17 Things To Do In Austria On Your Next Holiday
Request a Callback
17 Things To Do In Austria On Your Next Holiday
Enquire Now
Things to do in Austria include much more than visiting palaces and beautiful mountain towns. You can wake up to an Alpine panorama, ride a cable car above the clouds, swim in a clear mountain lake, wander through a centuries-old city or spend an afternoon exploring a Christmas market. Austria makes it very easy to mix sightseeing with experiences you will actually remember.
If you're wondering what to do on your first trip to Austria, start by combining a city like Vienna or Salzburg with time in the Alps. You can spend one day admiring imperial architecture and the next hiking, skiing, cycling or simply sitting beside a lake with the mountains in the background.
For travellers planning Europe tour packages, Austria is especially easy to fit into a wider European itinerary. Whether you are travelling with family, your partner or a group of friends, leave some room for spontaneous stops—some of the best stuff to do in Austria happens when you step away from the usual sightseeing route.
17 Best Things to Do in Austria
Discover the best things to do in Austria, from Alpine adventures and scenic lakes to historic cities, cultural experiences and unforgettable seasonal escapes.
1. Explore Vienna's Historic Centre
Start your Austrian trip in Vienna and give yourself time to simply wander. The historic centre brings together grand palaces, elegant squares, museums and cafés, so you can spend a morning sightseeing and still find plenty to explore when you put the map away.
Walk around Stephansplatz, see St. Stephen's Cathedral, follow the Ringstrasse and step into one of Vienna's traditional coffee houses. If you are deciding between the many things to do in Vienna, this is the easiest place to begin.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples and families
Time needed: Half to one full day
Don't miss: St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg area
Tip: Explore on foot rather than trying to see the centre entirely by transport.
2. Visit Schönbrunn Palace
Step into the world of the Habsburgs at Schönbrunn Palace, one of Vienna's most recognisable landmarks. The palace rooms give you a glimpse into imperial life, while the enormous gardens are worth exploring even if you are not particularly interested in history.
Give yourself extra time for the gardens and viewpoints rather than rushing straight back into the city. Schönbrunn Palace is more than just a tourist attraction in Austria; take the time to explore its gardens and viewpoints as well.
Best for: Families, couples and history lovers
Time needed: 2–4 hours
Location: Vienna
Tip: Book your palace visit ahead during busy periods.
3. Discover Salzburg's Old Town
Salzburg is compact enough to explore on foot, and that is exactly how you should experience it. Wander through Getreidegasse, see Salzburg Cathedral, stop for a coffee and look up at Hohensalzburg Fortress above the rooftops.
The city's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with major sights including the fortress, cathedral, Mirabell Palace and Mozart's birthplace.
Best for: Couples, families and culture lovers
Time needed: One full day
Don't miss: Getreidegasse and Hohensalzburg Fortress
Tip: Stay until evening if you can; Salzburg feels particularly atmospheric once the day-trippers leave.
4. Take a Cable Car Into the Alps
If you have never seen the Alps from above, make this one of your priorities. A cable car can take you from a valley town to a high mountain viewpoint in minutes, giving you access to hiking trails, panoramic terraces and mountain restaurants without needing to be an experienced mountaineer.
This is one of the best things to do in Austria if you want spectacular scenery without spending an entire day on a demanding hike.
Best for: Almost everyone
Best season: Summer for hiking; winter for snow activities
Time needed: Half to full day
Tip: Check mountain weather before going — conditions can change quickly at altitude.
5. Visit Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut
Hallstatt is one of the most photographed tourist attraction in Austria, but the real pleasure comes from slowing down and exploring the lakeside setting beyond the usual viewpoints. Explore the narrow streets and give yourself time to enjoy the surrounding Salzkammergut landscape.
The wider region is home to lakes, mountain villages, and experiences such as the Schafberg cog railway and Wolfgangsee boat trips.
Best for: Couples, photographers and families
Time needed: Full day if travelling from Salzburg
Best experience: Combine Hallstatt with another Salzkammergut attraction
Tip: Go early if you want to experience the village before the busiest hours.
6. Go Hiking in the Austrian Alps
You do not need to be an expert hiker to enjoy Austria's mountains. There are easy lakeside walks, gentle Alpine trails and more demanding routes for experienced hikers.
Pick a trail that matches your fitness level and allow yourself time to stop at a mountain hut along the way. The views are only half the experience — sitting down with a traditional meal after a few hours outdoors is part of it.
Best for: Active travellers and families
Best season: Late spring to autumn, depending on altitude
Bring: Proper footwear, water and weather-appropriate layers
Tip: Check trail conditions before setting out.
7. Try Snowboarding in Austria
If you are visiting Austria in winter, swap the sightseeing shoes for a snowboard and head into the Alps. Resorts across Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg offer everything from beginner slopes to challenging terrain.
Snowboarding in Austria is particularly well-suited for a winter holiday that combines time on the slopes with cosy mountain huts and traditional Austrian food.
Best season: December to March, depending on altitude and snow conditions
Best for: Beginners to experienced riders
Popular regions: Tyrol, SalzburgerLand and Vorarlberg
Tip: Book lessons in advance if you are a beginner.
8. Spend a Day by an Austrian Lake
Austria's lakes are not just there for the views. In summer, you can swim, paddle, sail, windsurf or simply spread out a towel and enjoy the mountains around you.
SalzburgerLand alone has 185 lakes and 22 designated swimming lakes, with options ranging from swimming and paddleboarding to kayaking and sailing.
Best for: Families, couples and active travellers
Best season: Summer
Try: Swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking
Tip: Check local lake facilities before visiting.
9. Take a Scenic Mountain Train
Some of the most memorable activities to do in Austria do not involve hiking at all. Take a historic mountain railway and let the landscape come to you.
The SchafbergBahn, for example, climbs to 1,783 metres in around 35 minutes, opening up views across the surrounding Salzkammergut lakes and mountains.
Best for: Families, couples and photographers
Time needed: Half day
Good option: SchafbergBahn near Wolfgangsee
Tip: Sit where you have a clear view of the landscape as the train climbs.
10. Try Adventure Activities in the Alps
If a scenic walk is not enough for you, Austria has plenty of ways to add some adrenaline to your trip. Depending on the region and season, you can go canyoning, rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, or trail running.
Zillertal in Tyrol is particularly well known for rafting, canyoning, and other water-based adventures.
Best for: Adventure seekers
Best season: Mostly summer
Try: Rafting or canyoning with a qualified guide
Tip: Choose an activity suited to your experience level rather than the most extreme option available.
11. Explore Innsbruck
Innsbruck offers something few cities can match: a historic centre with the mountains practically at its doorstep. Spend the morning exploring the Golden Roof and Old Town, then head uphill for panoramic Alpine views.
It is a particularly good choice if you want to combine city sightseeing with adventure activities to do in Austria without changing your base every day.
Best for: Couples, families and active travellers
Time needed: 1–2 days
Don't miss: Old Town and Nordkette
Tip: Keep a flexible day for mountain weather.
12. Go Shopping in Vienna
Set aside an afternoon for shopping in Vienna if you want to take something home beyond the usual souvenirs. Mariahilfer Strasse is the city's largest and liveliest shopping street, while the surrounding side streets are packed with smaller boutiques and independent shops.
For something more local, explore Vienna's markets. Naschmarkt is the city's best-known market and combines food, stalls and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere.
Best for: Shoppers and food lovers
Best areas: Mariahilfer Strasse, Neubaugasse and Naschmarkt
Tip: Most regular shops close on Sundays, so plan your shopping day accordingly.
13. Experience Austria's Christmas Markets
If you visit during winter, make time for at least one Christmas market. Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and other Austrian cities transform their historic squares with lights, wooden stalls, seasonal food, and warm drinks.
This is one of the stuff to do in Austria that feels completely different from a summer trip. Come in the evening when the lights are on and give yourself time to wander rather than rushing from stall to stall.
Best season: Late November to December
Best for: Couples and families
Try: Local sweets, roasted nuts and warm punch
Tip: Weekday evenings are generally more comfortable than peak weekend periods.
14. Experience Austria's Classical Music Culture
You cannot really experience Austria without giving its music tradition some time. In Vienna and Salzburg, you can attend classical concerts, opera performances, and other musical events in historic venues.
If you are travelling as a couple, this is one of the more memorable things to do in Austria for couples, especially when paired with dinner and an evening walk through the old city.
Best for: Couples and culture lovers
Best cities: Vienna and Salzburg
Tip: Check the programme before booking rather than buying a generic concert ticket on the street.
15. Try Watersports on Austria's Lakes and Rivers
Austria may be landlocked, but that does not mean you have to stay on dry land. Depending on where you travel, you can try kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and rafting.
The country's lakes and rivers offer surprisingly varied water experiences, from relaxed paddling to guided white-water adventures.
Best season: Late spring to summer
Best for: Families and adventure seekers
Try: SUP or kayaking for an easy start; rafting for more excitement
Tip: Use a guided operator for river activities and check weather conditions before heading out.
16. See Austria from Above on a Paragliding Flight
Want a view you will not get from a sightseeing deck? Try tandem paragliding over the Austrian Alps. With an experienced pilot handling the technical side, you can focus on the landscape below you.
It’s one of the most memorable adventure activities in Austria, especially if you want to do something beyond the usual sightseeing itinerary.
Best season: Spring to autumn, weather permitting
Best for: Adventure seekers
Experience level: Tandem flights are suitable for beginners
Tip: Book with a licensed local operator and allow flexibility for weather.
17. Enjoy Austria After Dark
Austria does not shut down when the sun goes down. In Vienna, you can move from a traditional coffee house to a concert, cocktail bar, or evening walk through the illuminated historic centre. Salzburg offers atmospheric old-town walks and evening cultural events.
If you are looking for things to do in Austria at night, check what's happening locally during your visit rather than assuming nightlife means clubs. Summer events, concerts and seasonal programmes can completely change the evening scene.
Best for: Couples, adults and groups
Try: Evening concerts, city walks and local bars
Tip: Check event schedules for the exact dates of your trip.
Wanderlust Calling?
Allow Us to Call You Back!
Wanderlust Calling?
Allow Us to Call You Back!
+91
Thank you! Your form has been submitted successfully. We'll be in touch soon.
Don’t Just Dream, Travel! 🔥
Your details have been submitted. Our Expert will get in touch with you soon.
Hear from Travellers like you
Frequently Asked Questions
01
What are the best adventure activities to do in Austria?
The best adventure activities to do in Austria include hiking, canyoning, rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing and snowboarding. Tyrol, SalzburgerLand and Vorarlberg are particularly strong choices for combining Alpine scenery with outdoor adventure.
02
What are the best things to do in Austria at night?
03
What are the best things to do in Austria for couples?
04
What are the best watersports one can experience in Austria?
05
Why is Austria a good destination for families?
06
What are the best things to do in Vienna?
Our Blogs
Some good reads to help you travel better!
Italian Festivals Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
August 11, 2026 | 5 Min Read
Ultimate Guide to the Best Time to Visit Manchester
May 19, 2026 | 5 Min Read
Best Time to Visit London - Ultimate Seasonal Guide For Tourists
May 18, 2026 | 5 Min Read
20 Must-Visit Cafes in Paris for an Authentic Experience
May 13, 2026 | 5 Min Read
WanderOn’s Secret Sauce
Why WanderOn?
No Third Party Mess
100 percent in-house operations for all trips! No third parties involved, hence no fishy claims!
Transparency & Security
Real time monitoring of all trips by ground team! All routes and weather conditions are accurately updated!
Co-Travelers Filtering
Multi-step filtering to bring only like-minded people together! That’s our key to have fuss-free trips!
One Stop Hassle Free Experience
Comfortable stays, trained drivers, hospitable staff and friendly trip leaders put together that one memorable trip for you!
Don’t Just Dream, Travel! 🔥
Your details have been submitted. Our Expert will get in touch with you soon.
Tour Packages By Theme - Europe
Europe Group Tour Package
Europe Family Tour Packages
Europe Backpacking Tour Packages
Europe Budget Tour Packages
Europe Luxury Tour Packages
Europe Solo Trip Packages
Europe Adventure Tour Packages
Europe Scandinavia Tour Packages
Europe Honeymoon Packages
Europe Cultural Festival Packages
Europe Tour Packages in Summer
Europe Tour Packages in Winter
Spain Cultural and Festival Tour Packages
Packages Under Budget - Europe
How To Reach - Europe
Explore More - Europe
Keukenhof the Garden of Europe
Best time to Visit Greece
Paris Tour Packages
Amsterdam Tour Packages
Monuments of France
Zurich Tour Packages
Switzerland Currency
Venice Tour Packages
Old Town Zurich Switzerland
Rome Tour Packages
Things to buy in Greece
Best Time To Visit Switzerland
Bunol La Tomatina Tour Packages
Zytglogge
Things to do in Amsterdam at Night
Things to Do in Switzerland
Tour Packages From Various Cities - Europe
Europe Tour Packages from Chennai
Europe Tour Packages from Bangalore
Europe tour Packages From Lucknow
Europe Tour Packages From Delhi
Europe tour packages from Kolkata
Europe Tour Packages from Ahmedabad
Europe Tour Packages from Mumbai
Europe tour Packages From Hyderabad
Europe tour packages from Pune
Europe tour packages from Jaipur
International Tour Packages
India Tour Packages
Other Packages
WanderOn Special
WANDERON EXPERIENCES PVT LTD
CIN-U63040HR2019PTC118957
3rd Floor, Building No-436, Phase IV, Udyog Vihar, Sector-18, Gurugram, Haryana-122015
© WANDERON EXPERIENCES PVT LTD, All rights reserved.
Request A Call Back
Don't just dream travel! 🔥
Allow us to call you back!
Thank you! Your form has been submitted successfully. We'll be in touch soon.