Colourful traditional houses decorated with flower boxes line a square in Hallstatt, with the town's church steeple rising above the rooftops against a blue sky with scattered clouds. This picturesque lakeside village in the Salzkammergut region is one of the most popular places to visit in Austria for its historic charm and alpine scenery.

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Austria

ByErin Updated on

Planning a trip to Austria but not sure which destinations deserve a spot on your itinerary? From famous cities and alpine lakes to charming villages and mountain scenery, Austria offers far more than most first-time visitors realize.

Every time we visit Austria, I end up discovering another town, lake, or mountain region that makes me want to come back.

While Vienna and Salzburg are often the first places people think of, there’s much more to Austria than its two most famous cities. From alpine destinations such as Hallstatt to beautiful lake regions and lesser-known historic towns that many visitors overlook, there are plenty of incredible places to explore across the country.

After multiple trips exploring Austria’s cities, lakes, mountain regions, and lesser-known towns, I’ve narrowed down the destinations I think are most worth your time.

Whether you’re planning your first Austria itinerary or looking to explore beyond the typical tourist route, these are some of the best places to visit in Austria.

🇦🇹 Austria at a Glance

Known for: Historic cities, alpine scenery, lakes, castles, and Christmas markets
Best for: Families, road trips, outdoor adventures, and first-time visitors to Europe
Don’t miss: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut, and Innsbruck
How much time do you need? 7–14 days
Best time to visit: Summer for hiking and lakes, winter for skiing and Christmas markets
Our favourite area: The Salzkammergut region, where mountain views, lakes, and small towns come together in one of the most scenic parts of the country

Best Places to Visit in Austria

Whether you’re interested in cities or mountains, outdoor adventures or history, these are the destinations I’d recommend adding to your itinerary.

Vienna

Vienna is often the first stop on an Austria itinerary, and it’s one of my favourite cities in Europe. With historic architecture, world-class museums, music, culture, and plenty of green space, there’s a lot to see and do without feeling rushed.

What I love most about Vienna is how well it works for everyone in the family. I expected Vienna to feel more formal and museum-heavy, but it ended up being one of the easiest European cities I’ve visited with kids. 

Adults can enjoy the city’s history, cafés, and iconic landmarks, while kids will find museums just for them, palace gardens, and other attractions designed with families in mind. Rather than feeling like a city where you’re constantly looking for ways to keep children entertained, Vienna does a great job of blending cultural experiences with family-friendly activities. 

Plus there’s playgrounds all over the city that are great for a mid-sightseeing break. We’d spend the morning visiting museums or exploring the historic centre, then let the kids burn off some energy at a playground before moving on to the next stop.

A child in a red-striped winter hat closely watches two fish swimming past a coral reef inside a brightly lit aquarium.
Visit the Haus des Meeres
Wooden climbing structure with slides and bridges in a city playground covered with wood chips, surrounded by leafless trees and residential buildings in the distance.
or have fun at the Stadtpark

Whether you’re visiting Schönbrunn Palace, wandering through the historic centre, stopping for coffee and cake, or simply exploring a new neighbourhood, Vienna is a city that’s easy to enjoy at your own pace. If it’s your first trip to Austria, I’d make it one of your top priorities.

How long to spend in Vienna: I’d plan for at least three to four days here if it’s your first visit.

Two children pose in front of the Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna, surrounded by manicured baroque gardens with symmetrical hedges and gravel paths on a cloudy winter day.
Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna

Salzburg

Smaller than Vienna but just as beautiful, Salzburg is one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. Known as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, the city is filled with historic buildings, charming streets, and views of the surrounding mountains.

The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with baroque architecture, beautiful streets, and plenty of viewpoints overlooking the Salzach River. One of the highlights is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which sits high above the city and offers some of the best views in the area.

Hohensalzburg Fortress sits high on a wooded hill above the rooftops of Salzburg under a bright blue sky. Historic buildings and leafy trees fill the foreground beneath the massive white fortress walls.

What I liked most about Salzburg was that it felt like a city you could really enjoy at a slower pace. We spent the day wandering through the Old Town, visiting the Mirabell Gardens and hiking up to the fortress. We also stumbled across several viewpoints overlooking the river and city, which ended up being some of my favourite views during our visit.

One of my favourite memories from Salzburg actually came from getting lost. We took a wrong turn up a narrow staircase and ended up at a quiet viewpoint overlooking the city that wasn’t crowded with tourists. It ended up being one of our favourite views in Salzburg.

Despite being smaller than Vienna, there was still plenty to see and do. It’s also one of the best bases in Austria for exploring the surrounding region, with Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut, mountain hikes, and scenic drives all within easy reach.

How long to spend in Salzburg: One full day is enough to see the highlights, but two or three days gives you time to explore the surrounding region.

Panoramic view of Salzburg featuring historic rooftops, church domes, and Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking the city. Mountains in the background add to the dramatic alpine setting.
the view from that wrong turn we took

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is one of the most photographed places in Austria, and while that might sound a little cliché, it’s easy to see why once you visit. Set between a lake and the mountains, it’s also one of the most beautiful places in Austria, with its colourful waterfront, narrow streets, and postcard-worthy views.

While Hallstatt can get busy during the day, especially in summer, it’s still worth visiting if it’s your first trip to Austria. We stopped as part of a road trip through the region and enjoyed wandering through the village, taking in the scenery, and exploring the lakeside paths.

If you’re visiting Austria for the first time, I think Hallstatt is worth seeing despite the crowds.

What surprised me most was how much quieter the lakeside paths felt just a few minutes away from the famous viewpoint. Most visitors crowded around the waterfront while we ended up finding some of our favourite views walking away from the centre.

Lakeside village with a tall church steeple, traditional alpine houses, and steep forested mountains reflected in calm water. This picturesque setting is one of Austria's most recognizable destinations and a popular stop for travellers.

Although many people visit on a day trip, I think Hallstatt works best as part of a broader trip through the Salzkammergut region. That way, you can enjoy the village while also discovering some of the nearby lakes, towns, and mountain viewpoints that make this area of Austria so special.

How long to spend in Hallstatt: A few hours is enough to see the village itself, though it works best as part of a longer stay in the Salzkammergut.

Salzkammergut

If I could only recommend one region outside Vienna and Salzburg, it would probably be the Salzkammergut. Known for its lakes, mountains, and small towns, this area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Austria.

It was such a nice change of pace from Austria’s bigger cities. Between the lakes, mountain views, and small towns, this felt like a part of Austria where you could spend your days wandering, taking boat rides, and enjoying the scenery rather than rushing between attractions.

While Hallstatt gets most of the attention, I actually enjoyed exploring the wider region just as much. One of the highlights was taking the boats between villages on Lake Wolfgangsee, which made it easy to visit several towns while enjoying the scenery from the water.

White passenger boat crossing a bright blue lake with a historic church and lakeside buildings visible in the background. The peaceful waterfront scene captures the beauty of Austria's lake regions and cultural heritage.

If you enjoy scenic drives, small towns, and spending time outdoors, I’d prioritize this region over adding another city to your itinerary.

How Long to Spend in Salzkammergut: I’d spend at least two or three days here, especially if you want time to visit multiple lakes and towns.

Innsbruck

If you want mountain scenery without giving up the convenience of a city, Innsbruck is hard to beat. Surrounded by the Alps, it’s one of Austria’s best destinations for outdoor adventures, while still offering a historic centre, restaurants, and plenty of cultural attractions.

Unlike Vienna and Salzburg, where the focus is often on history and architecture, Innsbruck is more connected to the mountains. You can spend the morning exploring the colourful buildings of the Old Town and the afternoon taking a cable car into the Alps for hiking or panoramic views.

Row of pastel coloured historic buildings lining a riverbank with forested mountains rising behind them under low clouds. The charming architecture and alpine backdrop showcase the character of Austrian mountain towns.

Although we didn’t make it to Innsbruck on our trip, it was high on my list. In the end, we chose to spend more time exploring Salzburg and the Salzkammergut region instead. It’s definitely one of the places I’d prioritize on a future visit, especially for families who enjoy outdoor adventures and alpine scenery.

How Long to Spend in Innsbruck: I’d spend at least one or two days here, particularly if you want time to enjoy both the city and the surrounding mountains.

Wachau Valley

Stretching along the Danube River between Vienna and Melk, the Wachau Valley is one of Austria’s most scenic regions. Known for its vineyards, historic towns, and hilltop castle ruins, it’s an easy way to experience a different side of Austria.

It’s an easy day trip from Vienna and a great option if you enjoy exploring small towns along the river. Places like Dürnstein and Melk are easy to wander, with colourful streets, historic buildings, and beautiful views over the Danube. It’s also a great area for cycling, river cruises, and wine tasting. After spending time sightseeing in Vienna, it was nice to slow down, explore smaller communities, and enjoy a different side of Austria. If you’re looking for a scenic day trip or road trip stop, this region is well worth adding to your itinerary.

How Long to Spend in Wachau Valley: I’d set aside a full day for the Wachau Valley.

Baroque monastery and church with a blue bell tower overlooking the Danube River, surrounded by steep green hills and vineyard terraces. This historic riverside setting highlights one of the best places to visit in Austria for scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Zell am See

Set on the shores of Lake Zell and surrounded by mountains, Zell am See is often included on lists of Austria’s most beautiful destinations. Known for its lake views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities, it’s especially popular with travellers looking to spend time in nature.

We didn’t make it to Zell am See on our Austria road trip, but it was high on my list and is one of the places I’d prioritize on a future visit. Between the mountain scenery, lakeside setting, and easy access to hiking, it seems to combine many of the things I love most about Austria.

If you’re looking for an outdoor-focused destination or planning a summer trip through the Austrian Alps, Zell am See is worth considering.

How Long to Spend at Zell am See: I’d plan for two or three days here, especially if you enjoy hiking, outdoor activities, and spending time by the lake.

Wide view across a clear lake toward a village nestled between green mountain slopes under a sky filled with white clouds. The combination of water, mountains, and traditional settlements makes this one of the best places to visit in Austria for outdoor scenery.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

If you enjoy scenic drives, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of Austria’s most famous routes. Winding through the Alps, the road passes mountain peaks, viewpoints, glaciers, and hiking trails, making it a destination in its own right rather than simply a way to get from one place to another.

We didn’t end up driving the Grossglockner on our Austria trip, but it’s exactly the kind of place I’d add to a future road trip itinerary. I love mountain roads with plenty of viewpoints and opportunities to stop along the way, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed driving the Vršič Pass in Slovenia so much.

If you’re planning an Austria road trip and want to experience some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is worth putting on your list.

How Long to Spend at Grossglockner: I’d dedicate at least half a day to this drive, though you could easily spend a full day stopping at viewpoints and walking trails along the route.

Mountain road passing through a protective tunnel beneath rugged alpine peaks streaked with late season snow. The dramatic high altitude scenery reflects the spectacular drives and landscapes found in Austria.

Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl often gets overlooked in favour of Hallstatt, but it’s one of the highlights of the Salzkammergut and worth considering if you’re spending a few days in the area. Once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, the town is known for its imperial history, historic buildings, and central location within one of Austria’s most scenic regions.

We didn’t end up visiting Bad Ischl on our trip, but it’s one of the places I wish we’d made time for. Between Hallstatt, Lake Wolfgangsee, Salzburg, and the rest of the Salzkammergut, there were simply more places than we could fit into one itinerary.

If you’re already planning to visit Hallstatt or Lake Wolfgangsee, Bad Ischl is an easy addition to your route. While it doesn’t attract the same attention as some of Austria’s better-known destinations, that’s exactly why many travellers enjoy it.

How Long to Spend at Bad Ischl: I’d add Bad Ischl as part of a wider Salzkammergut itinerary, with anywhere from a few hours to a full day to explore the town.

Aerial view of the parish church in Bad Ischl with its tall steeple rising above the town center, surrounded by green alpine hills and mountain peaks. The historic spa town is one of the best places to visit in Austria, known for its imperial heritage and scenic Salzkammergut setting.

Graz

Austria’s second-largest city often gets overlooked in favour of Vienna and Salzburg, but it’s a destination that regularly appears on lists of the country’s best places to visit. Known for its historic centre, food scene, and distinctive architecture, Graz offers a different side of Austria than the better-known tourist destinations.

We haven’t visited Graz yet, but it’s one of the places I’d most like to explore on a future trip. If you’ve already seen Vienna and Salzburg or are looking for somewhere a little different, Graz is worth considering.

How Long to Spend at Graz: I’d spend one or two days here, particularly if you’re interested in history, architecture, and experiencing a different side of Austria beyond Vienna and Salzburg.

View over the red tiled rooftops of Graz's Old Town with a tram traveling along a busy pedestrian street lined with historic buildings. The city's mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and modern architecture makes Graz one of the best places to visit in Austria for culture, history, and urban sightseeing.

Which Places Should You Choose?

For First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first trip to Austria, I’d start with Vienna and Salzburg. Together, they offer a mix of history, culture, architecture, and some of the country’s most famous attractions.

For Nature Lovers

The Salzkammergut and Zell am See are hard to beat. Lakes, mountains, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints make these some of Austria’s most beautiful destinations.

For Road Trips

Austria is fantastic for road trips. I’d focus on Salzburg, Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut, and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road for a mix of mountain scenery, lakes, and memorable stops along the way.

For Families

Vienna, Salzburg, and the Salzkammergut offer a great balance of history, outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and easy transportation.

If You Only Have a Few Days

Stick with Vienna and add either Salzburg or the Wachau Valley, depending on whether you prefer cities or smaller towns and scenery.

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Austria

Map showing the best places to visit in Austria, including Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Zell am See, and the Wachau Valley.
Want to explore these destinations on a map? View it on Google Maps here.

Our Take on the Best Places in Austria

Austria is one of those countries where every trip leaves me with a list of places I still want to see. While many of the destinations on this list come from personal experience, others, like Innsbruck, Zell am See, and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, are still waiting for me on a future visit.

That’s part of what makes Austria such a great destination. Whether you’re drawn to historic cities, mountain scenery, lakes, or road trips, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Collage featuring Austrian destinations including a Danube Valley monastery, Graz Old Town, Vienna architecture, and Hallstatt on a lakeside backdrop. Text on the image reads "10 Amazing Places in Austria You Won't Want to Miss" and "TAKETHEKIDSEVERYWHERE.COM".
Hallstatt village beside a calm alpine lake with a stone church, boats, and forested mountains rising in the background. Text on the image reads "10 Amazing Places to See in Austria" and "TAKETHEKIDSEVERYWHERE.COM".

Planning your Austria itinerary?

Start with this guide to visiting Vienna with kids, which covers many of the top attractions for families, and where to stay in Vienna, which can help you choose the right area to stay.
Heading to Salzburg? Here are some of the best things to do in Salzburg, along with tips on getting from Vienna to Salzburg. And if you’re visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss the Vienna Christmas Markets or this guide to Vienna in December.

Erin Martin is the founder of Take the Kids Everywhere, a family travel blog that helps parents explore the world with their kids — one destination at a time. She’s travelled to 20+ countries with her kids, including destinations across Europe, South America, and Canada. With a background in teaching and a love for exploring new places, Erin shares practical tips, city guides, and real-life experiences to make family travel easier and more enjoyable.

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