If you’re traveling across the Atlantic in 2026, add Austria to your bucket list. The country is known for imperial palaces, snowy mountains, fairytale towns, medieval cities, clear lakes, coffeehouses, rich comfort food, and classical music.
Austria is much smaller than its popular neighbors, Germany and France, and its well-developed public transportation system makes it easy to explore the highlights in a single trip.
Here are four cities you must visit in Austria, along with some interesting things to do in each that blend history, culture, and adventure.
Salzburg
While other European cities continue to modernize, Salzburg is happy with its historic traditions, architecture, and culture. The city is famed for being the birthplace of composer Mozart and the filming location of The Sound of Music. Here are some must-visit sights in Salzburg:
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Hohensalzburg Fortress: As one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the Salzburg skyline. You can take the funicular or hike up to the hilltop location, and enjoy museums and princely chambers that transport you back to the age of prince-archbishops.
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The Museum of Modern Art: Perched atop Mönchsberg Hill, the Museum of Modern Art is accessible via a scenic mountain trail. Visitors can attend talks, participate in hands-on workshops, and view interactive exhibitions that highlight Austria’s modern art scene.
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The Augustiner Bräu brewery: Grab a stein and join locals and tourists at communal tables for a lively atmosphere in Austria’s largest beer hall.
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The Old Town: Join a free walking tour of Salzburg to explore the baroque squares and narrow lanes of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a knowledgeable guide.
Vienna
As the capital and largest city in Austria, Vienna is jam-packed with history and culture that tourists can immerse themselves in. Try these four activities:
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Walk along Ringstrasse Boulevard: Start your adventure with a free walking tour of Vienna that begins at the famous Ringstrasse boulevard. The tree-lined ring road takes you past architectural gems like the neo-Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus) and the magnificent State Opera House.
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Visit Hofburg Palace: Explore this large historic palace complex, with museums and imperial apartments. Make sure to set aside time to watch Lipizzaner stallions perform their morning exercises at the Spanish Riding School.
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Discover a Heuriger: Take a tram to Vienna’s surrounding hills to visit a Heuriger, or traditional wine tavern. Sit at communal tables, sample young local wines, and enjoy hearty Austrian food often accompanied by live traditional music.
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Stop at a Viennese coffeehouse: The traditional Viennese coffeehouses are UNESCO-recognized, making them a must-visit. To enjoy it like a local, order a Melange, Vienna’s version of cappuccino, and a slice of Sachertorte.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, a fairytale city with the Alps as its backdrop, is the perfect stop for an Austrian adventure. Split your time across the medieval old town and the huge mountain ranges surrounding it. Here are some ideas:
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Climb the Golden Roof: Visit the famous Golden Roof, a Gothic-style window covered in gilded copper shingles. Climb up to the balcony for panoramic views of the Old Town and learn about its history in the museum below.
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Stroll down Maria Theresa Street: Walk along Innsbruck’s main pedestrian street, which runs from the Old Town to the Triumphal Arch. Take time to browse the variety of shops, admire the historic buildings, or stop at a café or restaurant.
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Immerse yourself at 007 Elements: This James Bond–themed cinematic experience, located on the summit of the Gaislachkogl mountain, explores the signature elements of the films. It’s about a two-hour drive from Innsbruck, but it's worth a visit if you are a fan of the James Bond films, especially Spectre.
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Hop in a cable car: You can take a cable car from the city centre up to the 7,401-foot peaks of the Nordkette mountain range.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a small town, not a city, but it still makes the list because it is an absolute must-visit in Austria. This lakeside town is so pretty that China and Turkey cloned it, and the 12th-century church spire and mountain backdrop inspired the Disney film Frozen. Hallstatt has unique experiences rarely found in Europe, including:
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A Salt Mine tour: The Salzwelten salt mine is one of the world’s oldest, with a 7,000-year history of mining. Ride a funicular railway up to the entrance and put on traditional miner’s clothing before sliding down wooden chutes that connect the different levels of the mine.
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A “World Heritage” view: Before your salt mine tour, visit the Hallstatt Skywalk, 1,181 feet above the town, for one of the world’s best views.
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The Dachstein Ice Caves: Explore the dramatic limestone chambers, glittering ice formations, and frozen waterfalls, all formed by thousands of years of freezing temperatures beneath the mountains.
Austria’s Essential Cities
There are so many other incredible places to explore in Austria, including Graz, Bad Gastein, and Zell am See. However, for the best blend of history, culture, and adventure, you must visit the four cities in this article on your next trip across the Atlantic. Experience the history of one of Europe’s largest medieval castles in Salzburg, the Viennese coffeehouse culture in Vienna, and the mountainous adventures in Innsbruck and Hallstatt.