Austria-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Vienna

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE)
  • Transportation: Take the City Airport Train (CAT) to Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), which takes approximately 16 minutes
  • Breakfast: Visit a traditional Viennese coffeehouse, such as Café Central or Café Landtmann, for a delicious breakfast and people-watching

Afternoon

  • Schönbrunn Palace: Visit the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence (open from 9 am to 5 pm)
    • Guided tours available in multiple languages
    • Don’t miss the beautiful gardens and fountains
  • St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Explore this iconic cathedral, which offers panoramic views of the city from its south tower

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Viennese dinner at a restaurant like Griechenbeisl or Steirereck, known for their local cuisine
  • Music and Entertainment: End your day with some classical music at the Wiener Musikverein (home of the Vienna Philharmonic) or a stroll along the famous Ringstrasse

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, do not need a visa to enter Austria
  • Language: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
  • Currency: Euro (€)

Day 2: Salzburg

Morning

  • Train Ride: Take the train from Vienna to Salzburg (approximately 2.5 hours)
  • Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local bakery or café, like Café Tomaselli

Afternoon

  • Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Visit this beautiful baroque palace and its picturesque gardens (open from 9 am to 6 pm)
    • Don’t miss the stunning views of the city from the garden’s lookout point
  • Getreidegasse Shopping Street: Stroll along this charming shopping street, lined with local boutiques and souvenir shops

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Salzburg dinner at a restaurant like St. Peter or Hotel Stein
  • Music and Entertainment: Experience the Sound of Music at Mirabell Palace or stroll along the River Salzach to enjoy the city’s evening atmosphere

Things to Know

  • Transportation: Regular train connections between cities, including the high-speed Railjet service
  • Weather: Be prepared for variable spring weather, with rain and sunshine possible on the same day

Day 3: Hallstatt

Morning

  • Train Ride: Take the train from Salzburg to Hallstatt (approximately 4 hours)
  • Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast at a local bakery or café in Hallstatt

Afternoon

  • Hallstatt Village: Explore this charming lakeside village, known for its traditional houses and picturesque views
    • Don’t miss the iconic Hallstatt Signpost and the chance to try some local delicacies, like apricot dumplings
  • Dachstein Mountains: Take a scenic hike or cable car ride to the Dachstein Mountains for breathtaking views of Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in Hallstatt, such as Gasthof Zauner
  • Sunset Cruise: End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Hallstatt (weather permitting)

Things to Know

  • Getting Around: Walking is the best way to explore Hallstatt’s village center; regular bus connections connect the village to nearby towns
  • Time: Be mindful of local opening hours, which may be earlier than in larger cities