Why Austria, Why Now
Austria is one of those countries that punches way above its size. It's smaller than Scotland but somehow fits in the Alps, the Danube, a handful of world-class cities, and more coffee culture than you'd think physically possible. Vienna alone could keep you busy for a week between the palaces, the museums, and the truly absurd number of cafes.
Then there's Salzburg with its baroque old town, Hallstatt looking like someone Photoshopped a village into existence, and Innsbruck sitting right at the foot of proper mountains. The skiing is excellent, the road trips are even better (the Grossglockner pass is genuinely one of Europe's great drives), and the food goes well beyond schnitzel. Though the schnitzel is also excellent. This guide covers all of it.
Best Time To Visit
Short version: shoulder season (April to May, September to October) is the sweet spot. Long version below.
Spring (Apr to May)
Shoulder seasonYou might catch a rain shower, but it's a great time to explore Vienna or Salzburg as the tourist season is only just beginning. Fewer crowds, lower prices.
Summer (Jun to Aug)
High seasonCrowds and prices roughly double. It gets hot near the lakes, so bring your swimmers. This is also the season of the Salzburg and Vienna festivals.
Autumn (Sep to Oct)
Best for hikingThe mountains turn red and orange as the leaves change, making it one of the best times to hike and take great photos. Golden scenery, thinner crowds.
Winter (Dec to Feb)
Ski and marketsCold, but you won't mind when you're wrapped up at the Vienna Christmas market. And if you ski, this is your time in the Austrian Alps.
See Austria in 30 Seconds
Thirty seconds. That's all it takes to see why Austria keeps pulling us back.
Some places have an atmosphere you can’t quite explain, you just feel it the moment you arrive. In just 30 seconds, here’s a glimpse of the destination’s aura, the streets, the views, the little details, and the moments that make it unforgettable. It’s not a full guide, just a quick taste of what makes this place so special. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to add somewhere new to your travel bucket list.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
Vienna. Imperial, elegant, and home to more coffeehouses than seems reasonable. Population of Austria: around 9 million.
Language
The official language is Austrian German. "Hallo" for hello, "Danke" for thank you. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, so you'll get by easily.
Currency
The Euro (EUR). Roughly £1 GBP to €1.18, and about $1 USD to €0.92. Check the latest rates on XE before you go.
Cards & ATMs
Cards are widely accepted with no service charge, so use them where you can. ATMs are everywhere. One rule: never use Euronet ATMs, the fees and exchange rates are poor.
Plugs
Type F, 230 V, same as most of mainland Europe. Coming from the UK or US? Grab a universal adapter and stop thinking about it.
Safety
One of the safest countries in the world (ranked 4th on the Global Peace Index, score 1.29). The main risks are pickpocketing and petty theft in busy spots. Emergency number is 112.
A Word To Impress Locals
Try saying "Oachkatzlschwoaf" (the squirrel's tail). It has no deeper meaning, it's just uniquely Austrian and fiendishly hard to pronounce. Nail it and you'll get a grin.
Never Ever
Don't mention The Sound of Music. You'd expect proud Austrians to light up, but plot twist: almost none of them have actually seen it.
Live Weather in Vienna
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
29°C
- Temperature
Austria Travel Guides
From Vienna's coffeehouses to the alpine passes. Everything you need to plan your Austria trip.
The Ultimate Vienna Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Palaces, coffeehouses, and Klimt. Vienna balances imperial grandeur with a genuinely modern creative streak. Here's how to see the best of it.
Read the guideEpic Austria Road Trip + Map: Conquering the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
A loop from Salzburg over one of Europe's great alpine drives. Must-stop viewpoints, an easy route map, local eats, and driving tips.
Follow the routeTop 10 Places to Visit in Austria: Your Ultimate Guide
Hallstatt, Salzburg, Graz, the Tyrol and more. The ten spots we'd send any first-timer to, from imperial cities to alpine villages.
See the listSound of Music or Silent Night? Nailing the Best Time to Visit Austria
Ski season, festival season, or golden hiking weather? A month-by-month look at when to go for the trip you actually want.
Pick your monthIs Austria Safe? What Travellers Need to Know
The honest rundown on safety, from pickpockets in Vienna's U-Bahn to staying sensible in the Alps. Short answer: it's one of the safest places going.
Get the tipsVienna vs Salzburg: Which Should You Visit?
Torn between the imperial capital and Mozart's baroque hometown? We break down the differences so you can pick the right base.
Settle the debateLatest Austria Articles
Every Austria guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Austria Cost?
Austria isn't Europe's cheapest destination, but it's not the budget-breaker people expect. Here's a realistic breakdown.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from €20 / £17 / $22 a night
- Supermarket meals and street food
- Buses, trams, and walking
- Free parks, churches, and hiking
Mid-Range
- Private rooms or budget hotels
- Cafes, restaurants, and local wine
- Mix of trains and car rental
- Museums, concerts, and day trips
Upscale
- Boutique hotels and luxury stays
- Fine dining and cocktail bars
- Vienna State Opera, private tours
- First-class rail, ski resorts, spas
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in euros, pounds, and dollars. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
Tips for Saving Money in Austria
Ten ways to keep an alpine trip affordable.
Austria's tap water is some of the purest in the world (Vienna's comes straight from the mountains). Bring a reusable bottle and skip buying it.
Hostels and Airbnbs with kitchens save a fortune. Billa and Spar supermarkets have great fresh produce for a fraction of restaurant prices.
Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are all very walkable. You can cover most of the main sights on foot and save on transport entirely.
The Vienna City Card and Salzburg Card bundle unlimited transport with discounted attractions. They pay for themselves in about two visits.
These discounted advance train tickets can cut intercity travel by half compared to buying on the day. Book early.
April to May or September to October means lower prices, fewer crowds, and weather that's still solid.
The Vienna State Opera sells standing tickets for as little as €4 / £3.50 / $4.40. Same performance, tiny fraction of the price.
Smaller areas like Bad Gastein, Zell am See, or the Stubaital offer great skiing without the premium price tag.
Vienna to Salzburg is about €15 / £13 / $16.50 by bus, versus €30+ by train. Slower, but the saving is real.
Churches, parks, and hiking trails cost nothing. St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna's Stadtpark, and basically the entire Alps are free to enjoy.
Getting Around Austria
Austria is compact by European standards, and the transport network is genuinely excellent. Here's how to get between places without overpaying.
Domestic Flights
Not really needed. Austria is small enough that trains beat flying on almost every route once you factor in airport time.
- Quick for Vienna to Innsbruck
- Occasional cheap fares
- Airports add hours of overhead
Car Rental
Best for the Alps, the Wachau Valley, and road trips like the Grossglockner pass. Total freedom, especially outside the cities.
- Total flexibility for alpine routes
- Rentals from €40 / £35 / $44 a day
- Vignette (toll sticker) required for highways
City Public Transport
Vienna's U-Bahn, trams, and buses are excellent. Graz and Linz have solid tram networks too. Day passes always beat singles.
- Cheap with a day pass (€8-15 / £7-13)
- Vienna's metro runs frequently
- Only useful within cities
Trains (OBB)
The best way to get around Austria, full stop. Fast, reliable, scenic, and the Sparschiene fares are genuinely cheap if you book early.
- Vienna to Salzburg in 2.5 hours
- Sparschiene advance fares from €19
- Last-minute tickets can be pricey
Buses (FlixBus)
The budget option. Slower than trains but significantly cheaper, with Wi-Fi and decent comfort. Good for Vienna to Salzburg or Graz.
- Vienna to Salzburg from €15 / £13
- Wi-Fi and comfortable seats
- Takes 3-4 hours vs 2.5 by train
Cycling
Austria has excellent bike infrastructure, especially in Vienna and along the Danube Cycle Path. One of the best ways to explore at your own pace.
- Danube Cycle Path is world-class
- Bike rentals from €10 / £8.50 a day
- Not practical for alpine terrain unless you're fit
Which Is Right For You?
Walk plus a public transport day card.
OBB trains with Sparschiene fares.
Rent a car. The passes are the point.
FlixBus between cities.
Quick Tips
OBB Sparschiene tickets sell out fast on popular routes. Two to four weeks ahead is the sweet spot.
Vienna's 24/48/72-hour pass is always cheaper than singles. Same goes for the Salzburg Card.
Austrian motorways need a vignette (toll sticker). Most rental cars include one, but double-check before you drive off.
Vienna's Innere Stadt, Salzburg's Altstadt, and Innsbruck's centre are small enough to explore on foot. Save transport for longer hops.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyAustria Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Austria?
Is Austria safe for tourists?
How many days do I need in Austria?
What's the best time to visit Austria?
Is Austria expensive?
Do people speak English in Austria?
Can I drink the tap water in Austria?
Do I need travel insurance for Austria?
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