The Ultimate Austria Travel Itinerary: 5 Day Itinerary + Travel Tips

Austria is hands down one of my favorite countries in all of Europe. It’s small enough to see in just a few days, but packed with jaw-dropping architecture, centuries of history, rich culture, and some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever laid eyes on. The mountains are seriously unreal. And the countryside looks straight out of a storybook.

While a lot of travelers head straight for Germany or Switzerland, I’m here to be a full-on Austria fangirl and convince you why it deserves a prime spot on your Europe itinerary.

In this Austria travel itinerary guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know; the best cities to visit, when to go, and how to build out the perfect 5-day Austria itinerary.

Let’s get into it.

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The Ultimate Austria Travel Itinerary: 5 Day Itinerary + Travel Tips

Austria Travel Itinerary – My Experience with the Best of Austria

I’ve been to Austria quite a few times now, and even got to live in Salzburg for a summer while cat-sitting (yes, literal dream job). Most of my days were spent biking along the Salzach River, sipping coffees in the old town, and taking day trips to explore the Austrian countryside. It was the best summer I could ask for!

Somewhere between the lakes, the mountains, and the endless supply of strudel, I absolutely fell in love with this country. If you’re planning a Europe trip and trying to decide which countries to include, Austria needs to be on your list.

There’s just something about it, the music history of Mozart and Beethoven, the art, the architecture, and of course, the food. Beer, schnitzel, and chocolate cake that could make you tear up a little.

Honestly, that alone should be enough to convince anyone to visit Austria. But if you still need a little more guidance, let’s get into how to plan the perfect Austria travel itinerary.

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How Many Days in Austria Do You Need?

Austria is one of those countries that’s small enough to see a lot in a short time but still packed with so much charm that you’ll wish you had more days.

If you want to visit multiple places, like Vienna, Salzburg, and maybe even Hallstatt, I’d recommend 5–7 days. That gives you enough time to soak it all in without feeling like you’re constantly on a train or in the car if you’re on a road trip.

If you’ve got less than that, no worries. I just recommend focusing on one area, either Vienna or Salzburg. I’ve created loads of full guides on both cities that can help you decide which one fits your travel style best.

But honestly? Try your best to give Austria at least 5 days. It’s such a mix of grand cities, storybook towns, and mountain scenery that you’ll definitely want time to slow down and enjoy it all.

Best Time to Visit Austria

Unfortunately, Austria isn’t quite the hidden gem I thought it would be. I was shocked at how busy it is during the summer, I’m talking wall to wall tourists. So when you go really depends on what kind of trip you want.

Here’s a quick breakdown by season to help you figure out the best time for you:

Spring (April–June): Everything starts to thaw, the flowers are blooming, and the crowds haven’t fully taken over yet. It’s a great time for sightseeing and café hopping, though mountain hikes can still be a bit chilly in early spring.

Summer (July–August): The summer is absolutely beautiful but i’s also super busy! Expect tour groups, packed city centers, and higher prices. But the lakes are perfect for swimming, and those mountain views are unreal. If you go in summer, book your stays early and prepare for crowds, especially in Salzburg and Hallstatt.

Fall (September–October): This might be my favorite time. The weather cools down, the crowds fade, and the colors in the countryside are insane. It’s perfect if you want the cozy, scenic Austria vibe without fighting off tour groups for a photo spot.

Winter (November–March): December in Austria feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. Vienna at Christmas is glowing with twinkle lights, the air smells like mulled wine, and Christmas markets fill every square. It’s easily one of the best times to visit!

But once January and February roll around, things slow down a lot. The crowds disappear, the skies turn gray, and the cold really settles in. It’s quiet and not the best time for sightseeing in the cities. If you’re coming for skiing or cozy mountain days, though, it’s perfect. Otherwise, I’d wait until spring when the country starts to come back to life again.

Best Places to Visit in Austria

If you’re trying to figure out what cities to visit on your trip to Austria, here are the four most popular, and honestly, the ones I recommend for first-time visitors.

Vienna

Vienna is the heart of Austria. It’s elegant and just a little dramatic (in the best way). Between the palaces, museums with modern art, and coffee houses that are extremely grand, it’s a city that loves its traditions.

When I first arrived, I couldn’t believe how put-together everyone looked just to grab a coffee. As a Texan, I am not that fancy, but I kind of loved pretending to be for a few days.

Salzburg

If Vienna is the classy older sibling, Salzburg is the artsy middle child (and my favorite!). It’s charming, musical, and completely walkable. The old town is filled with pastel buildings, hidden courtyards, and Mozart everything (seriously, he’s on the chocolates, the souvenirs, even the bus stops). 

What really makes Salzburg special, though, is how close it is to nature. You can hop on a quick bus and be surrounded by lakes, mountains, and peaceful countryside in less than an hour.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful places in the world! It’s tiny, seriously, you can walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes, but the view across the lake with the mountains rising behind it is unreal.

It’s only about an hour from Salzburg, and it gets very busy during the day with tour groups, so if you can, spend the night or go early in the morning, I really recommend it. 

Innsbruck

If you’re into mountains, Innsbruck will be your spot. It’s surrounded by the Alps, so you can literally take a cable car from the city center straight into the peaks. The town itself has a fun mix of traditional and modern, colorful baroque facades meet sporty, outdoorsy vibes. It’s especially great in winter if you want to mix a bit of city exploring with skiing.

The Ultimate Austria Travel Itinerary: 5 Day Itinerary + Travel Tips

Austria Travel Itinerary 5 Days

I think 5 days is a great amount of time to spend in Austria! It’s the perfect to see some of the country’s best spots without feeling rushed. This Austria itinerary by train focuses on Vienna, Salzburg, and a one day trip to the famous lakeside village of Hallstatt

It’s easy to follow by train, super scenic, and hits all the highlights that make Austria so special. Here is a brief 5 days in Austria itinerary for you to follow, along with some links to more in depth guides once you start planning your itinerary! 

Day 1: Arrive in Vienna & Explore the City Center

Start your trip in the capital, Vienna is one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Spend your first day in Vienna wandering the historic center, checking out St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and grabbing a coffee and cake at one of the old-school cafés. I love Café Central and Demel, both feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

If you’ve got energy left, stroll around the Hofburg Palace or catch a classical concert in the evening. Vienna really leans into its music history and it’s worth soaking up that side of the city while you’re here.

Day 2: Schonbrunn Palace & Local Markets

Spend the morning at Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer home of the Habsburgs. The gardens alone are enough reason to visit, they’re massive and beautifully kept. In the afternoon, head to Naschmarkt for lunch and some local snacks, then check out the Belvedere Palace to see Klimt’s The Kiss in person.

If you’re visiting in winter, the Christmas markets are the main event and Vienna’s are some of the best in Europe.

Day 3: Travel to Salzburg & Evening Walk

Take a morning train from Vienna to Salzburg (about 2.5 hours). Once you arrive, settle in and take a walk through the Old Town. It’s super walkable and full of cozy cafés, pastel-colored buildings, and the occasional sound of Mozart playing from a shop window.

Climb up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress for sunset views over the city, it’s an easy walk or you can take the funicular if you’re not feeling it, it’s included in the Salzburg Card. Check it out here!

Grab dinner in the Old Town, I have a list of the best restaurants in Salzburg, so make sure to check that out! 

Day 4: Day Trip to Hallstatt

This is the day to make the trip out to Hallstatt, the lakeside village you’ve probably seen all over Pinterest. It’s about 1.5 hours from Salzburg by train and bus, but the views along the way make it worth it. You can check out the different ways to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg here!

Once you’re there, stroll through the little streets, take in the views over the lake, and if you have time, visit the Hallstatt Skywalk and the salt caves. You typically only need half a day in Hallstatt to see all the sights. 

Day 5: Explore Salzburg & Departure

Spend your final day enjoying Salzburg itself. Visit Mozart’s birthplace, wander Mirabell Gardens, or take a Sound of Music tour if you’re into it. 

If you’ve got an afternoon train or flight, grab one last coffee and strudel before heading out! You can check out how I would spend 2 days in Salzburg here.

Travel Tips for Visiting Austria

After spending quite a bit of time here, these are a few things I wish I’d known before my first trip to Austria!

Transportation

Austria’s public transportation system is ridiculously good. The ÖBB trains are clean, on time, and connect pretty much every major city and smaller town you’ll want to see. If you’re doing a few stops, booking early online saves money, and you can just use the mobile ticket, no need to print.

Inside cities, public transport is just as easy. Vienna’s metro system is super straightforward, and Salzburg’s buses run everywhere you’d need to go.

Carry Cash

Most places take cards, but smaller cafés, local markets, and even some guesthouses still prefer cash. It’s one of those “just in case” things. I always keep a few euros on me, especially if I’m traveling outside Vienna or Salzburg.

Locals

Austrians can come off as a little rude at first, especially in Vienna. But don’t take it personally, it’s just the culture. Once you get past that, people are actually really kind and helpful. Outside the big cities, locals are noticeably friendlier, especially in smaller towns or countryside areas.

Things Close on Sundays 

This one catches a lot of travelers off guard: almost everything shuts down on Sundays. Shops, malls, even some restaurants. The best move is to plan ahead, grab snacks, drinks, or anything you’ll need the day before, or just embrace the slower pace with a long walk and a café stop.

Safety in Austria

Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe. I’ve walked home late at night in Vienna and Salzburg and never once felt uncomfortable. Of course, still keep an eye on your belongings like you would anywhere, but overall, it’s a very low-stress destination to travel through. Making it an excellent solo travel destination. 

FAQ Itinerary for Austria

How many days are ideal for Austria?

If you want to see a few different cities without feeling rushed, I’d say 5 to 7 days is perfect. That gives you enough time for Vienna, Salzburg, and a quick day trip, maybe Hallstatt or one of the lakes nearby. If you’ve only got a few days, focus on one area instead of trying to squeeze in too much.

What is the best month to travel to Austria?

It really depends on what kind of trip you want. December is pure magic with all the Christmas markets and festive lights, while summer (June to August) is great for lake days and mountain views. Personally, I love visiting in May or September when there are fewer crowds, good weather, and everything still looks beautiful.

What is the best way to travel around Austria?

Trains, 100%. Austria’s train system is clean, efficient, and super scenic. The ÖBB trains connect pretty much everywhere you’d want to go, and even smaller towns are easy to reach. Inside cities, public transport is cheap and simple. You honestly don’t need a car unless you’re going really off-grid.

What is the prettiest part of Austria?

That’s tough because Austria is full of stunning spots, but I’d say the Salzkammergut region (where Hallstatt and St. Gilgen are) is unreal. The combination of lakes, mountains, and cute villages looks straight out of a painting. Salzburg also deserves a mention, the old town is so charming and  the views from the fortress are gorgeous.

Austria Travel Itinerary Final Thoughts

I can’t express enough how much I love Austria, it’s one of those places that just sticks with you. I genuinely believe everyone should visit at least once, whether you have two days or a full week. Hopefully this guide gives you a little bit of direction on how to start planning your Austria travel itinerary and what to expect once you’re there.

Whether you start in Salzburg or Vienna, you’re in for something special. Between the mountain views, cozy cafés, and that effortless mix of history and charm, Austria has a way of pulling you in. So grab your train tickets, pack your appetite for schnitzel and cake, and get ready to fall in love with one of Europe’s most underrated gems.

Check Out My Other Salzburg Guides

Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria: My Top Hotels and Areas

Is Salzburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Salzburg: My Weather Guide to Salzburg Austria

2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary: How I Spent 48 Hours in Salzburg

Restaurants in Salzburg: My Top Places to Eat in Salzburg

Cafes in Salzburg: My Favorite Coffee Spots

How Many Days in Salzburg: My Tips for Your Next Salzburg Trip

Salzburg Christmas Markets: My Top Christmas Markets in Salzburg

Is Hallstatt Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Salzburg to Hallstatt Day Trip: 3 Ways to Visiting Hallstatt

Things to Do in Salzburg: My Top Activities in Salzburg

Things to Do in Hallstatt Austria: My Top Activities in Hallstatt

Where to Stay in Hallstatt: The Areas & Hotels in Hallstatt

Restaurants in Hallstatt: My Favorite Places to Eat in Hallstatt

Check Out My Other Austria Travel Guides

Is Austria Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

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