Best in May
Austria
Salzburg
Moderate
From $106 /day
Austria
Austria is a land of imperial grandeur and alpine majesty, where history feels alive in every cobblestone street and mountain pass. You can spend your days wandering through the opulent palaces of Vienna or breathing in the crisp air of the Tyrolean Alps. It is a country that seamlessly blends high-culture sophistication with rugged natural beauty, offering world-class museums alongside pristine glacial lakes. From the melodic legacy of Mozart in Salzburg to the legendary coffee house culture, Austria invites you into a world of refined elegance and outdoor adventure.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$106 – $124 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Vienna
Languages
German
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Plug Type
Type F (Schuko; compatible with Type C) — 230V/50Hz
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+43
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) — DST observed
Emergency
112 (EU-wide). Also: 122 fire, 133 police, 144 ambulance.
Why Visit Austria
Imperial Grandeur
The legacy of the Habsburg Empire is visible everywhere, from the vast Schönbrunn Palace to the Hofburg in Vienna. You can explore grand ballrooms, royal treasuries, and meticulously manicured gardens that showcase centuries of European history.
Alpine Landscapes
Two-thirds of the country is covered by the Alps, providing a playground for hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter. Dramatic peaks like the Grossglockner and emerald valleys offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
Classical Music Heritage
As the birthplace of Mozart and the adopted home of Beethoven and Strauss, Austria is the global epicenter for classical music. Attending a concert at the Wiener Staatsoper or the Salzburg Festival is a bucket-list experience for any music lover.
Coffee House Culture
The Austrian coffee house is more than a café; it is a social institution where you can linger for hours over a single cup. It is the perfect place to experience the local concept of 'Gemütlichkeit,' a feeling of warmth, comfort, and hospitality.
World-Class Infrastructure
With a highly efficient and punctual rail network operated by ÖBB, traveling between cities and mountain villages is effortless. You can enjoy a stress-free journey through the countryside without the need for a rental car.
Fairy Tale Villages
Beyond the big cities lie charming lakeside towns like Hallstatt and medieval mountain villages that look like they belong in a storybook. These locations offer peaceful retreats and stunning photography opportunities year-round.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Austria
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Vienna (Wien)
The capital city serves as the country's cultural heart, famous for its imperial history, baroque architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Visitors flock here for the world-class museums, traditional wine taverns known as Heurige, and the legendary Ferris wheel at Prater park.
Salzburg and the Lake District
Dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg is the gateway to the stunning Salzkammergut region. This area is characterized by crystal-clear lakes like Wolfgangsee and the UNESCO-listed village of Hallstatt, set against dramatic mountain backdrops.
Tyrol (Tirol)
Known as the heart of the Alps, Tyrol is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking high-altitude adventure. The regional capital, Innsbruck, combines urban sophistication with immediate access to world-class skiing and hiking trails.
Styria (Steiermark)
Often called the 'Green Heart of Austria,' this region is famous for its rolling vineyards, pumpkin seed oil, and the city of Graz. It offers a more relaxed pace of life with medieval castles and thermal spa towns scattered throughout the countryside.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
Austria is a dual-season destination, offering pristine alpine skiing in winter and lush mountain hiking or city sightseeing in summer. The transitional months provide the best balance of manageable crowds and pleasant temperatures for exploring the imperial architecture of Vienna and Salzburg.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan, Feb
Summer (June–August) is ideal for Alpine hiking and swimming in lakes like Wolfgangsee, with temperatures averaging 20–27°C (68–81°F). Winter (December–February) is the high season for world-class skiing and the iconic Christmas markets that decorate major city centers.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Late spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for cultural festivals and vineyard tours. September and October are particularly renowned for stable hiking conditions and spectacular autumn foliage across the Tyrolean Alps.
Off-Peak
Nov, Mar
November and March are the quietest months for cities, often featuring lower hotel rates and fewer tourists, though Alpine resorts remain busy in March for late-season skiing. November is typically damp and chilly before the festive markets open.
Getting Around
Austria features one of Europe's most efficient and punctual transport networks, primarily operated by the national rail company ÖBB. Extensive train, bus, and tram systems make car ownership unnecessary for most tourist itineraries.
Train
The ÖBB Railjet connects major cities like Vienna and Salzburg. ÖBB states the electricity used on its railway lines is produced from renewable sources. Use ÖBB SCOTTY for timetable + real-time running info; buy tickets via the ÖBB App or ÖBB website.
Metro
Vienna's U-Bahn generally runs ~5:00–~00:00 daily, with all-night service on Friday nights, Saturday nights, and nights before public holidays (typically every ~15 minutes). Vienna uses proof-of-payment: paper tickets must be validated (stamped) at the blue machines before first use.
Bus
The Postbus network reaches remote Alpine valleys and villages not served by rail. In Salzburg, a network of eco-friendly trolleybuses provides frequent intervals throughout the historic city center and suburbs.
Car
Motorways/expressways require a vignette (digital or toll sticker; 2026 is the last year for stickers—digital-only from vignette year 2027). A U.S. driver's licence must be accompanied by an IDP or official translation; EU/EEA licences are recognized, and non-German licences should be carried with an IDP/translation. Winter equipment rules are situational: from 1 Nov–15 Apr you must use winter tyres (or chains) when roads are snowy/icy.
Food & Drink
Austrian cuisine is a hearty and sophisticated blend of Central European influences, emphasizing meat, seasonal vegetables, and exquisite pastries. Dining is a social event, whether you are in a rustic mountain hut or a white-tablecloth restaurant in the city.
Must Try
Wiener Schnitzel
A thin, breaded, and deep-fried veal cutlet that is considered a national dish, usually served with a side of potato salad or parsley potatoes.
Sachertorte
A dense, legendary chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam and a smooth chocolate glaze, best enjoyed with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.
Tafelspitz
A refined dish of boiled beef or veal in a flavorful broth, traditionally served with apple-horseradish sauce, chive sauce, and crispy roasted potatoes.
Kaiserschmarrn
A fluffy, shredded pancake that is lightly caramelized and served with a fruit compote, typically plum or apple, for a sweet lunch or dessert.
Apfelstrudel
A delicate pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and roasted breadcrumbs, served warm as a staple of the Austrian coffee house experience.
Almdudler
The most popular herbal soda in Austria, made with natural Alpine herbs and often mixed with sparkling water or wine for a refreshing drink.
Grüner Veltliner
The signature dry white wine of Austria, known for its peppery and citrusy notes, perfect for pairing with traditional Austrian dishes.
Money & Costs
Costs vary widely by season and travel style. Recent traveler-spend aggregations suggest roughly ~$81 / €69/day (budget) and ~$206 / €175/day (mid-range) per person on average, excluding flights.
Tipping
It is standard to tip 5–10% by rounding up the bill and stating the total to the server (e.g., if a bill is $22 / €19, say 'twenty' while handing over the money). Cash tips are preferred even when paying the base bill by credit card.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, major shops, and restaurants, but cash is essential for traditional markets, mountain huts, and small cafes.
ATMs
ATMs are common. Fees vary by operator and your bank; watch the on-screen fee before confirming. If offered dynamic currency conversion, choose to be charged in EUR (decline conversion) to avoid poor exchange rates.
Culture & Etiquette
Austrians value punctuality, politeness, and a degree of formality in social interactions. Understanding local customs, especially regarding dining and public behavior, will ensure a much smoother and more respectful travel experience.
✓
Greet shopkeepers and servers with a polite 'Grüß Gott' (formal) or 'Servus' (informal) to acknowledge them when entering.
✓
Round up your bill by 5–10% and state the total amount to the server when paying; for instance, if the bill is $21 / €18, say 'twenty' as you pay.
✓
Maintain direct eye contact when clinking glasses and saying 'Prost' to avoid being considered impolite.
✕
Don't cross the street when the pedestrian light is red, even if no cars are coming, as this is frowned upon and can result in a fine.
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Don't be loud or boisterous in public transport 'Quiet Zones' (Ruhezone) on trains, where passengers expect a peaceful environment.
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Don't assume you can pay for everything with a credit card; many smaller cafés and mountain huts remain cash-only.
✓
Dress up appropriately when attending the opera or high-end theaters, as many locals still view these as formal occasions.
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Don't confuse Austrian culture with German culture; while they share a language, Austrians have a distinct national identity and traditions.
Safety & Health
Austria is generally very safe. The U.S. State Department lists Austria at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). Opportunistic theft/pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and on busy transport routes.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are required for entry. CDC notes the Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is recommended for travelers who will have extensive tick exposure, and may be considered for others planning outdoor activities where ticks are likely.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Fake police or ticket inspectors asking to see identification or wallets to 'check for counterfeit currency.'
- ⚠ Street solicitors offering 'free' friendship bracelets or flowers, then aggressively demanding payment once the item is attached.
- ⚠ Unlicensed 'Mozart' ticket hawkers in Salzburg selling overpriced or invalid concert entries near the Getreidegasse.
- ⚠ Three-card monte or shell games in busy areas like the Naschmarkt, which are rigged to ensure the player always loses.
- ⚠ ATM skimming devices installed on machines in high-traffic areas like Vienna's Westbahnhof.
Healthcare is excellent but often requires upfront payment for non-EU residents; ensure you carry comprehensive travel insurance and any necessary prescription medications in their original packaging.
Language
German is the primary language, though most Austrians speak a regional Bavarian or Alemannic dialect. English is spoken fluently by almost everyone in the tourism industry, making communication effortless in Vienna and Salzburg.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (formal) | Grüß Gott | Gruess Got |
| Hello/Goodbye (informal) | Servus | SER-voos |
| Thank you | Danke | DAHN-keh |
| Please / You're welcome | Bitte | BIT-teh |
| Goodbye | Auf Wiedersehen | owf VEE-der-zayn |
| Goodbye (informal) | Baba | BAH-bah |
| The bill, please | Die Rechnung, bitte | dee REKH-noong BIT-teh |
| Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch? | SHPREKH-en zee EHNG-lish |
Visa & Entry
Austria is a Schengen country: short stays are up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS is not yet operational; the European Commission says it is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026 (exact date to be confirmed). The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began operations on 12 Oct 2025.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
Issued within last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Brazil
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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