Austria Travel Guide

In the heart of Europe, Austria captivates with the elegance of Vienna and Salzburg, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps. From Alpine villages and crystal-clear lakes to UNESCO World Heritage sites, it offers an inspiring journey. Enjoy a river cruise and experience the magic of nature, classical music and local traditions.

Top cities to visit

  • Panoramic view of Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria, with its baroque architecture mirrored in the reflecting pool.

    Vienna

    Vienna blends elegance with a vibrant urban life. Its magnificent palaces, like the Hofburg Palace, world-renowned museums, and the classical music of Mozart and Johann Strauss II captivate visitors. Relax in Viennese cafés, stroll along the Danube River and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city centre.
  • Facade of Salzburg Cathedral in Austria under a blue sky, with a statue in the foreground.

    Salzburg

    This Baroque gem at the foot of the Alps is a must-visit. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress offer breathtaking views. Stroll through Mirabell Gardens, visit Mozart’s birthplace and admire the surrounding natural landscapes.
  • Colourful village of Innsbruck, Austria, with snow-capped Alps in the background, showcasing a typical Tyrolean panorama.

    Innsbruck

    Renowned for its stunning setting in the heart of the Alps, in Austria’s Tyrol region, Innsbruck is a must-visit destination. Explore its historic palaces, take the funicular to the Nordkette peaks and enjoy hiking or skiing in the mountains. A truly unique and vibrant experience.
  • Picturesque village of Hallstatt, Austria, with colourful houses and a church by the lake, framed by Alpine mountains.

    Hallstatt

    Perched by a lake and surrounded by majestic mountains, Hallstatt offers postcard-perfect scenery. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it features charming cobblestone streets, colourful houses and a peaceful atmosphere. Visits to the museum and salt mine, lakeside strolls, and panoramic views from the Skywalk are sure to delight.
  • Hauptplatz, the central square of Graz, Austria, with colourful historic buildings, a fountain and the Clock Tower in the background.

    Graz

    As the capital of Styria, Graz blends history and modernity. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre invites you to stroll through Hauptplatz, take the funicular up Schlossberg to enjoy the panoramic views and the Clock Tower or wander along the Mur River and surrounding hills.
  • Panoramic view of Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria, with its baroque architecture mirrored in the reflecting pool.

    Vienna

    Vienna blends elegance with a vibrant urban life. Its magnificent palaces, like the Hofburg Palace, world-renowned museums, and the classical music of Mozart and Johann Strauss II captivate visitors. Relax in Viennese cafés, stroll along the Danube River and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city centre.
  • Facade of Salzburg Cathedral in Austria under a blue sky, with a statue in the foreground.

    Salzburg

    This Baroque gem at the foot of the Alps is a must-visit. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress offer breathtaking views. Stroll through Mirabell Gardens, visit Mozart’s birthplace and admire the surrounding natural landscapes.
  • Colourful village of Innsbruck, Austria, with snow-capped Alps in the background, showcasing a typical Tyrolean panorama.

    Innsbruck

    Renowned for its stunning setting in the heart of the Alps, in Austria’s Tyrol region, Innsbruck is a must-visit destination. Explore its historic palaces, take the funicular to the Nordkette peaks and enjoy hiking or skiing in the mountains. A truly unique and vibrant experience.
  • Picturesque village of Hallstatt, Austria, with colourful houses and a church by the lake, framed by Alpine mountains.

    Hallstatt

    Perched by a lake and surrounded by majestic mountains, Hallstatt offers postcard-perfect scenery. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it features charming cobblestone streets, colourful houses and a peaceful atmosphere. Visits to the museum and salt mine, lakeside strolls, and panoramic views from the Skywalk are sure to delight.
  • Hauptplatz, the central square of Graz, Austria, with colourful historic buildings, a fountain and the Clock Tower in the background.

    Graz

    As the capital of Styria, Graz blends history and modernity. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre invites you to stroll through Hauptplatz, take the funicular up Schlossberg to enjoy the panoramic views and the Clock Tower or wander along the Mur River and surrounding hills.

Useful information

Official language(s)

The official language of Austria is German. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities, while in smaller villages or rural regions, it may be less common.

Flight duration

Direct flight: 7h15 to 8 hours
Connecting flight: 10 to 18 hours (depending on connection times) 

Time zone difference

Austria time zone: UTC+1
6h ahead of Quebec (EST)
6h ahead of Quebec (EDT) 

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Austria. It is also recommended to carry some cash for small purchases, tips, markets and visits to smaller villages.

Tips

Tipping in Austria is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, cafés, taxis or for tour guides, it is common to round up the bill or leave 5–10% of the total. Even when paying by card, it is best to give tips in cash.

Safety

Austria is a safe destination. Standard safety precautions are recommended in major cities. For outdoor activities, it is important to be well prepared and consider the wildlife, weather and terrain conditions.

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada's Austria Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Visit the Hofburg Palace and the Empress Sissi Museum.

  • Visit the birthplace of composer Mozart in Salzburg.

  • Cruise along the Danube River on a scenic river cruise.

  • Hike through the Tyrolean peaks and take in breathtaking Alpine views.

  • Visit Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

Hidden gems to discover

  • Grüner See (Green Lake) in Styria

    Grüner See in Styria is a park submerged by snowmelt in spring. Trees and greenery vanish beneath 10-12 metres of crystal-clear water, giving the lake its stunning emerald colour. This phenomenon creates an almost surreal landscape until early summer, when the water recedes and the park re-emerges.

  • Medieval village of Rattenberg

    Rattenberg, Austria's smallest town, enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets and tall, pastel-coloured medieval houses. Renowned for its glass craftsmanship, this picturesque village is perfect for strolling and discovering unique artisanal traditions.

  • The rural Mostviertel region

    Located in Lower Austria, the rural Mostviertel region features green meadows and rolling hills dotted with beautiful orchards. Known for its pear cider and schnapps, it invites visitors to explore charming villages, scenic routes-especially by bike along the Moststraße-and savour local culinary delights.

  • The Alpine village of Alpbach

    Nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, Alpbach is considered one of Austria's most beautiful villages, known for its traditional wooden chalets adorned with flower-filled geranium balconies. In summer, visitors enjoy scenic hiking trails and nearby lakes, while in winter, skiing awaits at the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau resort.

  • Grüner See (Green Lake) in Styria

    Grüner See in Styria is a park submerged by snowmelt in spring. Trees and greenery vanish beneath 10-12 metres of crystal-clear water, giving the lake its stunning emerald colour. This phenomenon creates an almost surreal landscape until early summer, when the water recedes and the park re-emerges.

  • Medieval village of Rattenberg

    Rattenberg, Austria's smallest town, enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets and tall, pastel-coloured medieval houses. Renowned for its glass craftsmanship, this picturesque village is perfect for strolling and discovering unique artisanal traditions.

  • The rural Mostviertel region

    Located in Lower Austria, the rural Mostviertel region features green meadows and rolling hills dotted with beautiful orchards. Known for its pear cider and schnapps, it invites visitors to explore charming villages, scenic routes-especially by bike along the Moststraße-and savour local culinary delights.

  • The Alpine village of Alpbach

    Nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, Alpbach is considered one of Austria's most beautiful villages, known for its traditional wooden chalets adorned with flower-filled geranium balconies. In summer, visitors enjoy scenic hiking trails and nearby lakes, while in winter, skiing awaits at the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau resort.

Highlights

  • Spectacular landscapes: the Alps, emerald lakes and picturesque villages.
  • Rich cultural heritage: the historic centres of Vienna and Salzburg, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • A strong classical music tradition: Mozart, Haydn, Schubert and Strauss.
  • Renowned ski resorts.

Keep in mind

  • A high cost of living.
  • Many businesses are closed on Sundays.
Top pick

“Taking a cruise on the Danube is a unique way to experience Austria. From the elegance and refinement of Vienna to the peaceful landscapes lining the river, each stop reveals a fascinating blend of culture, history and natural beauty.”

Anick LauzonTravel Counsellor, Laval Travel Centre

Local food and gastronomy

  • Wiener Schnitzel

    The wiener schnitzel is a thin veal cutlet, delicately breaded and fried until it is perfectly golden and crispy. Enhanced with a squeeze of lemon and served with potato salad, this iconic dish is as simple as it is delicious.

  • Käsespätzle

    Rich and comforting, käsespätzle are Austria's take on mac and cheese. Tender egg noodles are coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. Served hot, this classic dish is perfect to warm up after a day on the slopes.

  • Knödel

    Tender and hearty, knödel are traditional Austrian bread dumplings, gently poached and seasoned with onion, parsley and chives. Their soft, delicate texture makes them a comforting staple, often served alongside soups or rich, sauce-based dishes.

  • Sachertorte

    Sachertorte is a classic Viennese dark chocolate cake. It is known for its dense, slightly dry texture and its two layers separated by a thin spread of apricot jam. Coated in a smooth dark chocolate glaze, it is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream.

  • Kaiserschmarrn

    Kaiserschmarrn is a beloved Austrian dessert once enjoyed by emperors. This soft, airy and lightly vanilla-flavoured pancake is torn into bite-sized pieces and caramelized to perfection in a pan. Served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, it is often paired with apple or plum sauce.

  • Wiener Schnitzel

    The wiener schnitzel is a thin veal cutlet, delicately breaded and fried until it is perfectly golden and crispy. Enhanced with a squeeze of lemon and served with potato salad, this iconic dish is as simple as it is delicious.

  • Käsespätzle

    Rich and comforting, käsespätzle are Austria's take on mac and cheese. Tender egg noodles are coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. Served hot, this classic dish is perfect to warm up after a day on the slopes.

  • Knödel

    Tender and hearty, knödel are traditional Austrian bread dumplings, gently poached and seasoned with onion, parsley and chives. Their soft, delicate texture makes them a comforting staple, often served alongside soups or rich, sauce-based dishes.

  • Sachertorte

    Sachertorte is a classic Viennese dark chocolate cake. It is known for its dense, slightly dry texture and its two layers separated by a thin spread of apricot jam. Coated in a smooth dark chocolate glaze, it is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream.

  • Kaiserschmarrn

    Kaiserschmarrn is a beloved Austrian dessert once enjoyed by emperors. This soft, airy and lightly vanilla-flavoured pancake is torn into bite-sized pieces and caramelized to perfection in a pan. Served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, it is often paired with apple or plum sauce.

Good to know

  • Cafés are a true institution-places to settle in, enjoy a Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream, read the newspaper and soak up the local atmosphere.
  • The stunning Danube Cycle Path stretches for miles along the river, both to the north and to the south.
  • A Danube cruise offers a pleasant and original way to discover Austria's landscapes and villages.

What to bring back?

  • A snow globe

  • A Mozart-themed souvenir

  • A Vienna Christmas market ornament

  • An Alpine cowbell

  • A Tyrolean clock

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Austria depends on what you want to experience. From June to September, the high season brings warm temperatures—ideal for exploring cities, the Alps and enjoying festivals. In winter, Christmas markets run from mid-November to late December, while ski season typically lasts from mid-December to March. May and October are quieter months, great for hiking.

Austria's train and bus network is an excellent way to get around—they are reliable, and connect all major cities. Public transportation, including trams, buses and metro systems, is also highly developed. Renting a car remains the best option for exploring Alpine regions and more remote villages.

10 to 14 days.

This time frame is ideal for discovering Austria's highlights, including the cities of Vienna and Salzburg, the rolling orchards of the Mostviertel, the Tyrolean Alps and the lakes of the Salzkammergut-while allowing enough time to fully appreciate the scenery.

  • Christmas markets, from mid-November to late December, in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and Innsbruck. City squares come alive with lights, wooden stalls and festive stands offering handicrafts, local products and mulled wine in a fairytale atmosphere. 
  • New Year’s Concert in Vienna, December 30–31 and January 1, in Vienna. The Vienna Philharmonic celebrates the New Year with works by Johann Strauss. Tickets for the January 1 concert are allocated by lottery, with registration open from February 1 to 28. 
  • Mozart Week (Mozartwoche), late January, in Salzburg. A week dedicated to Mozart, featuring many concerts.
  • Vienna Festival, from May to June, in Vienna. The capital hosts international artists for a diverse program of dance, theatre and music performances across the city. 

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Getting ready for your trip

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The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Austria, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.