Updated: March 4, 2026
I always knew Austria was gorgeous, but I assumed it would be expensive, so it stayed pretty low on my bucket list. Turns out, it’s actually more affordable than my hometown of Chicago. So yeah, pack your bags, we’re going to Austria! I’m sharing a thorough Austria itinerary that is flexible and easy to follow. And of course, jam-packed with photos.
Austria Itinerary | 8 Days
We only had 8 nights to enjoy this picturesque place, but we struck a good balance between relaxation and exploration. Austria has an oddly wonderful vibe that forces you to slow down. We loved it. Here’s the route we followed.
• Fly into Vienna because it’s the cheapest airport and the capital (4 nights)
• Rent a car from Vienna and take a day trip to the Wachau Valley wine region
• Easy, peasy train ride to Salzburg, a city that didn’t feel touristy and is actually underrated (3 nights)
• Rent a car from Salzburg to visit the small Alpine towns
• Train back to Vienna for an overnight stay and to fly home (though I would change this departure, more on that later)
4 Days in Vienna
Vienna is the heartbeat of the country, and the perfect place to start your Austrian adventure. We thought the city was beautiful, very opulent. Vienna has this reputation for being grand and formal, but once you’re there, it’s super laid-back.
You can hop between palaces, cafes, and museums without ever feeling rushed. Even if you’re not a museum person, Vienna makes culture feel effortless. The city looks big on a map, but most tourist sights are 10–20 minutes apart and well connected by train.
If you’re asking how many days in Vienna? I think 4 is a good start.
Where to Stay in Vienna
If you’re looking for a comfortable, modern place to stay, Jaz in the City Vienna is a fantastic option. This is where we stayed! It’s a music-inspired hotel. There’s an on-site restaurant, bar, and rooftop. It’s stylish without trying too hard, and well-located in a super cool neighborhood, Mariahilf/6th District, between the Naschmarkt and trendy Neubau.
You’ll also be close to some of the best-rated cafes, brunch and dinner places. You’re outside of the most touristy spots, but right in the middle of a more local feel. You’re a short train ride away or a 20-minute walk from the Innere Stadt/1st District. We mostly walked because Vienna is photogenic, and we always felt safe. Check latest prices HERE.
Things to do in Vienna
Wander the historic center. Stroll through the Innere Stadt, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with Baroque facades, high-end shopping, and elegant architecture.
Explore outside of the center. Visit the different neighborhoods on foot or by train, and experience the variety of architecture, cafes, and locals living life.
Pop into the boutique shops or check out the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous market with around 120 stalls, a market hall and numerous eateries. Don’t miss the Spittelberg and Neubau neighborhoods.
Take a Big Bus tour. Hear me out: I know this is a super touristy thing to do, but it’s a good opportunity to rest your feet, learn about the city through audio, and capture it from a new angle. Plus, you can hop off and on wherever you’d like. You can book that tour HERE.
Get the best view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an impressive landmark in Vienna. You can climb its towers for a view of the city, but I’d much rather get photos with the cathedral in them.
So I skipped the towers and tried to get a table at the Do&Co Hotel restaurant or Onyx Bar, which has grand views of the cathedral and a terrace. It didn’t work out for me, but maybe it will for you? Here’s a photo from Onyx.
source: instagram.com/onyx_vienna
Explore the MuseumsQuartier. One of the largest arts complexes in the world, it’s perfect for museum lovers, cafe lingerers, and people watchers. The Wien Museum offers beautiful views from its terrace, and it’s free and worth visiting.
Visit a Heuriger (wine tavern). Probably one of the most authentic local experiences.
Eat the Original Sachertorte. Head to Hotel Sacher Vienna and enjoy an original Sachertorte. It’s chocolatey and a must-try for anyone visiting Austria. I thought it would be too rich, but it was perfectly balanced. Make sure to add the champagne; it pairs nicely. Request a seat upstairs because the cafe is gorgeous.
Find your favorite Viennese Apfelstrudel. This was one of our goals while in Austria, since this delicious pastry originated there, and we’re big fans of Apfelstrudel (apple strudel).
Visit all the seriously gorgeous cafes. The Kunsthistorisches Museum cafe, located in the dome hall, has lavish interiors and feels very “Vienna”. Brasserie Palmenhaus Wien is another beautiful space for coffee.
Best-Rated Tours in Vienna↓
Click the links to learn more about the tours or find something that best fits your travel style. All links are through Viator. They offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start of most experiences.
• Vienna for Food Lovers: Cafés, Markets & Austrian Cuisine
• Highlights of Vienna in a Historical & Cultural 3h Walking Tour
• Countryside Half-Day Wine Tour near Vienna
• Historical Hitler Walking Tour of Vienna
Where to eat in Vienna
We tried many places while in Vienna, but here are the ones that stood out.
Bruder: They didn’t have any tables open in the main restaurant, but they took us around back to the sweetest little wine/cocktail bar that was connected to them. They have creative and tasty cocktails.
síL: This was my favorite breakfast and latte in Austria! It was a gingerbread latte that was so well-balanced that I went back for more.
Propeller: A trendy spot in Vienna. Check out Jorge’s fancy avocado toast.
Grey Kaffee: Another good stop for pistachio-filled croissants.
SoulPizza: Great pizza in a cozy little restaurant.
Ulrich: Fantastic breakfast, and they also serve fresh green juice.
PARÉMI Boulangerie: Beautiful space and delicious pistachio-filled croissant. Pistachio seems to be a thing in Vienna, and we welcome that.
Schlawiener Wirtshaus: The dinner was great, but I was obsessed with their bread and butter.
Gelateria La Romana dal 1947: A good stop for gelato.
Day Trip to The Wachau Valley (Austrian Wine Region)
Did ya know that Austria has numerous wine regions? One of them is Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), which surrounds Vienna. Here you will find the beautiful Wachau Valley, with picturesque villages and vineyards dotted along the Danube River. It’s about 50 miles west of Vienna. You can visit by train, by car, or on a guided tour.
We rented a car from Avis Autovermietung – Wien Votivpark and DO NOT recommend them. They tried to scam us by claiming we put a dent in a rim that was already there. No worries, we won that case. Choose another rental company, but don’t miss out on this region.
Below are some photos showing why you shouldn’t skip this area. I’ll break them down by town and link our road trip map here. If you have time, do a boat cruise from Spitz to Melk.
Krems an der Donau
Krems was so charming. It was probably the busiest town in the Wachau. It reminded me of something you’d find in southern Spain. It’s filled with restaurants, patio diners, and boutique shops.
Dürnstein
Dürnstein was quieter but equally charming. We visited two wineries here. We didn’t need reservations for either of them, but keep their hours in mind. Weingut Böhmer is in the center of town. It’s a wine shop where you can sample their Grüner Veltliner and Neuburger, among other wines.
Next, we tried the much larger Domäne Wachau. We were able to walk in and request a tasting. We enjoyed most of the wines we sampled and, of course, brought some bottles home.
We couldn’t believe we saw this Chicago cop car in a small town in Austria! It was so random and beautifully placed for a photo.
Weißenkirchen
I loved Weißenkirchen’s unique architecture. Just look at those layers! We were walking around taking photos when we spotted people on a lovely terrace, so we joined them. We ordered a charcuterie board and a glass of wine and enjoyed the vineyard views.
Spitz
We were running out of sunlight by the time we reached Spitz. But we still walked around a bit to check out the sleepy town. We also had Melk and Rossatzbach on the list, but as you can tell, each town was too pretty to rush through. I’d recommend staying in the Wachau Valley for at least a weekend to enjoy more of what it has to offer.
Tours to Consider↓
3 Days in Salzburg
Salzburg won us over. This city is where Austria gets really dreamy: baroque old town, next-level views, mountains popping up everywhere. I kept saying, I understand why Mozart was so inspired by his hometown.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
We stayed at Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg. It’s well-located, very clean, quiet, and updated. It’s ideal for exploring the old town without being swallowed by the crowds. Check the latest prices HERE.
Things to Do in Salzburg
Find the best viewpoints. I’ll label the photos below. Salzburg is packed with breathtaking vantage points:
• Museum der Moderne/M32 Terrace, the Mönchsberg lift takes you right up
• FestungsBahn funicular offers a comfortable ride up to the Fortress Hohensalzburg, a landmark that offers city-wide views
• Kapuzinerberg is a hill that offers some of the most stunning views of Salzburg. The photo below, to the left, shows the hike going up
• Restaurant Stiegl-Keller, another lovely viewpoint; even the hike up (photo below to the right) is gorgeous
• Mirabell Gardens for the most romantic photo spots
Museum der Moderne view ↓
Kapuzinerberg view ↓
Museum der Moderne view ↓
Explore the old town and photograph Mozart’s hotspots. The yellow building below is “Mozart’s birthplace and home,” turned museum. In the old town, you’ll spot a few other noteworthy places filled with Mozart history.
Sound of Music fans, this is your city! Whether it’s a full tour or just wandering filming locations, it truly feels magical.
Visit Mirabell Gardens. It’s beautiful, romantic, and a great spot for photos and people-watching.
Salzburg Tours to Consider↓
• The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
What to eat in Salzburg
Ratio Coffee Roasters: Great coffee and service.
Burdock Punch & Cocktails: Creative, craft cocktails and the kindest service.
Balkan Grill Walter: The “Bosna” is a hot dog that has been popular in Salzburg for quite some time. It was great! We’re huge fans of good street food. We visited twice.
Restaurant Stiegl-Keller: We did not eat here, but we spent hours on their terrace, appreciating the view over a glass of local wine/beer. They have two terraces on two different levels. 11/10 recommend.
Inner-gebirg: We had a flavorful, traditional Austrian meal at Inner-gebirg, a restaurant housed in a building that was first documented in the 13th century. Charming space and friendly service! We also had our favorite apple strudel of the trip here.
Zwettler’s Wirtshaus: This was, hands down, my favorite (pork) Schnitzel. I wish I had a better photo, but the restaurant was dimly lit. Either way, it was delicious, and I recommend you add it to your list.
Day Trip to Small Alpine Towns
Once you leave Salzburg, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Renting a car for this day trip is the best decision because it lets you wander at your own pace rather than following a tour schedule. We rented through Avis in their city center location (near the train) and had no issues. You can use this link to search over 1,000 car rental brands for the best price.
Your first stop will probably be Hallstatt, the village that exploded in popularity thanks to a show and social media. The truth is, Hallstatt is breathtaking. It looks unreal. But it’s also extremely crowded, and it’s become a problem. We saw a few signs from the locals asking for the respect their village deserves. I can’t believe a sign even needs to be made.
If you visit, try going on your own rather than on a tour. Visit outside of peak hours, so go very early or later in the afternoon. Stay on marked paths, avoid private property (there’s more of it than you think), and spend money in local shops and activities instead of treating the village like a backdrop. And as the signs suggest, please be quiet.
Again, Hallstatt is extraordinary, with mountains rising straight from the water, traditional wooden houses, and viewpoints that made me want to quit everything back home and move there.
While visiting, we rented a small electric boat for an hour from Bootsvermietung Schwarzmayr (cash only) and enjoyed the lake’s stillness and views. Being on that peaceful boat was one of our favorite memories of the whole trip.
You could also visit the world’s oldest active salt mine, explore the shops, or take in a new angle from a cafe. We stopped at Rüherwerk-Bürger Pastries for this little puff pastry, and it was remarkably good. We bought one to share, but I ended up eating the whole thing and telling Jorge to get his own.
Another charming stop is St. Wolfgang, especially if you’re visiting in May. This is when you might catch the traditional Maypole celebration, a lively festival that symbolizes spring and fertility, featuring music, dancing, and locals gathering in the streets. The rest of the year, St. Wolfgang is a peaceful lakeside village with cozy inns and scenic walks.
We happened to catch the Maypole celebration and spent the evening watching the children perform their choreographed dances and the local men attempt to lift the pole using their own strength.
We also enjoyed a surprisingly delicious dinner at Genuss Schmied. I say “surprisingly” because we ordered tacos, and you just wouldn’t think that St. Wolfgang knows how to make such a damn good taco. The tortillas are homemade too, like whaat. So good.
End in Vienna (1 night)
This is something I would’ve done differently had I known I could take a reliable direct train from Salzburg to Vienna Airport for my flight home.
It would’ve been easier for us to spend 4 nights in Salzburg and then go straight to the airport, rather than hauling all our stuff to yet another hotel to fly home the next morning. But the deed is done.
We enjoyed our last day in Vienna by strolling through more of the city, visiting Hofburg Palace, and ticking off more places on our food list. We used our Free IHG night to stay at the Holiday Inn Vienna City. I do recommend this hotel. It’s well-located, very clean and quiet, and they have a beautiful outdoor space. Check the latest prices HERE.
Not a day was wasted in this phenomenal country. I feel like we did a good job of seeing as much as we could while also taking it slow on this trip. I hope this itinerary is helpful to you! Austria is definitely a place I’d return to. I hear their Christmas markets are out of this world.
Wifi When Traveling (Europe)
I use Airalo, a digital eSIM that lets you buy data for 200+ countries in minutes. No physical SIM, no kiosks, just install before your trip and connect as soon as you land. It’s usually cheaper than roaming and way more reliable. I’ve used it across multiple trips, and it just works. → Check plans for your destination.
Quick note: Your phone needs to be unlocked (paid off) to use eSIM.
FAVORITE TRAVEL ITEMS I Actually Use
I’m not someone who overpacks or buys a bunch of stuff “just in case.” Everything I bring has to earn its spot. It has to be lightweight, practical, and carry-on-friendly. Here are a few things that have made traveling so much easier for me:
- Packing cubes → My carry-on lifesaver, plus excellent quality
- Toiletry bag → Small but holds so much
- Camera case → For long walking days
- Sony a6000 camera → Lightweight, beginner-friendly
- Compact tripod → For photos without asking strangers
- Vacuum bags → For cold-weather trips
- Mini travel iron → Works fantastically, nary a wrinkle in sight
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