Austria 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Austria

Day 1: Vienna

Places to Go

  1. Schönbrunn Palace: The former summer residence of the Habsburg rulers is a must-visit with its beautiful gardens and historic rooms.
  2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): This iconic cathedral in Vienna’s Old Town offers a stunning view from its tower.
  3. Hofburg Palace: Explore the imperial apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection here.
  4. Belvedere Palace: Home to Austrian art collections, particularly those of Gustav Klimt.

Activities

  1. Vienna Opera Ball: If you’re visiting in February, don’t miss this traditional event. Otherwise, visit the Vienna State Opera for a performance.
  2. Ride the Prater Ferris Wheel: For a great city view, take a ride on this iconic ferris wheel.
  3. Explore Naschmarkt: Vienna’s most popular market offers a variety of food and goods.

Things to Know

  • Austrian currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have cash on hand for smaller businesses.
  • Viennese people generally speak German, but English is also quite common in tourist areas.
  • Austria uses type F power sockets. If your devices use a different type, bring an adapter.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of many countries, including the United States and most European countries, do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Always check the latest requirements before traveling.

Transportation

Vienna has an extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and the metro (U-Bahn). A day pass is a convenient option if you plan to explore extensively.

Day 2: Salzburg

Places to Go

  1. Hohensalzburg Fortress: Offers panoramic views of Salzburg and houses museums on its grounds.
  2. Mirabell Gardens: Famous for its beautiful statues, including the “Sound of Music” Pegasus fountain.
  3. Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg): A stunning baroque cathedral in the heart of the city.
  4. Getreidegasse: This historic street is filled with shops, cafes, and the birthplace of Mozart.

Activities

  1. Salzburg City Tour: Guided tours can help you learn more about the city’s history and culture.
  2. Mozart’s Birthplace: Visit this museum to learn about the life and works of one of Salzburg’s most famous residents.
  3. Salt Mines of Berchtesgaden (Saloong Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden): A short trip from Salzburg, these salt mines offer an interesting experience.

Things to Know

  • German is the primary language in Salzburg, but English is also commonly spoken.
  • Salzburg Card offers free admission to many attractions and discounts on public transportation.

Transportation

Trains run frequently between Vienna and Salzburg. You can also rent a car for greater flexibility. Once in Salzburg, use the city buses or walk to get around.

Day 3: Innsbruck

Places to Go

  1. Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl): A historic balcony adorned with golden tiles and offering views of the Old Town.
  2. Innsbruck Cathedral (Dom zu Innsbruck): This baroque cathedral is a must-see in Innsbruck’s Old Town.
  3. Nordkette Mountains: Take a cable car up to enjoy stunning views and hiking opportunities.
  4. Ambras Castle: Houses a collection of art, armor, and royal treasures.

Activities

  1. Innsbruck City Tour: Guided tours can help you explore the city’s historic sites and modern attractions.
  2. Swimming in the Wilten Therme: Relax in this thermal spa after a day of sightseeing.
  3. Explore the Olympic Park: Visit the sites of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.

Things to Know

  • English is more widely spoken in Innsbruck than in some other parts of Austria.
  • The Innsbruck Card offers free admission to many attractions and discounts on public transportation.

Transportation

Trains run frequently between Salzburg and Innsbruck. Once in Innsbruck, use the city buses or walk to get around.

Day 4: Vienna (Continued)

Places to Go

  1. Vienna Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum): Home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
  2. Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum): Features exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and more.
  3. Hundertwasserhaus: This unique, colorful apartment building is a must-see for fans of architectural oddities.
  4. MuseumsQuartier: Vienna’s museum district offers something for everyone, from modern art to interactive exhibits.

Activities

  1. Vienna River Cruise: Take a relaxing cruise on the Danube or one of its tributaries to see the city from a different perspective.
  2. Visit Naschmarkt in the evening: The market transforms into a vibrant food and drink destination at night.
  3. Attend a classical concert: Vienna is famous for its classical music, so catch a performance if you can.

Things to Know

  • Vienna has a large student population, so there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and activities.
  • Many museums have free or reduced admission on certain days, so check before you go.

Transportation

Use the public transportation system to get around Vienna on your last day. Don’t forget to purchase any souvenirs or try any dishes you missed during your trip!