Discover the taste of Austria

One of Europe’s hidden gems, Austria is an ideal destination for travelers who are interested in stunning landscapes, gorgeous architecture, royal history, charming villages, and a rich music and art culture.

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Austria at a glance

WHY GO

Austria is the perfect place to visit for those who want to experience classical art and music, explore fascinating royal history, marvel at incredible architecture, and traverse breathtaking scenery. Austria is the land of legendary composers and sprawling countryside, with colorful villages, majestic mountain ranges, and cultural diversity. It is a multifaceted nation with beautiful old-world architecture standing alongside exceptional natural wonders and vibrant modern city life.
Austria’s capital Vienna, considered the world’s most livable city, is an elegant and decadent city, featuring magnificent Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, summer palaces and opera houses. The city’s charming old quarter with its cobblestone streets and grand townhouses is a must visit and easily navigable by foot. The opulent and historic grandeur of Vienna can be seen across the city’s architecture, specifically the Habsburg residences of the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere complex. The Hofburg is also home to the Spanish Riding School, where horse lovers can see a performance of the world-famous Lippizans.
Austria is the heart of European classical music; the country of Mozart, Strauss, Haydn, and Schubert. The concert tradition is still alive and well in Vienna – you could enjoy a concert of classical music at the magnificent baroque St. Charles Church (Karlskirche). Listen to ‘Requiem in D minor’ by Mozart or Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’ performed by international musicians on period instruments for an unforgettable night. You could also visit the State Opera House, one of the most beautiful buildings in Austria, for a classical concert, opera or ballet.
Austria is known for its fabulous coffee culture and delectable desserts, so much so that Viennese coffee houses are considered a UNESCO cultural heritage! A remnant from the 17th century Turkish siege of Vienna, Viennese coffee houses are more than just a place to grab a cup of Joe – coffee is an art form and cafes are elegant and sophisticated. An integral part of Austrian society, kaffeehäusers are a place where Austrians spend hours socializing, relaxing, or engrossed in intellectual debates. But make sure to brush up on Viennese coffee jargon before you order a melange or kleiner brauner! Those with a sweet tooth will be in heaven in Austria – try the famous Sacher Torte, one of the best chocolate cakes in the world, as well as the delicious apfelstrudel (apple strudel).
Austria is a country of breathtaking scenery, from the magnificent snow-capped Alps to serene emerald lakes, to bucolic villages. The enchanting city of Salzburg, hometown of Mozart, feels straight out of a fairytale with its majestic palaces, Baroque architecture, rolling green hills, crystal clear lakes and mountain meadows highlighted by the movie ‘The Sound of Music’. Fans of the movie can retrace the steps of the Von Trapp family and make the movie come alive with a tour of the city – a highlight for many is visiting the Mirabell Gardens where the Von Trapp children learn to sing Do-Re-Mi. As photogenic as a town can be, the charming Alpine village of Halstatt is as well known for its gorgeous lake as for its famous salt mine. Wine enthusiasts and nature lovers should visit the picturesque Wachau Valley along the Danube River, renowned for its wine production and outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.
In winter, Austria becomes a winter wonderland. Austria and its Tyrol region have become synonymous with skiing holidays. Whether you’re a novice or expert skier, you can find the right slope for you at the many alpine resorts around the country. The picturesque city of Innsbruck is a winter sports haven, tucked away in the dramatic landscape of the Alps. It is renowned for its ski resorts and provides the perfect base to explore the mountains. Austria becomes an atmospheric fairytale in the holiday season, with the snow-capped Alps providing the perfect backdrop to the twinkling lights of its famed Christmas Markets.

WHEN TO GO

Depends on what you’re interested in! The winter months are ideal for skiers and winter sport enthusiasts, while the summer is best for sightseeing and hiking mountain trails. There are also many festivals throughout the country held between May and October, including the Midsummer Night Celebration in June.
The warmest weather is between April and October, and July and August are the warmest and most popular times to go. December also gets busy again in the cities and towns for travelers who want to visit Austria’s magnificent Christmas markets and celebrate New Year’s Eve (aka Silvester).
The ideal time is April to May or September to October when the weather is still warmer (57-71 degrees) but the crowds have thinned out and the prices drop from peak season.
Typically only ski resorts are open during the winter and other hotels and sights close for the season.

WHAT TO KNOW

Currency: Euro
No visa needed
Language: German
Most Austrians speak at least basic English if they are not fluent, so you won’t have trouble communicating, but it is always appreciated to learn a few words/phrases like hello/goodbye, please, and thank you.
Austria is very centrally located so it is easy to access other parts of Europe.
Trains and public transportation are great and can be used to get around the country and to surrounding countries like Germany. There’s need to rent a car when visiting.
Etiquette is a big deal in Austria. Always be punctual, shake hands when introduced to someone new, and don’t skip salutations. When you enter a shop, bus, or any smaller space with people, say hello and goodbye!
Dress neatly and be presentable. People tend to dress up when leaving the house even if it’s just to hangout with friends. Leave the shorts and ath-leisure wear at home.
Queuing is more pragmatic in Austria – the person closest to the door will get on a bus first, but there is not typically a well structured line like in the US.