Overview
Austria is a landlocked European country best known for its imperial cities, dramatic alpine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring grand palaces in Vienna, hiking in the Tyrolean mountains, or enjoying world-class music and coffee culture, Austria offers a unique mix of elegance, history, and outdoor adventure.
Flights from the UK to Vienna take just over 2 hours, making it an easy European escape. While Austria isn’t the cheapest destination, it’s certainly manageable with thoughtful planning. Using public transport, booking tickets in advance, and mixing high-end experiences with free or low-cost attractions helps stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.
Austria is ideal for city breakers, culture seekers, food lovers, and music enthusiasts. With charming architecture, classical concerts, and cozy cafes on every corner, it’s a destination that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
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📍 Top Places to Visit:
Vienna – Austria’s elegant capital, filled with imperial palaces, world-class museums, and a rich musical heritage. Ideal for culture, history, and coffee lovers.
Salzburg – The birthplace of Mozart and backdrop for The Sound of Music, with baroque architecture and Alpine views.
Innsbruck – A scenic city nestled in the Alps, perfect for combining city life with mountain adventures.
Hallstatt – A fairytale lakeside village known for its pastel houses, salt mine, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Graz – Austria’s second-largest city, known for its creative energy, Renaissance courtyards, and culinary scene.
Wachau Valley – A UNESCO-listed wine region along the Danube River, perfect for vineyard hopping and cycling.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–August): Warm weather, perfect for sightseeing in Vienna, hiking in the Alps, and enjoying outdoor cafes and festivals.
Autumn (September–October): Fewer tourists, mild temperatures, and beautiful fall foliage – ideal for wine tours and scenic train rides.
Winter (December–March): Magical Christmas markets, world-renowned skiing in the Alps, and classical concerts in Vienna and Salzburg.
Spring (April–May): Blooming gardens, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather for urban exploration and day trips.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, though carry some cash for smaller towns or local cafés.
Austria offers good value, especially compared to neighbouring Switzerland or Scandinavia.
Save by using public transport, buying Vienna/Salzburg city cards, and dining at traditional Beisln (local pubs).
🧳 Good For:
Culture & history enthusiasts
Classical music and architecture lovers
Couples and city-break travellers
Foodies and wine lovers
Outdoor adventurers (especially in the Alps)
Christmas market seekers in winter
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
- Wiener Schnitzel – Crispy breaded veal or pork cutlet, a national classic
- Kaiserschmarrn – Fluffy shredded pancakes with powdered sugar and plum sauce
- Tafelspitz – Boiled beef served with apple-horseradish and potatoes
- Apfelstrudel – Warm apple pastry with raisins and cinnamon
- Sachertorte – Dense chocolate cake with apricot jam, famously served at Hotel Sacher
- Goulash – A hearty meat stew, also popular in Vienna’s traditional cafés
✈️ How to Get There:
Main Airports: Vienna (VIE), Salzburg (SZG), Innsbruck (INN), Graz (GRZ)
Direct Flights: From major UK cities including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh to Vienna (approx. 2–2.5 hours)
Austria is well connected by train and coach to other European cities (e.g., Prague, Munich, Budapest)
🚍 Getting Around:
Trains: Fast and comfortable ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) network connects major cities
Local transport: Vienna and Salzburg have excellent metro, tram, and bus systems
Car rental: Useful for exploring rural areas like the Wachau Valley or alpine villages
City cards: Vienna City Card and Salzburg Card offer unlimited travel and free/discounted entry to many attractions
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette:
Language: German (Austrian dialect), but English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas
Tipping: Round up the bill or leave 5–10% in restaurants
Etiquette: Punctuality is expected, and a polite greeting (e.g., Grüß Gott) is appreciated in smaller towns
Cultural note: Austrians value calm, clean surroundings and often dress smartly, especially in the evening
My Austria Highlights
I spent 24 hours in Vienna – not nearly enough to see everything, but plenty of time to fall in love with the city’s charm, culture, and atmosphere. I visited in June, when the weather was warm and the city was buzzing with outdoor events, long daylight hours, and a laid-back summer vibe.
After landing at Vienna International Airport, I took the City Airport Train (CAT) straight to Wien Mitte – a fast, smooth journey that took just 16 minutes and cost around €14.90 / ~£12.75. For travellers on a tighter budget, the S-Bahn (S7) is a great alternative, reaching the city in about 25 minutes for just €4.30 / ~£3.70.
My first stop was the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, where I strolled through the beautifully manicured gardens and admired the grand baroque architecture. After soaking up some royal history, I made my way to the city centre to visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks.
I took a guided tour of the catacombs beneath the cathedral, which was one of the most fascinating and haunting parts of my visit. The tour led us through dark, winding passageways filled with skeletal remains, dating back to the time of the Black Plague. It was a powerful reminder of Vienna’s complex and often sombre history, offering a glimpse into the city’s past beyond its imperial façade.
For lunch, I went to Zum Figlmüller, home of the legendary schnitzel – golden, crispy, and absolutely delicious. (Pro tip: it’s popular, so booking ahead is essential!) Later, I stopped at Café Demel, one of Vienna’s oldest patisseries, to enjoy mini pancakes with plum sauce – 10/10 from me!
In the afternoon, I explored the city’s elegant, visiting Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, Volksgarten, and the colourful, artistic Hundertwasser House. I also stepped into the Mozart House, where the famous composer once lived and worked – a must-visit for classical music fans.
Although my time was short, Vienna left a lasting impression with its mix of imperial grandeur, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. It’s a city I’d return to in a heartbeat and next time, I’ll stay longer to dive deeper into the museums and hidden gems I missed.
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