✈️Austria Sights – 27 places to visit

Without a doubt, the sights in Austria are among the most beautiful places in the world! Check out 27 places to visit on a trip there.

Austria is a Central European country (despite being a neighbor to Eastern Europe, the country is not part of the Eastern Bloc!) and certainly an excellent travel destination for tourism. Without a doubt, the sights in Austria are among the most beautiful places in the world!

Despite being small by Brazilian standards (less than 9 million inhabitants), it offers an incredible diversity of attractions. For those who like architecture, castles, old cities, it's a full plate.

But if you like nature, extreme sports and outdoor walks, there are also beautiful places in the country. Even without a beach (Austria has no access to the sea), Austrians know how to enjoy the summer like few others on the banks of rivers or lakes with crystal clear waters.

And, without a doubt, it is impossible not to mention that a good part of the Alps is in western Austria. That is, fans of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are in the skies in the Austrian mountains.

So, ready to visit some of the main points of the country? We made a list divided by the main cities. If you want more information and sensational sights, be sure to check out the complete guide to each of these cities!

In this post you will see:

Map of Landmarks in Austria
Austria's Top Sights
- 1) Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna
- 2) Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
- 3) St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
- 4) Vienna Opera
- 5) Prater and Danube Tower, Vienna
- 6) Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg
- 7) Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg
- 8) Mirabell Palace, Salzburg
- 9) Residence, Salzburg
- 10) Salzburg Cathedral
- 11) Lake Hallstatt, Hallstatt
- 12) Salt Worlds, Hallstatt
- 13) Caverns de Dachstein, Hallstatt
- 14) Krippenstein and 5Fingers, Hallstatt
- 15) Dachstein suspension bridge, Hallstatt
- 16) Hofkirche, Innsbruck
- 17) Hofburg, Innsbruck
- 18) Ambras Castle, Innsbruck
- 19) Golden Roof, Innsbruck
- 20) Bergisel, Innsbruck
- 21) Linz
- 22) Graz
- 23) Semmering Railway
- 24) Wachau
- 25) Grossglockner Road
- 26) Marker Milk
- 27) Krimml Waterfalls
Where to Stay in Austria – Places Near Austria's Sights
Internet chip in Austria
Travel Insurance for Austria
Car hire in Austria
Airline Tickets to Austria
Read All Our Tips and Posts from Austria

Map of Landmarks in Austria

Austria's Top Sights

Shall we start with Vienna? The city of classical music, Vienna is the capital of Austria. It was also the political center of the Habsburg empire, one of the largest and most important of the 20th century.

The city clearly shows that it was the scene of empires, as it is difficult to walk without coming across impressive and beautiful buildings. Even so, there is still plenty of nature in Vienna and you can enjoy parks and walks on the Danube River. We made a detailed post with the sights of Vienna, in case you are interested in knowing more. ?

1) Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna

The Hofburg Imperial Palace was built in the 13th century and was, as the name suggests, the official residence of the emperors. It is currently the workplace and home of the President of Austria.

The massive complex is home to the Sisi Museum (Empress Elisabeth) and the incredible-film-worthy Austrian National Library.

Austria Sights – 27 places to visit — Hofburg Imperial Palace | Photo: Leonhard Niederwimmer, via Pixabay

2) Schonbrunn Palace, One

Schönbrunn is the main summer residence of the imperial family in the Austrian capital. The palace itself is also huge and impressive, but perhaps the best part is the gardens. It is impossible not to visit.

There are fountains, maze, dining options and cafes. Go up to the Gloriette and you will have a beautiful view of the city of Vienna. The palace grounds are also home to the Vienna Zoo, which is the oldest still operating zoo in the world, and public swimming pools (but for a fee).

3) St. Stephen's Cathedral, One

Also certainly one of Vienna's main postcards, it is the tallest cathedral in Austria. Known as Stephansdom, it was built in the 14th century in a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles.

The towers are open to visitors, even during the popular sunset hours, and provide a beautiful view of the center of Vienna.

4) Vienna State Opera

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Vienna, both inside and out. And especially at night, when the lighting is impressive. The Wiener Staatsoper was built in the late 19th century.

5) Prater and Danube Tower, One

A little bit of nature and fun to show that Vienna offers a little bit of everything! Prater is a giant open park that also has an amusement park.

A must-stop is the Wiener Riesenrad, the Ferris wheel from 1897 still in operation and which yields both pictures and beautiful views. Another worthwhile park is Donau Park, where you can find the Doauturm, the tallest tower in Austria, where you can go bungee jumping or have a meal at the restaurant that rotates 360 degrees.

6) Hohensalzburg fortress, Salzburg

Salzburg, the famous land of the film The Sound of Music and the birthplace of composer Mozart. Both are part of the history of the city, which is proud of its musical and artistic history.

The city itself is beautiful, but it still helps that it's located in one of Austria's most natural regions: resorts in the Alps and lakes with stunning green or blue waters.

Undoubtedly the postcard of Salzburg, the fortress sits on top of Mount Festungsberg. Built over 900 years ago, it is one of the largest medieval castles on the entire European continent and certainly one of the best preserved. It is possible to take guided tours of the fortress, one of the main tourist attractions in Austria.

7) Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg

A baroque palace located a little far from the center of Salzburg. It was built in 1619 and also impresses with its beautiful decorated garden.

8) Castle Mirabell, Salzburg

This palace was built by a prince in 1606 who wanted to impress his mistress. The story already illustrates well the kind of beauty we are going to find. You can prepare to be amazed by the ornamental gardens and interior of sheer opulence.

9) Residence, Salzburg

A beautiful building that houses an art collection in the center of the city. The Residenz gallery features works by artists such as the Dutch Rembrandt.

10) Salzburg cathedral

In Baroque style, the 17th-century cathedral was built on the site of a church from 774. Salzburg's “Dom”, which is free to enter, also features a collection of sacred treasures.

11) Hallstatt lake, Hallstatt

A good idea is to visit Lake Hallstatt, where you can take a boat ride and enjoy beautiful views of the village. After all, Hallstatt is certainly one of Austria's postcards.

The city is so beautiful that in China there is a replica in Luoyang. Even so, you can prepare yourself for the countless tourists (Chinese and from all over the world) who stop by this village of less than a thousand inhabitants.

Despite the overcrowding, you can understand what attracts people to this one of Austria's main tourist attractions.

12) Salt worlds, Hallstatt

The oldest salt mine in the world, with guided tours, slides to descend to the depths and panoramic observation points

13) Dachstein Caves, Hallstatt

Close to Hallstatt, some caves have amazing illuminated ice structures. Others are among the deepest and longest in the world.

14) Krippenstein and 5Fingers, Hallstatt

A tourist spot in Austria perfect for those who enjoy panoramic views and breathtaking photos.

15) Dachstein suspension bridge, Hallstatt

Another option for incredible views (the region is especially full of them), a suspension bridge and a “stairway to nothingness” are part of the complex that is worth a visit.

16) Court Church, Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an Austrian gem, for sure. The city is in the middle of the mountains of the state of Tyrol and brings some of the main images that come to mind when we think of Austria. In fact, it is a must visit for anyone who enjoys skiing.

Hofkirche, for example, is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Austria, with an impressive tomb and imposing statues.

17) Hofburg, Innsbruck

The imperial palace built in the 15th century, which underwent a Baroque renovation and is considered one of the three most important cultural centers in Austria.

18) Castle Ambras, Innsbruck

An imposing palace with views of the mountains, beautiful gardens and majestic halls.

19) Goldenes dachl, Innsbruck

Undoubtedly one of the main tourist attractions in Austria, or at least in Innsbruck. The golden roof is made of over 2500 copper tiles covered in gold.

20) Bergisel, Innsbruck

You can not miss it, as it is from the top of the Bergisel that you will have an unmissable view of Innsbruck and the mountains around the city.

21) Linz

The city of Linz is known for being a center of technology and modern art, but without losing its charm. Perfect for museum lovers, like the Ars Electronica Center, a museum of the future.

But it is also worth a visit for the new cathedral, or Neuer Dom, one of the most important in Austria. Close of Linz, it is possible to visit the Mauthausen Memorial, a memorial built where there was a Nazi concentration camp.

22) Graz

Graz is the second largest city in Austria, with just under 300 inhabitants. It is known for being a huge university city, as 60 students study at one of its six universities.

The historic center of the city and the hill that houses the Schlossberg castle are considered World Heritage Sites by Unesco and worth a visit. Near Graz you can visit Benedictine Abbey, a monastery with the largest monastery library in the world.

23) Semmering railway

A train ride that passes through several tunnels and viaducts, looks like something out of a movie and arrives at Semmering Bahnhof, the station at an altitude of 896 m. The train line was the first in the Alps and has become a UNESCO heritage site.

24) Wachau

The Danube region between Krems an der Donau and Melk is one of the most beautiful in Austria, especially if you like vineyards, nature and cute villages. In addition, there are still centuries-old fortresses that are worth a visit.

25) Grossglockner Road

Undoubtedly the perfect trip for those who like roadtrips. That's because the famous road built in the 1930s is absurdly beautiful and photogenic. Get ready for strategic stops every minute for the incredible views.

26) Pen Melk

Melk is located west of Vienna, less than an hour's drive away. The city is famous for its impressive monastery, as well as Schallaburg castle, 6 kilometers from the city. One of the main tourist attractions in Austria, especially for those who are in Vienna.

27) Krimmler Waterfalls

An impressive and beautiful waterfall regardless of the time of year (yes, it is possible to find it all frozen). It is the highest in Europe and the trail to reach the top is sensational.

Also check out our travel guide for each city in Austria:

Innsbruck – The Complete Guide for Travelers
Graz – Everything for you to plan your trip
Salzburg – Everything for you to plan your trip
Linz – The Complete City Travel Guide
Hallstatt – The Complete Guide for Travelers

Where to Stay in Austria – Places Near Austria's Sights

Austria has accommodation options for all tastes! From budget hostels (but still super comfortable and well located) to literally palaces.

Check out the best places to stay in Austria in the dedicated posts for each destination in the country. Also read our comprehensive guide Where to stay in Vienna, with tips on the best neighborhoods and hotels.

Em One:
- Wombat's City Hostels Vienna – Naschmarkt ($) | Motel One Vienna State Opera ($$) | Hotel Sacher Vienna ($$$)
- 25hours Hotel – Our review in Vienna
Em Salzburg:
- Keep Eco Residence ($) | Villa Verde ($$) | Hotel Schloss Moenchstein ($$$)
Em Hallstatt:
- Hallstatt Lakeside ($) | White Lamb ($$) | Hallstatt Hideaway ($$$)
Em Innsbruck:
- Hostel Marmota ($) | Stage 12 ($$) | The PENZ Hotel ($$$)
Em Graz:
- Minihotel Graz ($) | Star Inn Hotel Premium ($$) | Grand Hôtel Wiesler ($$$)
Em Linz:
- 7 Days Inn Premium ($) | Star Inn Linz ($$) | Hotel Am Domplatz ($$$)

Find the best accommodation in Austria on Booking.com

Internet chip in Austria

It's getting easier and cheaper to have unlimited internet throughout your trip to Austria. Nowadays you can buy an international cell phone chip online while you're still here in España. We always use and love it!

You receive the sim card at your address and then just insert it into your cell phone to reach your destination with unlimited 4G internet working.

Want to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?
Compare prices and buy your international travel chip in advance at America Chip.

Travel Insurance for Austria

Having travel insurance for Austria is a requirement to enter the country, which is part of the Schengen Treaty and requires medical and hospital coverage of at least €30 for travelers. In addition to being mandatory, insurance is a great way to ensure a smoother trip. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon. - SEE PRICES

Read all about travel insurance:

Is Austria Travel Insurance mandatory? we tell you everything
Documents to enter Europe – See which ones you need
Travel Insurance Europe – Complete Guide on How to Hire
How much does travel insurance for Europe cost?
What is the Cheapest Travel Insurance – Tips on How to Save
How to Get Travel Insurance – 5 Easy Steps [DISCOUNT]
Which Travel Insurance to Choose – 3 Infallible Tips to Help
Best Travel Insurance Europe – Which one to choose for your trip?
International Travel Insurance – Step-by-step How to Hire

Car hire in Austria

Renting a car in Austria is a great idea. In addition to optimizing your time a lot, you will be able to enjoy it more without having to depend on public transport.

We really like Rent Cars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!