Refreshed November 4, 2025 – real tips from VayCay Couple. Author: VayCay Couple.
Planning Austria right now? Our Austria travel guide, at VayCay Couple gives you straight answers to the questions people actually ask—best time, how to get around, what things cost, and where to base yourself. Short lines, clear tables, no fluff.
Quick answers for Austria
- Best time to visit Austria: May–June and September for city breaks and hikes; Dec–Mar for ski season; late Nov–Dec for Christmas markets.
- How many days in Austria: 7–10 days for a first trip (Vienna, Salzburg, Alps).
- Average daily budget in Austria: €90–€140 pp (mid), €160–€250 (comfort), €60–€85 (shoestring).
- Getting around Austria: Fast ÖBB Railjet links major cities; Nightjet for overnight routes; Westbahn competes on Vienna–Salzburg.
- Is tap water safe in Austria? Yes. Vienna’s water comes from Alpine springs and is excellent. Ask for Leitungswasser.
- Power plug in Austria: Type F sockets (Type C plugs also fit), 230 V / 50 Hz.
- Tipping in Austria: Common but modest—usually 5–10% or round up; check if service is already included.
What is the best time to visit Austria?
Spring and early summer (May–June) bring mild temps and long days—ideal for Vienna, Salzburg, Wachau, and lakes. September has steady weather and calmer crowds. Winter is for snow: Tirol, Vorarlberg, and Salzburg state ski areas run Dec–Mar. Christmas markets kick off late November.
Austria weather by month (Vienna as a practical baseline)
| Month | Avg High / Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Crowds | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3 / −1 | ~30 | Low | Low |
| Feb | 5 / 0 | ~35 | Low | Low |
| Mar | 10 / 3 | ~40 | Low–Med | Low |
| Apr | 16 / 7 | ~45 | Med | Med |
| May | 21 / 12 | ~60 | Med | Med |
| Jun | 24 / 15 | ~70 | Med–High | Med–High |
| Jul | 27 / 17 | ~65 | High | Med–High |
| Aug | 26 / 16 | ~60 | High | Med–High |
| Sep | 22 / 13 | ~45 | Med | Med |
| Oct | 16 / 9 | ~40 | Med–Low | Med–Low |
| Nov | 8 / 4 | ~45 | Low | Low |
| Dec | 4 / 0 | ~45 | Med (markets) | Med |
Based on long-term Vienna averages; use as a planning guide.
How to get to Austria
Most arrive via Vienna International Airport (VIE); Salzburg (SZG) and Innsbruck (INN) serve the west. For rail, Austria sits at the heart of Europe, with frequent links from Germany, Italy, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Transport options into Austria (typical time & booking)
| Option | Typical time | Typical cost | Book at | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight to VIE | 2–4h from most EU hubs | Varies | Airline / VIE | Main international gateway. |
| Train Vienna–Salzburg | ~2h30 | from €19.90 advance (ÖBB) | ÖBB / Westbahn | Two operators on this route. |
| Night train (Nightjet) | Overnight | Varies | Nightjet | Sleeper, couchette, seat options. |
| Driving (motorways) | Varies | Digital vignette required | ASFINAG | 1-day, 10-day, 2-month, annual options. |
How to get around Austria
- Trains: ÖBB Railjet for fast city links; Westbahn competes on key routes; Nightjet for overnight. Book in the ÖBB app or at Westbahn.
- Vienna transport: 24/48/72-hour tickets in the core zone; validate paper tickets. Vienna City Card bundles transit with discounts.
- Driving: Buy the ASFINAG digital vignette online or in the app before you use motorways.
Where to stay in Austria (good bases)
Areas and who they suit
| Base | Good for | Price (€/night, double) | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna (Innere Stadt + Leopoldstadt) | First trip, museums, café culture | €140–€220 | Walkable sights, easy transit | Nightlife noise near the center |
| Salzburg (Altstadt) | Music history, Alps day trips | €130–€210 | Compact, views, easy train links | Peak crowds in summer |
| Innsbruck | Alpine scenery, hiking/ski | €120–€200 | Mountains at your door | Winter pricing swings |
| Hallstatt / Salzkammergut | Lakes, scenic photos | €150–€240 | Storybook villages, ferries | Day-trip crowds; limited parking |
What to do in Austria (top picks)
- Vienna: Hofburg, Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Ring tram loop; book table at a Beisl.
- Salzburg: Fortress, DomQuartier, Mönchsberg walk; Hallstatt day trip.
- Wachau Valley: Melk Abbey → Dürnstein river views; easy train + boat combo.
- Innsbruck: Nordkette cable car, old town arcades; mountain hiking in summer.
- Ski the Arlberg: St. Anton/Lech; plan Dec–Mar.
- Graz: UNESCO city of design, Schlossberg funicular.
- Sound of Music stop in Salzburg; pick early time slots.
Day trips from Vienna: Wachau (1–1.5h), Bratislava (1h train), Semmering (scenic rail).
Costs and money in Austria
- Typical prices: coffee €3–4; schnitzel €16–25; museum €10–20; Vienna 24-h transit: check current WienMobil prices; Vienna City Card from €17 (transit + discounts).
- Cards widely accepted; carry some cash for kiosks and rural stops.
- Tipping: usually 5–10% or round up; check for included service.
Is Austria safe?
Austria is one of the safer EU destinations. Use normal city sense: watch bags on transit, avoid unlicensed taxis, and know the emergency numbers: 112 (EU), 133 (police), 144 (ambulance), 122 (fire).
What to pack for Austria
- All seasons: comfy walking shoes, light rain jacket, universal adapter (Type F), refillable bottle (tap water is excellent).
- Summer: sunglasses, hat, breathable layers.
- Winter: insulated coat, gloves, traction boots; ski kit for Alpine trips.
- City dress: smart-casual works everywhere.
FAQs
7–10 days covers Vienna, Salzburg, and an Alpine base without rushing.
Mid-range trips average €90–€140 pp/day; cities can be higher in summer/Advent.
Yes—especially in Vienna, which pipes spring water directly from the Alps.
May–June and September suit most trips. December is great for markets; Dec–Mar for skiing.
Use ÖBB Railjet and Westbahn for fast trains; Nightjet for overnight routes.
Ask for Leitungswasser; many places provide it on request.
Type F sockets; Type C plugs fit; voltage 230 V / 50 Hz.
Yes for motorways. Buy a digital vignette (1-day, 10-day, 2-month, annual) in the ASFINAG shop/app.
