island can be found nearby, next to Fürberg Cove; both can offer any holiday explorer a sight to behold.

Finally, I recommend taking the Zwölferhorn Mountain cable car to the peak directly from the village. It’s a seriously stunning view! 

15. Hochosterwitz Castle

Many consider it the most impressive medieval castle in the country and with good reason. It stands proudly on top of a 160-meter-high Dolomite rock formation, and I personally think it looks like something out of a fairytale!

Between Easter and the end of October, visitors are allowed inside certain parts of the castle each year and I would highly recommend a visit if you’re here during these months.

I would suggest walking along the 620-metre pathway through 14 intriguing fortified gates before you reach the stunning façade of the castle. Try the Art Lodge  or  Chalet Hotel Senger if you want to stay near here.

16. Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau is a postcard-pretty riverside town in Lower Austria’s Danube’s Wachau Valley tourist region. It is renowned for its wine production and beautiful historical center (which has earned it a UNESCO Heritage Site status) and I loved this place! I thought it was charming, relaxed, and highly photogenic! 

Situated at the gateway to the World Heritage cultural landscape of the Wachau, it displays one of the most stunning stretches of river valley in Europe so don’t forget to bring your camera!

For elegant and unique places to stay I would suggest trying Wein-Gut Hutter or Gourmethotel Am Förthof.

17. Kitzbuhel

If you’re an avid skier and looking for one of the top ski resorts in the country then I would say you need to look no further than Kitzbuhel!  Legends, including three-time Olympic medallist Toni Sailer, have been born on these slopes so you’ll be in great company! 

But pretty Kitzbuhel began its life in the 16th century as a mining town catering to silver and copper mining. Today, in my opinion, it still has a charming historical feel and has kept some of its medieval architecture.

18. Thayatal National Park

Thayatal National Park is located close to the border with the Czech Republic. This unique location is the country’s smallest national park and one of central Europe’s last natural valleys.

The park itself is technically two parks split across the border. The landscape consists of a deep canyon with steep slopes and numerous rock formations. The Thaya River (or the Dyje River if you’re in the Czech Republic) cuts across the canyon, making for truly spectacular views.

I personally think this deserves a place on this list for its incredible scenery, its numerous hiking trails, its well-preserved castle ruins, and its wildlife spotting, including the European otter, the black stork, and the Wild Cat.

19. Dürnstein

I was a huge fan of this almost impossibly photogenic spot! Durnstein, on the Danube, is known for its beautiful buildings and scenic riverside location.

It’s also a historical hotspot for anyone wishing to visit the castle where the Lionheart, Richard the First of England, was once imprisoned! 

However, I recommend that you plan your trip to this wondrous area in the summer when it’s busy with visitors and tourists and there is a real buzz about the place. Durnstein essentially closes up in the winter.

It’s a dream for photographers, with large, sweeping landscapes, high hilltops, and stunning architecture. The castle ruins sit high up on the green hills against the blue sky, making for some perfect shots.

20. Faaker See 

Faaker See is an alpine lake in the state of Carinthia. It’s the state’s fifth-largest lake and one of the most beautiful – famed for its glorious clear azure water.

When I visited, I fell completely in love with this beautiful spot and its tranquil vibe. I also loved that the lake stretched on for miles! 

Popular with locals and tourists alike, you can bathe and go boating here, but I would suggest just kicking back and taking in the beautiful scenery! Enjoy! 

Emma-Clair Ni Clearaigh - writer and photographer With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year, now she balances travel and travel writing with teaching and a passion for vintage interior design. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Although, she’ll always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages – Paris, her true city of lights. Find Emma-Clair on Instagram or Facebook . Hotel Reviewing Experience - Asked by tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including the Catalonia Tourist Board ,  Visit Finland, Visit Zurich and Atout France. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos .

25 thoughts on “Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Austria”

It’s so cool to read a blog about my home country – it turns my view a bit. It is a really great selection of destinations. I didn’t even know some very few places.

I have been applying for a series of scholarships to Visit Australia for my studies and I believe I must be there soon. What a nice place to be? Thanks for sharing. But you are just making more curious to get there 🙂

I also explore these all fabulous places in my these tours and have a joyful time with my mates.

It is good to mention Salzkammergut. Salzkammergut is a beautiful resort area. Travelers who have seen the movie The Sound Of Music will know what this lake region looks like, because that movie was filmed in and around the city of Salzburg and the neighboring Salzkammergut region

Hochosterwitz Castle 😮 it’s so amazing. I cant wait to be there. Faaker See it so stunning. Have you ever been to Nepal? There are lots of lakes just like Faaker See, even more beautiful. 🙂

Where in Austria is the opening picture (the first one in this write up on Austria?

Vorarlberg we have a separate post on that area 🙂

I’v recently been to almost all these places!! Austria indeed is a gem.

Unfortunately, out of the ten I have only been to one (Salzburg which was absolutely amazing)! I certainly will do everything I can to see the other nine on the list!

Vienna is one of the best place in Austria.I want to visit here again last time i enjoyed very much with my cousin Jordan.

Lovely pictures.No doubt,Vienna is so unique,Vienna is the perfect blend of historical architecture and modern attractions.I also visit vienna every year for my business trips.

Fine selection. I’d also recommend to visit Graz. It is part of UNESCO World Culture Heritage and was European Capital of Culture in 2003.

I’m coming to Vienna in August, can’t wait. Good to know it’s one of the most beautiful places in Austria 🙂

Can’t wait to see your post on it Agness, hope you find it as beautiful!

Great job rounding up these places. I am considering spending a few days in Vienna and exploring a few other places in Austria. I think the Alps are well worth the visit and Hallstatt is indeed amazing.

I once spent a week in Innsbruck in the summer and it was just perfect. It’s most known for it’s winter activities but it’s just as great in summer!

Thanks Angela, we remember reading it and your beautiful photos!

I feel the first photo and photo of Vienna has something enhanced with Photoshop. Other than that , everything is wonderful. Nice location selection.

Good choice of locations. I’m always amused about the fact that the Chinese re-created the village of Hallstatt in China! The community of Hallstatt was unaware and was p… off when they found out. But then they came to agree that cloning Hallstatt in China was actually a big compliment.

Interesting factoid, they built it mirror-image. The reason isn’t clear if it was to avoid the topic of “copy” or whether they got the pic mixed up…..

This is a very fitting post since we are traveling to Austria in less than 2 weeks. Although we’ll spend most of our time in Vienna, I’m hoping to take one or two day trips outside of the city to see the countryside.

Hope you have a great time!

Always looking for locations to discover and photograph so really appreciate this post – some very promising future destinations.

Wonderful pictures. Austria is a very beautiful and picturesque country, we have been to most of these places and they are just as the pictures show .

Stunning! I love Austria, there is so much beautiful nature and many cute towns, Mostviertel sounds wonderful.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Welcome to the Holiday Information Service

Our holiday experts are here to assist you with your holiday planning. Send us a message and we will get back you as soon as we can.

Please fill in fields marked with *

Give us a call Monday to Friday from 8am to noon. Outside of our office hours please drop us an email and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

Telephone: 00800 400 200 00 Österreich Werbung Vordere Zollamtsstraße 13 A-1030 Wien Wien AT

[email protected]

*toll-free; calls from mobile networks may incur charges

We would like to show you content from external sources here. Unfortunately, you have not given us permission to do so. As soon as you load the content, you agree to the use of cookies for statistical and marketing purposes. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time via the ( data protection statement ). Load content See on Launch campaign Lebensgefühl Österreich - Subject for Austria Info Austrian National Tourist Office / Marko Mestrovic media_content.tooltip.skipped

We would like to show you content from external sources here. Unfortunately, you have not given us permission to do so. As soon as you load the content, you agree to the use of cookies for statistical and marketing purposes. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time via the ( data protection statement ). Load content See on Launchkampagne Lebensgefühl Österreich Austrian National Tourist Office / Marko Mestrovic media_content.tooltip.skipped

Austria – Lebensgefühl. Experience the Joy of Life in The Heart of Europe

Feel the ease, the serenity, the love for great food and art and culture, the charming wit, the welcoming atmosphere – feel the Austrian Lebensgefühl

Discover the Entire Country

Discover austria.

Explore Austria at its best with these concise itineraries. Whether it's iconic landmarks or hidden gems, culinary delights or art and culture, discover how to make the most out of your stay.

Vienna in 3 Days

Salzburg in 48 hours, innsbruck in 3 days, graz in 3 days, our hotel reccomendations, austria hotel collection.

Looking for a charming family-run hotel, a luxury spa resort, or a cosy private apartment? Here is our curated list featuring great hotels in Austria's cities and on the countryside.

A Summer in Austria - Your Daily Dose of 'Lebensgefühl'

Nature, mountains and lakes, cultural treasures and thousands of moments of indulgence are the setting for a very special attitude you'll experience during a summer holiday in Austria: A light-hearted feeling, that comes to life beautifully when connecting to the locals.

Lebensgefühl Austria - hiking with the family Austrian National Tourist Office / Marko Mestrovic media_content.tooltip.skipped

A Holiday in Austria puts a Smile on your Face

An experience, an encounter, sometimes just a moment - and the new somehow feels familiar. In Austria, this atmosphere is literally in the air: A sensation that, in nature, feels light and free, full of fun and joie de vivre. A feeling that, while connecting with the people who live here, feels genuine.

Mountains, water, energetic places, cultural treasures - that is Austria for you. As well as cooling off in a crystal-clear lake, the gratifying feeling when conquering a summit, and a snack at a mountain hut. Austria is the freedom of an open-air festival, and the cosiness of a wine tavern. All places and moments, that make it easy to clear your head, to be amazed, to feel the vitality. The spark is quickly ignited. Anyone who is a guest here becomes part of this very special attitude to life.

Experience Austria's Nature

These boots are made for walking, the most beautiful swimming lakes, i want to ride my bicycle, we are family, hiking with children.

Exploring mosses, watching butterflies, feeding goats ... Children are curious. Austria's hiking routes are just right for an unforgettable hiking day.

Moments of Cultural Pleasure

Museums and galleries, embrace austria's guilty pleasures, wine culture in austria, culinary pit-stops in austria, time for easter egg hunting, easter in austria.

Experience Austria's unique traditions and visit one (or more!) of our colourful Easter markets.

Which Summer Activity do you Fancy?

Walking and hiking in austria, cycling and biking in austria, lakes and nature in austria, trailrunning: a wonderful family experience, discover city life, city breaks in summer - your cultural 'lebensgefühl'.

City trips in Austrias cultural summer hit right at the heart. Because Austrias cities surprise, make curious – and sometimes even are addictive. #feelAustria

Austria is a country rich with history, beautiful regions, imperial cities and year long activities.

In Harmony with Austria

When you spend your holiday in Austria, you will experience that one moment – the moment that you’ll remember for years to come, the moment you’ll return to in your head when life gets stressful.

Active in the Outdoors

It's the small moments that make us happy: The pride on our best friend's face when finally reaching the summit. Or at night, falling asleep with achy legs but a smile on our face. That's what life in the outdoors is all about.

Wellbeing & Relaxation in Austria's Nature

Nature soothes our minds and bodies. From the healing effect of waterfalls and trees to the beauty of cultural landscapes, mountains, and waters, Austria is filled with natural gems.

Why Forest Bathing Can Make You Healthier and Happier, According to Science

Why spas and thermal baths are so good for us, culinary discovery trip through austria.

Austria owes its culinary identity to both its location in the heart of Europe and its remarkable history. Austria stands for openness to varied influences and a love for refining existing traditions at the highest level.

9 restaurants and mountain huts with a view

Dream career: organic farmer, austrian culture, artists & masterpieces.

Let us dive into Austria’s arts and culture sphere and discover fascinating stories of the masters and personae that led the way.

Hedy Lamarr, Hollywood Goddess and Lady Bluetooth

Gustav klimt loved art, women and lake attersee, our hotel recommendations, find a city hotel, find an alpine stay, share feedback for a chance to win a special holiday experience.

We value your feedback! Take part in our brief survey to be in with the chance of winning one of five very special holiday experiences in Austria. Click here to take part.

It goes without saying that your data is processed with complete anonymity. Read the terms and conditions here.

Insiders' Tips

Austria’s top sights, austria’s prettiest places, according to austrians, austria's quirkiest city tours, top 5 austrian dishes you need to try, events in austria, practical travel information, about austria, brexit and travelling to austria, how to get to and around austria, what are you interested in, family fun in austria, round trips in austria, cities and culture in austria, skiing and winter in austria, austrian cultural stories, famous austrians.

From Mozart and Sisi to Hedy Lamarr – Austria's sons and daughters have left their mark across music, art, science, politics, and sport. Find out which famous personalities originate from or lived in Austria and follow in their footsteps.

Passport & Visa for Austria

Vienna pass: your personal key to the city, travel experiences designed by experts, austrian – the charming way to fly.

Enjoy Austrian hospitality and multi-awarded service already on board, with Austrian Airlines from 130 cities around the world direct to Vienna and other Austrian cities.

Explore Austria By Train

Travelling through Austria by train is reliable, comfortable, and convenient. Relax, sit back, and enjoy your vacation, the Austrian Railways takes you to Austria’s most beautiful places.

Have a Taste of Austria

[{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "imageobject", "url": "/static/img/icon/recipe.png", "contenturl": "/static/img/icon/recipe.png", "caption": "favourite austrian recipes", "isfamilyfriendly": true }] favourite austrian recipes.

Craving a taste of Austria? Why not don your apron and recreate your favourite regional specialities at home? Here is a list of some of Austria's most delicious all-time classics.

18 top things to do in Vienna

Jul 1, 2021 • 8 min read

Cycling on Danube Island in Vienna's Donaustadt district. © Balakate/Shutterstock

Museums filled with masterpieces, brilliant baroque streetscapes, sumptuous palaces and epicurean delights, naturally Vienna is an unmissable stop on your Europe adventure.

Now with street art, craft beer brewing, an analogue-only hotel stay, and summer ‘beach bars’, contemporary Vienna continues to flourish as a creative cultural hub.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The jewel in Vienna's artistic crown is its Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna . As well as accumulating vassal lands, the Habsburgs assembled one of Europe's finest collections of art and artefacts. Housed inside a majestic neoclassical building, the highlight of this incredible cache is the Picture Gallery, an encounter with a vast and emotionally powerful collection of works by grand masters, such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder's evocative and 'industrial' Tower of Babel from the 16th century or the bright plenitude of Giuseppe Arcimboldo's Summer.

Vienna’s coffee houses

Great works of art have been created in these 'living rooms' of the Viennese. Patronised by luminaries such as Mahler, Klimt, Freud, Trotsky and Otto Wagner in their day, Vienna's Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) were added to the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Many retain their opulent original decor, and often specialise in a particular cake, such as the Sacher Torte, an iced-chocolate cake with apricot jam once favoured by Emperor Franz Josef, at Café Sacher. New-wave coffee houses are putting their own twist on the tradition.

MuseumsQuartier

Have you had enough of culture yet? No? Good, because the MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is a 90,000 sq metre exhibition space encompassing 60 cultural institutions ranging from fine art, music, theatre, and dance to game culture, street art and photography. Highlights include – including the Leopold Museum , MUMOK , Kunsthalle Wien , Architekturzentrum and Zoom but there are multiple micro-museums and creative spaces to explore. It’s also one of the key locations for the annual Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival) held over six weeks in May and June.

The annual Calle Libre street art festival focuses on one guiding theme as celebrated artists respond across curated walls for a week each summer. Founded almost a decade ago by Jakob Kettner, the festival brings together live paintings, street art works, guided tours, film screenings and workshops for urban aesthetics. You’ll get the chance to learn more about Vienna’s burgeoning street art scene, discover works from local and international artists, and find out what issues are shaping and challenging the city today. 

Ringstrasse Tram Tour

For a spin around Vienna's architectural highlights, jump on a tram and travel along the Ringstrasse , one of Europe's most magnificent streets. The circular boulevard of imposing state buildings was carved out of the space once occupied by fortifications protecting Vienna from Ottoman Turk attack in the 16th century. You’ll pass the Monument to the Victims of Fascism at the former Gestapo headquarters site, the neoclassical facade of Parlament, Austria’s parliament, the Athena Fountain, and Äusseres Burgtor (Outer Palace Gate). The Roman gate leads the way to the Imperial Palace, the Hofburg.

Schloss Schönbrunn 

The magnificent rococo former summer palace and gardens of the Habsburgs are a perfect place to experience the pomp, circumstance and gracious legacy of Austria's erstwhile monarchs. A visit to 40 of the palace's lavishly appointed rooms reveals the lifestyle and the eccentricities of Europe's most powerful family. Beyond the Unesco-listed palace, Schloss Schönbrunn Gardens invite a stroll past pseudo-Roman ruins, along bucolic paths winding through leafy woods and a stopover in the gardens' highlight, the Gloriette, with mesmerising views of the palace and city beyond.

Hofburg Palace 

The former wintering ground of the Habsburg monarchs for over 700 years, Hofburg is a living palace today. One of the biggest palace complexes in the world, it now houses a fine collection of museums, is home to the Austrian president, Austria's National Library and public offices. It is also the temporary home of the Austrian Parliament while the main building undergoes renovations expected to be completed in 2024. 

Donauturm tower

The newly renovated 1960s modernist Donauturm tower offers panoramic views across the city and the Danube river. It’s also located in one of the most beautiful and largest parks in the city, the Danube Park making it doubly worth a visit. From the top you’ll see the entire surrounding region of Vienna on a clear day. Who can resist booking a sunset meal at a rotating restaurant at 170m high? This is peak tourist, and we love it. The set-price Viennese three-course meal includes lift tickets.  

Whether it's coffee houses, local dining, or a pub crawl, there are a host of tours on offer to the best places to eat and drink in Vienna. Bi-lingual local tour guides guide visitors to different, seasonally appropriate (Christmas market foodie tour anyone?) locations to show off the best the city has to offer. One popular outfit founded by local couple Melinda and Thomas, Vienna Food Tours covers the variety of cuisines that influenced Viennese food: sampling appetizers, a sausage stand, mains, and of course something sweet to round it off over a whole afternoon. 

Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel 

It’s famous among cinephiles as the place Graham Greene sent his fictional character Harry Lime for a slow rotation in the 1949 film The Third Man. The 1897-built Riesenrad , otherwise known as the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, rises above the beautiful green open spaces of the Prater in Vienna’s 2nd district. A ride takes you high above the city and the wooded parkland and meadows below. Save some time to explore the Prater by foot or bicycle after you return to ground level.

Schloss Belvedere 

Living up to its Italianesque name 'beautiful view', this 18th-century palace and garden ensemble is deceptively close to Vienna's city centre while still creating a feeling of being worlds apart. Symmetrical, finely sculpted and manicured gardens overlooking Vienna's unfolding skyline connect two exquisite palaces dedicated to a who's who of Austrian art. Gustav Klimt's painting The Kiss is a highlight. The masterpieces on display are complemented by interiors so stately that they're worthy of a visit in their own right.

Stephansdom 

A Gothic reminder of another age, the Stephansdom is Vienna's heart and soul. The awe-inspiring cathedral lords over the city, topped by an intricately tiled roof, with its distinctive row of chevrons and Austrian eagle. Below the cathedral are the Katakomben (catacombs), with their eerie collection of the deceased; inside, a magnificent Gothic stone pulpit presides over the main nave; and rising above it to dizzying heights is the South Tower with its viewing stage offering dazzling panoramas over town.

Copa Cagrana Beach

Just beyond the city centre, nestled by the Donauinsel, lies Copa Cagrana Beach , a stretch of sandy beach bars, pop-up food stalls and a large open-air TV viewing area that locals flock to in the summer months. Only open between June and September Vienna makes the most of the holiday atmosphere with volleyball courts, trampolines and green space beside the water. Nibble on delicate Trześniewski sandwiches (open finger sandwiches) as you look across the Donaukanal, or satiate your summer cravings with a fresh spritzer.

Vineyard hiking

The hills surrounding Vienna are awash with vineyards and views, ripe for hiking and tippling in equal measure. Held in autumn (typically late September or October), the annual wine hiking day sees over 190 winemakers set up small wooden huts along the popular walking paths above Vienna, where thirsty hikers can stop in to try the fresh wine harvest of the year. Pick up your glass from one of the hiking-day stations at the bottom of the trail, and meander your way from Neustift to Nussdorf, Strebersdorf to Stammersdorf, or the shorter Ottakring to Neuwald route. The ‘hikes’ themselves are quite low impact and allow plenty of time to stop, sip and enjoy the fresh air.

VHS, vinyl and typewriters

Seeking a true digital detox can be challenging, with a constant barrage of tech an unavoidable part of our daily lives. To help you stay offline and relax, 25 Hours hotel has collaborated with Supersense cafe to create the first ‘analogue hotel room’ for your perfectly curated escape from modern life. Replacing wi-fi and wide screens with a typewriter, VHS player and vinyl records, the suite offers a stylish retreat to the simpler technologies of decades gone by. Perfect for a truly unplugged weekend getaway. If you want to explore further, book a bicycle from their friends at Schindelhauer.

Craft beer has come of age in Vienna with a number of bars specialising in locally made brews. Just off Mariahilferstrasse, Ammutson Craft Beer Dive 's commitment to fresh tap beer from local microbreweries is a welcome addition to the scene. While stalwart craft beer venues like Beaver Brewing Company continue to provide a hearty mix of delicious food, alongside their expansive and regularly changing craft beer menus. Beer drinkers, on your marks...

Christmas markets 

Vienna's much-loved Christmas market season runs from around mid-November to Christmas Eve. The Christkindlmärkte atmosphere is magical with stalls in streets and squares selling wooden toys, festive decorations and traditional food such as Würstel (sausages) and Glühwein (mulled wine). The centrepiece is the Wiener Weihnachtstraum Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz but you'll find Christmas markets across the city including at Schloss Schönbrunn.

Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus: 15th district

The 15th district is experiencing a rejuvenation thanks to community driven events, interesting stores and markets. Brunch and coffee lovers can get their fill at Landkind , Das Augustin and Turnhalle im Brick 5 , and see Austria’s best barista slinging lattes at GOTA Coffee Experts . Hidden down the district's side alleys is the unique indie art gallery, Improper Walls , and quirky stores such as Metaware , a ‘gift shop for nerds & geeks’.

In the evenings, there’s a wealth of food and drink options to explore in the district, from Das Eduard’s pita burgers on its outdoor terrace, to indie bar ein affee and wine haven Reinwein . Vegetarians can enjoy the secluded delights of restaurant and art gallery Hollerei , a short walk from Meidling Hauptstrasse station.

This article was first published in May 2019, last updated by Tasmin Waby on 29 June 2021.

Free things to do in Vienna Best day trips from Vienna The 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids

This article was first published May 2019 and updated July 2021

Explore related stories

Architecture

Jun 16, 2022 • 7 min read

Panama City’s hippest neighborhood is also its smallest and most historic. Here's our guide to the best things to do in charming, timeless Casco Viejo.

May 15, 2022 • 12 min read

Mar 9, 2021 • 5 min read

Feb 17, 2020 • 6 min read

Dec 4, 2019 • 5 min read

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 11 min read

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

20 Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria, From Palace Strolls to Sachertorte

Here's how locals recommend exploring the capital city.

StockFrame/Getty Images

Vienna (or “Wien” in German) is a must-visit city for many travelers, whether you’re visiting Europe for the first time or returning for a new adventure. The capital of Austria is a rich cultural hub, boasting museums, Baroque architecture, and a legacy closely tied to classical music — hence its nickname, the City of Music. Vienna is also the birthplace of Wiener schnitzel, and it continues to hold the title of “most livable city,” as determined by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index .

Tina Haselbacher, the owner of Almanac Hotels — which opened Almanac Palais Vienna in March 2023 — describes Vienna as “a place where tradition meets the contemporary.” While the city is, in many ways, visually defined by its historic structures, Haselbacher explains that there are “interesting and contemporary concepts living behind these traditional facades, such as modern art, cutting-edge culinary innovations, and interactive experiences with today’s creators.”

To discover both sides of Vienna, you’ll want to fill your itinerary with a combination of the old and the new — a stop by the Hofburg Palace followed by an afternoon exploring the Kunsthalle Wien in the Museumsquartier, for example. Read on to discover the best things to do when visiting Vienna, according to locals. 

Visit the famed Schönbrunn Palace.

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

According to Julija and Wolfgang Rigon of Good Vienna Tours , you “can't visit Vienna without [seeing] Schönbrunn.” The summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. While you’ll inevitably experience lines, particularly if you’re there during the weekend, there’s still plenty to do while you wait. “You get [your ticket] relatively quickly and see what time you are allowed into the castle. While you're waiting, you can grab a bite to eat or visit the gardens,” says the couple.

Enjoy a slow morning at a coffee house.

Mathias Kniepeiss/Getty Images

“Viennese coffee house culture is an integral part of the Viennese lifestyle, so much so that UNESCO placed it on its intangible cultural heritage list ,” says Michael Gigl, head of market USA for the Austrian Tourist Office . Don’t expect a fast-paced, Starbucks-like morning, though. “The true secret to the Vienna coffee house experience is the lack of time pressure. No one will bat an eye if you decide to read every single newspaper and magazine on hand," he says. "Opening a laptop, however, is rather frowned upon.” Gigl’s coffee house recommendations include Café Sperl , Café Hawelka , Café Korb , Café Ritter , and Café Schwarzenberg .

Stop by St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Viktor/Getty Images

At its tallest point, St. Stephen’s Cathedral reaches 136 meters, making it the tallest church in Austria and one of the most recognizable sights in Vienna. Visiting the main entrance is free, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to see the cathedral in its entirety. “The view from the top, whether by foot or by elevator, is highly recommended in good weather,” says Wolfgang Rigon.

Snap a photo of the Majolikahaus (Majolica House).

BrendanHunter/Getty Images

“Otto Wagner’s Majolikahaus is a Viennese Art Nouveau-styled building famous for its colorful tiles with a floral motif," says Haselbacher. "It is such a special place to see an icon of the Art Nouveau style." Designed by the Austrian architect in 1898 and 1899, Majolikahaus can be found at Linke Wienzeile 40 in the Laimgrube neighborhood. 

Fill up on Wiener schnitzel.

bhofack2/Getty Images

“Without having eaten [Wiener schnitzel] in its hometown, you have not been to Vienna,” says Julija Rigon. Made of thinly pounded veal, dipped in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown, Wiener schnitzel is said to have been introduced in Vienna in the 1850s. It’s not hard to find the dish here; a few restaurant options include Schnitzelwirt , Skopik & Lohn , and Salzamt .

Take a dip in the Krapfenwaldlbad swimming pool.

If you grow tired of walking around Vienna and find yourself in need of a refreshing swim, make your way out of the city center. “ Krapfenwaldlbad is an outdoor swimming area in the woods of Vienna, overlooking the entire city," says Haselbacher. "Head there in the summertime to cool off and mix with locals and families."

Attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera.

Ursula Schmitz/Travel + Leisure

“About 10,000 people enjoy a classical music performance somewhere in the city every day, so go grab a ticket to the opera or a concert performance,” says Gigl. The Vienna State Opera House features 350 performances each season — both operas and ballets — and tickets can be purchased online . To learn more about Vienna’s musical history and tradition, Gigl suggests visiting the Haus der Musik (House of Music) “for an engaging interactive experience.”

Get an insider’s view of the city via a walking tour.

kolderal/Getty Images

Unless someone in your party already has a solid understanding of the city — including its layout, history, and lesser-known facts — a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings. Good Vienna Tours offers tours in English every day at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.

Learn about Vienna’s past and present at the Jewish Museum.

Courtesy of the Jewish Museum Vienna

With an emphasis on the time period encompassing the two World Wars, this museum educates visitors on Jewish history, culture, and religion. Though it is split into two locations, a single ticket grants you access to both Museum Dorotheergasse and Museum Judenplatz . The latter is home to the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, a memorial designed by Rachel Whiteread that honors the Austrian victims of the Holocaust.

Indulge in a slice of Sachertorte.

tupungato/Getty Images

Sachertorte, which Gigl calls “the world’s most storied cake," should be on your must-try list while in Vienna. Invented in 1832 by pastry chef Franz Sacher, Sachertorte is a rich chocolate sponge cake made with layers of apricot jam and a chocolate ganache topping. Café Demel and Café Sacher have had a rivalry over the treat for centuries, so you may need to try both and see which one you prefer.

Relax in Vienna’s green spaces.

Creativemarc/Getty Images

“One of the reasons Vienna is consistently named as one, if not the, best place to live, is the city’s abundance of green spaces, parks, and recreational opportunities,” says Gigl. “Try the Prater for a leisurely stroll, or head to the ‘Alte Donau’ (Old Danube) for a swim or a paddleboard session,” says Gigl.

Explore the art collection at the Belvedere Museum.

Deanna Mazzola/Travel + Leisure

There’s a high chance art aficionados will already be familiar with the Belvedere Museum , which the Rigons describe as a “beautiful Baroque palace with an even more impressive garden.” Haselbacher adds, “They have the biggest collection of [Gustav] Klimt, and the architecture is really special." The Klimt collection includes his most famous piece, “The Kiss.”

Eat lunch at a würstelstand.

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

A würstelstand is a traditional Austrian street food outlet that serves sausage, hot dogs, and beer, among other delicacies. You’ll find them all over Vienna, but Würstelstand LEO is said to be the city’s oldest sausage stand. If you aren’t adverse to dairy, order the Käsekrainer, which is a sausage filled with small chunks of cheese.

Walk along the Ringstraße.

In 1857, Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the construction of a boulevard built around Vienna’s city center. Down came the historic city walls, and the Ringstraße (or Vienna Ring Road) took its place, although it took a few decades to complete. “The State Opera, the Hofburg, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Burgtheater, the City Hall, and the Parliament are just a few sights on Ringstraße,” says Wolfgang Rigon. He suggests walking the 5.2km (about 3.2 miles) route or taking a streetcar.

Shop in Vienna’s two remaining street markets.

Ursula Schmitz/Travel + Leisrue

Hasselbacher notes that if you make your way to Währing, the 18th district, you’ll find Kutschkermarkt, one of “the last remaining street markets in Vienna.” The other street market, Brunnenmarkt , is in Ottakring, the 16th district. Both offer a variety of produce, meats, breads, spices, flowers, and more. On Saturdays, Kutschkermarkt also has a farmer’s market, where regional fruits and vegetables join the lineup.

Spend a few hours in the MuseumsQuartier.

Self-described as “one of the largest cultural quarters in the world,” the MuseumsQuartier is a hub of Viennese creativity. Here you’ll find the Leopold Museum , the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna), and the contemporary exhibition space Kunsthalle Wien . If you’re interested in architecture, music, theater, dance, street art, literature, photography, or all of the above, you’ll find something interesting in the MuseumsQuartier.

Round out your meal with a Punschkrapfen.

A_Lein/Getty Images

“Punschkrapfen is a local delicacy made of nougat and jam-filled sponge cake soaked with rum,” says Haselbacher. Translated to punch cake, the dessert can be found in numerous places across the city, and you’ll notice it immediately thanks to its bright pink coloring.

Dive into Habsburg history at Hofburg Palace.

TomasSereda/Getty Images

Hofburg Palace once served as the Habsburgs’ winter residence, but today it’s the workplace and home of the president of Austria. Visitors are allowed to explore the palace, which houses three museums: the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection (although the latter is expected to be closed until 2026).

Make a reservation at Palmenhaus.

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

You’ll find Palmenhaus in Vienna’s 1st district, next to the Albertina Museum . “With over 400 butterflies flying in the palm house year-round, it is a lovely spot to be immersed in nature,” says Haselbacher, who adds that it’s also a “very nice spot to have a drink, overlooking the Park Burggarten.”

Visit the history-filled Kunsthistorisches Museum.

rusm/Getty Images

“If you are even a little interested in art, a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must,” says Julija Rigon. "It is one of the largest and most important museums in the world." Also referred to as the Museum of Fine Arts, the venue's collections span five millennia and include works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Rubens, Michelangelo, Vermeer, and more.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

12 Best Cities to Visit in Austria

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on March 22, 2024

This magnificent alpine country has some divine scenery on offer, and nestled away among its natural wonders you’ll find an astounding array of picturesque cities, dripping in baroque architecture, that allude to Austria’s imperious past.

With castles, churches, cathedrals and more, the best cities in Austria mix the old with the new, as lively bars and restaurants breathe life into their ancient cobbled streets.

12. Feldkirch

A picturesque place to visit, Feldkirch is in the Rhein Valley on the border with Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Peaceful, rolling hills surround the city, with woods and vineyards adding to the scenic feel.

With a delightful 13th Century castle sitting atop one of its hills, and a quaint medieval part of town full of twisting cobbled alleys, Feldkirch is a hidden gem that is often overlooked. Visitors tend to instead head to the neighboring Innsbruck and Liechtenstein. Well worth stopping by, it’ll only take you half a day to see all that is has to offer.

11. Bregenz

Lying on the shores of Lake Constance, Bregenz’s beautiful view over its shimmering waters is accentuated and complemented by the towering Mount Pfander that rises so dramatically behind the city. Its evening sunsets are particularly divine; to the right you can see Germany , with Switzerland just about visible on the horizon to the left. More than just a pretty spot, the city has a lovely promenade along the waterfront, as well as some fantastic art and architecture on offer.

The mountain has some great hiking trails and you can swim or take a boat cruise on the lake. The best time to visit is during the Bregenz Festival, when a stage is built out on the lake’s waters and you can listen to opera under the stars. Simply heavenly.

Located where the Enns and Steyr rivers join, Steyr’s historic city center is one of the most enticing and attractive in the whole of Upper Austria. The old town with its sumptuous baroque buildings and cobbled streets is lovely to wander around, and the main square has a mishmash of different architectural styles.

For instance, the city’s main attraction – the Bummerlhaus, is a delightful Gothic edifice which dates all the way back to the 13th Century. With two castles located in the city and the delightful Kalkalpen National Park lying nearby, Steyr is a pleasant and tranquil place to spend some time.

9. Krems an der Donau

‘Krems,’ as it is known to residents, is located at the point where the Danube and Krems River meet, at the beginning of the delightful Wachau Valley. A pretty city, it is surrounded by rolling vineyards and has some great local wines which are worth sampling. Its historic center is very picturesque, with old churches museums dotting its streets.

Apart from the busy summer months, Krems is a relatively quiet place to visit, with many great restaurants and bars. A lovely thing to do is take a stroll along the banks of the Danube.

Although it has a long and varied history that dates all the way back to Roman times, unfortunately, Villach does not have much in the way of beautiful architecture or historical sites, as it was bombed dreadfully during the Second World War.

While there are the ruins of a couple of castles to explore , Villach is probably better to live in than visit, and most people simply use it as a base from which they can explore the wealth of attractions in the surrounding area. From Villach, it is easy to reach most parts of Austria , and the Italian border is not too far away. The lovely Faaker See lake is just outside the city, and the mountain and ski resort at Gerlitzen offers up some incredible panoramas.

Lying along the banks of the Danube, Linz’s picturesque old town full of baroque architecture hides the fact that this is a city planning for the future. It has a flourishing cultural and artistic scene, due to its edgy modern art installations and interesting, unique museums.

Coupled with its recent move into the fields of technology and innovation, Linz is a vibrant and dynamic place to be, which perfectly mixes old churches and a lovely castle with a lively bar scene and youthful feel.

6. Klagenfurt

An intriguing place to visit, Klagenfurt has a sizeable university population that helps give a festive and vibrant feel to the city. It has a nice old town, with the city’s main landmark being the distinctive Lindwurm monument depicting a villager killing a dragon.

On the edge of the city lies Europapark, which has a huge verdant area for visitors to enjoy; during summer, the lido is particularly lovely to bathe in. From Klagenfurt, there are easy transport links for visiting the Worthersee and its surrounding towns.

5. Eisenstadt

Mainly known as the home of 18th Century composer and musician Joseph Haydn, Eisenstadt has a number of monuments and museums dedicated to its former resident – but there is much more than just these to see.

Despite being a small city, it is the capital of the Burgenland region in eastern Austria. It is an elegant and lavish place to explore due to its museums, baroque castle and pretty Jewish district.

The main street has many different cafes, restaurants and boutiques for visitors to peruse. Not far from Vienna, its location makes it easy to visit, and from here you can tour the nearby vineyards.

The second largest city in the country, Graz’s roots date back to Roman times. It owes its current stature to the fact that it used to play an important role in the defense of Europe from the Ottomans.

A picturesque place, Graz is now a laidback and fun city to visit, thanks in large part to its sizeable student body that has stimulated a dynamic arts scene and pounding nightlife. Centered around the castle, the old town is beautiful to stroll around, with the main square being particularly delightful.

Daring modern buildings are sprinkled around Graz’s streets, and along with the atmospheric cafes and lively bars on offer, it makes for a vibrant and contemporary city to visit.

3. Innsbruck

Set amidst the towering Alps, ski resorts and alpine valleys surround this beautiful city. Consequently, many people head straight for the slopes rather than reveling in all that Innsbruck has to offer. Formerly the seat of Maximilian I’s imperial court, Innsbruck’s picturesque old town is appropriately grand and lavish, with its domineering Hapsburg palace and impressive cathedral highlighting its former glory.

With stunning views of the surrounding mountains, there are a number of great trails and paths for hikers to enjoy, while skiers will delight in the range of slopes on offer. In addition to all this, the city’s large student body makes it a fun place to go out in.

2. Salzburg

This absolutely gorgeous city appears as if from a fairytale, such is its beauty and elegance. With the imperious Hohensalzburg fortress towering over the ornate old town, the glittering Salzach River flowing by, and the beautiful mountains surrounding the area, Salzburg is simply breathtaking to behold.

Famed as Mozart’s former home, it is a magical place to wander around, with fine baroque architecture springing up from every surface. The fourth largest city in Austria, Salzburg has a host of great restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy.

As the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire, Vienna is awash with impressive imperial buildings and palaces, which so comprehensively convey the wealth and power of its former monarchs. Now the capital of the country, the city is a delight to get lost in.

Its eclectic mix of architectural styles are beautifully displayed on the facades of its lavish opera houses, museums, churches, and more. The center is very easy to walk around, with the main sights massed along the opulent Ringstrasse. Renowned for its opera halls and nicknamed ‘the City of Music’, the names of its famous residents roll off the tongue, with Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert among those who once graced its streets.

See also: Where to Stay in Vienna

Indeed, there are a plethora of cultural and artistic sights for visitors to check out, and a number of fantastic museums and beautifully ornamented palaces worth visiting. Moreover, there are some great markets, fantastic restaurants and coffee-houses, as well as atmospheric Viennese bars.

Map of cities in Austria

Share this post:

12 Best Places to Visit in Austria

26 Mind-Blowing Castles in Austria

12 Most Scenic Lakes in Austria

9 Most Beautiful Regions in Austria

20 Top Tourist Attractions in Austria

14 Most Charming Small Towns in Austria

11 Most Amazing Places to Stay in Austria

Discover the Beauty of Salzkammergut Lake District

9 Best Day Trips from Salzburg

12 Amazing Things to Do in Innsbruck, Austria

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Salzburg   Travel Guide

17 Best Things To Do in Salzburg

Updated May 16, 2022

Would you rather live like a king or a world-renowned classical composer? If you choose the former, you'll find yourself at home in the Schloss Hellbrunn  admiring its furniture and the grounds, or in the Mirabellgarten  while perusing the flowers.

• All Things To Do

Altstadt (Old Town) Altstadt (Old Town) free

Since this central district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – contains some of the city's most popular attractions, such as  Mozarts Geburtshaus  and the  Salzburg Museum , you will undoubtedly spend hours exploring here. Fellow travelers recommend not rushing through it, however, since there are tons of architectural marvels, markets and shops to see.

Wander around Altstadt's Judengasse (the Jewish District) and examine the St. Florian Fountain in the Alter Markt, a marketplace that dates back to the 13th century. And for architecture buffs, spend plenty of time gazing at the neighborhood's array of buildings. Some structures were originally constructed during the Middle Ages, while others are more contemporary and show Alstadt's progression over time.

Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) free

A giant monument to this city's religion, power and wealth, Dom zu Salzburg awes visitors with its turquoise domes and towering facade. Built, burned and rebuilt multiple times in the past millennia, the current structure – which was renovated in the 1940s and 50s after the roof suffered damage from World War II – demonstrates the pinnacle of early Baroque ecclesiastical architecture.

During your visit to this 17th-century monument, pay particular attention to the structure's smaller details – such as the statues of apostles Peter and Paul at the front, or the individual murals on the copulas – to appreciate its supreme craftsmanship and ornamentation. And music lovers will appreciate the cathedral's prominence in Mozart's life: The building served as the location of the musical prodigy's baptism, as well as where some of his pieces were composed during his time as an organist.

Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) free

This 17th-century paradise on the east side of the Salzach River shelters notable sites like the Pegasus Fountain, the Dwarf Garden and the set of stairs where Julie Andrews and company practiced "Do-Re-Mi" in "The Sound of Music." Visitors like to explore the beautiful winding paths, snap photos of the unique sculptures or simply drink in the sights. Angel Staircase, a supreme example of the Baroque style, impresses visitors daily.

If you can, visit in summer. That's when Mirabellgarten's flowers are in bloom. In the backdrop, you'll see Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace), which hosts Salzburg's municipal government.

Popular Tours

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

(4260 reviews)

from $ 70.84

Skip-the-Line: Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg

(863 reviews)

from $ 103.54

Hallstatt and Salt Mines Small-Group Tour from Salzburg

(76 reviews)

from $ 147.14

Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress) Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress)

Never conquered by enemy troops, Festung Hohensalzburg opened to the public in the late 19th century. It was originally built in 1077 in preparation for a conflict between Pope Gregor VII and Emperor Henry IV. Over the centuries, the complex has grown, serving as a prison, an army camp and, of course, a military stronghold. Today, a torture chamber, several courtyards and three small museums – the Fortress, the Rainer Regiments and the Marionette – reside within its walls.

When you visit, you'll notice this fortress' rugged purposes did not dissuade rulers from adorning the interior lavishly. Some of the oldest Gothic-style rooms have intricate wood paneling, elaborate door frames and vaulted ceilings, all of which have been beautifully maintained, according to past travelers. And despite the eclectic decor, most people appreciate the imposing exterior. For stunning views of Salzburg and the surrounding area, make your way to the top of the compound – a highlight for many recent visitors.

Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace) Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace)

Although "The Sound of Music" was shot at a handful of locations throughout Salzburg, the movie's gazebo scene, where Liesl and Rolf sang "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," was filmed at Schloss Hellbrunn. But even without the cult movie's following, travelers say this 17th-century palace would still be enormously popular. The simple exterior hides exquisitely decorated rooms, ballrooms and halls (check out the octagonal music room). Here, you'll preview the lives of Salzburg's archbishops, the former religious and political rulers of the region who built its pleasure palaces, which were primarily used for enjoyment and recreation.

Immaculately maintained, the gardens have stolen much of the thunder from the actual residence. This 17th-century palace is the only royal estate in the world that will squirt you with water if you aren't looking. The Wasserspiele, or trick fountains, send streams of cool water at visitors from humorously placed jets – an archbishop's idea of a joke. So, if you're not looking to get wet, make sure to wear a poncho while wandering the gardens.

Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn) Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn)

Winter sports enthusiasts, hikers and those in search of a panoramic view will all appreciate the Untersbergbahn, a cable car that takes travelers up the Untersberg mountain range in just 8.5 minutes. At the top of the mountain, which sits more than 6,000 feet above sea level, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of Salzburg, the Berchtesgaden region and the Rositten valley.

Originally opened in 1961 and renovated in 2018, the funicular features two cable cars that can each accommodate up to 50 passengers. When visitors disembark at the top, they'll find themselves in alpine terrain with a variety of hiking trails at their fingertips. Closed-toe footwear that provides traction is necessary, as is appropriately warm clothing – even summer may be chilly. To get back down, visitors can hop back on the Untersbergbahn.

Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace) Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace)

If you're looking to tour a quintessential Salzburg attraction, then a stop at Mozarts Geburtshaus is a must. Born on Jan. 27, 1756 on the third floor of this property, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart resided with his family here until 1773. Now the building houses a museum that chronicles the musical prodigy's early years. Artifacts from his life are spread out between this site and  Mozarts Wohnhaus , where the famous composer also lived.  

If you're short on time and can only visit one of these melodious houses, however, spring for Mozarts Geburtshaus. On display there are exhibits like Wolfgang's childhood violin, portraits and family letters. Exhibits are stretched among three levels: Visitors learn about Mozart's family and birth on the third floor, progress to his opera-composing period on the second, and get an insight into his everyday family life on the final ground floor. Travelers claim all of the exhibits are extremely informative and interesting, even if you aren't big on classical music.

DomQuartier Salzburg DomQuartier Salzburg

In the 1500s, Salzburg's prince-archbishops planned an Italian Baroque-style city center that today is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elaborate buildings they commissioned reflected the prince-archbishops' power over both religious and more earthly matters. The resulting DomQuartier is a series of harmoniously conceived buildings: a cathedral, Residenz precinct and St. Peter's Abbey.

Visitors to the Residenz can tour the prince-archbishops' elaborate state rooms, which feature Italianate frescoes, soaring arched ceilings and elaborate flooring. The Residenzgalerie boasts a collection of European paintings spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. Meanwhile, the Cathedral Museum permanently exhibits artwork from the Salzburg Archdiocese that date back as far as the eighth century, as well as temporary art exhibits. St. Peter's Abbey is also easily accessed in the DomQuartier.

Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg

(305 reviews)

from $ 82.83

Hallstatt Half-Day Tour from Salzburg

(640 reviews)

from $ 81.74

Salzburg Super Saver: Hallstatt & Original Sound of Music Tour

(6 reviews)

from $ 136.24

Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn

For nature lovers, there is an animal for everyone at Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn. Home to 150 species and more than 1,500 animals, the zoo groups animals by continent of origin and provides spacious, naturalistic enclosures. Among the animals you'll spot here are African penguins, cheetahs, lemurs, kangaroos and a variety of reptiles.

For those visiting Salzburg for its history, there is plenty of that at the zoo, too. In the 15th century, the area was part of a wildlife park at Hellbrunn Estate. The palace and fountains remain popular attractions in their own right.

Haus der Natur Haus der Natur

Conceived as the "new natural history museum," Haus der Natur was founded in 1924. Today, it offers family-friendly nature presentations spread out across more than 75,000 square feet. There is an aquarium, an outer space hall, and exhibits on dinosaurs and the human body.

Haus der Natur brings visitors face to face with fish and reptiles at its Aquarium & Reptile Zoo. Meanwhile, the Science Center offers hands-on experiments – a reprieve from the no-touch rules at Salzburg's historic sites – that explore everything from physics and music to electricity and water. What's more, there are a dozen permanent exhibits and a rotating cast of temporary exhibits. An observatory, a cafe and a gift shop round out the offerings.

St. Peter's Abbey St. Peter's Abbey free

St. Peter's Abbey was founded in 696, making it one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking region. It includes St. Peter's Church, Friedhof St. Peter (a cemetery), the oldest library in Austria and the oldest restaurant in central Europe. The cemetery's catacombs date to antiquity, and are considered a must-see for "The Sound of Music" fans (the von Trapp family hid here before escaping the Nazis).

Against the backdrop of beautiful 17th-century abbey architecture (much of it restored and updated in varying styles), Mozart composed "Dominicus Mass," which the abbot commissioned in 1769. Not long after, Haydn was similarly commissioned to write "Rupert Mass." The strong musical tradition continues today, with concert events and dinner concerts in various parts of the abbey complex.

Petersfriedhof (St. Peter's Cemetery) Petersfriedhof (St. Peter's Cemetery) free

Friedhof St. Peter is one of the world's oldest cemeteries, believed to date back to late antiquity. Nestled in the St. Peter's Abbey complex, it is the final resting place of many of Salzburg's aristocratic families, as well as Maria Anna Mozart – Wolfgang Amadeus' older sister, and a musician in her own right. Its catacombs are another highlight here. They were carved into the Mönchsberg mountain and are believed to date back to the 1100s.

Along with its notable inhabitants, the cemetery is famous for its beautiful architecture. This includes the Romanesque Chapel of the Holy Cross and St. Margaret's Chapel. The cemetery's beautiful setting and haunting catacombs made it an ideal filming location for a dramatic scene in "The Sound of Music."

Salzburg Museum Salzburg Museum

The Salzburg Museum has a wide range of archaeological and artistic treasures: from a 17th-century carillon (a set of mechanized bells) that plays Mozart compositions to religious Renaissance paintings and artifacts from Salzburg's early Roman origins. The most remarkable exhibit (listed as a separate museum for admission) contains several 360-degree panorama paintings. Still, recent visitors profess the true marvel of the museum is the facility itself.

In 2007, the Salzburg Museum reopened at a new location in Altstadt . The museum is located inside the Neue Residenz, an "overflow" palace for royal guests, diplomats and advisors. While most recent visitors were impressed with the building, they offered less praise for the displays, which some described as boring. However, if you're hoping to gain a better understanding of Salzburg history, in addition to the impact of current events, this could be a worthy stop.

Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise

(194 reviews)

from $ 111.17

Salzburg Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour

(39 reviews)

from $ 179.07

Skip-The-Line Salt-Mines and Bavarian Mountains Tour from Salzburg

(393 reviews)

Stiegl Brauwelt Stiegl Brauwelt

After drinking in Salzburg's history, help yourself to a taste of its beer. Stiegl Brauwelt is the city's largest private brewery. Boasting a brewpub, a beer garden, a beer bar and a gourmet restaurant, as well as a museum, Stiegl-Brauwelt takes its craft seriously. They have to – 90,000 bottles of Stiegl beer are filled each hour!

Once you enjoy a drink or a meal, tour the museum to learn about the history of brewing at Stiegl. Many different interactive tours are offered. The general guided tour includes three beer tastings. There are also family friendly options, including a student program and treasure hunt. Self-guided visits are also available.

Mozarts Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence) Mozarts Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence)

Before Mozart relocated to Vienna , he wrote many cherished symphonies, concertos and operas at Mozarts Wohnhaus, the composer's former home, which sits across the Salzach River from  Mozarts Gerburtshaus  and Festung Hohensalzburg . Unfortunately, only a third of the original house remains intact due to a World War II bomb blast. An office building was initially constructed in the devastated section, but was torn down in 1994. The property has since been restored to its original state.

Exhibitions at Mozarts Wohnhaus display the composer's original drafts and sheet music written in Salzburg. Most notably, Mozart's original pianoforte resides here, as well as a famous portrait of the Mozart family. And although some recent visitors wished more information was provided about Mozart's life, many appreciated the artifacts on display. However, if you only have time to visit one Mozart site, visitors suggest his birthplace rather than this museum.

Red Bull Hangar-7 Red Bull Hangar-7

Read More »

Kapuzinerberg Kapuzinerberg free

Explore More of Salzburg

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023