Our guide to exploring Austria’s cities

Right in the heart of Europe, Austria has been influenced from all sides over the centuries. The sway of its nearby neighbors can be felt in its cities and culture, with a hint of German cuisine here and a flourish of Italian baroque architecture there. It is also mountain country, with spectacular Alpine scenery for summer hiking and winter snow sports. To tune into Austria’s rich culture and grand history, heading to its urban center is key. In this article, we’ll waltz you through the very best cities in Austria to visit.

Discovering the best cities in Austria

History, art and elegance in Vienna

Vienna is the grande dame of Austrian cities, with Baroque palaces aplenty and an air of pomp and splendor. This is the place to catch a glimpse of what life would have been like for the upper echelons of societies past. The Hapsburg Dynasty ruled over parts of central Europe from the 12th century, and Austria was their main seat of power. No expense was spared to celebrate their wealth and standing, and it is in Vienna that you can experience the scale of this luxury.

The Hofburg Palace was the Royals’ imperial winter residence. Built in the 13th century and added to over the years, it is one of the largest palace complexes in the world. An imposing exterior festooned with Baroque flourishes houses more than 2,500 rooms. Their summer palace, Schloss Schönbrunn, competes in grandeur with its acres of preened gardens encircling another lavish abode. Then, there’s the enchanting Schloss Belvedere, housing artworks by Klimt and Schiele and set in immaculate gardens, dotted with romantic sculptures and tinkling fountains.

Beyond its dazzling palaces, Vienna’s coffeehouses are where you’ll find the more relatable soul of the city. These lounges are where the people of Vienna have convened over the centuries to refuel, socialize, find inspiration and debate. Be sure to drop in for coffee, sachertorte (chocolate cake) and a chat.

Innsbruck, the ultimate winter destination

Of all the cities in Austria, Innsbruck is the place to be for easy access to the mountains. This is the capital of the Tyrol region, arranged along the river Inn with a dramatic backdrop of the imposing Nordkette range. The city has a fine medieval Old Town and a futuristic funicular that can whisk you up to 2,000m in mere minutes.

Linz, where history meets modernity

The third-largest city in Austria, Linz has its eyes firmly on the future, with a cutting-edge arts and technology scene and some eye-opening contemporary architecture. That’s not to say that it doesn’t also have its share of old-world Austria, with a handsome Baroque Old Town arranged around the banks of the Danube. But what sets it apart is its technological innovation, most readily experienced at the riverside Ars Electronica Centre.

Villach, gateway to stunning Austrian lakes

Villach is in the central-south of Austria, not far from the Slovenian and Swiss borders. It is known as the gateway to the beautiful Alpine lakes of Faak and Ossiach and makes a great base for walking trips in the summer. One of the best things about Villach itself is its down-to-earth pace. Here, life rolls on away from the tourist crowds, and visitors get to slot into a typically Austrian city going about the everyday business of life.

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart

Salzburg dazzles, with Baroque beauties lining up for your attention. The domes and spires of its old town parade up a steep hillside to a dramatic clifftop castle with mountains silhouetted beyond. This symphony of architecture and natural spectacle is befitting of the birthplace and home of the composer himself, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Music is still the lifeblood of Salzburg, with rousing recitals performed daily all around the city and a star-studded classical music concert held every summer. For the ultimate Salzburg experience, book concert tickets at the fantastical Schloss Mirabell, a gorgeous 17th-century palace. Take a turn around the manicured gardens before stepping inside its lavish frescoed interior for the performance.

Fans of The Sound of Music can’t help but get carried away spotting film locations, both around the city and up on the flower-dotted Alpine slopes around the Stift Nonnberg Benedictine monastery. To get into the spirit, book in with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours and belt out the hits as you whizz between locations.

The medieval and culinary charms of Graz

As Austria’s second-largest city and an important university town, Graz has a youthful energy and a venerable past. Its medieval center is a mass of red-roofed buildings and time-polished cobbled streets lined with bars, bistros and boutiques.

It is also the capital of Styria, a region celebrated for its rich farmland and wine-growing prowess. All this endows Graz with one of the top culinary scenes in the country. The main farmers market is piled high with quality produce from around the region. The emphasis is on sustainability, with local, seasonal produce and traditional processes welcomed at the table. From typical dishes to modern takes and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, Graz is a real foodie destination.

Planning your trip: an essential checklist for visiting Austria’s cities

• Make use of public transport, it’s efficient, comfortable, affordable and sustainable.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and top it up with some of the purest tap water in the world – direct from the mountain springs of the Alps.
• For affordable and delicious snacking, track down neighborhood bakeries for a tempting array of pastries, sandwiches and breads.
• When in cafes and restaurants, don’t expect American-style service. Hospitality staff demeanor can sometimes come across as brusque, especially in Vienna, but don’t be offended – this is simply a cultural nuance.
• On a visit to Austria, be aware that Sundays are quiet days spent relaxing with family and friends. Most shops will be closed and services run at a minimum.
• On a multi-destination visit, travelling through Austria by train is the ultimate way to explore. The train system is fast and efficient and the distances between destinations are relatively short. Depending on your itinerary, you might also consider arriving in one of Austria’s cities via sleeper train from elsewhere in Europe.

Travelling between borders: the best cities to explore in Austria and beyond

With its close proximity to a host of European neighbors, along with its relatively small size, Austria is perfect for building a multi-country tour around. Combine an Austria visit with forays into nearby cities in Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia or the Czech Republic. For in-depth guidance, our local experts are on hand to help you plan a multi-country cocktail you won’t soon forget.

Make it happen

Feeling inspired by our guide to the best cities in Austria? Our local experts are on hand to turn your travel dreams into reality – get in touch with them today.