Things to do in Austria
3 destinations in Austria, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in Austria
- Things to do in Innsbruck adventure, nature, culture
- Things to do in Salzburg culture, nature, city
- Things to do in Vienna city, culture
Best time to visit Austria
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Innsbruck
- Fly in the shoulder seasons of May-June or October-early November, when round-trip fares from US hubs can run 25-35% cheaper than December-February ski season peaks and August summer highs. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently save another 10-15% over weekend travel.
- Salzburg
- Fly in March-April or October-November to find round-trip fares from major US hubs as low as $500-650, roughly 30-40% cheaper than July-August peak or the expensive Christmas Mozart Week in late January. Shoulder-season midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by an additional 10-15%.
- Vienna
- The cheapest months to fly to Vienna are January through early March and late October through November, when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-40% less than summer peak (June-August). Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically shaves another $50-100 off compared to weekend flights.
Is Austria expensive?
It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.
Free things to do in Austria
- Innsbruck: Old Town Stroll & Herzog-Friedrich-Straße Arcaded medieval streets, the Golden Roof, and street musicians cost nothing at all.
- Salzburg: Walk the Mönchsberg Ridge A free forested hilltop walk above the city with sweeping views and no crowds.
- Vienna: Prater Park & the Hauptallee Miles of chestnut-lined paths through Vienna's beloved public park, perfect for cycling or a long stroll