3. Innsbruck

Centered on a gorgeous Old Town of Baroque palaces, Innsbruck is a sight to behold. Weaving between the cobbled lanes and old imperial palaces, visitors here can spy out sights like the Golden Roof and the grand whitewashed Hofburg.

Summer and winter activities abound, and it’s understandable why some visitors only take a peek at Innsbruck before heading for the hills. But to do so is a shame, for Innsbruck is an attraction itself. 

Its late-medieval old town, presided over by a grand Habsburg palace and baroque cathedral, and large mountain views make a spectacular combination of the urban and the outdoors.

The Guidester Difference: If you don’t have a lot of time here and are interested in historical sites, our travel experts recommend a walking tour to take in the best sites – which can be booked from your personal travel guide by Guidester.

4. Graz

A glorious Old Town center and a lively student vibe make Graz one of Austria’s most fun-loving cities. The inner square fuses everything from Renaissance to Gothic to Slavic architectural styles between its cobbled streets and sea of red-tiled roofs.

The city is awash with fascinating historical sites, like the Schlossberg hill, complete with one curious clock tower, and the Styrian Armory, where a whopping 32,000 guns, swords, suits of armor, and more stand testimony to the city’s onetime place on the frontier between the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe.

5. The Grossglockner

Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria and one of the most striking elevations in the Eastern Alps. The mountain is home to small villages, numerous animals, and rare plants. The famous mountain is cloaked in mystery and the stuff of legend.

Tip: The Grossglockner Road, at the foot of the mountain, was constructed between 1930 and 1935 and is one of the most magnificent mountain roads in Europe. Although its importance as a route through the Alps has declined, it’s still a splendid highway through one of Austria’s most outstanding attractions.

6. Wachau Valley

A UNESCO cultural heritage site, Wachau Valley is characterized by gently rolling hills, abundant vineyards, medieval villages, and the picturesque banks of the Danube.

The mild climate, influenced by the river valley, sunny wine slopes and the special geology mean that excellent wines are produced here. The Wachau also boasts a high density of restaurants and inns, where you can enjoy top quality regional cooking at reasonable prices and which promise a delicious balance of local ingredients and creative flair.

Perhaps the most picturesque and famous town in Wachau is Dürnstein, famed for its historical richness, including the captivating ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.

7. Zell am See

Austria’s quintessential Alpine lake town, the spot has become a veritable outdoorsy paradise, drawing millions of adventure travelers each year. Here you will find some of Austria’s finest sailing, hiking, mountain biking, scenic driving, and skiing.

Since 1961, the city has been declared as a climatic health resort thanks to the excellent conditions that thrive here. Take a cable car to the glacier of Kaprun and the funicular down to the snow plateau.

8. Hallstatt

Dive into the enchantment of Hallstatt, Austria, where 16th-century Alpine charm meets the stunning backdrop of the Dachstein mountains. This UNESCO gem offers a magical mix of history with its ancient salt mines and picture-perfect views from a sky-high platform.

Hallstatt is a condensed wonderland that combines serene beauty with a dash of adventure, perfect for a snapshot-worthy journey into Europe’s heart.

If you’re struggling to narrow down what to see and do in each of these places, leave it to the experts to curate a personal travel guide just for you — complete with personal recommendations on what to see and do, local dining, getting around, cultural insights, and everything you need to make the most of your trip!