Austria is one of Europe's most rewarding destinations — Vienna's imperial grandeur and world-class museums, the Alpine skiing of Innsbruck and Kitzbühel, the baroque beauty of Salzburg, and the stunning lake district of the Salzkammergut.
Top Austria Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate austria highlights experience
Vienna Historic Centre
The Habsburg capital — museums, music and imperial grandeur
Vienna's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a compact, walkable city of imperial palaces, world-class museums, and the finest coffee house culture in Europe. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Belvedere (home of Klimt's The Kiss), the Vienna State Opera, and St. Stephen's Cathedral are all within walking distance. Vienna consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities, and its combination of culture, food, and architecture is unmatched in Central Europe.
Highlights
- The Kunsthistorisches Museum — one of the world's great art collections
- Belvedere Palace — home of Klimt's The Kiss
- Vienna State Opera — the world's finest opera house
- The Naschmarkt — Vienna's great outdoor food market
- Coffee house culture — a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Things to Do
- Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum
- See The Kiss at the Belvedere
- Attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera
- Explore the Naschmarkt
- Sit in a traditional Viennese coffee house
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
April–June & September–October; December for Christmas markets
Recommended Duration
3–5 days
Typical Cost
Mid-range; Vienna City Card from €17/day for transport and discounts
Travel Tips
- ·Train from London via Eurostar (14 hours) or fly direct (2.5 hours)
- ·The Vienna City Card gives unlimited public transport
- ·Book opera tickets months in advance
- ·Standing tickets at the Opera are very affordable (€3–10)
Nearby Attractions
Hallstatt
The world's most photographed village
Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful villages in the world — a tiny lakeside settlement of 800 people clinging to the steep shores of the Hallstätter See in the Austrian Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hallstatt gave its name to the Hallstatt archaeological culture (800–450 BC) — the world's oldest salt mine is here, still open for tours. The village's pastel-coloured houses, the church spire reflected in the lake, and the dramatic mountain backdrop make it one of Europe's most photographed locations.
Highlights
- The world's oldest salt mine — still open for tours
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The iconic lakeside village view — one of Europe's most photographed
- The Hallstatt Skywalk — panoramic views over the lake
- The charnel house — a unique ossuary with painted skulls
Things to Do
- Tour the world's oldest salt mine
- Walk to the Hallstatt Skywalk viewpoint
- Visit the charnel house
- Take a boat trip on the Hallstätter See
- Hike in the Dachstein mountains above the village
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
May–June & September–October (avoid July–August crowds)
Recommended Duration
1–2 days
Typical Cost
Affordable; salt mine tour from €30, accommodation from €80/night
Travel Tips
- ·Hallstatt is 75km from Salzburg — take the train to Hallstatt station and ferry across the lake
- ·Arrive early or stay overnight to avoid day-trip crowds
- ·The village is tiny — most visitors see it in 3–4 hours
- ·Book accommodation months in advance
Nearby Attractions
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