15 Top Tourist Attractions in Austria: A Complete Guide
Written by Rishabh Soni
Austria, with its stunning natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures, is a country that offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re an art lover, nature enthusiast, or history buff, Austria promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive deep into the top 15 tourist attractions you shouldn’t miss on your visit to this charming country.
1. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
One of the most iconic sites in Vienna, the Schönbrunn Palace stands as a testimony to the grandeur of the Austrian Empire. Built in the 18th century, this Baroque masterpiece served as the summer residence of the imperial family. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors annually.
Key Highlights: The Palace Gardens, Gloriette, Neptune Fountain, and zoo.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer, when the gardens are in full bloom.
Nearby Attractions: Prater Park, Hofburg Palace.
Local Tip: Don’t miss the Imperial Tour to see the most luxurious rooms of the palace.
Location: Vienna, Austria
2. The Hofburg Palace, Vienna
The Hofburg Palace, another monumental landmark in Vienna, was once the residence of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty. Today, it serves as the official residence of the President of Austria and houses several museums and galleries, including the Sisi Museum and Austrian National Library.
Key Highlights: Austrian National Library, Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though winter offers a magical atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Nearby Attractions: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace.
Local Tip: Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of the royal family.
Location: Vienna, Austria
3. The Belvedere Palace, Vienna
The Belvedere Palace consists of two Baroque palaces—Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere. Famous for its art collections like Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”, this palace offers not just artistic wonders but also stunning gardens with panoramic views of Vienna.
Key Highlights: Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”, Palace Gardens, Upper Belvedere Museum.
Best Time to Visit: Late Spring to early Fall for the gardens.
Nearby Attractions: Schönbrunn Palace, Museum of Art History.
Local Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
Location: Vienna, Austria
4. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, stands tall in the center of Vienna. Its intricate design, including stained glass windows and a roof made of colorful tiles, makes it one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.
Key Highlights: The South Tower, Cathedral Treasury, St. Stephen’s Crypt.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but avoid weekends to skip the crowds.
Nearby Attractions: The Giant Ferris Wheel, Hofburg Palace.
Local Tip: Don’t miss the panoramic view from the tower’s top.
Location: Vienna, Austria
5. The Giant Ferris Wheel, Vienna
The Giant Ferris Wheel, or Riesenrad, is an iconic symbol of Vienna’s Prater Park. Built in 1897, it offers breathtaking views of the city. The Ferris Wheel is a perfect blend of historical significance and modern-day amusement.
Key Highlights: Breathtaking city views, Prater Park.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset, when you can see the city lit up below.
Nearby Attractions: Prater Park, Museum of Natural History.
Local Tip: Take a night ride for a magical experience of Vienna’s illuminated skyline.
Location: Vienna, Austria
6. Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey is a magnificent Benedictine abbey perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River. Known for its Baroque architecture, golden library, and stunning frescoes, it’s one of Austria’s most iconic monastic sites.
Key Highlights: Lavish Baroque design, panoramic views, and historical manuscripts.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Nearby Attractions: Danube River cruises, Wachau Valley vineyards
Local Tip: Join a guided tour to access the library and learn about the abbey’s rich history.
Location: Melk, Lower Austria
7. Hohensalzburg Fortress
This towering medieval fortress is one of the largest fully preserved castles in Central Europe. It offers sweeping views of Salzburg and houses fascinating museums and artifacts.
Key Highlights: Medieval architecture, Salzburg Museum, scenic vistas
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for clear views
Nearby Attractions: Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Birthplace
Local Tip: Take the funicular railway for a quick and scenic ride up the hill.
Location: Salzburg, Austria
8. Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a postcard-perfect lakeside village surrounded by alpine mountains. Known for its charming houses, salt mines, and UNESCO World Heritage status, it’s a must-visit in Austria.
Key Highlights: Lake Hallstatt, salt mines, 16th-century architecture
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Nearby Attractions: Dachstein Ice Caves, Five Fingers viewpoint
Local Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful lake views.
Location: Hallstatt, Upper Austria
9. Innsbruck Old Town
Innsbruck’s Altstadt is a historic center full of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Roof. It’s a perfect blend of imperial history and mountain charm.
Key Highlights: Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, medieval streets
Best Time to Visit: December for Christmas markets or summer for hiking
Nearby Attractions: Nordkette Cable Car, Ambras Castle
Local Tip: Try traditional Tyrolean dishes in a local tavern nearby.
Location: Innsbruck, Tyrol
10. Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and home to Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Its gardens and art collections make it a cultural gem of Vienna.
Key Highlights: Klimt’s paintings, Baroque gardens, historic interiors
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for garden blooms
Nearby Attractions: Schwarzenbergplatz, Karlskirche
Local Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and golden hour photography.
Location: Vienna, Austria
11. Krimml Waterfalls
Austria’s tallest waterfalls, the Krimml Falls cascade down 380 meters through lush alpine forests. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
Key Highlights: Three-tiered waterfall, scenic trails, alpine views
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn
Nearby Attractions: Hohe Tauern National Park
Local Tip: Wear waterproof gear—mist from the falls can drench you!
Location: Krimml, Salzburg region
12. Grossglockner High Alpine Road
This scenic road winds through the Austrian Alps offering incredible views of Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak. A must for road trippers and photographers.
Key Highlights: Panoramic alpine views, glacier lookouts, wildflower meadows
Best Time to Visit: May to October (road closed in winter)
Nearby Attractions: Pasterze Glacier, Edelweiss-Spitze viewpoint
Local Tip: Stop at the visitor center for interactive exhibits and hiking tips.
Location: Carinthia & Salzburg, Austria
13. Seefeld in Tirol
Seefeld is a charming alpine town popular for winter sports and summer hikes. It’s hosted multiple Olympic events and offers a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation.
Key Highlights: Cross-country skiing, hiking trails, alpine wellness
Best Time to Visit: December to March for snow, June to September for hiking
Nearby Attractions: Wildsee Lake, Rosshütte mountain railway
Local Tip: Enjoy an après-ski drink at a cozy mountain hut.
Location: Seefeld, Tyrol
14. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Located in the heart of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an architectural marvel with its colorful tiled roof and Gothic spire. It has witnessed many of Austria’s historical events.
Key Highlights: Gothic design, catacombs, panoramic tower views
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Nearby Attractions: Graben Street, Hofburg Palace
Local Tip: Climb the South Tower for unbeatable views of Vienna’s old town.
Location: Vienna, Austria
15. Austrian National Library
This majestic library within the Hofburg Palace is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Its grand hall is lined with ornate shelves, frescoes, and historical globes.
Key Highlights: State Hall, Baroque art, rare manuscripts
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for lighter crowds
Nearby Attractions: Hofburg Palace, Albertina Museum
Local Tip: Photography is allowed—don’t forget your camera!
Location: Vienna, Austria
