Things to do in Austria

3 destinations in Austria, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in 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.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Innsbruck: Old Town Stroll & Herzog-Friedrich-Straße Arcaded medieval streets, the Golden Roof, and street musicians cost nothing at all.
Innsbruck: Alpine Zoo (with Innsbruck Card or €3 discount) Europe's highest-altitude zoo shelters ibex, wolves, and golden eagles above the city.
Salzburg: Walk the Mönchsberg Ridge A free forested hilltop walk above the city with sweeping views and no crowds.
Salzburg: Mirabell Palace Gardens Stroll manicured baroque gardens, rose parterre, and the famous Sound of Music fountain steps.
Vienna: Prater Park & the Hauptallee Miles of chestnut-lined paths through Vienna's beloved public park, perfect for cycling or a long stroll
Vienna: Naschmarkt Browse Vienna's legendary open-air market is a feast for the senses even if you just wander and sample free tastes

Gasthof Weisses Rössl in Innsbruck, Tiroler Gröstl (pan-fried potatoes, pork, egg) Plates $10-14
Markthalle Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Fresh market lunch: cheese, bread, and local Speck ham Plates $5-9
Augustiner Bräustübl in Salzburg, Half-liter Märzen beer with a pretzel and cold buffet plate Plates $5-10
Balkan Grill by Walter Gruber in Salzburg, Bosner (spiced sausage in a roll), Salzburg's cult street food since 1961 Plates $3-5
Zum Wohl in Vienna, Schnitzel with potato salad Plates $9-13
Figlmüller Bäckerstraße in Vienna, Wiener Schnitzel (classic, enormous) Plates $14-18