Both. Vienna for imperial grandeur, museums, coffee houses (3-4 days). Salzburg for Mozart, Sound of Music, and Alpine day trips (2-3 days). They are 2.5 hours apart by train.

Budget: 70-100 EUR. Mid-range: 120-200 EUR. Vienna is moderately priced for Western Europe. Alpine resorts are expensive in ski season.

Austria

Travel guide & places to visit in Europe

Plan Your Visit Explore Regions Mark as visited

Capital: Vienna
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: German (official), Croatian, Hungarian, Slovenian (regional)
Best time: May, June, September

About Austria

High-income economy. Tourism, machinery, vehicles, banking. Famous for music, culture, and Alpine scenery.

Geography

Area: 83,871 sq km

• Continental-oceanic: cold winters, warm summers
• Alpine in western mountain regions
• Vienna: moderate continental

Government

Type: federal parliamentary republic

Capital: Vienna

Economy

GDP: $471.4 billion

Per Capita: $53,300

machinerymetallurgyvehiclesfoodchemicalselectronicstourismwood processing

Demographics

Population: 8,940,860

Languages: German (official), Croatian, Hungarian, Slovenian (regional)

Religions: Catholic 55.2%, Muslim 8.3%, Orthodox 4.9%, none 23.8%

Explore Austria's Regions

Discover 9 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.

Major Cities in Austria

Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.

ViennaNational Capital

SalzburgRegional Capital

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InnsbruckRegional Capital

Klagenfurt am WörtherseeRegional Capital

Places to Visit

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Travel Essentials

Contact & Emergency

Phone Code: +43

Currency: Euro (EUR)

fire: 122

police: 133

ambulance: 144

universal: 112

Practical Info

Electricity: 230V / 50Hz / Type C, F

Driving: Right

Water: Safe to drink

Tipping

• 5-10% in restaurants
• Round up for taxis
• 1-2 EUR for hotel staff

When to Visit Austria

Best Months

May, June, September, October, December

Peak Season

Jul-Aug (summer), Dec (Christmas markets, ski)

Off Season

Nov, Jan-Mar (cold but fewer tourists in cities)

Jan
Vienna Ball Season (Opernball)
Jun
Danube Island Festival
Jul-Aug
Salzburg Festival (music)
Dec
Christmas markets (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck)

Top Destinations in Austria

1Vienna (Schonbrunn, Hofburg, St. Stephen's)
2Salzburg (Mozart's birthplace, Sound of Music)
3Hallstatt
4Innsbruck (Alpine capital)
5Austrian Alps (skiing)
6Wachau Valley
7Graz
8Grossglockner High Alpine Road
9Melk Abbey
10Zell am See

Cultural Tips

Greet with Gruss Gott (God greet you) in Austria, not Hallo
Coffee house culture is UNESCO heritage — linger for hours
Titles matter (Herr Doktor, Frau Professor)
Sunday is quiet — nearly all shops closed
Austrians distinguish themselves from Germans — they are not the same

Frequently Asked Questions

Vienna or Salzburg?
Both. Vienna for imperial grandeur, museums, coffee houses (3-4 days). Salzburg for Mozart, Sound of Music, and Alpine day trips (2-3 days). They are 2.5 hours apart by train.
Daily budget?
Budget: 70-100 EUR. Mid-range: 120-200 EUR. Vienna is moderately priced for Western Europe. Alpine resorts are expensive in ski season.

What to Buy in Austria

Mozart Kugeln (chocolate) Sacher-Torte Swarovski crystal Austrian wine snow globes Dirndl/Lederhosen schnapps

Countries Bordering Austria - Cross-Border Travel Guide

Plan seamless cross-border travel to countries bordering Austria. Discover visa requirements, border crossings, and multi-destination trip opportunities.