Is Austria Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Austria was never high on my bucket list until I saw how magical the streets looked at Christmas, and from that moment, I knew I had to see it for myself. Since that first trip, I’ve been back three times, including a six-week stay in Salzburg while cat sitting, and that’s when I truly fell in love with this country.

It’s small, super easy to get around, and fits perfectly into a longer European trip. But it’s not all perfection: Austria can definitely get expensive, and if you’re looking for wild nightlife, you might be a little underwhelmed.

So, is Austria worth visiting? In this guide, I’ll break down everything I love (and don’t love), share the highlights, and give you a real expectation-vs-reality take to help you decide if Austria deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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Is Austria Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Is Austria Worth Visiting? My Honest Take and Quick Answer

Short answer: yes, absolutely.

Between the Alps, crystal-clear lakes, Vienna’s coffeehouses, Salzburg’s music scene, and the Christmas markets, Austria has a way of being both elegant and outdoorsy at the same time.

I’ve visited in both winter and summer, and each trip felt completely different but equally amazing. My first time was a family Christmas trip through Europe, and Austria was our very first stop. Vienna and Salzburg in December are absolutely pure magic. Everywhere you walk is twinkling lights, snow-dusted streets, and hot chocolate that makes you forget how cold it is outside.

Fast forward a few years, and I ended up living in Salzburg for six weeks one summer while cat sitting. That’s when I fell even deeper for Austria. I spent my days biking along the Salzach River, taking day trips out to the lakes, and soaking up that easygoing summer vibe. Honestly, it was even better than I imagined.

Now that one of my best friends lives in Vienna, I fly down whenever I’m in Europe. With her, I’ve been able to take the trains out to smaller villages and see the more local, everyday side of Austria, and it’s just as charming as the big cities.

For me, Austria is an emphatic yes. It’s one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited, and the downsides are minor compared to how much it offers. That said, everyone travels differently. What blows me away might not be your cup of Viennese coffee, so in this guide, I’ll walk you through the highlights, quirks, and realities to help you decide if Austria is the right fit for you.

📍Need help planning your itinerary? I’ve made the perfect 3 day Vienna Itinerary to ensure you make the most of your time in the city!

What I Expected vs. What I Actually Got in Austria

Based on all the Instagram reels I’d seen, I honestly thought Austria would feel a lot less crowded than places like Berlin or Munich during the holidays. Spoiler: I was wrong. The bigger Austrian cities, like Vienna and Salzburg especially, are some of the most popular spots in Europe at Christmas and in summer.

Because the city centers are smaller and more compact, you really feel the crowds. It wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, but it definitely wasn’t the quiet, storybook atmosphere I imagined from social media.

On the flip side, in summer, I went in with pretty low expectations. Austria is landlocked, so I figured it would be mostly about city tours, palaces, and museums. But the lakes were my absolute favorite part. Even just outside the main cities, you’ll find yourself surrounded by alpine scenery, shimmering lakes, and so much greenery. I didn’t expect to get that much nature without having to go far off the beaten path.

That contrast is what surprised me most: yes, the cities are polished and busy, but Austria also has this incredible outdoor side. One day you’re sipping coffee and eating cake in a fancy Viennese café, and the next you’re swimming in a turquoise lake or walking along the Salzach River in Salzburg.

I love that it’s not just a culture trip but it’s a full-on nature trip too, and that mix was way better than I expected. For this reason alone, I think it makes Austria an excellent destination for a multitude of travelers.

📍Check out the best things to do in Salzburg for first time visitors!

The Vibe: What Austria Really Feels Like

When I first arrived in Vienna, the city struck me as so polished and put together. Even just going for coffee felt like an event, with chandeliers, marble counters, and waiters in suits. As a Texan who is never fancy, I kind of loved having a few days of elegance. It was a side of travel I don’t normally lean into, but Vienna makes it feel effortless.

That said, I think I prefer the vibe of the smaller towns. The people feel warmer, the pace slows down, and the scenery opens up. Just outside Salzburg, you can wander into lake towns, farmland, and mountain views that are mostly locals, not tourists. It’s the kind of place where you rent a bike and end up cruising past cows with the Alps as your backdrop.

Austria has this balance of upscale and outdoorsy that I didn’t expect. Nothing feels too rugged or overwhelming, which makes it an excellent choice for families or first-time travelers. And because everything runs so smoothly, from trains to tours, you don’t really have to stress. It’s polished, it’s easy, but it still feels authentic once you step away from the busiest streets.

What I Love About Austria

There’s honestly so much to love about Austria, but a few things really stood out to me.

First off, the scenery. The Alps are ridiculous. Whether you’re skiing in winter or hiking in summer, the mountains feel like a movie set. And then there are the lakes. I didn’t expect them at all, but they completely blew me away.

Biking around Salzburg and then hopping on a train for a quick day trip out to the lakes became one of my favorite things to do. They’re insanely clear, super swimmable, and surrounded by some of the most gorgeous views I’ve ever seen.

Then there’s the culture. Vienna’s coffeehouse scene was such a highlight for me. Normally, I’m a “grab a latte and go” kind of person, but in Austria it’s different. Sitting down for a coffee feels like a ritual. You slow down, order cake, and actually enjoy being there. As someone who usually rushes through my caffeine fix, I loved that change of pace.

Christmas in Austria is another thing I’ll never forget. The markets are magical with twinkly lights, mulled wine, and so many different yummy food items to try. Salzburg and Vienna both do them so well, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the holiday spirit.

I also loved how safe Austria feels. Walking around at night, even in the bigger cities, I never felt uneasy, something I really value when traveling. And because Austria sits right in the middle of Europe, it’s ridiculously well-connected. You can hop on a train to Munich, Prague, Budapest, or even Venice in just a few hours, which makes it a perfect base if you’re planning to see multiple countries in one trip.

What I Don’t Love About Austria

Okay, so Austria isn’t perfect. Viennese people aren’t exactly known for being warm and chatty, polite, yes, but not overly friendly. It’s also not a cheap country to travel in. Between the food, the tours, and the accommodations, costs add up fast.

Then there’s the tourism factor. Salzburg in summer can feel like wall-to-wall tour groups shuffling down the narrow shopping streets, and at Christmas in Vienna I swear I heard more American accents than German. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does chip away at some of the magic if you were hoping for a quieter, more local vibe.

And if nightlife is a big part of your travels, Austria might not hit the mark. The bars and clubs exist, but they don’t have the same energy you’ll find in places like Berlin or Budapest. Personally, this doesn’t bother me anymore (grown-up me loves an early bedtime), but if I had visited in my early twenties, I probably wouldn’t have appreciated Austria as much as I do now.

Who Austria Is For

Austria is amazing if you’re into a mix of culture and nature. You can spend your mornings wandering palaces and sipping fancy coffee, then be by a lake or up a mountain in under an hour.

It’s especially great for families, couples, or anyone who wants a smooth, stress-free trip. The trains run on time, the cities are safe, and everything feels easy to navigate. If you love Christmas markets, classical music, or storybook villages, Austria will feel like your dream destination.

Who Austria Isn’t For

If your ideal Europe trip involves a wild party scene, endless nightlife, or super budget-friendly travel, Austria probably won’t be your favorite. The cities are pricey and packed with tourists during peak seasons, so if you’re looking for “hidden gem” vibes, you might feel a little underwhelmed.

Also, if you’re planning your very first Europe trip and want the classic bucket-list stops like Paris, London, or Barcelona, Austria might not give you that same “WOW” feeling (unless you’re a Sound of Music fan).

Austria has its own magic, but it’s quieter, less about big iconic landmarks, more about charm, culture, and landscapes that feel straight out of a painting. If that’s what you’re after, it’s one of the most beautiful places you could pick. If not, then I recommend heading to a different destination.

Austria or Another Country in Europe?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the middle of planning a Europe trip and trying to figure out if Austria deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Obviously, it depends on what kind of traveler you are, but for me personally? Yes, Austria is 100% worth visiting. It’s not as “big name” as Paris, London, or Barcelona, but that’s part of what makes it so special. The mix of elegance, charm, and natural beauty is something those cities just don’t offer in the same way.

So if you’re debating between Austria and, say, Switzerland? I’d actually pick Austria, you get stunning alpine views without blowing your whole budget on fondue. France or Austria? France has the glamour, sure, but Austria’s blend of culture and outdoors won me over. The only places I’d maybe prioritize over Austria for a first Europe trip are Italy (because, well, it’s Italy) or Spain (for the food and energy).

But for me, all of the countries offer something different, and hey, who’s to say you can’t just keep coming back and check out all the different places. Austria is a country I continuously return to, and I think it definitely needs to be on your travel list!

FAQs About Visiting Austria

What’s the best time to visit Austria?

It depends on what you’re after. Summer (June–August) is great for lakes, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Winter (December–February) is magical for skiing and Christmas markets. Spring and fall are quieter and often cheaper, with mild weather and fewer tourists.

Is Austria expensive to visit?

Yes, it leans pricey. Food, hotels, and tours all add up quickly, especially in Vienna and Salzburg. It’s not quite Switzerland-level expensive, but it’s definitely not a budget destination.

Is Austria safe to visit?

Very. Austria consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe. Walking around at night, even in the bigger cities I felt totally fine as a solo female traveler. Just stay prepared like you would anywhere else.

Is Vienna worth visiting?

Absolutely. Vienna is elegant, historic, and full of culture; from palaces to opera to those famous coffeehouses. Even if it’s just for a couple of days, it’s worth adding to your trip. You check out my full guide to Is Vienna worth visiting here!

How many days in Austria do I need?

If you just want to hit the highlights, 5–6 days is enough to cover Vienna, Salzburg, and maybe Hallstatt or Innsbruck. But if you want to explore or do a road trip at a slower pace, add in the lakes, or do some hiking, 10–14 days will give you a much deeper experience.

Final Verdict: Is Austria Worth Visiting?

If you can’t tell by now, then I’m not sure we read the same article, because for me, answering the question “Is Austria worth visiting?” is an easy yes. You don’t need a full month here either. You can see the top three cities in about 5–6 days and then hop on a train to Germany, Zurich, or even Prague in just a couple of hours.

So what are you waiting for? Go explore where Mozart was born, jump in an icy-cold lake, and eat as much apple strudel as your stomach can handle. Austria is absolutely worth the trip.