Quick answer
The top things to do in Austria are Schönbrunn Palace and a classical concert in Vienna, Salzburg's old town and Sound of Music sights, a day in Hallstatt, and an alpine day: the Grossglockner road, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier or Innsbruck's Nordkette. Five days covers Vienna and Salzburg with a Hallstatt day trip; add two for Innsbruck and the Alps.
14 things worth your time in Austria
- 01
Schönbrunn Palace
LandmarkThe Habsburg summer palace, with 40 state rooms on the Grand Tour and formal gardens climbing to the Gloriette.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹3,000–4,100 (€29–40) depending on tour; gardens freeBook a timed slot online and walk up to the Gloriette for the best view back over the palace and Vienna.
- 02
Hofburg and the Sisi Museum
LandmarkThe imperial apartments, silver collection and a museum on Empress Elisabeth, whose story Indian visitors often know from films.
2 hoursAbout ₹2,000–2,600 (€20–25)Combined Sisi tickets covering Schönbrunn and the Hofburg save money if you plan both.
- 03
Belvedere and Klimt's The Kiss
MuseumA baroque palace holding the largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings, including The Kiss.
2 hoursAbout ₹1,700–2,100 (€17–20)The Upper Belvedere has the Klimts; the lower palace and gardens can be skipped if time is short.
- 04
A concert or the State Opera
ExperienceVienna is the city of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss, and an evening of live classical music is the signature experience.
2–3 hoursOpera standing places from about ₹1,500 (€15); seated concerts ₹4,000–9,000 (€40–90)Ignore costumed ticket sellers near St Stephen's Cathedral; book directly with the venue instead.
- 05
Coffee houses and the Naschmarkt
FoodViennese coffee-house culture is UNESCO-listed. Sachertorte and apple strudel at a marble-table café is a Vienna ritual.
2 hoursCoffee and cake about ₹800–1,200 (€8–12)The Naschmarkt has falafel, Indian and Middle Eastern stalls for an easy vegetarian lunch.
- 06
Prater and the Giant Ferris Wheel
ExperienceThe 1897 Riesenrad turns slowly above Vienna's old amusement park, with rides for children below.
1–2 hoursRiesenrad about ₹1,500–1,700 (€15–16)Go near sunset for city views, then walk the long chestnut avenue of the Prater park.
- 07
Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey
Day tripA UNESCO stretch of the Danube lined with vineyards, apricot orchards and the golden baroque abbey at Melk.
Full dayAbout ₹6,000–9,000 (€60–90) with train, abbey and cruiseDanube boats between Melk and Krems run roughly April to October; check the timetable before you go.
- 08
Salzburg old town and fortress
LandmarkMozart's birthplace, Mirabell Gardens and the Hohensalzburg fortress above a compact UNESCO-listed old town.
Full dayFortress with funicular about ₹1,700–2,100 (€17–20)Ride the funicular up and walk down through the Mönchsberg for views without the queue.
- 09
Sound of Music tour
ExperienceA coach tour from Salzburg to the film's gazebo, lakeside villas and the wedding church at Mondsee.
4 hoursAbout ₹5,000–6,100 (€50–60)Many Indian families love it. If no one in the group has seen the film, use the time for Hallstatt instead.
- 10
Hallstatt
Day tripA lakeside village of painted houses below steep mountains, with a skywalk viewpoint and a 7,000-year-old salt mine.
Full dayFree to walk; salt mine with funicular about ₹4,100–4,600 (€40–45)Locals live here, so keep noise down and do not fly drones. Come before 9 am or stay overnight to avoid the day crowds.
- 11
Eisriesenwelt ice cave, Werfen
NatureThe world's largest ice cave, with frozen formations lit by carbide lamps on a guided tour. Open roughly May to October.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹3,100–4,100 (€30–40) with cable carInside it stays around 0°C even in July, and the tour involves about 1,400 steps. Not for those with knee trouble.
- 12
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
NatureA 48 km mountain road with 36 hairpin bends to a viewpoint facing Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner at 3,798 m.
Full dayToll about ₹4,600–5,100 (€45–50) per carOpen roughly early May to late October. Go on a clear day; cloud can hide everything.
- 13
Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Kaprun
NatureCable cars lift you to a viewing platform at about 3,029 m, with snow even in summer, which Indian families love.
Half dayAbout ₹6,100–7,100 (€60–70) returnCarry jackets and sunglasses; it can be 20°C colder at the top than in Zell am See.
- 14
Innsbruck, Nordkette and Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Day tripA cable car from the city centre to 2,256 m, and Swarovski's crystal-filled gardens at Wattens 20 minutes away.
Full dayNordkette about ₹4,600–5,100 (€45–50); Crystal Worlds about ₹2,600–3,100 (€25–30)Innsbruck is about two hours from Salzburg by train, so it fits best as an overnight stop.
How many days do you need in Austria?
Five days covers the classic route: two days in Vienna, then a 2.5-hour train to Salzburg for two nights, with a day trip to Hallstatt. Seven to eight days lets you add Innsbruck, Zell am See and the high Alps, which is where many Indian travellers get their first real snow.
Austria is easy to move around by train. ÖBB Railjet and Westbahn trains run between Vienna and Salzburg about every 30 minutes, and advance fares can be very cheap. A car helps only for the Grossglockner road and lake villages.
Which sights need booking?
- Schönbrunn — timed tickets sell out in summer and December
- Concerts and the State Opera — book a few weeks ahead for good seats
- Hallstatt salt mine and Eisriesenwelt — summer only, busy in July and August
- Sound of Music tour — fills in peak summer
Seasons matter
Many alpine attractions, including the Grossglockner road, the Eisriesenwelt and some cable cars, operate only from roughly May to October. In winter you trade them for Christmas markets and skiing. See the best time to visit Austria before fixing dates.
Vienna's public transport covers the city, and a 24- to 72-hour pass is usually cheaper than buying single tickets. Validate paper tickets before boarding.
Plan the rest of your trip
Austria is in the Schengen area, so start with our Austria visa guide or the Schengen visa explainer. Then budget with the Austria trip cost, browse sample itineraries, and read the vegetarian food guide to Austria before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hallstatt worth a day trip?
How do I travel from Vienna to Salzburg?
Can I see snow in Austria in summer?
Is Austria suitable for senior citizens?
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
