This stunning alpine nation offers breathtaking landscapes, and tucked away among its natural beauties are Best Cities To Visit in Austria, charming cities that harken back to Austria’s imperial past and are dripping with baroque beauty.
The greatest cities in Austria combine the old and the new with castles, cathedrals, churches, and more, while vibrant taverns and eateries revitalize their historic cobblestone streets.
best places to visit in vienna
Vienna
Vienna, the former capital of the Hapsburg Empire, is replete with magnificent imperial palaces and architecture that vividly portray the riches and authority of its former rulers. Currently serving as the nation’s capital, the city is enjoyable to explore on foot.
The must see in vienna, exteriors of its opulent opera houses, museums, cathedrals, and other buildings showcase its diverse blend of architectural styles stunningly. The main attractions are gathered along the beautiful Ringstrasse, making the center very easy to navigate. Known for its opera houses and dubbed “the City of Music,” the city’s notable inhabitants include Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, whose names are easily remembered.
Salzburg
The grandeur and elegance of this highly stunning city make it seem like something out of a storybook. Salzburg is unique, with the salzburg top attractions, majestic Hohensalzburg fortress rising over the elaborate old town, the sparkling Salzach River meandering by, and the stunning mountains encircling the city.
Renowned for being Mozart’s previous residence, this property is enchanting, with exquisite baroque architecture bursting from every corner. Salzburg, the fourth-biggest city in Austria, offers a ton of fantastic eateries and bars for tourists to enjoy.
Feldkirch
Feldkirch, located in the Rhein Valley at the borders of Liechtenstein and Switzerland, is a charming destination. The city is surrounded by serene, undulating hills, enhanced by vineyards and forests.
Feldkirch is a hidden gem frequently missed, with a charming medieval section of town consisting of winding cobblestone streets and a charming 13th-century castle perched atop one of its hills. Instead, most tourists travel to Liechtenstein and Innsbruck, two nearby cities. It’s well worth the visit; seeing everything it offers will take a half day.
Bregenz
Situated on the banks of Lake Constance, Bregenz enjoys a stunning vista over its glistening waters, further enhanced by the majestic Mount Pfander rising abruptly behind the city. Its sunsets are spectacular; Germany is to the right, and Switzerland is visible on the horizon to the left. The city is more than simply a picturesque place; it offers some fantastic art and architecture and a lovely promenade along the coastline.
You may swim or go on a boat ride on the lake, and the mountain offers some fantastic hiking paths. When a stage is erected on the lake’s waters and opera is performed beneath the stars during the Bregenz Festival, it is the ideal time to visit. Heavenly, indeed.
Steyr
Steyr is one of Upper Austria’s most alluring medieval city centers, where the Enns and Steyr rivers converge. Strolling through the old town, which features grand baroque buildings and cobblestone streets, is a pleasure. The main square features a variety of architectural types.
For example, the Bummerlhaus, the city’s primary attraction, is a charming Gothic building constructed as early as the 13th century. Steyr is a friendly and peaceful area to spend some time, with two castles in the city and the lovely Kalkalpen National Park nearby.
Krems an der Donau
At the confluence of the Danube and Krems River, Krems, as locals call it, marks the start of the picturesque Wachau Valley. Undulating vineyards encircle this charming city and boast excellent, must-try local wines. Its historic core is lovely, with numerous medieval churches and museums along the streets.
With many fantastic eateries and bars, Krems is a relatively calm destination during the off-peak months. Strolling along the Danube’s banks is a delightful pastime.
Villach
Despite having a rich and varied history that extends back to the Roman era, Villach was destroyed during World War II. Therefore, it is sadly lacking in stunning architecture and historical landmarks.
Villach is a great place to live rather than visit, and most people use it as a base from which to explore the many things in the surrounding area, even though a few castles remain to be explored. Most of Austria is accessible from Villach, and the Italian border is not far away. Just outside the city is the picturesque Faaker See Lake, and the mountain and ski resort at Gerlitzen provide some fantastic views.
Linz
Linz’s charming old town, replete with baroque grandeur, lies along the banks of the Danube, concealing the truth that this is a city that is developing for the future. Because of its intriguing, one-of-a-kind museums and daring modern artworks, it boasts a thriving cultural and artistic environment.
Together with its recent forays into the domains of innovation and technology, Linz is a thriving and dynamic city that skillfully blends historic churches and a gorgeous castle with a bustling bar scene and a youthful vibe.
Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt is a fascinating destination with a sizable university population that contributes to the lively, festive atmosphere of the city. It features a charming old town and the iconic Lindwurm monument—which shows a villager slaying a dragon—is the city’s most notable feature.
Europapark is an ample green space on the city’s outskirts open to guests; in the summer, the lido is lovely for swimming in. There are convenient transportation options from Klagenfurt to the Worthersee and the other villages.
Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt, most known for being the residence of 18th-century composer and musician Joseph Haydn, is home to several monuments and museums honoring the former inhabitant. Still, there is much more to see than these.
Despite its tiny size, it is the capital of the eastern Austrian region of Burgenland. Its museums, medieval castle, and charming Jewish neighborhood make it a sophisticated and wealthy destination.
Visitors can browse various cafes, restaurants, and boutiques on the main street. Its convenient location close to Vienna allows you to travel and explore the surrounding vineyards from there.
Graz
Graz, the second-biggest city in the nation, has Roman origins. Its former significance in defending Europe against the Ottomans gives it its current importance.
Graz, a beautiful city, has transformed into a carefree and enjoyable destination, primarily due to its substantial student population, which has fueled a vibrant cultural scene and exciting nightlife. The old town, centered around the castle, is lovely to meander through, with the central square being delightful.
Graz is a bustling, modern city, with its streets lined with daring modern buildings that complement the ambiance of the many cozy cafes and exciting bars.
Innsbruck
Ski resorts and alpine valleys surround this stunning city amid the majestic Alps. Consequently, instead of taking advantage of everything Innsbruck has to offer, many visitors head straight for the slopes. Innsbruck’s magnificent old town, once the imperial court seat of Maximilian I, is fittingly majestic and opulent, its impressive cathedral and imposing Hapsburg palace underscoring its former greatness.
Hikers will love the beautiful routes and paths with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, while skiers will love the variety of slopes available. In addition to all of this, the city is a beautiful spot to go out because of its enormous student population.
