Austria travel guide
Austria Tourism | Austria Guide
You're Going to Love Austria
Whether you are discovering some of Austria's modern art, eating a traditional Schnitzel, or going rafting down a river, you are sure to have a fun and exciting time. With its scenic mountains, architecture and music scene, it is no wonder so many travelers flock to Austria.
What to do in Austria
1. Visit Vienna's Belvedere Palace
This impressive building dates back to the 18th century and contains numerous rare and priceless art pieces.
2. Discover the Hohensalzburg
The fortress sits on a hill just outside of Salzburg and is considered to be one of the largest castles in Europe.
3. Enjoy the Vienna State Opera
A trip to Austria is not complete without listening to classical music, so make sure to stop by and tour the beautiful building or hear a performance.
4. Enjoy Austria's Public Parks
For guests that would like to spend time in some of the country's green spaces, visit the Prater in Vienna. The park is perfect for picnics and also contains a Ferris wheel.
5. Explore Austrian Culture
Learn more about Austria's art, history, music, and culture. Spend some time in MuseumsQuartier, a cultural district that can be found in Vienna.
When to visit Austria
In order to avoid peak tourist season while also benefiting from good weather, the best time to visit Austria is between the months of April to May and September to October.
How to Get to Austria
Entry Requirements
Citizens of countries that are a part of the Schengen Zone are able to travel to Austria freely. Individuals that are not part of the Schengen Zone, such as those from the United States, can go to Austria without a visa for a maximum of 90 days.
Plane
Flying is one of the most common ways for travelers to go to Austria, as there are 6 airports to choose from, with Vienna International Airport being the most popular.
Train
Every neighboring country offers international trains to Austria at least once an hour, including Hungary, Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Car
While travelers are able to drive into Austria, you may come across an immigration check depending on which border you are using. Additionally, certain highways require you to have a tax sticker on your vehicle, which will cost around €8.50 ($9.50) for 10 days and approximately €25 ($27) for 8 weeks.
Bus
There are many buses between Austria and bordering countries, with Eurolines Austria being one of the largest providers. If you will be traveling from Serbia or Croatia, you may be able to find one-way tickets for around €45 ($50).
Popular airlines serving Austria
Where to stay in Austria
The most common place to stay in Austria is a traditional hotel, which will require you to fill out some forms based on your identification even if you are only staying for one night. To save money during your trip, you can always opt to rent a bed in a youth hostel as well.
Where to stay in popular areas of Austria
Most booked hotels in Austria
How to Get Around Austria
Public Transportation
In the bigger cities, like Vienna, you can use the quick and efficient metro to travel throughout the city, with a 24h pass costing approximately €8 ($9). Throughout the rest of the country, you can count on effective bus, tram and train services.
Trains
Trains are one of the most common types of transportation in Austria, as they are comfortable and connect all major cities. If you purchase a VORTEILScard, you will be eligible to receive discounts on domestic tickets.
Car
If you plan on traveling to a more rural area of Austria, renting a car is one of the easiest modes of transportation to take. Many highways have toll roads, so make sure that you have coins on-hand.
Plane
Although it is not the most common type of transportation, it is possible to fly to different cities in Austria with a domestic ticket generally costing around €300-500 ($330-560).
The Cost of Living in Austria
When dining in a restaurant, you can expect a standard lunch with a drink to cost you around €15 ($16). In a grocery store, a loaf of bread will cost you less than €2 ($2.20), while 12 eggs will cost approximately €4.50 ($5). Debit and credit cards are widely accepted.