Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Austria

Accommodation

$20-45 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared bathrooms, basic amenities

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Self-catering, local bakeries, grocery stores, occasional traditional Austrian restaurants, street food

Transportation

$8-20 per day

Public buses and trains, walking, occasional regional transport, city day passes

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free hiking trails, public parks, occasional museum entries, self-guided city walks

Shop at local supermarkets and prepare meals instead of eating out for every meal (typically 60-70% cheaper)

Use public transportation day passes instead of individual tickets (usually 30-40% savings)

Visit during shoulder seasons rather than peak winter ski season (generally 25-40% lower accommodation costs)

Book accommodation outside city centers and take public transport in (typically 40-60% cheaper lodging)

Take advantage of free hiking trails and nature activities instead of paid attractions (can save $30-80 per day)

Look for hotels that include breakfast to reduce daily food costs (saves approximately $10-20 per day)

Purchase museum passes for multiple attractions rather than individual entries (usually 20-35% savings)

Eating only in tourist areas near major attractions instead of local neighborhoods (typically 100-150% markup)

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using Austria's excellent public transport system (usually 300-500% more expensive)

Not booking accommodation well in advance during ski season and summer months (can cost 50-100% more)

Exchanging money at airports or tourist areas instead of using ATMs or banks (typically 5-10% worse rates)