Austria Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Austria? Start with Vienna for imperial palaces, museums and coffeehouses; Salzburg for Mozart, The Sound of Music and Alpine scenery; Innsbruck for mountain adventures; and Hallstatt for one of Austria’s most picturesque lakeside villages.
This Austria travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about Austrian visas, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local customs.
Visiting Austria for the first time? Vienna and Salzburg make an excellent introduction to the country, while Innsbruck is ideal for travelers who want to spend more time in the Alps. Hallstatt can be added as a day trip or overnight stop for mountain and lake scenery.
Austria is relatively easy to explore by train, so you can combine several destinations without renting a car. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the cities, historic sites, cafés, mountains, lakes, and villages rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
Austria Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Austria? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Vienna
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: German
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Austrians drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: May–September for warmer weather and outdoor activities; December for Christmas markets and winter experiences
Popular First-Time Destinations: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Hallstatt
Getting Around Austria: Trains are one of the easiest ways to travel between major destinations; cities also have excellent public transportation
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can currently visit Austria for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period; always check current entry requirements before traveling
Best Known For: Alpine scenery, imperial palaces, classical music, Christmas markets, historic cities, lakes, skiing, coffeehouse culture, and traditional Austrian food
Don’t Miss: Vienna’s imperial sights, Salzburg’s Old Town, the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt, Schönbrunn Palace, Austrian coffee and cake, and at least one scenic train journey
Best Places to Visit in Austria
First-time Austria travel tip: Don’t spend your entire trip in Vienna. Austria’s efficient rail network makes it relatively easy to combine the capital with Salzburg, Innsbruck, and other cities and Alpine destinations.
Vienna: Best for Palaces, Museums and Culture
Vienna Austria is known for its gorgeous architecture and passageways, Mozart, Sigmund Freud, palaces, museums, churches, opera, wineries, coffee culture, and chocolate cake. Vienna’s Christmas Market is well known as one of the best in Europe.
READ Things to Do in Vienna Austria
READ 48 Hours in Vienna Austria
Salzburg: Best for Mozart, The Sound of Music and Old-World Charm
Salzburg Austria is the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for Hollywood’s Sound of Music. The city sits in a valley at the foot of the Alps on the Salzach River and is full of cathedrals, courtyards, passageways, iron signage, love locks, city walls, a cobbled old town, a castle, museums, a palace with trick fountains, gardens, and amazing viewpoints.
READ 48 Hours in Salzburg Austria, Things to Do
Innsbruck: Best for the Austrian Alps and Outdoor Adventures
Innsbruck Austria is often called the capital of the Austrian Alps. The city has a famous golden roof. You will also find a Triumphal Gateway, Hofkirche bronze statues, Swarovski crystals, the pedestrian-only Maria-Theresien-Straße, palaces, frescoes, Gothic Churches, medieval houses, and panoramic views.
READ 24 Hours in Innsbruck Austria, Things to Do
Hallstatt Austria Travel Guide
Hallstatt Austria is a picture-perfect lakeside Alpine Village with half-timber homes climbing up a cliff. Hallstatt’s lake is full of swans, the streets are lined with balconies of flowers and there is a waterfall backdrop to the entire scene.
READ One Day in Hallstatt Austria
Planning a Trip to Austria: What You Need to Know
Where is Austria?
Austria is located in Central Europe. The country is bordered by the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria.
What Language Is Spoken in Austria?
The national language in Austria is German. Dialects of Croatian, Hungarian, Slovenian, and Turkish are common. Over 70% of Austrians speak English. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for Austria?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Austria and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Austria Use?
The currency in Austria is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards in Austria?
ATMs are available throughout Austria. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Austria and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Austria, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euros. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.
How Much Does a Trip to Austria Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Austria is $128. Expect to pay $1,768 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Austria?
The weather is often ideal in Austria during June and July. The high season is June through August, expect high prices and crowds. You may experience rain during shoulder season which is April and May, and September and October. December is a good time to visit the ski resorts or to experience the Christmas markets.
How Do You Get Around Austria?
Train: Best for Vienna–Salzburg–Innsbruck and many other city-to-city trips.
Public transportation: Excellent within Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Rental car: More useful for rural areas, smaller Alpine villages and flexible scenic itineraries.
Flying: Generally unnecessary between the major Austrian destinations covered by this guide.
ÖBB currently operates Railjet services throughout Austria and connections to neighboring countries. Pro Tip: although there are no ticket barriers, public transportation is not free. You will be fined if you do not have a ticket during a ticket check.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Austria?
The plugs in Austria are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for Austria?
T-shirts and athletic suits are uncommon in Austria. The overall clothing style is a smart casual look in either dark or solid colors. Women often wear dresses and skirts but jeans are acceptable. Wear shoes with cushioned soles for walking on cobbled streets. Long pants tucked into socks are recommended in forest areas to prevent ticks.
Is Austria a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, Austria is the third safest country for travelers. Not only is the overall risk low, but there is also a low risk for scams, pickpockets, and muggings. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Austrian Food Should You Try?
Wiener Schnitzel (pan fried veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled veal or beef), Vienna sausage, Knödel (dumplings), Käsespätzle (mac and cheese), Sacher Torte (chocolate cake), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Viennese Coffee.
What Are Austria’s Major Festivals and Events?
- Mozart Week in Salzburg is at the end of January.
- Viennese Ball Season is in January and February.
- The Vienna Christmas Market is held in mid-November and December.
- St. Nikolaus Day parades occur in early December.
- Krampus processions happen at the end of December.
Check the Austria Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Tips for Traveling in Austria
- Many businesses are closed on Sundays.
- Taxes are included in the posted prices.
- It is safe to drink water from the tap.
- A tip of around 5–10% is common when you’re happy with the service at cafes and restaurants.
- Follow the traffic signs, you may get fined for jaywalking.
Top Things to See and Do in Austria
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace and watch the strudel demonstration.
- View Klimt’s The Kiss at the Belvedere Palace Museum.
- Visit the beautiful Austrian National Library.
- See the world’s largest emerald at the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
- Attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera.
- Visit Mozart’s House and attend a classical music concert.
- Explore the world’s biggest ice cave, Eisriesenwelt.
- Visit Swarovski Crystal World.
- Wander the alpine village of Hallstatt.
- Hike to Europe’s tallest waterfall, Krimmler Ache.
- Visit Hochosterwitz Castle and Melk Abbey.
- Drive the Grossglockner Alpine Road.
Interesting Facts About Austria
- The Austrian Alps cover 62% of the country.
- Europe’s tallest waterfalls, Krimml Waterfalls, are in Austria.
- The largest ice cave in the world, Eisriesenwelt, is also in Austria.
- Military training is mandatory for all Austrian men.
- One-fourth of Austria’s population lives in Vienna.
- The world’s largest emerald is on display at the Imperial Palace in Vienna.
- Vienna is home to the oldest zoo in the world.
- The waltz, Red Bull, alkaline batteries, and slow-motion were created in Austria.
- Wolfgang Puck and Arnold Schwarzenegger are Austrian. The creator of the German sports car company Porsche was from Austria, so was the creator of the sewing machine.
My Favorite Booking Resources
- Discover Cars Search, compare and save on car rentals.
- Trainline Explore effortlessly by train and bus.
- Booking.com Search Booking.com to find the perfect property.
- Hostelworld Hostelworld has great inexpensive options.
- Get Your Guide Don’t chance it, the best attractions sell out.
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- Go City Card Save up to 50% on attractions, tours and activities.
- Welcome Pickups Airport and port transfers.
- Visitors Coverage Pick the right travel insurance for you.
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