Austria: Alps, Coffee, and Everything in Between
Imperial cities, alpine villages, and some of Europe’s best road trips. Your complete guide to Austria.
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.
~2 hours
From the UK
Apr–May & Sep–Oct
Best time
German
Main language
EUR (€)
Currency
Best Time To Visit
During the spring, you might be met with a rain shower. But it’s still a great time to explore around Vienna or Salzburg as the tourist season is just beginning. When Autumn arrives the mountains become covered in red and orange trees as the leaves change, making it one of the best times to hike and to take great photos.
Summer is high season meaning crowds and prices will double. With summer comes the heat, especially near the lakes, so to take a dip. This is also the season of the Salzburg and Vienna Festivals!
Winter in Austria can be quite cold, but you won’t mind when you are wrapped up walking around the Vienna Christmas market. If you like your skiing, this is the time to go in the Austrian Alps before relaxing in the resort bar!
What To Expect
12°C
- Temperature
Capital: Vienna
Language: The official language of Austria is Austrian German. ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in German: “Hallo” and “Danke”
Currency: The official currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR). £1 GBP is equivalent to 1.18 EUR. Check the latest rates here
Visa & Entry Requirements: Visa-free for US/UK citizens for up to 90 days. Austria is part of the Schengen Area. ETIAS will be required.
Credit Cards & ATMs: To get the best exchange rate in Austria, it’s wise to use your credit card whenever you get the chance. There’s typically no service charge and are widely accepted throughout the country. If you need some Euros, you will find that ATMs are very prevalent in Austria. Never use Euronet ATM’s, these will charge you for withdrawals and also give you a poor exchange rate.
Plugs: In Austria, the plugs are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Austria is an extremely safe country, with the most dangerous crimes being pickpocketing and petty theft. Ranked 4 on the Global Peace Index with a score of 1.29 , meaning Austria is one of the safest countries in the world.
Health & Safety: Routine vaccinations are recommended. The local emergency number is 112.
Random useful tip: If you really want to impress an Austrian, say, “Oachkatzlschwoaf”, which means ‘the squirrel’s tail.’ It doesn’t have any deeper meaning but is just something that is unique to Austrian German and is difficult to say.
Never ever: Never mention the Sound of Music. You’d think any proud Austrian would light up at the mention of this iconic film but plot-twist – no Austrian has ever seen it.
Austria Travel Guides
From Vienna’s coffeehouses to the alpine passes. Everything you need to plan your Austria trip.
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.
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Backpacker
~€50/day / ~£43/day / ~$55/day
- Hostel dorms from €20/night (£17 / $22)
- Supermarket meals and street food
- Buses, trams, and walking
- Free parks, churches, and hiking
🍜
Mid-Range
~€120/day / ~£104/day / ~$132/day
- Private rooms or budget hotels
- Cafes, restaurants, and local wine
- Mix of trains and car rental
- Museums, concerts, and day trips
🏨
Upscale
~€250+/day / ~£217+/day / ~$275+/day
- Boutique hotels and luxury stays
- Fine dining and cocktail bars
- Vienna State Opera, private tours
- First-class rail, ski resorts, spas
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: €20–€35/night (£17–30 / $22–38)
- Campsite: €10–€25/night (£9–22 / $11–27)
- Budget hotel: €70–€120/night (£61–104 / $77–132)
Mid–Luxury
- Airbnb apartment: €90–€150/night (£78–130 / $99–165)
- Boutique hotel: €120–€200/night (£104–174 / $132–220)
- Luxury hotel: €250+/night (£217+ / $275+)
City Travel
- Bus/tram/metro single: €2–€2.50 (£1.75–2.20 / $2.20–2.75)
- Day pass: €8–€15 (£7–13 / $8.75–16.50)
- Taxi short trip: €10–€20 (£8.70–17.40 / $11–22)
Long Distance
- Train Vienna–Salzburg: €25–€50 (£22–43 / $27.50–55)
- FlixBus Vienna–Salzburg: €15–€25 (£13–22 / $16.50–27)
- Car rental per day: €40–€80 (£35–70 / $44–88)
Eat Cheap
- Budget meal: €7–€12 (£6–10 / $8–13)
- Supermarket meal prep: €4–€8 (£3.50–7 / $4.40–8.80)
- Coffee (melange): €2.50–€4 (£2–3.50 / $2.75–4.50)
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant: €20–€35 (£17–30 / $22–38)
- Wiener Schnitzel at a proper restaurant: €15–€25 (£13–22 / $16.50–27)
- Beer (half litre): €3.50–€5 (£3–4.30 / $4–5.50)
Budget Fun
- Museum entry: €8–€15 (£7–13 / $9–16.50)
- Free walking tour (tip): €5–€10 (£4.30–8.70 / $5.50–11)
- Alpine hiking: Free
Big Experiences
- Guided tour: €25–€50 (£22–43 / $28–55)
- Ski pass per day: €50–€70 (£43–61 / $55–77)
- Vienna State Opera: €30–€80 (£26–70 / $33–88)
Tips for Saving Money in Austria
💧 Austria’s tap water is some of the purest in the world. Bring a reusable bottle and skip paying for water entirely.
🍳 Cook at hostels or Airbnbs with kitchens. Local supermarkets like Billa and Spar have solid 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.
🎟️ Grab a city card. The Vienna City Card and Salzburg Card both bundle unlimited transport with discounted attractions. They pay for themselves in about 2 visits.
🚆 Book ÖBB Sparschiene tickets in advance. These discounted train fares can cut intercity travel costs by half compared to buying on the day.
📅 Visit in shoulder season (April–May or September–October). Lower prices on accommodation, fewer crowds, and the weather is still solid.
🎭 Standing-room tickets at the Vienna State Opera cost as little as €4 (£3.50 / $4.40). Same performance, fraction of the price.
🏔️ Skip the big-name ski resorts. Smaller areas like Bad Gastein, Zell am See, or the Stubaital offer great skiing without the premium price tag.
🚌 Use FlixBus for intercity travel when you’re not in a rush. Vienna to Salzburg is about €15 (£13 / $16.50) compared to €30+ by train.
⛪ Churches, parks, and hiking trails are free. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Stadtpark in Vienna, and basically the entire Alps cost nothing 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.
Pros/Cons:
✅ Quick for Vienna–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.
Pros/Cons:
✅ Total flexibility for alpine routes
✅ Rentals from €40/day (£35 / $44)
❌ Vignette (toll sticker) required for highways
City Public Transport
Vienna’s U-Bahn, trams, and buses are excellent. Graz and Linz also have solid tram networks. Day passes are always better value than single tickets.
Pros/Cons:
✅ Cheap with a day pass (€8–15 / £7–13 / $8.75–16.50)
✅ Vienna’s metro runs frequently
❌ Only useful within cities
Trains (ÖBB)
The best way to get around Austria, full stop. Fast, reliable, scenic, and the Sparschiene fares are genuinely cheap if you book early.
Pros/Cons:
✅ Vienna–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–Salzburg or Vienna–Graz.
Pros/Cons:
✅ Vienna–Salzburg from €15 (£13 / $16.50)
✅ 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.
Pros/Cons:
✅ Danube Cycle Path is world-class
✅ Bike rentals from €10/day (£8.50 / $11)
❌ Not practical for alpine terrain unless you’re very fit
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring One City
Walk + public transport card
Hitting multiple cities
ÖBB trains with Sparschiene fares
Alpine roads and countryside
Rent a car
Tight budget, no rush
FlixBus between cities
Quick Tips
📅
Book Trains Early
ÖBB Sparschiene tickets sell out fast on popular routes. 2–4 weeks ahead is the sweet spot.
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Get a Transport Card
Vienna’s 24/48/72-hour pass is always cheaper than buying singles. Same for the Salzburg Card.
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Don't Forget the Vignette
Austrian motorways need a vignette (toll sticker). Most rental cars include one, but double-check.
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Walk the Old Towns
Vienna’s Innere Stadt, Salzburg’s Altstadt, and Innsbruck’s centre are all small enough to explore on foot. Save the transport for longer hops.
Book Tours & Tickets
Related Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Austria?
If you hold a UK, US, Canadian, or Australian passport, you don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Austria is part of the Schengen Area, so your 90-day limit covers all Schengen countries combined. ETIAS (the new European travel authorisation) will be required once it launches, so check the latest requirements before you travel. EU citizens don’t need a visa at all.
Is Austria safe for tourists?
Very. Austria consistently ranks in the top 5 on the Global Peace Index. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main risks are pickpocketing in busy tourist spots (Vienna’s U-Bahn, Salzburg’s Getreidegasse) and the usual common-sense stuff. Mountain safety is the other thing to take seriously if you’re hiking in the Alps. Check weather conditions, carry proper gear, and don’t overestimate your fitness level.
How many days do I need in Austria?
A solid first trip covers Vienna (2–3 days), Salzburg (2 days), and Hallstatt (1 day) in about a week. If you want to add Innsbruck, the Grossglockner road trip, or some skiing, budget 10–14 days. You can see highlights in 5 days if you’re efficient, but Austria rewards slower travel. The coffee alone will slow you down.
What's the best time to visit Austria?
April–May and September–October are the sweet spots. Spring has fewer crowds and blooming alpine meadows. Autumn brings the best hiking weather and golden mountain scenery. Summer (June–August) is peak season with higher prices and crowds but great weather. Winter is ski season in the Alps and Christmas market season in the cities. Honestly, there’s no bad time. It just depends what you want to do.
Is Austria expensive?
It’s mid-range for Western Europe. Not as cheap as Portugal or Greece, but not as pricey as Switzerland or Scandinavia. Budget travellers can manage on about €50/day (£43 / $55) with hostels and self-catering. Mid-range travellers typically spend €120/day (£104 / $132) with private rooms, restaurants, and activities. Vienna is the most expensive city; smaller towns are noticeably cheaper.
What's the best way to get around Austria?
Trains. Austria’s rail network (ÖBB) is fast, reliable, and covers all major cities. Vienna to Salzburg takes 2.5 hours by Railjet. For the Alps and countryside, rent a car. Within cities, public transport is cheap and efficient. FlixBus is the budget option for intercity travel. See the full getting around breakdown above.
Do I need travel insurance for Austria?
Yes. Austria has excellent healthcare, but it’s not free for visitors. If you hold a UK GHIC/EHIC card, it covers emergency treatment at public facilities, but not everything (no repatriation, no trip cancellation, no adventure sports). US travellers have no reciprocal coverage at all. A hospital stay without insurance will cost thousands. Good travel insurance is a no-brainer.
Can I drink the tap water in Austria?
Absolutely. Austrian tap water comes from alpine springs and is some of the cleanest in Europe. In Vienna, the water is piped directly from the mountains. Bring a reusable bottle and save your money.
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