Things to Do in Austria

About Austria

Austria mixes imperial palaces with Alpine peaks in ways few countries can match. Mozart's music still fills Salzburg's concert halls, the Danube cuts through former empire territory, and cafés everywhere invite you to sit and practice gemütlichkeit. Worth your time. Vienna's coffeehouses feature crystal chandeliers, while Innsbruck sits beneath mountains that dominate the skyline—cultural depth meets natural drama. Tradition here is everyday life, not a museum exhibit: trams waltz through old districts each morning, and concerts happen in venues where musical legends performed. The Austrian character shows itself in small moments. Watch mist rise over Hallstatt's lake, listen to church bells bounce across Alpine meadows, or notice that time feels different when beauty this old surrounds you.

Travel Tips

Transportation: OBB trains connect all major cities efficiently. Vienna to Salzburg costs 25-55 EUR ($27-60) on Railjet, 2.5 hours. Vienna's U-Bahn day pass costs 5.80 EUR ($6.30). The S7 train from Vienna Airport to center costs just 4.40 EUR ($4.80) - skip the CAT express at 14.90 EUR ($16.20) which only saves 5 minutes. A Klimaticket for unlimited national travel costs 1,095 EUR ($1,193) per year. Autobahn vignette for cars costs 9.90 EUR ($10.80) for 10 days.

Money: Austria uses the euro. ATMs are everywhere and cards accepted widely. Budget $70-120 daily. Coffee at a traditional Kaffeehaus costs 3.50-5 EUR ($3.80-5.45) and you're expected to linger. Tipping by rounding up is standard - say the total you want to pay including tip. Museum passes save money: Vienna Pass from 89 EUR ($97), Salzburg Card from 30 EUR ($33). Supermarkets Billa and Spar are good for budget meals.

Cultural Respect: Austria is formal - greet shop staff and bus drivers with 'Gruss Gott' (greeting). Use Herr/Frau with surnames until invited to use first names. Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are taken seriously: no noise 10pm-6am and all day Sunday. Jaywalking is frowned upon and sometimes fined. Dress well for the opera and upscale restaurants. Smoking is banned indoors. Austrians are private - don't ask personal questions early in conversation.

Food Safety: Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmuller in Vienna costs 16-20 EUR ($17.40-21.80) and hangs off the plate. Sachertorte at Hotel Sacher runs 8-9 EUR ($8.70-9.80). A Beisl (pub) lunch costs 10-16 EUR ($10.90-17.40) with beer. Kasnocken (cheese spatzle) in Salzburg runs 12-16 EUR ($13-17.40). Heuriger wine taverns serve house wines from 3-4 EUR ($3.25-4.35) per glass with cold buffets. Market hall lunches at Naschmarkt cost 8-14 EUR ($8.70-15.25).

When to Visit

Austria's distinct seasons each offer unique charms and considerations.Spring (April-May)brings mild temperatures of 10-20°C, blooming alpine meadows, and 30% lower accommodation prices than peak season. Expect occasional rain showers but fewer crowds at major attractions.Summer (June-August)is peak season with temperatures of 20-25°C, perfect for hiking and outdoor festivals, but expect 40-50% higher prices and crowded tourist sites. The Salzburg Festival (July-August) transforms the city into a classical music mecca.Autumn (September-October)offers ideal weather (15-20°C), impressive fall foliage, and wine harvest season in the Wachau Valley, with moderate pricing and pleasant touring conditions.Winter (November-March)divides into two experiences: December brings magical Christmas markets despite temperatures of 0-5°C and premium holiday pricing (30-40% above average), while January-March offers excellent skiing conditions in the Alps with temperatures often below freezing. Vienna's ball season (January-February) creates a romantic winter atmosphere. Budget travelers should target November or early March, while culture ensoiasts will find autumn optimal for museums and concerts without summer crowds. Outdoor adventurers should choose summer for hiking or winter for excellent skiing in Innsbruck, St. Anton, or Salzburg regions.