Austria Travelers Recommend

From classical concerts to food-focused city strolls, the capital city of Austria is full of fun things to do. Plan ahead to experience Vienna’s river cruises and bike tours. Options for day trips include nearby wine country or other cities such as Salzburg. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Vienna. 

Day 1: All About History and Architecture

Discover classic Vienna, including its top historic and architectural landmarks, on an introductory tour. Cover ground quickly with a hop-on hop-off bus tour that allows you to design your own itinerary, or take a city walking tour, passing by Gothic architecture and the Hofburg Palace. To get your heart pumping, explore the city by bike on a guided afternoon cycling tour that includes pedaling past the Vienna State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After dark, catch a glimpse of the city illuminated at night with an evening boat tour along the Danube. Some evening river cruise include foods typical to Austria and live music. 

Day 2: Culture Now and Then

Get to know Vienna’s cultural side through its food and music. By day, set out on a small-group walking tour focused on the city’s culinary scene. Eat and drink your way through Vienna, sipping coffee and nibbling cheese and chocolate as you stroll among bakeries, markets, and coffeehouses. By night, there are many options for classical music concerts throughout Vienna. Book tickets for a concert only or a concert with dinner, such as at the Schonbrunn Palace. Other options include a classical concert of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert at St. Anne’s Church and a classical concert of Johann Strauss and Mozart at Kursalon Vienna. 

Day 3: Explore Beyond Vienna

Vienna is in a prime location for day trips to destinations in Austria and beyond. Planned tours make it easy to spend a day exploring nearby cities such as Salzburg, Budapest, and Bratislava. In addition to city day trips, themed tours are popular. On a wine-focused tour of the Wachau Valley, visitors head into the Austrian countryside and see charming villages and perhaps take a river cruise. Other tour options into the Austrian countryside visit Melk Abbey in Wachau Valley. Typical day tours might include an Austrian meal, views of castles and vineyards, and/or a cruise. 

Few films are as beloved as The Sound of Music, and following in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family is a popular activity for visitors to Salzburg. Visit film sites in Austria’s countryside on a tour from Salzburg—see below for your options.

Austria Filming Sites Tours Relive your favorite moments from the musical as you visit several different filming locations and sing along to the film’s soundtrack on the tour bus. See the gazebo where Sixteen Going on Seventeen was filmed; visit Mondsee, where Maria and Captain Von Trapp were married; pose for photos by the stunning Lake Fuschl; and dance around in the Mirabell Gardens, where the children first sang Do-Re-Mi.

Private Sightseeing Tours Private Sound of Music tours offer a tailor-made experience and ensure the undivided attention of your guide. Benefit from a flexible itinerary, spend more time at the locations that interest you most, and enjoy extras such as an apple strudel cooking class or breakfast at the luxurious Schloss Leopoldskron. Private tours typically include hotel pickup.

Combo Tours

Booking a combo tour is a great way to save both time and money, pairing a classic Sound of Music tour with visits to other top Salzburg attractions. Perhaps couple your movie location tour with a walking tour of Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed historic center, a visit to a famous nearby salt mine, or a fun Sound of Salzburg dinner show at the Sternbräu beer hall.

3 days in Salzburg gives you time to enjoy its landmarks and culture, and also cast your net into the nearby Austrian and German Alps. From touring the area’s Sound of Music locations and Salzburg’s Mozart museums to delving into salt mines and lakeside villages, here’s how to spend three days in and around Salzburg.

Day 1: Sights and Sounds

Blessed with baroque architecture and a music and movie heritage rooted in Mozart and The Sound of Music, Salzburg offers many attractions. Take a hop-on hop-off tour to see all its sights in single loop, or disembark at the stops to explore star attractions such as St. Peter’s Abbey (Stift Sankt Peter) and the Getreidegasse shopping street. Or, perhaps drill deeper into Old Town and Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg) by joining a shared or private guided walking tour. Next, zoom in on Salzburg’s specialities. Prebook entry to Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus) and Mozart’s Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus)—both once home to the composer. Or, join an all-singing Sound of Music coach tour around the movie’s settings.

Day 2: Explore the Countryside

Austria’s Salzkammergut lake district and Germany’s Bavarian Alps both lie near Salzburg. Private and group day trips to Bavaria’s Alps abound, with most focusing on the Eagle’s Nest—the former mountaintop retreat of Adolf Hitler. Many also encompass the region’s centuries-old salt mines and pristine mountain-framed King’s Lake (Königssee). Alternatively, take a tour to the jewel-like Austrian lakeside village of Hallstatt with its Alpine houses, salt mine, and views. Also within easy reach is the lakefront village of St. Wolfgang. Tours here often include a lake cruise or time in nearby Hallstatt to double down on the Alpine scenery.

Day 3: Culture and Concerts

It’s time for a bigger bite into Salzburg’s culture. Perhaps discover the art of making one a local sweet treat—apple strudel—at a cooking class. Or, if it’s Christmas, combine strudel-making with Christmas cookies. Other festive experiences that beckon in winter include a Christmas horse-drawn sleigh ride in the snowy countryside and a tour of Salzburg’s Christmas markets. Whatever the season, spend your last evening at one of Salzburg’s glittering dinner concerts. Book ahead for dinner in the Baroque Hall of St. Peter where guests are serenaded by singers performing Mozart. Or, take a seat for a Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell) concert or puppet show at Salzburg’s Marionette Theater—both fitting finales.

One of Europe’s great rivers, the Danube wends from Germany to the Black Sea, passing through four capital cities: Budapest in Hungary, Bratislava in Slovakia, Belgrade in Serbia, and Vienna in Austria. Here’s what you need to know about Danube cruises from Vienna, which provide easy access to some of the river’s most scenic stretches.

Highlights

• Float along the Danube, a river immortalized by Austrian composer Johann Strauss in his famous waltz, “On the Beautiful Blue Danube.”

• Identify key landmarks along the Viennese waterfront, such as the Danube Tower (Donauturm), Millennium Tower, Ring Tower (Ringturm), and Urania Observatory, during a Danube Canal or Danube River cruise.

• Listen to live commentary that sheds light on the history and evolution of Vienna.

• Sail by architectural landmarks, such as the Zaha Hadid-designed house and the colorful Friedensreich Hundertwasser-designed Spittelau waste incineration plant.

• Enjoy traditional Austrian food, including Viennese coffeehouse pastries, and music on board during dinner cruises.

• Combine a cruise along the Danube with dinner in a Viennese restaurant and classical music concert in Schönbrunn Palace, featuring live music from the likes of Strauss and Mozart for the ultimate Vienna experience.

• Float away from Austria all the way to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, where you can view Bratislava Castle, St. Martin's Cathedral, and more.

• Opt for an evening boat tour to see the sparkling Vienna skyline illuminated after dark.

Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, Eagle’s Nest is a stunning sight with a dark history as the former summer retreat of Adolf Hitler. Set just over the German border, the site is easily visited on a day tour from Salzburg—here are your options.

Half-Day Tours

A half-day tour is the quickest way to visit the Eagle’s Nest, traveling by coach over the border to Berchtesgaden, then climbing to the mountaintop at 6,600 feet (2,011 meters). With pre-booked tickets, you'll enjoy skip-the-line access and have a guide on hand to explain the history of the Eagle’s Nest and its use by Hitler and the Third Reich. Many tours allow for free time to explore independently, take in the views, or purchase lunch at the onsite restaurant. To maximize your time, opt for a private tour that includes hotel pickup, private transport, and the chance to visit nearby sights, such as Königsee Lake, along the way.

Full-Day Tours

The journey from Salzburg to the Bavarian Alps is just as spectacular as the destination, and a full-day tour provides ample time to soak up the scenery at your leisure. With time to spare, combine your tour of the Eagle’s Nest with other popular sights, such as the historic salt mines of Obersalzberg, the World War II sites of Berchtesgaden, or the Austrian Lake District, where The Sound of Music was filmed.

Things to Know

• Berchtesgaden is located about 22 miles (35 km) south of Salzburg, over the German border.

• The Eagle’s Nest is reached by a 10-minute bus ride up the mountain (included in ticket prices), followed by an elevator up to the estate.

• Half-day tours to the Eagle’s Nest typically last between 4.5 to 6 hours, while full-day tours can last up to 9 hours.

• Bring warm clothes or a sweater—it can be chilly on the mountaintop even in the summer months—and comfortable shoes if you want to walk up to the viewpoint.

• Thanks to Europe’s open-border policy, you don’t need to pass through a passport check even though you will be traveling from Austria to Germany (although most tours do require that you bring your passport).

• Tours include entrance fees and round-trip transport from Salzburg.

Warmer months mean longer days and more time to explore historic Vienna, one of the most popular cities in Europe. The capital of Austria, Vienna offers travelers plenty of ways to capitalize on sunshine with a vibrant city center, outdoor street cafes, scenic day trip options, and numerous sightseeing opportunities.

• Experience the royal treatment while enjoying dinner and a classical concert at the opulent Schonbrunn Palace.

• Learn about Vienna’s imperial history during a private city highlights tour, visiting Vienna attractions like the Hofburg Palace, the Rathaus, and Belvedere Palace.

• Head into the Austrian countryside for a wine-tasting bicycle tour.

• Enjoy a boat ride on the Danube River and visit the imposing Melk Abbey in the Wachau Valley.

• Journey into the Vienna Woods on a day trip from Vienna.

• Soak in a classical Viennese music performance featuring works by Mozart and Strauss at the Kursalon Vienna.

The elegant coffeehouses, live classical concerts, and picturesque architecture of Australia’s capital city draw visitors from far and wide. Plan ahead to see the many sides of Vienna, from its elaborate palaces to its bustling markets. Here are a few ways to spend two days in Vienna. 

Day 1: Highlights of History and Architecture

**Morning:**Discover the history and architecture of Vienna with an introductory tour. For a more personal experience, book a private tour that might include the impressive City Hall or a take a combination tour with skip-the-line tickets to Schönbrunn Palace and a city walking tour.

**Afternoon:**Maximize time in Vienna with a ride on the hop-on hop-off bus, which moves you through the city quickly. Visitors with children may want to visit Vienna’s Schonbrunn Zoo (home to more than 4,000 animals including giant pandas) and climb aboard Wiener Riesenrad, the city’s giant Ferris wheel. 

**Night:**Dinner in Vienna often comes with a classical music concert. Some evening music tours include dinner at historic spots, followed by a concert of Mozart’s music at concert halls such as the Musikverein. Alternatively, see Vienna illuminated at night during an evening boat tour along the Danube River. 

Day 2: Contemporary Culture and Classical Music

**Morning:**Get to know contemporary culture in Vienna with a food-themed walking tour. Bring your appetite and set out out to eat and drink your way through the city with stops at its coffeehouses, bakeries, and markets. Tastings of coffee, chocolate, and cheese are common on food-focused city strolls. 

**Afternoon:**Burn some calories from your morning market romp with a city bike tour. Learn about Vienna’s history from your guide during a cycle past top landmarks that might include the Vienna State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 

**Night:**Evenings in Vienna are for music. Get dressed up and attend a classical music concert such as the Vivaldi Four Seasons Concert at St. Charles Church or Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert at St. Anne’s Church. At the Kursalon Vienna Concert Hall, a performance of Mozart and Strauss also includes accompanying ballet dancers. 

Famous for its UNESCO-listed monuments, glamorous Viennese balls, and legacy of classical music, Vienna is one of Europe’s cultural capitals. Whether indulging in coffee and cake at a Viennese coffeehouse, attending a concert of Mozart or Strauss, or taking a romantic horse-and-carriage ride around the city, the Austrian capital offers numerous unforgettable experiences.  

Explore the architectural wonders along the Ringstrasse, stroll through the gardens of the lavish Schönbrunn Palace, and visit legendary institutions such as the Vienna State Opera House and the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. The best time to visit is during the festive season, when the city hosts some of Europe’s most popular Christmas markets. 

Booking tours and tickets in advance is essential—to help you choose, here’s our pick of the must-do activities in Vienna.

Two days in Salzburg is enough time to explore the city, unraveling its connections with Mozart and The Sound of Music, and experiencing the glorious lake and mountain scenery of the surrounding Salzkammergut lake district and Bavarian Alps. Here are our ideas for a perfect two days in this Austrian gem.

Day 1: Sights, Sleighs, and Shows

Morning: Board a hop-on hop-off bus to view Salzburg’s landmarks and create your own itinerary. Alternatively, save your feet with a short panoramic bus tour followed by coffee and cake at a city-view restaurant. To go deeper, choose an on-foot tour—visiting must-sees including Salzburg Cathedral (Dom) and Getreidegasse with a guide.

Afternoon: After admiring Salzburg’s sights, dive into its music and movie history. Save time by prebooking admission to its two Mozart museums—Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus) and Mozart’s Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus)—to explore independently. Or, join one of The Sound of Music coach tours for a tour of important filming locations.

Night: If you’re in Salzburg in winter, finish with a private horse-drawn sleigh ride, gliding through the snowy Salzkammergut woods in a blanket-lined carriage. Alternatively, discover Salzburg’s proud marionette tradition. Book ahead to watch wooden puppets perform The Sound of Music or Mozart’s The Magic Flute in the Marionette Theater.

Day 2: Strudel, Summits, and Scenery

Morning: Now that you've seen Salzburg’s top sights, delve into the city’s cuisine. Learn to make classic apple strudel at a cooking class before enjoying your creations over lunch. If you wish, push your skills further with a class that includes nockerl soufflé—another local favorite.

Afternoon: Experience Salzburg’s countryside with a trip into the Bavarian Alps or Salzkammergut region. Take a private or shared tour to the Eagle’s Nest—once Adolf Hitler’s mountaintop lair—perhaps combining it with Berchtesgaden’s 500-year-old salt mine or the emerald-green King’s Lake (Königssee).

Night: Mozart Magic

End your Salzburg stay on a high note with a Mozart dinner concert. Take your pick from the many variations available, and book in advance to ensure your place. Venues include the Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg) and the frescoed Baroque Hall of St. Peter—where costumed performers sing Mozart’s works around candlelit tables.

Vienna is steeped in music, art, and history, making it a perfect destination for culture vultures. From enjoying its centuries-old passion for classical music at concerts to exploring its art museums and discovering its celebrated coffeehouses, here’s how to experience the Austrian capital’s cultural offerings.

Explore Vienna’s Art Museums

Vienna’s museums brim with classical, imperial-era, and modern art. Topping the agenda is the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum), with works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Bruegel, as well as ancient and classical treasures. Other institutions include Belvedere Palace, whose collections include masterpieces such as Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss and pieces by Monet and van Gogh. Explore on a tour to benefit from a guide’s commentary, or save precious vacation time by prebooking admission tickets online.

Immerse Yourself in Classical Music

The Austrian capital’s rich musical heritage lies in the great 18th- and early 19th-century composers—Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss—who all lived in the city. The result is a rolling program of concerts staged in Vienna’s Hapsburg-era venues, with some including dinner and musicians in period costume. Popular options range from Mozart recitals at the State Opera House and Musikverein to wider classical concerts at the city’s churches.

See the Horses at the Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is entwined in Vienna’s history, having been established as a horse-and-rider-training school by Austria’s Hapsburg rulers in the 1500s. Its stables and arena lie within Hofburg Palace, and its stars are its dressage-performing, white Lipizzaner stallions. Watch a demonstration by booking a ticket, or get a behind-the-scenes look on a tour of the school.

Dive into Vienna’s Coffeehouse Culture

Coffeehouses and Vienna have gone hand in hand since the 16th century, serving not only as places to enjoy top-notch coffee and the city’s famously rich cakes, but as meeting places for great artists and writers. Tap into the tradition on a tasting tour of some celebrated cafés, or broaden your sights to include Vienna’s other culinary delights—such as chocolate and wine.

Discover the City’s Jewish Heritage

Vienna had one of Europe’s largest Jewish populations for centuries until the Nazis decimated it, and today the city again boasts a vibrant Jewish community. Discover this key strand of its culture on walking tours around the historical Jewish quarter, seeing everything from ornate synagogues to memorials that mark the Holocaust as a guide explains the city’s deep-seated Jewish heritage.

The birthplace of Mozart and setting of The Sound of Music, Salzburg also provides ample historical sights—including baroque churches, squares, a fortress, and cobbled Old Town lanes. With so much to see and do, here’s how to cover this Austrian city’s sights and musical spirit in a single day.

Morning: Sights and Strolls

Salzburg Old Town is compact, making walking around easy. Most on-foot tours cover the city’s signature sights, such as Salzburg Cathedral (Dom), St. Peter’s Abbey (Stift Sankt Peter), the exterior of Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus), and Mirabell Palace and Gardens (Schloss Mirabell und Mirabellgarten), where you can see the stairway featured in The Sound of Music. Other options include private tours of Old Town combined with Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), perched high above the city. Alternatively, take a hop-on hop-off bus tour for an overview of landmarks and a way to create your own itinerary.

Afternoon: From The Sound of Music to Mozart

Follow-up your citywide sightseeing with a focus on one of Salzburg’s musical claims to fame. Various Sound of Music tours cover the movie’s most famous filming locations including sites outside the city such as Leopoldskron Castle (Schloss Leopoldskron) and basilica St. Michael in Mondsee. If Mozart is an interest, prebook entry to Mozart’s Birthplace—the composer's early family home-turned-museum displays his childhood possessions and musical instruments. Or, choose a 2-ticket combo with admission to Mozart’s Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus), his later family home. For a fuller look at Mozart, choose a bus tour that spotlights Mozart-era Salzburg.

Night: Classical Music and Cuisine

Salzburg’s musical heritage comes alive at night, along with the city’s romantic lights. Opt for a Mozart-themed dinner concert in one of the Old Town’s halls; savor gourmet dishes while costumed singers and musicians perform the composer’s works. Alternatively, pair a river cruise with dinner and a Mozart recital at the Salzburg Fortress, views over the city. Another option is a show at the historical Salzburg Marionette Theater—watch Mozart’s The Magic Flute or The Sound of Music story played out by carved wooden puppets, complete with music and song.

Whether you embark on a relaxing river cruise, drop by one of the world’s oldest zoos, indulge in a chocolate-tasting session, or go for a ride on the city’s giant Ferris wheel, Vienna offers plenty of attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages. Here’s how to plan a family-friendly day out in the Austrian capital.

• Make sightseeing exciting for kids — and point out the city’s palaces, cathedrals, and other impressive landmarks — aboard a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour.
• Combine your city explorations with a relaxing boat ride when you go for a cruise down the Danube River.
• Discover one of Vienna’s interactive and family-friendly exhibitions, such as Time Travel: The Vienna History Show or Madame Tussauds.
• Given that Vienna’s culinary staples include chocolate, praline, cheese, and other treats, you can bring the kids along on a tempting food tour.
• Visit the Tiergarten Schönbrunn — one of the world’s oldest zoos — and finish with a ride on the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad).

A unique mix of old-world grandeur and contemporary charm means that Vienna attracts sightseers in their thousands. With a little bit of forward planning, however, you can swerve the crowds. From advance tickets to off-the-beaten-path sights, here’s how to experience a mellower side of Austria’s capital. 

Plan Ahead

Where possible, buy skip-the-line admission tickets to Vienna’s big hitters in advance. Go to Café Central, Hofburg Imperial Palace (Hofburg Wien), and Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) as early or late in the day as you can, and try to avoid weekends. It’s also worth buying concert tickets for Wiener Konzerthaus, Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper), or the Vienna Musikverein (Wiener Musikverein) well ahead of time. 

Venture Beyond Innere Stadt

Hemmed in by the Ringstraße, the UNESCO-listed Innere Stadt is home to many of Vienna’s major attractions, which include St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), the State Opera House, and Hofburg Imperial Palace, making it the busiest part of town. Venture beyond the Ringstraße’s boundary to Wieden, home to the Third Man Museum and Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere), or go even farther afield to the likes of the Vienna Woods or the Danube Valley, where city-center crowds feel a million miles away. 

Put your Walking Shoes On

Much of Vienna’s Old Town is pedestrianized, which can make traveling by car a headache. Opt to explore on foot and you’ll find you can get between sights such as the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule), the Kunsthistorisches Museum, St. Peter’s Church, and more in minutes. 

Sightsee at Sunset

With most travelers hanging up their hats by late afternoon, evening can be a great time to explore. Tours take you to well-known city spots that are extra spectacular—and much less crowded—after dark.

Symbolist painter Gustav Klimt lived, worked, and died in Vienna. Some of the Austrian capital’s museums, galleries, and notable buildings proudly and beautifully showcase his famous pieces. Here are a few ways to celebrate and admire Gustav Klimt’s work in Vienna.

Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)

Home to the largest collection of Gustav Klimt artworks in the world, 18th-century Belvedere Palace is the single most important destination for Klimt aficionados. The palace houses 24 works including Kiss (Lovers) and Judith alongside a diverse selection of landscapes, portraits, and sketches. Belvedere Palace sits within expansive grounds in central Vienna.

Leopold Museum

The Leopold Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of modern Austrian art, and takes pride of place in Vienna’s Museumsquartier. Opened in 2001, the museum holds famous Klimt works including Attersee and Death and Life. The Leopold Museum is near the Maria-Theresien-Platz and can be reached with ease on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Secession Building

The Secession Building was built in the late 19th century to mark the decision made by a number of artists to withdraw from the Association of Austrian Artists. Klimt was the first president of the Secession, and his masterpiece Beethoven Frieze is housed there.

Burgtheater

Home to the Austrian National Theater in Vienna, the Burgtheater dates back to 1741 and remains among the most visually impressive buildings in the Austrian capital. Between 1886 and 1888, Klimt produced a number of impressive ceiling paintings in the Burgtheater’s stairwells that visitors can still admire today.

Vienna’s Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is the largest art museum in Austria, and features historic works dating back to the 11th-century House of Habsburg. Klimt and his colleagues created 40 paintings in the museum in 1890, just before it opened to the public in 1891.

Even the best-laid travel plans can be disrupted by poor weather. When black clouds threaten in Vienna, here's how to stay dry and make the most of rainy days in Austria’s ornate capital city.

• Explore the baroque Belvedere Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.
• Enjoy a classical music concert in the Schonbrunn Palace Orangery.
• Learn about, make, and taste chocolate during a chocolatier experience.
• Stay dry and save money on admission to Vienna’s top museums with a Vienna Pass.
• Learn how to make authentic Austrian cuisine during a cooking class.
• Step back in time and learn about the history of Vienna at Time Travel: The Vienna History Show.
• Enjoy a wine tasting experience in a cosy Viennese cellar.
• Immerse yourself in the creative world of Mozart on a visit to Mozarthaus, his preserved apartment.
• Savor a sacher torte (chocolate cake) and soak up Viennese coffeehouse culture at some grand cafes.
• Admire colorful butterflies at the Schmetterlinghaus Imperial Butterfly House.
• Challenge your code-breaking skills at an escape room.
• Pose for photos beside wax replicas of celebrities such as Mozart and Marilyn Monroe at Madame Tussauds.

Discover the history and culture of Vienna in one day, from classical music to contemporary food. Learn about Vienna’s architecture and history, walk through one of its markets, and listen to a live Mozart concert in a single day. Here are a few ways to spend 24 hours in Vienna. 

Morning: Palaces and Private Tours

Get your bearings in Vienna and see the grandeur of its architecture with an introductory morning tour. For an intimate experience, choose a private tour and follow your guide to visit the city’s top historical attractions, which might include Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visitors interested in the elaborate palaces of Vienna may want to opt for a combination tour that might include skip-the-line tickets to the Schönbrunn Palace and a historical walking tour. To travel through the city quickly and explore independently, take a hop-on hop-off tour.

Afternoon: Coffee, Culture, and Cycling

Maximize your time in Vienna with a tour that covers ground quickly. Join a bike tour and pedal past top landmarks such as the Hofburg Palace. Bike tours tend to visit off-the-beaten-path spots and explore city streets not always seen by visitors. Alternatively, cruise through Vienna on a Segway and follow your guide to see historic landmarks. Foodies may want to experience the culture of Vienna with a small-group food-focused walking tour that highlights the city’s food, coffee, and markets. Such tours typically allow you to eat and drink your way through the city with stops at a traditional coffeehouse, pastry shop, and market stalls at Naschmarkt.

Night: All About Music

A trip to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without hearing the music of Austrian composers such as Mozart performed live. Concerts take place at the Musikverein, a 19th-century concert hall, and the Vienna State Opera House, among others. Some classical music experiences, including one featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss for concert at Schönbrunn Palace, can be combined with a palace tour and dinner. Another combination tour offers a river cruise down the Danube in addition to a concert at Schönbrunn Palace.

From the grand buildings on the Ringstrasse to the manicured gardens and riverfront walking paths, Vienna’s sights are as romantic as they get. Whether you take your sweetheart on a dinner cruise or splurge on a chamber music concert, you’ll find that romance is always in the air. Here's how to woo your beloved in the Austrian capital. 

Attend a Classical Music Concert

Dress up for an evening on the town, and head out to a classical music performance in one of Vienna's lovely concert halls. Whether you splurge on a show and dinner at the grand concert hall at Schönbrunn Palace or attend a chamber music concert in a more intimate venue, nothing beats listening to pieces by famous Viennese composers like Mozart and Strauss in this music-loving city. 

Take a Dinner Cruise

River cruises are a popular Viennese sightseeing option, and many boats offer romantic dinner cruises on the Danube River. Hop aboard a boat with your sweetheart, and see the riverfront sights lit up at night while enjoying traditional Austrian cuisine complemented by local wines and live music. 

See the Royal Jewels

Though you may not be wealthy enough to adorn your beloved with jewels befitting kings and queens, you can still experience the opulence of the House of Habsburg with a visit to Vienna’s regal Imperial Treasury. Take your time exploring with a self-guided tour so you can marvel at one of the grandest emeralds in the world and admire jewelry once worn by empresses.

Learn How to Walz

Spin around a 19th century ballroom during a private Viennese waltz lesson. Follow along with a private instructor, and learn the basics of this stately dance, which is an essential part of the city’s cultural heritage. Learning this romantic dance in such an elegant setting may just sweep you off your feet. 

Take a Day Trip

Nothing says romance like a spontaneous trip. If you love the hustle and bustle of an urban setting, try an excursion to one of the other nearby cities, such as Prague or Bratislava. Travelers who prefer a breath of fresh air can take a jaunt into the scenic countryside or simply head to the verdant Vienna Woods, just a short drive from the city center.

Vienna is world-renowned for its pastries, but the city’s culinary offerings don’t end there. From the traditional Naschmarkt to the formal side of Austrian cuisine, here are a few flavors and experiences not to miss while in Vienna.

Must-Try Dishes

Diners in Vienna should look out for wiener schnitzel (breaded and fried veal cutlet) and tafelspitz (boiled beef in broth). Traditionally served alongside Styrian beans and apple vinaigrette, or thinly sliced with chive sauce, pumpkin seed oil, and green salad, tafelspitz is a firm favorite in fine-dining establishments across Vienna. There’s also a whole host of traditional Austrian cheeses, sausages, and wines to sample. Paying a visit to any busy local wurstelstand (sausage stall) is a great place to start.

For visitors with a sweet tooth, the sachertorte—a chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam and chocolate icing, created in 1832 by pastry chef Franz Sacher—is quite possibly the most famous dessert in Austria. Although there are as many variations on the dessert as there are cafés in Vienna, there’s no mistaking the real deal. Apple strudel is another popular sweet treat, best served alongside whipped cream at the Imperial Bakery Schoenbrunn. And for a true Austrian experience, follow up with a cup of Viennese coffee freshly  made by one of the city’s award-winning baristas.

Must-Do Experiences

• Combine a visit to the famous Schonbrunn Palace—considered among the most important historical buildings in Europe—with dinner and an evening classical music or opera concert.

• Follow a guide through Vienna’s Neubau district to sample chocolate and fresh local street food from the area’s diverse beisls (bistros) and markets.

• Work up an appetite strolling through the beautiful Karlsplatz and explore the 18th-century baroque St. Charles Church (Karlskirche).

• Tour the mile-long Naschmarkt open-air market in the bohemian district of Mariahilf.

• Delve into Vienna’s fabulous coffee scene at a private coffeehouse in Neubau.

• Spend time browsing stalls of colorful produce, sweet treats, and homewares in bustling Brunnenmarkt.

Just across the Austria–Slovakia border, Bratislava is an ideal day trip spot for travelers to Vienna. Visit the capital of Slovakia to discover its history, explore the Old Town, and admire its baroque architecture. Here’s what you need to know.

Group Tours

Join a group tour and travel by coach from Vienna to Bratislava, where you'll spend the day taking in the city with fellow travelers to Europe and your tour guide. Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town before visiting the 18th-century Grassalkovich Palace and Bratislava Castle. After lunch, return to Vienna by bus or perhaps by boat along the Danube River.

Private Tours

Private guides are an ideal option for travelers interested in a personalized experience. Enjoy private transport from Vienna (chocolate lovers might want to tack on a stop at the Hauswirth Chocolate Factory on the way), then follow your guide on a Bratislava city tour on foot that includes stops at top sights such as St. Michael's Gate, St. Martin's Cathedral, the Slovak National Theater, and Leopold de Pauli's Palace. Enjoy some customized free time before heading back to Austria via car, train, or boat. If you're heading on to Budapest, consider a two-day tour from Vienna that stops in Bratislava and Slovakia's High Tatras Mountains as well.

Things to Know

• Bratislava is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Vienna, about one hour away by road.

• Tours typically run for a full day, between six and 10 hours.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and roundtrip transport from centrally located Vienna hotels, whether by road, train, or boat.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid heels, which can make walking difficult on Bratislava’s cobblestones.

Home to the famous Chain Bridge and the UNESCO–listed Buda Castle Quarter, Budapest lies within easy reach of Vienna and makes an ideal travel destination from Austria. See below for your options for visiting the Hungarian capital from Vienna.

Full-Day Tours

Take a full day to immerse yourself in all Budapest has to offer. Full-day tours showcase top sites of interest in Budapest, including Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Heroes' Square—but the adventure doesn’t end there. Some tour options also stop between Vienna and Budapest for a tour of some area vineyards and samples of the region’s fine wines.

Multi-Day Tours

Travelers interested in diving into the history and culture of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary can opt for a multi-day tour that takes in sites often missed by other visitors. Discover UNESCO–listed landmarks as Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Budapest's Fisherman's Bastion, and Prague Castle, while also visiting tucked-away treasures off the beaten path.

Things to Know

• Budapest lies 150 miles (242 kilometers) east of Vienna, about 2.5 hours away by road.

• Prague is set 180 miles (291 kilometers) from Vienna, a journey of 3.5 hours by road.

• Day tours to Budapest from Vienna typically run between 10 and 13 hours, and include roundtrip transport from central Vienna.

• Multi-day tours from Vienna typically include accommodation in a 3- or 4-star hotel, train tickets with seat reservations, and city tours.

Vienna is one of Europe’s commercial capitals, with an abundance of shops and boutiques peppered throughout grand plazas and neoclassical buildings. Whether you want to indulge in rare gems or browse popular stores located in grand buildings, Vienna has it all. Here are a few of our top shopping picks.

Goldenes Quartier

With its glamorous flagship stores and international boutiques, the Goldenes Quartier is undoubtedly the most high-end of Vienna’s shopping districts. Wide boulevards are flanked by historic buildings that contain labels such as Chanel, Prada, and Jimmy Choo. And, even if you don’t have the budget to splurge on high-end brands, the Goldenes Quartier is still a great place to people watch.

Mariahilfer Strasse (Mariahilferstraße)

As Vienna’s longest shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse (Mariahilferstraße) is a staple of sightseeing and shopping tours of Austria’s capital. The bustling boulevard features classic Austrian cafés and restaurants and hundreds of stores, many of which have flagship shops here. To avoid the crowds and discover hidden gems, explore the side streets that lead off of the street.

Graben

Lined by marble buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the shopping street of Graben is home to several of Vienna’s finest and oldest continually operating traditional shops. On this street you’ll find a porcelain shop, perfumery, and royal jeweler—in addition to one of Europe’s most ornate H&Ms.

Kohlmarkt

Whether you’re looking to splurge or to window shop, no shopping visit to Vienna would be complete without exploring Kohlmarkt—a historic street with an abundance of fine jewelry stores. Kohlmarkt is home to traditional Viennese jewelers, such as the once royally-appointed Wagner, Bucherer, and Schullin; as well as high-carat brands, such as Cartier, Chopard, Tiffany and Wellendorff.

Romantic Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol in western Austria; its pastel-hued houses lie along the green waters of River Inn and huddle in a tangle of medieval alleys in the Old Town. Ornate Baroque and Rococo architecture contrasts with madcap modern creations, all cradled by the protective backdrop of the jagged Alps. 

Day 1: Innsbruck Sightseeing

Explore Innsbruck’s Altstadt (Old Town). Start your day at the iconic Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) before climbing the steps of the 15th-century Stadtturm (City Tower) for views of rooftops and Baroque spires. Lunch in the alleyways of the Altstadt, and then visit the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I in the Gothic Hofkirche (City Church), with its lines of stunning bronze statuary. Afterwards pop into the Hofburg Imperial Palace to learn about Tyrol’s Habsburg Imperial Family and then walk down to elegant, pedestrianized Maria-Theresien-Strasse for shopping and dining opportunities aplenty.

Day 2: Crystals and Castles

Take a half-day tour of the glittering art installations at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens and enjoy lunch at the park’s CAFÉ-terra – if it’s sunny grab a picnic – before retracing your steps to the mining town of Hall in Tyrol for a trip down the salt mines. If time allows, explore the Armories and Old Master paintings in the Renaissance gem Schloss Ambras, perched in the hills south of Innsbruck.  

Day 3: Ride the Hungerburgbahn

In the morning visit Zaha Hadid’s Bergisel Ski Jump Stadium and then tram it to Congress to take the Hungerburgbahn funicular up into the Alps. Stop off at Alpenzoo Innsbruck to see the ibex and marmots in Europe’s highest zoo before journeying up to Hungerburg itself. From here take a cable car to lunch at the Alpenlounge Seegrube before ascending to Hafelekar for glorious mountain views and skiing in winter.

With the surrounding mountains cutting it off from other regions, isolated Tyrol (Tirol)—which spreads across western Austria and northern Italy—developed its own distinct identity and culture. From Tyrolean culinary specialties to local customs, here are a few ways you can experience Tyrolean culture in Innsbruck. 

Highlights

• Feast on Tyrolean dishes such as creamy soup, speckknödel (bacon dumplings), and apple strudel during a multicourse Austrian dinner.

• Attend a folk music and dance show and watch traditionally clad dancers yodel and perform the Schuhplattler, a fast-paced, shoe-slapping jig.

• Shop for Tyrolean wood carvings and traditional clothing such as dirndls, lederhosen, and clothes made from loden, a thick wool material that has been worn in Tyrol since the Middle Ages. 

• Gain insight into Tyrolean history by wandering Innsbruck’s Old Town. Stop by the Hofburg, the palace built for Tyrol-born noble Archduke Sigmund the Rich; the Hofkirche, where Andreas Hofer, the leader of the 19th-century Tyrolean Rebellion against Napoleon, is buried; and the Ferdinandeum, part of the Tyrolean State Museums (Tiroler Landesmuseen), where local artworks are showcased.

• Ride a cable car in the Nordkette mountains, where you can try out typical Tyrolean winter sports, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and sledding.

• Visit Swarovski Crystal World to see displays and art installations made using crystals produced by one of Tyrol’s most successful homegrown brands.

• Attend Perchtenlauf, a custom during which locals parade down the streets wearing scary masks and carrying canes and sticks. Perchtenlauf, which has taken place here since pagan times, happens in late November or early December. 

• Come to Tyrol in autumn to witness the ceremonial return of the grazing cattle following the summer season. As the local farmers herd their livestock from Alpine pastures to the valley, the community celebrates. The animals are adorned with colorful garlands, ribbons, and flowers. 

The 19th-century Empress Elisabeth of Austria—nicknamed Sisi—was thrust into the limelight upon marrying Emperor Franz Joseph at the tender age of 16. Learn about the empress’s independent spirit, much-admired fashion sense, and fascinating, incident-filled life at these Vienna sights associated with the revered Austrian royal. 

Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)

This 1,441-room palace served as a summer residence for Habsburg royals, among them the Empress of Austria. Her private apartments, including a salon where she welcomed visitors, her dressing room, a room that most likely served as her exercise room, and the marital bedroom she shared with Franz Joseph, can all be seen during guided tours.

Imperial Furniture Collection

With thousands upon thousands of palace rooms to fill, the Habsburgs amassed a vast collection of furniture, much of it created by skilled artisans and designers of the time. This museum houses furnishings from the royal collection including Sisi’s bed from Gödöllő Castle in Hungary. There’s also a movie-themed exhibit, which features furniture lent by the museum for use in the 1950s Sissi movie trilogy. 

Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

The winter home of the Habsburgs from the 13th to 20th century, the Hofburg palace houses a museum dedicated to the legendary empress. Personal effects including clothing, accessories, and Empress Sisi’s medical chest are on display as well as re-creations that give a fuller picture of the empress's real character. Visitors can also explore the private apartments of Franz Joseph and Sisi, where the royal couple spent their winters.