Whether it’s snow-capped mountains or culture-packed cities, Austria appeals to all travellers whatever the season. For music lovers, there is Mozart. For foodies there are schnitzels and incredible cakes. For adventure seekers, there are winter sports and summer hikes. In Vienna it has one of Europe’s most charming capital cities and Salzburg is possibly one of the most underrated ‘second cities’ we have visited too. It really is one of our favourite European destinations.
Feeling inspired? No trip to Austria is complete without visiting Vienna – the capital is a truly beautiful city and with so much to see and do it is a great destination for a long weekend. We also found that it was surprisingly good for vegan and vegetarian travellers unlike parts of nearby Germany and Italy.
The Prater
Schönbrunn Palace
Currency – Euro.
Best time to visit – Vienna is at its nicest in the spring so the best time to visit is between April and June. If you’re feeling festive, Vienna also has a number of excellent Christmas markets in late November and Decemer. The ski season in Austria runs from the end of December until the end of April.
Accommodation – There are loads of options for places to stay in Vienna from fantastic luxury hotels to budget-friendly options in the city centre. On our last trip we stayed at the Holiday Inn, Vienna City which was reasonably priced and offered everything you need for a short city break. Accommodation can be pretty expensive in Vienna so make sure you shop around for the best deal.
Food – If there is one thing to look forward to in Austria – it’s the food. From Schnitzel to Strudel to Sachertorte – you are in for a treat. We also found that Vienna was surprising good for vegetarian and vegan travellers and we managed to have a completely vegan trip to Austria’s capital last year.
Transport – Public transport is great in Austria and very easy to navigate. You can take a train directly from Vienna airport into the city centre although our hotel also offered a cheap taxi transfer. If you are planning a trip out to Schönbrunn Palace then take the U4 underground line from the city centre.
How much will it cost me – Austria can be pricey when compared with other options in Europe but it is well worth a visit. A three night stay at the 4* Holiday Inn, Vienna City starts at €400 (staying in March 2021 – prices accurate as of April 2020). A pint of beer costs roughly €4 and a meal for two around €50-€60 depending on the restaurant.
The streets of Vienna are paved with culture, the streets of other cities with asphalt.
If all this talk of coffee and culture has fueled your wanderlust, it’s time to start planning your trip to Austria. We loved our last trip to Vienna and can’t wait to go back to one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Check out the rest of our Austria posts for more ideas for your next trip.
Travelling as a vegan used to be really difficult but with each year it is getting easier as more restaurants open. So how vegan friendly is Vienna?
Holiday Inn, Vienna City is perfectly located to explore this beautiful city. Find out why this budget hotel could be the best option for your long weekend.
Vicky recently visited Vienna with one of her oldest friends. With no boys in sight and a whole weekend to explore, what were their top 5 things to do?
September 10, 2018