Comfortable rooms near transport hub and city attractions
Yes, Austria is perfect for short holidays. This is because the major cities there are compact, making it easy to get around on foot. Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are all easily accessible from an airport, so even on a Friday-to-Sunday trip, you can make the most of your time there. Mountain resorts are also perfect for weekend getaways: in the winter, you can go skiing there, and in the summer, you can enjoy hiking.
Vienna is the perfect destination for couples and anyone who wants to enjoy art museums, cafés, and the opera. Salzburg, for its part, charms visitors with its Baroque architecture and musical history, which is vividly reflected in its compact city centre. In Innsbruck and Tyrol, you can enjoy the mountains just a few minutes’ drive from the city. For families, consider Carinthia, the lake district of the Salzkammergut, or ski resorts with gentle slopes and swimming pools.
In May, June, and September, the weather is perfect for exploring the city and hiking in the mountains: the days are mild, and there are far fewer tourists than during the height of summer. The ski season usually lasts from December through March, and during the weeks of the Christmas markets, city hotels fill up quickly. In July and August, the weather is warm, perfect for swimming in the lake, but popular spots are crowded at this time.
Since 2 or 3 nights are more than enough to explore one city at a leisurely pace, Austria is ideal for short weekend getaways. You’ll need about 4 days in Vienna if you want to take your time exploring the palaces and museums. You can explore Salzburg and Innsbruck in 2 nights each. If you want to combine a city tour with a getaway to the mountains or a lake, you’ll need at least 5 nights.
The cost of living in Austria is higher than in Eastern Europe but lower than in Switzerland, and is close to the western European average. Public transport offers excellent value for money, and with a museum pass in the larger cities, you can save on admission fees. The bulk of your budget will go towards dining out, ski passes, and mountain lift tickets. In small towns and villages outside the ski season, prices are lower than in Vienna or Salzburg.
In Austria, breakfast is usually included in the price of lodging and is most often served as a buffet with bread, ham or sausage, cheese, and pastries. Hotels in the Alps often offer half board; dinner is served at the hotel, and many hotels have a sauna or a small wellness centre for guests. City hotels more often charge for breakfast separately. Since board and cancellation terms vary by hotel, check the details before you book.