12 Best Cities to Visit in Austria, it a breathtaking alpine nation, boasts an abundance of awe-inspiring landscapes. Tucked away within its natural marvels lie a remarkable selection of charming cities, adorned with exquisite baroque architecture, which serve as a testament to Austria’s grand history.
These cities, adorned with castles, churches, cathedrals, and more, seamlessly blend the old and the new. Vibrant bars and restaurants infuse vitality into their ancient cobblestone streets, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present.
Krems an der Donau [SEE MAP]
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Located at the confluence of the Danube and Krems River, Krems is affectionately known to its residents as a charming city. Situated at the entrance of the enchanting Wachau Valley, this picturesque destination is embraced by sprawling vineyards and renowned for its exceptional local wines. The historic center of Krems exudes a captivating beauty, adorned with ancient churches and museums that grace its streets.
With the exception of the bustling summer season, Krems offers a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The city boasts a plethora of excellent restaurants and bars, making it an ideal place to indulge in culinary delights. One delightful activity is taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Danube, immersing oneself in the serene ambiance of this remarkable location.
Villach
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Despite its rich and diverse past that can be traced back to the Roman era, Villach unfortunately lacks in terms of stunning architecture or historical landmarks due to the severe bombing it endured during World War II. However, visitors can still explore the remnants of a few castles.
Villach is more suited for living rather than tourism, and many people use it as a starting point to explore the numerous attractions in the surrounding areas. With easy access to most parts of Austria and the Italian border not too far away, Villach is a convenient location. The picturesque Faaker See lake is located just outside the city, and the Gerlitzen mountain and ski resort offers breathtaking views.
Linz
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Linz’s charming historic district, situated on the banks of the Danube River, conceals the city’s forward-thinking nature. While adorned with beautiful baroque architecture, it also boasts a thriving cultural and artistic community. This is largely attributed to its unconventional contemporary art installations and captivating museums, offering a distinct and intriguing experience.
Moreover, Linz has embraced technology and innovation, further enhancing its vibrancy and dynamism. The city effortlessly blends ancient churches and a delightful castle with a bustling bar scene and a youthful ambiance, creating a harmonious fusion of the old and the new.
Klagenfurt
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Klagenfurt, a captivating destination, is enriched by its significant university population, contributing to the city’s lively and celebratory atmosphere. The charming old town is a delightful sight, with the iconic Lindwurm monument standing as the city’s prominent landmark, portraying a villager triumphing over a dragon.
Situated on the outskirts of the city, Europapark offers a vast expanse of lush greenery for visitors to relish. During the summer season, the lido presents an especially enchanting setting for bathing and relaxation. Klagenfurt also provides convenient transportation options to explore the Worthersee and the neighboring towns.
Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt, primarily recognized as the birthplace of the renowned 18th Century composer and musician Joseph Haydn, boasts a plethora of monuments and museums dedicated to its esteemed former resident. However, the city offers far more than just these attractions.
Despite its small size, Eisenstadt holds the distinction of being the capital of the Burgenland region in eastern Austria. It exudes an air of elegance and opulence, making it an ideal destination for exploration, thanks to its array of museums, a magnificent baroque castle, and a charming Jewish district.
The main street of Eisenstadt is adorned with a diverse selection of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, providing ample opportunities for visitors to indulge in leisurely strolls and delightful shopping experiences. Situated in close proximity to Vienna, Eisenstadt’s convenient location makes it easily accessible for day trips, and it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby vineyards.
Graz
Graz, the country’s second largest city, has a rich history that can be traced back to Roman times. Its significance today can be attributed to its crucial role in defending Europe against the Ottomans.
With its charming scenery, Graz has transformed into a relaxed and enjoyable city to explore. This transformation is largely due to its thriving student population, which has fostered a dynamic arts scene and an energetic nightlife. The heart of the city lies in the castle, and taking a leisurely stroll through the old town is a delightful experience, especially the main square.
Graz’s streets are adorned with daring modern architecture, adding to the city’s vibrant and contemporary atmosphere. Alongside the inviting cafes and lively bars, Graz offers a truly lively and up-to-date urban experience.
Innsbruck
Surrounded by the majestic Alps, this beautiful city is nestled amidst ski resorts and alpine valleys. As a result, many visitors are drawn to the slopes and overlook the other attractions that Innsbruck has to offer. In the past, Innsbruck served as the seat of Maximilian I’s imperial court, and its picturesque old town reflects its grandeur and opulence, with the imposing Hapsburg palace and magnificent cathedral standing as testaments to its former glory.
With breathtaking views of the mountains, hikers can explore a variety of scenic trails and paths, while skiing enthusiasts can indulge in the diverse range of slopes available. Moreover, the city’s vibrant student population adds to its lively atmosphere, making it an enjoyable destination for a night out.
Salzburg
Salzburg, a city of unparalleled beauty and grace, seems to have emerged straight out of a storybook. Its charm and elegance are truly captivating, with the majestic Hohensalzburg fortress dominating the intricate old town, the shimmering Salzach River meandering through, and the stunning mountains enveloping the surroundings. Renowned as the former residence of Mozart, this enchanting place invites you to explore its streets, where exquisite baroque architecture adorns every corner. As the fourth largest city in Austria, Salzburg boasts a plethora of exceptional restaurants and bars, ensuring a delightful experience for all visitors.
Vienna
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Vienna, the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire, boasts an array of grand imperial buildings and palaces that exude the opulence and might of its past monarchs. As the current capital of the country, the city is a joy to explore, with its diverse architectural styles showcased on the facades of its museums, churches, and opera houses.
The city center is easily navigable, with the main attractions concentrated along the luxurious Ringstrasse. Known as the ‘City of Music’ and famous for its opera halls, Vienna has been home to some of the world’s most renowned composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Visitors can indulge in the city’s rich cultural and artistic offerings, with numerous museums and ornate palaces to explore. Additionally, Vienna boasts vibrant markets, exceptional restaurants and coffee shops, and atmospheric Viennese bars.
Feldkirch
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Feldkirch, situated in the Rhein Valley and bordering Liechtenstein and Switzerland, is a charming destination that boasts of rolling hills, verdant woods, and vineyards that contribute to its picturesque ambiance. The city is home to a stunning 13th Century castle that sits atop one of its hills, and a medieval part of town that is replete with winding cobbled alleys. Despite being a hidden gem, Feldkirch is often overlooked by visitors who prefer to explore neighboring Innsbruck and Liechtenstein. However, it is definitely worth a visit, and you can easily explore all that it has to offer in just half a day.
Bregenz
Bregenz, situated on the shores of Lake Constance, boasts a breathtaking view of the glistening waters, enhanced by the majestic presence of Mount Pfander towering behind the city. The city’s charm is further amplified by its captivating evening sunsets, with Germany visible to the right and Switzerland faintly discernible on the horizon to the left. Beyond its picturesque allure, Bregenz offers a delightful waterfront promenade, as well as an array of remarkable art and architecture.
The mountain presents an array of splendid hiking trails, while the lake invites visitors to indulge in swimming or embark on a scenic boat cruise. For an unparalleled experience, the ideal time to visit is during the renowned Bregenz Festival, where a stage is erected on the lake’s waters, allowing you to revel in opera performances under the starry sky. Truly a heavenly destination.
Steyr is one of the 12 Best Cities to Visit in Austria
Steyr’s historic city center, situated at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers, is a captivating and appealing destination in Upper Austria. The charming old town, adorned with magnificent baroque structures and cobblestone streets, offers a delightful experience for leisurely strolls. Moreover, the main square showcases a fusion of diverse architectural styles.
A prime example of Steyr’s allure is the Bummerlhaus, a charming Gothic building that dates back to the 13th century. Additionally, the city boasts two castles within its boundaries, and the nearby Kalkalpen National Park adds to the tranquility and beauty of Steyr. It is indeed a serene and pleasant place to spend some time.
