Explore
Austria
The home of The Habsburgs, Mozart and “The Sound of Music”
Salzburg
Vienna
Language
Austria’s official language is German.
Useful phrases:
Guten Morgen – Good morning
Wie geht’s? – How are you?
Servus – Goodbye
Currency
Austria uses the Euro (€ / EUR).
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still helpful to carry some cash for cafés, markets and smaller shops.
Transportation
Austria has one of the easiest public transportation systems in Europe.
The U-Bahn, S-Bahn and ÖBB railway system make it easy to travel between cities and attractions.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is ideal for sightseeing, outdoor cafés and festivals.
December is perfect for Christmas markets and winter scenery.
Austria Highlights
Best for: History lovers, music fans, café culture and scenic train travel
Great for: First-time Europe travelers and solo travelers
Famous for: The Habsburgs, Mozart, fairytale towns and “The Sound of Music”
At a glance
My Experience in Austria
Austria was my first solo trip to Europe, and it ended up being one of the easiest and most rewarding countries I’ve traveled through alone.
From the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the storybook charm of Salzburg, Austria feels like stepping into a real-life European postcard.
Between palace tours, coffee houses, classical music and stunning scenery, it’s a country that blends history and beauty effortlessly.
I visited Austria in the summer of 2024 and immediately understood why so many travelers fall in love with it.
Best Places to Visit in Austria
Vienna
Austria’s capital city is known for its imperial palaces, elegant coffee houses and rich royal history. From touring Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg to visiting the Imperial Crypt, Vienna feels grand without being overwhelming. The city is incredibly walkable, and its excellent public transportation system makes it easy to explore even on a first trip to Europe.
→ Explore my 3 day Vienna itinerary
Salzburg
Salzburg is smaller, more relaxed and full of storybook charm. Best known as the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for “The Sound of Music,” the city combines baroque architecture, riverside views and beautiful mountain scenery. It’s compact enough to explore mostly on foot, and it’s one of the most visually stunning cities I visited in Austria.
→ Read my review of the best Sound of Music tour in Salzburg
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is one of the most photographed villages in Austria, and yes, it really is that beautiful in person. Surrounded by mountains and sitting directly on the edge of Hallstätter See, the tiny lakeside town looks straight out of a fairytale. While it can get crowded during the day, the scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it worth visiting, especially if you arrive early.
→ Read my Hallstatt day trip guide
