π¦πΉ Your Guide to Austria
Imperial Vienna and the enchanting Alps β a country that blends the classic with the most beautiful nature in Europe
Austria is a country where you feel the weight of history with every step π. Vienna was the capital of an empire that stretched across half of Europe, and it still carries that grandeur β grand palaces, historic coffeehouses, and classical music filling the air everywhere. And outside Vienna there are the Alps, with their snow and turquoise lakes, making you feel like you've stepped inside a calendar ποΈ.
Top Places to See
SchΓΆnbrunn Palace
The Habsburg imperial palace β 1,400 rooms and seemingly endless gardens, one of Europe's most beautiful palaces
Vienna State Opera House
One of the world's most prestigious opera houses β even if you're not an opera fan, the atmosphere and architecture inside are worth the visit
Lake Hallstatt
A tiny village between mountains and a lake β one of Europe's most beautiful views and a UNESCO World Heritage site
Ski Resorts in the Alps
KitzbΓΌhel and Zell am See β among the world's finest ski resorts. The snow and atmosphere in winter are beyond words
Vienna Woods and the Surrounding Countryside
Green forests surrounding the capital β walking and nature just 30 minutes from the city centre
What to Eat
Wiener Schnitzel β Pounded and butter-fried veal β Austria's top national dish, different from German schnitzel in both method and flavor
Sachertorte β The world's most famous Viennese chocolate cake β from the original CafΓ© Sacher in Vienna, an experience not to be missed
Kipferl (Austrian Croissant) β The croissant was actually invented by the Austrians β a crescent-shaped buttery pastry found in every bakery every morning
Tafelspitz (Boiled Beef Soup) β An Austrian broth with celery β perfect in cold weather, simple and deeply flavorful
Famous Viennese Coffee β CafΓ© culture in Vienna is literally a UNESCO human heritage β Melange and Wiener Melange are the most famous varieties, enjoyed with a newspaper β³
Practical Tips
Vienna is relatively expensive β plan your budget in advance, but the many museums are worth every cent
The Vienna City Card offers unlimited public transport and museum discounts β excellent if you're spending two days or more in the city
Public transport in Vienna is among the best in Europe β metro, tram, and bus cover the whole city even late at night
Hallstatt is very small β visit early in the morning or after the afternoon rush when tourists thin out, and enjoy its true quiet
Winter in Vienna is magical β Christmas markets and a dusting of snow make it one of Europe's most beautiful cities in December βοΈ
Austria feels like being inside a film β mountains, palaces, music, and coffee all at an extraordinary level π¦πΉ. A city and mountains in one trip β that's not something you find everywhere!