Austria Travel Itineraries: Cities, Alps & Scenic Road Trips

Austria is where fairytale charm meets mountain adventures, serving up a mix of historic cities, breathtaking alpine views, and just the right amount of schnitzel-fueled energy. Whether you’re wandering through Vienna’s grand palaces, pretending to be in The Sound of Music in Salzburg, or hitting the slopes in the Austrian Alps, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences. Let’s plan your perfect Austrian escape!

👉 Planning a bigger Europe trip? Check out our Europe Itineraries for even more travel inspiration across the continent.

🗺 How to Use This Page:

✔ Pick an itinerary based on how much time you have—city breaks or longer trips.
✔ Click on an itinerary to get full details, including attractions, transport tips, and where to stay.
✔ Want more travel advice? Scroll down for our Austrian travel resources and FAQs, covering visas, best times to visit, and more!

Goreme town on sunset in Cappadocia, Central Anatolia, Turkey

Love valley in Goreme national park. Cappadocia, Turkey

🇦🇹 Austria Itineraries

🏙 City Breaks & Short Trips

48 Hours in Vienna – A perfect mix of imperial palaces, world-class museums, and coffeehouse culture. Follow this 2-day Vienna itinerary →
3 Days in Vienna – Art, history, and schnitzel—immerse yourself in Austria’s capital with this in-depth 3-day Vienna itinerary →
24 Hours in Salzburg – Mozart, mountains, and medieval charm—make the most of a single day in this stunning city. Check out this 1-day Salzburg itinerary →
48 Hours in Salzburg – From fortress views to classical concerts, experience the best of Salzburg in just two days. Plan your 2-day Salzburg itinerary →
3 Days in Salzburg – A deep dive into Salzburg’s baroque beauty, historic sites, and scenic surroundings. Explore this 3-day Salzburg itinerary →

🌍 Longer Austria Adventures

Coming soon!

Cities

More Austrian Travel Resources

Austria is basically a real-life postcard, with every corner offering a new adventure—whether you’re carving up the slopes, wandering through fairytale villages, or making it your mission to try every coffee and cake combo possible. Ready to map out your next trip? Click on any destination below for guides packed with travel tips, must-see spots, and itineraries so tempting, you’ll be checking flight prices in no time. Let’s do this!

Vienna

Salzburg

Innsbruck

Hallstatt

Graz

Linz

Melk

Austria Travel FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip to Austria? Whether you’re exploring Vienna’s imperial palaces, hiking through the Austrian Alps, or indulging in a Sachertorte at a cozy café, we’ve got you covered! This FAQ guide answers all the big questions travellers ask—from visas and budgeting to transport and must-try foods.

Whether it’s your first time in Austria or you’re a seasoned traveller, these tips will help you plan smarter, travel smoother, and make the most of your adventure!

Visa requirements depend on your nationality:

EU/EEA citizens – No visa needed. Just bring your passport or ID.
Non-EU travellers (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia) – Visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Zone.
Other nationalities – You may need a Schengen visa, so check with the Austrian embassy before booking.

📌 Pro Tip: Austria is part of the Schengen Zone, so if you’re traveling around Europe, one visa covers multiple countries!

Austria can be done on a budget, but it leans more toward mid-range and luxury travel:

💵 Budget Travel: €50–€100 per day (hostels, public transport, supermarket meals)
💳 Mid-Range Travel: €150–€250 per day (hotels, dining out, activities)
🏰 Luxury Travel: €300+ per day (5-star stays, fine dining, private tours)

📌 Pro Tip: Vienna and Salzburg can be pricey, but smaller towns and countryside stays are much more budget-friendly!

Austria has a fantastic transport system, making it easy to explore:

🚆 Trains – Fast, scenic, and well-connected. The ÖBB Railjet is great for long distances.
🚌 Buses – Good for smaller towns and budget travellers.
🚇 Public Transport – Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck have excellent metro, tram, and bus systems.
🚗 Car Rentals – Ideal for exploring the Alps and countryside.
🚠 Cable Cars – A must for mountain views in places like Innsbruck and Zell am See!

📌 Pro Tip: Get a Vienna City Card or Salzburg Card for free public transport and discounted attractions.

Austria is a dream for food lovers! Some dishes to try:

🇦🇹 Wiener Schnitzel – Breaded and fried veal or pork, served with potatoes.
🍰 Sachertorte – Rich chocolate cake with apricot jam, best enjoyed in Vienna.
🥣 Käsespätzle – Austria’s version of mac & cheese, made with gooey Alpine cheese.
🥔 Tiroler Gröstl – A hearty dish of fried potatoes, bacon, and onions.
🍏 Apfelstrudel – Classic Austrian apple strudel, best with vanilla sauce.

📌 Pro Tip: Head to a traditional Gasthaus (inn) for the most authentic Austrian meals!

Austria has four seasons, so pack accordingly:

✅ Winter (Dec–Feb): Warm layers, snow boots, gloves, and a good coat (especially for skiing).
✅ Spring/Fall (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Layers, a rain jacket, and comfy walking shoes.
✅ Summer (Jun–Aug): Light clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
✅ All Year: A universal adapter, as Austria uses Type F plugs.

📌 Pro Tip: If you’re heading to the Alps, even in summer, pack a jacket—it gets chilly at high altitudes!