Start your Austrian adventure in Vienna, the country's capital and cultural hub. In the morning, explore the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its stunning gardens. Afterward, visit the historic St. Stephen's Cathedral in the heart of the city. As the evening approaches, indulge in Viennese cuisine at one of the traditional restaurants.
Dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant: €30-50 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Central, a charming Viennese cafe known for its delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Figlmüller Wollzeile, a family-owned restaurant famous for its authentic Austrian schnitzel. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
In the evening, dine at Plachutta, a renowned restaurant specializing in traditional Viennese cuisine, including their famous Tafelspitz. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
Saturday September 2: Salzburg
Embark on a journey to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a city renowned for its baroque architecture. Start your morning by exploring the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress, offering breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, visit Mirabell Palace and its enchanting gardens, featured in "The Sound of Music." Wrap up your day by strolling through the charming streets of Old Town and enjoying a Mozart concert in the evening.
Hohensalzburg Fortress: €12.50, 3 hours
Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Free, 2 hours
Exploring Old Town: Free, 2 hours
Mozart concert: €30-50 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Bazar, located along the Salzach River. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Gasthaus Zwettler's, a cozy traditional Austrian restaurant serving authentic dishes such as schnitzel and goulash. Their hearty lunch options are reasonably priced, with an average cost of 12 euros per person.
Bask in the evening ambiance of St. Peter Stiftskeller, the oldest restaurant in Europe. Feast on a gourmet dinner of Austrian specialties while enjoying live classical music. Average cost for a meal is about 40 euros per person.
Sunday September 3: Innsbruck
Head to the picturesque city of Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Start your day by visiting the iconic Golden Roof, a symbol of the city. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the stunning Nordkette mountain range for panoramic views. Spend the evening exploring the charming Old Town, admiring the colorful buildings and enjoying a traditional Tyrolean dinner.
Golden Roof: €10, 1 hour
Nordkette Cable Car: €36 round trip, 3 hours
Exploring Innsbruck Old Town: Free, 2 hours
Tyrolean dinner: €20-30 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Café Sacher. Indulge in their famous Sacher Torte while enjoying a cup of Viennese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to Wirtshaus am Inn. Try their traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
End your day with a romantic dinner at Lichtblick Restaurant. Enjoy stunning views of Innsbruck from their rooftop terrace while savoring their gourmet Austrian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $45 per person.
Monday September 4: Hallstatt
Travel to the fairytale village of Hallstatt, known for its picturesque beauty. Begin your morning with a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by magnificent mountains. Take a guided tour of the Hallstatt Salt Mine to learn about the area's rich history. As the sun sets, wander through the charming streets, and enjoy a delightful meal at a lakeside restaurant.
Boat ride on Lake Hallstatt: €10, 2 hours
Hallstatt Salt Mine: €38, 3 hours
Exploring Hallstatt: Free, 2 hours
Dinner at a lakeside restaurant: €25-40 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Zum Josef, located in the heart of Hallstatt. Indulge in their fluffy pancakes topped with fresh fruits and a hot cup of coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Gasthof Zauner, a traditional Austrian inn serving authentic regional dishes. Try their hearty goulash soup or Wiener Schnitzel with a side of crispy potatoes. Average cost for a meal is about 20 euros per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Seewirt Zauner, a charming lakeside restaurant offering stunning views of Lake Hallstatt. Treat yourself to their grilled salmon served with seasonal vegetables, paired with a glass of local wine. Average cost for a meal is about 30 euros per person.
Tuesday September 5: Graz
Discover the vibrant city of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your morning by exploring the historic Clock Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Visit the Graz Art Museum to admire contemporary artworks in the afternoon. As evening falls, take a leisurely stroll along the Murinsel, an artificial island on the Mur River, and enjoy a traditional Styrian dinner.
Clock Tower: €8, 2 hours
Graz Art Museum: €12, 2 hours
Walk along the Murinsel: Free, 1 hour
Styrian dinner: €20-30 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning off at Café Mitte, a charming cafe located in the heart of Graz. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious menu options, such as freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee, a typical breakfast at Café Mitte costs around €10 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head over to Aiola Upstairs, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city. Enjoy a variety of gourmet salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, with an average cost of about €15 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Eckstein, a popular restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine with a modern twist. From classic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel to innovative creations, a memorable dinner at Eckstein costs approximately €25 per person.
Wednesday September 6: Linz
Visit the vibrant city of Linz, known for its contemporary art scene. Start your morning by exploring the iconic Ars Electronica Center, an interactive museum showcasing technological innovations. In the afternoon, wander through the charming Old Town and visit the impressive Linz Castle. Round off your day with a delightful dinner at a local Linzer restaurant.
Ars Electronica Center: €12, 3 hours
Exploring Linz Old Town: Free, 2 hours
Linz Castle: €6, 1 hour
Dinner at a local Linzer restaurant: €20-30 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Traxlmayr, known for its wide selection of pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Das Anton, a charming eatery offering a variety of traditional Austrian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Pöstlingsberg-Schlössl, a fine dining restaurant located on a hilltop with stunning views of Linz. Indulge in their gourmet Austrian cuisine while enjoying the enchanting ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 50 euros per person.
Thursday September 7: Vienna
Return to Vienna to conclude your Austrian journey. Spend your morning exploring the world-renowned Belvedere Palace and its impressive art collection. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk in the famous Prater Park and enjoy a ride on the iconic Riesenrad Ferris wheel. Bid farewell to Austria with a delicious dinner at one of Vienna's renowned restaurants.
Belvedere Palace: €20, 2 hours
Prater Park and Riesenrad Ferris wheel: €12, 2 hours
Dinner at a renowned Viennese restaurant: €30-50 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Central, a historic coffee house known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For lunch, head to Figlmüller, a traditional Viennese restaurant famous for its mouthwatering schnitzel. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Steirereck im Stadtpark, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Austrian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about €90 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Austria, don't miss the enchanting Melk Abbey, a stunning Benedictine monastery overlooking the Danube River. Additionally, venture off the beaten path and visit the charming village of Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley, known for its vineyards and medieval architecture. Locals also recommend exploring the enchanting Lake Wolfgang and its surrounding villages for a serene and picturesque experience.