Hidden in the heart of Europe lies the land of emperors, waltz and schnitzel. A paradise for skiers, hikers and city lovers all in one. From the steep hills of the Alps to the magnificent palaces of Vienna, every tourist can find something just to their taste.

Austria is the home of famous classical composers like Mozart, psychologist Sigmund Freud and architect Hundertwasser. Its history is rich with wars, splendor and intrigue. The rich culture, which has produced countless pieces of art, music, plays and books is present throughout the country. And for the foodies: get ready to enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Below we have gathered the top attractions as well as the best-kept secrets, hidden places and off-the-beaten track surprises to make your stay in Austria unforgettable.

America may be first, but let Austria be second. Let’s take a look at what you should not miss when you visit the “eastern realm”:

1. Schonbrunn Imperial Summer Palace (Vienna)

The palace and its magnificent gardens are famed for being the former imperial summer residence. With over 300 years of history of Habsburg monarchs, you can easily spend a whole day here. Private tours with expert guides that will share their knowledge of the palace with you are available, as well as an evening event including dinner and a concert.

2. Take a Walk through Vienna’s Historic Center (Vienna)

If you want to take a walk among some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, while well-groomed horses strut past you with their carriages, look no further. The historic centre of Vienna offers exactly that – but also much more. Segway you way around or hop right on a bus with the Vienna pass. The choice is yours.

3. Coffee and Cake in Salzburger Altstadt – Salzburg Old Town (Salzburg)

Old town city centres are simply the best. Magnificent architecture, delicious street food and shopping until you go broke. For the authentic Salzburg experience, take this 2-hour tour
and enjoy your coffee and cake.

4. Klimt in the Belvedere Palace Museum (Vienna)

Belvedere is a beautiful palace that is now home to stunning art collection. If you are a fan of Klimt, this is your chance to see the Kiss in person. But that is hardly all you can see there – prepare your cameras or you’ll forget half of it before you’re home. To learn about the history of the palace and fascinating details about the artworks, consider the 3-hour private tour of the palace and its exhibitions.

5. Kunsthistorisches Museum – Art History Museum (Vienna)

If you like art, this is a must-see. This one-of-a-kind museum features some of the greatest works of artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Tintoretto and others. To complement the great masters, you can also see Egyptian and Near East exhibitions, Ancient Greek and Roman collections as well as the coin cabinet.

6. Visit World’s Oldest Zoo (Vienna)

Are animals your thing? Do you want to see everything from the deadliest predators to the cuddliest little creatures? Well, they have it all covered at Vienna Zoo, which holds the title of oldest in the world. It houses over 700 animal species, some of them endangered. You can attend 

7. A Walk through Schonbrunner Gardens (Vienna)

These gardens were built for kings and queens and even today, you will feel like one walking in them. They offer a myriad of entertaining things: a maze, a hill with a great view, many games…too much to be all seen in a day. Excellent for a romantic walk with your special someone.

8. Prater (Vienna)

Prater is the best known amusement park in Austria. One of the landmarks of Vienna, the big Ferris wheel, is located here, as well as the planetarium, the train ride and other things you will certainly enjoy. You can easily spend a whole day just here, trying out various attractions. The entrance is free, but you have to pay individual fees.

9. Hofburg Imperial Palace (Vienna)

If the day is cold and damp and the gardens don’t seem appealing, go inside the Hofburg Imperial Palace
for a similar, worthy-of-a-king experience. The many rooms with monarchy era furniture, paintings and dresses are sure to leave no one cold. For those of you with an interest in history and royalty, don’t miss this!

10. State Opera House (Vienna)

The State Opera House in Vienna is one of the centres of culture in Austria. You can go on a guided tour, but for the best experience, go and see one of the magnificent shows on display there. You can find an updated list, as well as early tickets, here. Just make sure to book in advance, they sell like hotcakes!

11. Grossglockner Alpine Road Drive (Heiligenblut)

Can you say spectacular views? Well, few are more spectacular than those you will see on the Grossglockner Alpine Road. The mountains are, of course, the stars, but the waterfalls, the flowers and the high alpine farmers all combine to make this idyllic piece of Earth what it is. Take this 

12. View of Vienna from St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Vienna)

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or as the locals call it, Stephansdom, is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The architecture and interior design are breath-taking, as can be the climb up to the tallest tower. But the 136 meter(446 ft) tall climb is worth the view of the city from above. Put this into your tour plan of Vienna

13. Dinner at Salzburg Fortress (Salzburg)

Have you ever wanted to have a 

14. Christmas Market at City Hall Rathaus (Vienna)

If you are in Austria from the middle of November until Christmas, you have to see the market in front of Vienna City Hall. It is the largest in town, with hundreds of stands offering everything imaginable from local deserts to Christmas tree decorations to take home as a souvenir. And even if you come here at some other time, the Gothic architecture is still one of the best sights in Vienna.

15. Kitzbuhel Ski Resort (Kitzbuhel)

If you follow competitive skiing, you are familiar with this famous ski resort. Every year, the best in the world come here to compete on the “Streif”. Now you can, too. The resort is considered by many to be the best in the world and has received numerous awards. If you are coming to Austria for skiing, this is your 

16. Sound of Music Tour at Mirabell Palace & Gardens (Salzburg)

This tourist gem is placed in the heart of Salzburg. “Sound of Music” was filmed there and on other locations nearby, all of which are included in the 4-hour adventure-filled tour. See the iconic scenes from the movie and relive the classic moments. Watching the movie the night before is definitely recommended!

17. Cable Car Trip in the Alps to Innsbrucker Nordkette (Innsbruck)

 

18. Albertina (Vienna)

Albertina is both the largest Habsburg residential palace and houses the largest graphical collections in the world. Work such as Klimt’s studies of women and Dürer’s Hare can all be seen inside. The permanent exhibitions as well as temporary ones, like the popular “Monet to Picasso”, are well worth checking out. And did I mention the dining? Oh yes, guests are taken care of with fine dining right next door at Augustinerkeller.

19. Natural History Museum (Vienna)

From dinosaurs to galaxies, the Natural History Museum of Vienna has it all. With forty permanent and regular special exhibitions, it is one of the best natural history museums in the world. Budget more time than you think you need too, because if you want to see everything, you will be glad you did. Also don’t forget to go to the digital planetarium. You can get tickets for both online here.

20. Overview of Vienna on the Ringstrasse (Vienna)

The Ringstrasse is a circular road that goes all around Vienna past all the most popular tourist attractions. It is perfect for a quick overview of the city or if you are in Vienna only for a day. But that would mean missing seeing so many things from up close and having a deeper experience that you can get if you stay here for more than a day. Still, if you’re only here for a short time and want to quickly get some selfies, take advantage of this opportunity!

21. Knowledge at Melk Abbey (Melk)

Melk Abbey became famous for its library, which houses a vast collection of medieval scriptures and is one of the most known ones in Europe. From November to March, visits are only possible with a guided tour, so keep that in mind if you plan on coming in that time.

22. Nationalbibliothek – National Library (Vienna)

The Austrian National Library is not a must see only for its books, but also for the beautiful interior(one of the best in Vienna) and four museums
inside it. The amount of knowledge gathered there might just inspire you to become the next great inventor.

23. Untersberg (Salzburg)

If you long for a breathtaking view, this is it. From the town, you can take aa href=”http://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/cable_car_untersberg”>cable car< to the top of the mountain – the very one featured in the movie Sound of Music. On a sunny day, you will see for miles – the steep hills, the foggy mists, the vast forests. Enjoy and thank me later.

24. Classical Concert at St. Peter’s Church (Vienna)

St. Peter’s church is a hidden church in the centre of Vienna. If you don’t know it’s there, you will likely miss is as the view is obscured by surrounding buildings. However, that does not mean it is not worth visiting. In fact, they put on one of the best classical concerts in Vienna
– in a very special atmosphere.

25. Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburg)

Another must see for all Sound of Music fans. This cathedral was one of the shooting scenes for the famous film and it will astonish you with the beautiful paintings inside. If you want to hear the sound of the organs, come in during a sermon- even if you aren’t religious. See the beautiful Salzburg Cathedral and enjoy.

26. Museums Galore at Museumsquartier (Vienna)

Museumsquartier, or the Museum Square, is the eighth largest cultural area in the world. You can easily spend a whole day here, wandering around and exploring all the varied exhibitions, from classical to modern art. You can buy a tickets
, or you can opt for a more subtle experience with a private tour.

27. Steep Slopes of the Ischgl-Samnaun Ski Resort (Ischgl)

Do you dream of fast slopes? Fresh powder? Then book a ticket to this ski resort ASAP. But Ischgl-Samnaun Resort
offers so much more than just skiing – you get almost every adrenalin related activity you could want plus supreme lodgings and food. What’s not to like?

28. Gaze Far from the Hallstatt Viewing Platform (Hallstatt)

From the still lake of Hallstatt, climb to the highest peak around and enjoy the view. The mountains and the lake make it a picture worth of painting. If you’re in Salzburg, hop on this World Heritage VIew and imagine you are flying.

29. Kirche am Steinhof Church (Vienna)

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Off the beaten path lies a gem that is a must see for all art lovers. Built on the foundations of an old psychiatric hospital, it offers an atmosphere like no other. History and WW2 geeks should make sure to check the exhibition of the History of Naci-Medicine. You can also take a short one hour tour.

30. Hundertwasser House (Vienna)

The famous and crazy architect Hundertwasser built buildings that stand out. Among the rectangular shapes of the inner city, the wavy forms of the Hundertwasser House stand in pleasant contrast. A unique experience and a must see.

31. The Third Man Museum (Vienna)

Interested in post-war Vienna and movie history? If so, The Third Man Museum should be on your to-do Vienna list. The theme is not just the well known 1949 film, but the situation in Europe after World War 2. Something all history and film fanatics should see. Guided tours are available.

32. Kitzsteinhorn Ski Resort (Zell am See)

Another fine Austrian ski resort can be found in Zell am See. Skiing, freeride park, hiking, mountain biking, excellent cuisine and the first rate service all combine to create the perfect winter paradise.Kitzsteinhorn Ski Resort is one of the best not only in Austria, but in Europe. And if you like steep slopes – how does the over 60 degree angled Black Mamba sound to you?

33. Hallstatt Old Town (Hallstatt)

Hallstatt is a beautiful little town on the shore of Lake Hallstatt. It is famous for three things: salt production, giving the name to the Hallstatt historic period and being unbelievably charming. Only a short trip from Salzburg, this is one of the place you have to see in Austria and a day trip worth taking. Scuba diving is also a very popular activity on the lake.

34. Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill (Innsbruck)

If you are at all interesting in ski jumping – and even if you’re not – you owe it to yourself to stand atop the in-run at least once. It is a lot steeper than you’d imagine it from the TV and if you don’t have a head for heights, consider not going. But for everyone else, tickets can be bought here. Take a day off in Innsbruck and include this in your list.

35. Hellbrunn Castle Trick Fountains (Salzburg)

This baroque style palace is most known for its green gardens, which are full of ponds, trees and fountains. These fountains in particular are something you ought to watch out for: they make quite the show. Bring your loved one(s), they are sure to enjoy it!

36. St. Anton Ski Base (St. Anton am Arlberg)

Great skiing, excellent slopes and a city with many bars for visitors. Skier’s paradise? St. Anton Ski Base is also perhaps the place to go for apres ski in Austria. A great resort for more experienced skiers.

37. Mozart’s Birthplace (Salzburg)

Who hasn’t heard of Mozart? After all, he is the second most legendary composer – perhaps only after Beethoven(but most people only know the dog). If your plan of travel involves Salzburg, take an hour of your time and budget it here. The house now contains a themed museum where you can see where and how the Mozart family lived and learn about his childhood.

38. Krimml Falls (Krimml)

Without a doubt, Krimml Falls are the most beautiful in Austria. Only a short drive from Salzburg, you can see the 380 meter fall. It falls on three levels, each more spectacular than the last. It takes about an hour and a half to get to the view at the top. If you get tired, there is restaurant along the way to one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Austria.

39. Stephansplatz (Vienna)

Is it sunny and you are yearning for a walk to get some fresh air? Kill two birds with one stone and come to Stephansplatz. Ideal for walking and shopping, this is an area you can explore for days and not get tired of it. If there’s any place that can be called The Heart of Vienna, this is it.

40. Vienna by Night (Vienna)

Ready to see Vienna by night? This unique tour takes you around the Ring Road, where you get to see the city and learn about its history. It includes a ride on the city’s ferris wheel and at the end, a glass of wine in Grinzing ‘heurige’ – a traditional Austrian tavern.

41. Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Wattens)

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a park that was created on the centennial anniversary of the company. On the outside, it looks like a green park with lots of points of interest – like the Giant. There’s also the play tower, the playground and the labyrinth. Inside, you can see a great collection of crystals on exhibit. If bling is your thing, go and see the Swarovski Crystal Worlds for yourself.

42. Innsbruck Old Town (Innsbruck)

All old towns have their charm and each one is unique in its own way. The Innsbruck Old Town centre is small, but jam-packed with historical buildings, cafes and food stands. It is equally, but differently beautiful in summer and in winter, but the time around Christmas adds even more to its usual charm. Make sure to check out the Golden Roof, made out of 2,738 gold-plated copper tiles.

43. Adrenaline Junkie Heaven at Red Bull Hangar 7 (Salzburg)

Do you like fast cars? Airplane acrobatics? Jumps from the edge of space? Then you have to go Red Bull Hangar 7. The collection there is simply something any adrenaline junkie would give his left hand to have. F1 race cars, NASCAR, the capsule Felix Baumgartner used in his historic jump, and much more. Hm, I might go there right now.

44. Alpine Zoo (Innsbruck)

Mountain animals are a sight to see, especially from up close. You can get the chance to do so in the Alpine Zoo Innsbruck. Bears, wolves, bison, eagles…on and on, you’ll need at least an hour to see everything. A great trip for families.

45. Leopold Museum (Vienna)

Art gallery par excellence. Found in the museum quarter of Vienna, it houses vast collections of artists like Klimt, Schiele and many others. Unlike some other museums, you are allowed to take pictures. Get your tickets here.

46. Imperial Treasury of Vienna (Vienna)

This is the most important treasury in the world for a reason. It served as the treasury of the Habsburg family, one of the richest dynasties in the history of the world. Inside, you will find the crowns of the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the Emperor of Austria, treasures and a unicorn. Yes, I’m not joking.

47. Parliament Building (Vienna)

One of the landmarks of Vienna, the locally known “Das Parlament” is where the two houses conduct their sessions. From up close, it is enormous – too big to take it all in a picture. It is one of those places you have to see for yourself in real life to truly experience the size. If you miss it by day, come at night and see it bask in the glow of the lights. If you are interested in what goes on inside, take a guided tour.

48. Salt Mines (Hallstatt)

Learn about the salt mines and trade in this tour of the old mine of Hallstatt. You will be taken on a panorama tour with a funicular railway into tunnels, some which are 3000 years old and were dug by hand. And the best thing is the slide at the end of the tour! Unfortunately, it is closed in winter, so put this on your summer visit plans.

49. Sisi Museum (Vienna)

Empress Sisi was a very interesting person. She maintained a rigorous exercise regime, rode for hours every day and took care of her beauty with cult-like devotion. However, even all of that and all the riches in the world didn’t always make her happy. Learn more about her in this one-of-a-kind museum.

50. Naschmarkt Food Market (Vienna)

If you are staying in Vienna for more than just a day and maybe plan to do some cooking – or even if not – you have to check Naschmarkt out. And if you don’t have time to buy fresh ingredients to cook, just go into one of the many restaurants nearby. The prices of food are reasonable, as this is a local market for locals, not a tourist attraction primarily. You can book a tour around the market here.

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