Austria's Best Attractions
Palaces, cathedrals, and Alpine valleys — and what's actually worth the entry fee.
The must-sees: Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg (former Habsburg residences), St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Belvedere (Klimt's 'The Kiss'); the Wachau Valley's Melk Abbey, a Baroque monastery towering over the Danube; and Salzburg's Sound of Music filming locations, best done as a guided half-day tour. Most major sights run €12–44 for adults; book Schönbrunn's timed-entry tickets online in advance during peak season (June–September) to skip the line.
Austria's attractions skew grand — this is a country that was, until just over a century ago, the seat of an empire that ran half of Europe, and the architecture never let anyone forget it. Here's the honest version: what's genuinely worth the entry fee, what to book ahead, and the one Wachau Valley detour most itineraries skip that shouldn't be skipped.
Austria's Best Attractions
What's genuinely worth the entry fee — and what to skip.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria's most famous mountain drive — open roughly May to early November.
Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves
The world's largest ice cave — a genuine day trip from Salzburg, not a quick stop.
Melk Abbey
A Baroque monastery over the Danube — library, marble hall, views.
Vienna State Opera
A must-visit for music lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Hofburg Palace
A treasure trove of history and imperial elegance.
Salzburg Cathedral
A breathtaking Baroque masterpiece in the heart of Salzburg.
Innsbruck Golden Roof
A charming landmark steeped in history and beauty.
Krimml Waterfalls
Nature's stunning display at Europe's highest waterfalls.
Schonbrunn Palace
A majestic palace with stunning gardens and rich Austrian history.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral that dominates Vienna's skyline.
Belvedere Palace
A splendid baroque palace with an incredible art collection.
Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten)
The oldest zoo in the world, located in beautiful Schönbrunn gardens.
Prater Amusement Park
A historic amusement park with rides, games, and the iconic Ferris wheel.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Perched high above the city, this fortress offers stunning views and rich history.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage site, these gardens are a must-see for their beauty and history.
Mozart's Birthplace
Step into the world of Mozart at his birthplace, a haven for music enthusiasts.
Salzburg Old Town
Wander through the charming streets of Salzburg's historic Old Town.
St. Peter's Abbey
A serene retreat with stunning architecture and a rich history awaits you.
Hallstatt Skywalk
Soar above Hallstatt with stunning panoramic views.
Hallstatt Museum
Dive into the fascinating history of Hallstatt's salt mining.
Lake Hallstatt
Experience the serene beauty of Lake Hallstatt.
Dachstein Salzkammergut
Experience the natural beauty of the Dachstein region.
Salt Mines Hallstatt
Explore the fascinating underground world of Hallstatt's salt mines.
Nordkette Mountain Range
A stunning mountain range offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.
Ampferstein Viewpoint
A breathtaking viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps.
Innsbruck Zoo
A zoo nestled in the mountains, offering a unique experience with wildlife and nature.
Imperial Palace Innsbruck
A historical palace that reflects the rich heritage of the Habsburg dynasty.
Tyrol Alps
A majestic mountain range perfect for skiing, hiking, and breathtaking views.
Schloss Eggenberg
Explore the beautiful gardens and art collections of this UNESCO site.
Graz Cathedral
Admire the stunning architecture and rich history of Graz Cathedral.
Uhrturm
Enjoy breathtaking views of Graz from the iconic Uhrturm tower.
Kunsthaus Graz
Delve into the world of contemporary art at this architectural wonder.
Mura River
Enjoy scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere along the Mura River.
Melk Abbey
This Baroque gem offers breathtaking architecture and scenic views.
Dürnstein Castle
This medieval ruin boasts breathtaking views and a fascinating history.
Wachau Danube River Cruise
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Wachau Valley from the water.
Klosterneuburg Monastery
This monastery combines history, art, and breathtaking views.
Krems Art Collection
A unique blend of contemporary and classical art awaits you.
Zeller See Lake
A picturesque lake perfect for outdoor activities.
Kitzbühel Ski Resort
A world-famous ski destination with stunning slopes.
Kitzbühel Town
A charming town with rich history and vibrant culture.
Schmittenhöhe Mountain
A breathtaking mountain offering stunning panoramic views.
Zell am See Castle
A historic castle offering beautiful views and rich history.