Lexi Webster
Austria is home to many beautiful cities, from the capital of Vienna to the picturesque town of Hallstatt. The country boasts stunning Alpine scenery, lush forests, pristine lakes, and impressive architecture. Travelling between cities is made easy by Austria's excellent rail network, and there are plenty of unique experiences to be had in each location. So, which cities should you visit on your trip to Austria?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities | Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Zell am See, Kaprun, Linz, St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang |
| Notable Attractions | The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, The Sound of Music Tour, Ars Electronica Center, Kunsthaus Graz art museum, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart's birthplace, Augustiner Bräustübl |
| Activities | Skiing, hiking, sightseeing, shopping, dining, visiting museums, musical performances, wine tasting |
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What You'll Learn
- Vienna: art, music, history, food, wine and museums
- Salzburg: Mozart's birthplace, baroque architecture, Mirabell Palace and Gardens
- Graz: culinary capital, vineyards, farmers' markets
- Innsbruck: city and mountain, shopping, restaurants, culture
- Linz: creative arts, technology museum, modern opera house
Vienna: art, music, history, food, wine and museums
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is known for its impressive range of art, music, museums, food, and wine.
Art and museums are integral to Vienna's cultural scene. The city boasts world-class museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum, with the largest Bruegel collection outside the Netherlands, and the Albertina, with its extensive collection of graphic arts, including engravings by Dürer and Rembrandt. The Academy of Fine Arts houses the Habsburg collection of Old Masters, particularly Flemish and Dutch paintings. The Imperial Treasury displays the regalia of the Holy Roman Emperors and the Habsburgs, while the Roman excavations in the Hoher Market offer an underground museum experience. The city's many other museums cover natural history, ethnology, military history, technology, and more.
Music is also a significant part of Vienna's cultural offerings, with venues like the Golden Hall at the Musikverein and the Vienna State Opera renowned for their musical performances. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is a must-hear, whether practicing outdoors or in the acoustics of a concert hall.
The city's historical sites are abundant, with about 30 castles and over 160 palaces. Notable places include St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its underground catacombs, the Imperial Vault in the Church of the Capuchins (the burial place of the Habsburg emperors), and Schönbrunn Palace, with its imperial apartments and exhibits. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes visitors back in time to the imperial age.
Food and wine are essential to the Viennese experience. The city offers a rich choice of eateries, from gourmet restaurants to traditional sandwich bars and sausage stands. Foodies can indulge in food and wine-tasting tours, sampling specialties like Styrian ham and Austrian wines. Vienna is also known for its coffeehouse culture, where locals enjoy coffee, pastries, and conversation in a setting that feels like a second living room. For a unique wine experience, visit the taverns in outlying districts like Grinzing, Nussdorf, and Sievering, identified by evergreen branches, to taste young sour wine (Heuriger) from the previous year's local harvest.
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Salzburg: Mozart's birthplace, baroque architecture, Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Salzburg is a beautiful Austrian city to visit, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town overlooked by an 11th-century fortress. The city is known for its musical heritage, being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and its well-preserved historic core, boasting impressive baroque architecture.
Mozart's Birthplace
The house where Mozart was born in 1756 is now a museum and remains one of the city's most popular attractions. The bright yellow façade of Mozart's birthplace has become an iconic landmark in Salzburg, attracting millions of visitors. The International Mozarteum Foundation works to preserve Mozart's legacy at his birthplace, with projects such as "Flying Notes" by Salzburg artist Andreas Feldinger, which adds a touch of artistic lightness to the building.
Baroque Architecture
Salzburg is often referred to as the "Rome of the North" due to its impressive baroque architecture. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the prince-archbishops commissioned the greatest architects of the time to create and redesign churches, houses, gardens, and fountains in the Baroque style. The magnificent buildings from this era still shape the city's skyline. Notable baroque sites include the DomQuartier in the heart of Salzburg and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens are among the most popular attractions in Salzburg. The entire site is under a preservation order and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was originally built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress, Salome Alt, and their 15 children. It was later renamed "Schloss Mirabell," meaning "wonderful beautiful." The site was eventually reconstructed as a baroque palace complex, featuring the stunning Marmorsaal (Marble Hall), which was the prince-archbishop's banqueting hall. The Mirabell Garden, a baroque pleasure garden in the town centre, was designed by the renowned baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. It offers a unique and famous view of the Palace and has been featured in films such as "The Sound of Music."
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Graz: culinary capital, vineyards, farmers' markets
Graz, the culinary capital of Austria, is a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts. Located in the state of Styria, Graz was once a European Capital of Culture and is known for its superb restaurants and bustling farmers' markets. The city showcases the best of fresh produce from the surrounding farmland and vineyards.
Start your day by exploring one of Graz's thriving markets, where you can sample a variety of local delicacies. The markets are a food lover's paradise, offering a chance to interact with local producers and discover unique flavours. Graz's culinary scene is renowned for its innovation, with chefs incorporating the freshest ingredients into their dishes.
In the afternoon, venture out to the surrounding Styrian wine region. Graz is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, where you can indulge in wine tastings and learn about the wine-making process. The region is known for its high-quality wines, and the vineyards provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing day trip. Sample the local vintages and enjoy the stunning views of the rolling hills and grapevines.
For a deeper understanding of Graz's culinary culture, consider taking a food tour or participating in a cooking class. These experiences will allow you to delve into the local food traditions and learn about the region's culinary heritage. Graz also offers a variety of dining options, from fine dining establishments to cosy bistros, ensuring that you can satisfy your appetite for gourmet experiences.
In addition to its culinary delights, Graz boasts impressive architecture, including the Kunsthaus Graz art museum, affectionately known as "the friendly alien" due to its distinctive design. Graz's old town, with its charming streets and historic buildings, is also worth exploring. So, whether you're a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Graz is sure to tantalise your taste buds and satisfy your craving for unique experiences.
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Innsbruck: city and mountain, shopping, restaurants, culture
Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol (Tyrol), is a city nestled in the Alps. It offers the best of both worlds: spectacular mountain vistas and a bustling city centre with great shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Innsbruck is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Austrian mountains without sacrificing the conveniences and excitement of city life. Within minutes, you can go from admiring breathtaking views of the Alps to exploring the city's vibrant streets.
The city boasts a diverse range of shopping options, from local boutiques to popular brands. Maria-Theresien-Strasse, a popular shopping street, offers a mix of fashion, accessories, and local specialities. The Old Town, with its charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings, is also a great place to find unique shops and traditional crafts.
When it comes to dining, Innsbruck has something for every taste and budget. Sample traditional Austrian cuisine, enjoy a cosy meal at a family-run tavern, or indulge in fine dining at one of the city's gourmet restaurants. The historic Old Town and the vibrant Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse are particularly well-known for their culinary delights.
Innsbruck also offers a rich cultural experience. The city is home to several museums, galleries, and historic sites. The Ambras Castle, with its impressive armoury and art collections, is a must-visit. The Tirol Panorama Museum, located on the outskirts of the city, offers a unique glimpse into the region's history and culture. Innsbruck also has a thriving arts scene, with venues like the Congress Innsbruck and the Tiroler Landestheater hosting a variety of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary theatre.
Whether you're seeking breathtaking scenery, cultural enrichment, or a vibrant city experience, Innsbruck delivers an unforgettable blend of city and mountain life.
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Linz: creative arts, technology museum, modern opera house
Linz is a vibrant city on the banks of the Danube, recognised as a UNESCO City of Media Arts. It is a creative hub, boasting several world-class museums and cultural venues.
The Ars Electronica Centre is Austria's leading technology museum. Here, you can view exhibitions on cutting-edge topics like AI and neurobionics, and even try programming robots. The Mural Harbour, one of the world's largest urban art projects, is also located in Linz. This unique open-air art gallery features over 300 graffiti artworks adorning the walls of huge warehouses.
Linz is also home to the Lentos Kunstmuseum, or the Museum of Modern Art, which showcases the city's artistic side. The city's opera house, the Musiktheater am Volksgarten, is one of the most modern in Europe, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023.
Linz has a long history as a centre for media art, with the Open Commons Linz initiative making a wide range of data freely available since 2009. The city has also established the VALIE EXPORT Center, honouring the famous feminist media and performance artist who was a native of Linz.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many beautiful cities to visit in Austria, including Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck.
Vienna has everything you could want from a great European city: art, music, museums, excellent wines, and one of the best and easiest public transit systems in Europe. It is also one of the safest cities in Europe and is very dog-friendly.
Salzburg is one of Austria's most striking cities, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town overlooked by an 11th-century fortress. Many travel to Salzburg to admire the baroque architecture of the Old Town, dine at the restaurants along Linzergasse, and visit the famous walkways of the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The city is also known for its deep musical heritage, as it is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
