{"id":5020,"date":"2024-07-05T17:48:57","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T09:48:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=5020"},"modified":"2025-06-10T11:11:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T03:11:52","slug":"austrias-5-must-visit-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/austrias-5-must-visit-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"Austria\u2019s 5 Must-visit Cities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When Austria comes up in conversation, most would probably bring up its capital Vienna and its many historical and cultural attractions<\/a><\/strong>, and rightly so!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the land of Klimt, Mozart and Freud has so many towns and cities that are worth at least a stop on any itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, among Austria\u2019s nine provinces, here are five cities that are worth visiting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vienna<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. Photo: Jacek Dylag<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, your first stop in Austria has to be capital \u2013 Vienna!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a long and illustrious history as the center of European culture and politics, it is home to various grand palaces, atmospheric concert halls and world-famous Viennese cafes! There\u2019s just so much to see and do that we wrote an entire article about this classical city<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace. Photo: Stock Image<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First, you can start cracking at this cultural Mecca by visiting the twin palaces of the Habsburg dynasty \u2013 Hofburg and Sch\u00f6nbrunn! Built as winter and summer retreats respectively for the Habsburg emperors and their families, these majestic Baroque residences feature regal facades, opulent interiors and massive lawn gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Musikverein Wien\u2019s Golden Hall. Photo by J (Unsplash)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For the musically-inclined, the stunning and classical interiors of the State Opera House and the Musikverein offer a fitting environment to appreciate the moving works of Mozart or Schubert. Meanwhile, artsy types can spend an entire day at the Belvedere Palace\u2019s extensive collection of works by Klimt and Schiele, both scions of the Art Nouveau movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Cafe Central, Vienna. Photo by a.canvas.of.light<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Oh, and don\u2019t forget to stop by another one of Vienna\u2019s most beloved institutions \u2013 the Viennese caf\u00e9! Get a shot of mocha melange, a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake and a complimentary cup of pure Alps water before whiling the afternoon away with a good book or paper in hand, just like the Viennese!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linz<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Trinity Column at Hauptplatz. Photo: Isiwal<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Located west of Vienna, Linz is an industrial powerhouse that has also picked up a reputation as Austria\u2019s latest cultural destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a feel for the city\u2019s commercial past at Hauptplatz, one of the nation\u2019s largest enclosed squares. Centered around a magnificent marble column, markets and events pop up regularly in these sprawling grounds. If you can\u2019t manage to catch them though, stick around for the classical European shopfronts, the old City Hall and some shopping therapy at Landstra\u00dfe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ars Electronica Center. Photo: Christian Holzinger<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next, step into the city\u2019s industrial heart at voestalpine Stahlwelt, a museum dedicated to the steel industry. Giant chrome spheres, a supersized crucible and even steel plant tours are available for visitors to this unique industrial attraction. But if you\u2019re more of a forward-looking visionary, then Ars Electronica Center is for you! Cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence and robotics is presented with visual and tactile exhibits that give visitors food for thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Graffiti at the Open Air Gallery Mural Harbor. Photo: lilartsy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, being Austria, Linz has its artsy side too with the Lentos Art Museum and Open Air Gallery Mural Harbor. Lentos offers both classical and modern works within a neon-lit building which frames the surrounding Linz cityscape and P\u00f6stlingberg mountain. Meanwhile, the Open Air Gallery Mural Harbor hosts hundreds of graffiti artworks in an open-air museum, the largest of its kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innsbruck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A colourful row of waterfront buildings in Mariahilf, Innsbruck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

image: https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/view-colourful-buildings-austrian-town-innsbruck-1823830226<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innsbruck is one of Austria\u2019s top cities, in more ways than one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitting high atop the Alps in a highly strategic position that facilitates trade between Austria and its neighbours, Innsbruck has been the undisputed capital of this Austrian Alps region since medieval times, currently being the capital for the state of Tyrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And with a name that means \u201cbridge over the Inn River\u201d, the city is a bridge to Austria\u2019s medieval past due to its many surviving Habsburg palaces and castles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Innsbruck’s famous golden (copper) roof. Photo: Alin Andersen<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Visitors to Innsbruck will almost certainly make their way first to its most famous landmark \u2013 the Golden Roof. Commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to mark his ill-fated marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza, this so-called \u201cgolden\u201d roof is actually made from 2,657 gilded copper shingles. It also features reproductions of exquisitely detailed frescoes depicting medieval life, with the originals stored at the Tyrolean State Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emperor Maximilian I and his distant successor Maria Theresa were also responsible for the Imperial Palace, a gleaming white complex of apartments, chapels and staterooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A bird’s eye view over Innsbruck from the forests of Mount Nordkette. Photo: -wuppertaler<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Besides its imperial inheritance though, Innsbruck is also a paradise for outdoors activities, with hiking in the summer and skiing in winter. Not surprising, considering the fact that it has hosted two Olympic Winter Games. There\u2019s even a cable car that takes you up to the summit of Nordkette for a bird\u2019s eye view over Innsbruck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The city of Graz around Schlossberg Hill. Photo: Josh Hild<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Still in a medieval mood? Good, because you\u2019ll be dining good with the city of Graz!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known as Austria’s second largest city and a southeastern hub, Graz really plays the part of a medieval city because of its many surviving heritage buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Schlossberg clock tower. Note the dark skies and the clock hands showing 3:25 when it should be 5:15. Photo: Taxiarchos228<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

First among these is the Schlossberg clock tower that stands above the eponymous hill. Although, with its unusually stout size, perhaps a clock building would be more fitting! Once standing as the proud centre of a castle, it now surrounds itself with foliage and gardens instead. If you take a closer look, you may notice that its hands for hours and minutes are actually reversed; in fact, the long hour hands were first installed to aid readability over long distances before the short minute hands were added later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Renaissance flavor in the middle of Graz. Photo by Leonhard Niederwimmer<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some of the city\u2019s crown jewels can be found further down in the Stadtkrone area of the city proper, which include the majestic tomb of Emperor Ferdinand II, the regal Gothic cathedral and the psychedelic spiral staircases of the Burg government headquarters. To get a little taste of Renaissance Italy, visit the Landhaus, a former provincial parliament building that injects a little Venetian pizzazz into Graz with its regal courtyard surrounded by a wall of columns and arches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Brettljause, a cold appetizer found in Styrian cuisine. *Edited Photo | Original Photo: Johann Jaritz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Graz is also known as Austria\u2019s Capital of Delights, all thanks to its many options for regional Styrian cuisine. Trout, pumpkin seed oil and Styrian wine can be found in its many cafes, markets, pubs and fine dining establishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salzburg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Salzburg’s gorgeous Mirabell Gardens. Stock Photo. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yes, everybody knows Salzburg or \u201cSalt City\u201d as that famous birthplace of Mozart, but did you know people also call it the \u201cGerman Rome\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its founding by the Romans, Salzburg has had an intimate relationship with their Italian neighbours. Beginning with salt mining in its early years, this relationship would eventually flourish into glorious Renaissance churches and palaces such as the Mirabell Palace with its Baroque opulence and sweeping gardens or the Salzburg cathedral\u2019s pristine and heavenly white marble cavern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s not to say that classy Austrian architecture is missing in Salzburg. Far from it, the looming Hohensalzburg Fortress atop the city\u2019s skyline still stands proudly with its centuries old walls while offering an unbeatable view. Meanwhile, the old town area of Getreidegasse offers a vintage metropolitan vibe with its narrow shopping streets festooned with overhanging metal signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of Getreidegasse, the area is also home to one of Salzburg\u2019s famous sons \u2013 Mozart! At the building labelled No. 9 sits a nondescript yellow block which only gives away its former superstar occupant due to a giant sign and a long Austrian flag. Inside the former childhood home of the musical genius is a museum which aims to transport you back to Mozart\u2019s time with various vintage memorabilia and even a full recreation of a mid-18th<\/sup> century apartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The Felsenreitschule Theatre, where the Salzburg Festival holds performances. Also a setting in the movie The Sound of Music.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Theatre and musical lovers aren\u2019t left out in the cold either, thanks to the city\u2019s famous Salzburg Festival \u2013 an event that brings together plays, musicals and concerts for the enjoyment of hundreds of thousands of visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even silver screen enthusiasts get a little something in Salzburg, with it being the setting for the classic musical film \u201cThe Sound of Music\u201d. Besides the previously mentioned Mirabell Palace, the cozy Nonnberg Abbey and the unique Felsenreitschule theatre both served as backdrops in the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
An afternoon on the old streets of Salzburg. Photo: June O<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

So, these are the top five Austrian cities you should definitely visit while you\u2019re in town. Whether you\u2019re an alpine Innsbruck guy or a Salzburg Renaissance lady, Austria\u2019s fantastical cities are some of Europe\u2019s finest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hungry for more Europe? Check out our guide to the best winter spots in Zurich<\/a><\/strong> or the best spring festivals around the world<\/a><\/strong> (with many in Europe)! Or you could circle back to Austria again with our guide to Vienna\u2019s delights<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Written with research assistance by Rin Matsumoto.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Austria Tourism
https:\/\/www.austria.info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vienna Tourism
https:\/\/www.wien.info\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innsbruck Tourism
https:\/\/www.innsbruck.info\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graz Tourism
https:\/\/www.graztourismus.at\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salzburg Tourism
https:\/\/www.salzburg.info\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Britannica
https:\/\/www.britannica.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When Austria comes up in conversation, most would probably bring up its capital Vienna and its many historical and cultural…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5071,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[251,23],"tags":[170,137,172,20,61,168,167,166,171,169,140],"class_list":["post-5020","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","category-travel","tag-arts-and-culture","tag-austria","tag-city","tag-destinations","tag-europe","tag-graz","tag-innsbruck","tag-linz","tag-medieval","tag-salzburg","tag-vienna"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6.jpg",1542,2048,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-226x300.jpg",226,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-768x1020.jpg",768,1020,true],"large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-771x1024.jpg",771,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-1157x1536.jpg",1157,1536,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6.jpg",1542,2048,false],"penci-recipe-1200x1200":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-1200x1200.jpg",1200,1200,true],"penci-recipe-1200x900":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-1200x900.jpg",1200,900,true],"penci-recipe-1200x675":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-1200x675.jpg",1200,675,true],"penci-single-full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6.jpg",1542,2048,false],"penci-slider-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-1542x800.jpg",1542,800,true],"penci-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-1170x1554.jpg",1170,1554,true],"penci-slider-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-1170x663.jpg",1170,663,true],"penci-magazine-slider":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-780x516.jpg",780,516,true],"penci-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-masonry-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-585x777.jpg",585,777,true],"penci-thumb-square":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-585x585.jpg",585,585,true],"penci-thumb-vertical":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-480x650.jpg",480,650,true],"penci-thumb-small":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Graz_-_Uhrenturm6-263x175.jpg",263,175,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Wei Yip","author_link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/author\/weiyip\/"},"uagb_comment_info":3,"uagb_excerpt":"When Austria comes up in conversation, most would probably bring up its capital Vienna and its many historical and cultural…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5020","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5020"}],"version-history":[{"count":74,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5020\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5113,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5020\/revisions\/5113"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}