Austria
6-day itinerary :
Austria enchants with its perfect blend of imperial elegance and Alpine charm. From exploring Vienna’s grand palaces, historic cafés, and vibrant city life to soaking in Salzburg’s baroque beauty and Sound of Music scenery, the country offers a rich cultural escape. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets or listening to Mozart in his hometown, Austria delivers timeless experiences at every turn.
Cities visited:
Vienna (3 Nights)
Salzburg (2 Nights)
Travel Month: May
🇦🇹 Three Whirlwind Days in Vienna: Palaces, Trams & Cake
Vienna is one of those cities that greets you with imperial grandeur on every corner—ornate palaces, wide boulevards, and coffee‐house smells that whisper “slow down… have another slice”. With just 2‑½ days in the Austrian capital, we focused on the classics, kept the pace family‑friendly, and sprinkled in a few sweet bites along the way.
Stay
Day 1
🚆 Morning | Rail Ride into Royalty
We boarded the ÖBB Railjet from Budapest (booked via Omio) and glided past emerald fields and tidy villages, arriving at Vienna Hauptbahnhof by noon. Save seats on the left side of the carriage for postcard‑perfect Danube views as you approach the city.
🏰 Afternoon | Schönbrunn Palace
Once the summer home of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn feels like Austria’s answer to Versailles—yellow façades, manicured gardens, and a Baroque interior dripping with crystal chandeliers.
What we loved:
- The “Imperial Tour” (22 rooms in under an hour) kept the kids’ attention without museum fatigue.
- A walk through the enormous gardens behind the palace followed by a climb to the Gloriette hill for panoramic photos of Vienna’s skyline.
Tip: Pre‑booked time slots skip the ticket queue.
🎡 Evening | Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel)
Built in 1897 and immortalised in The Third Man, the Riesenrad slowly lifts you above the Prater amusement park in vintage red cabins. At the top, Vienna’s rooftops unfurl in 360° splendor—the perfect golden‑hour vantage point. We timed our ride for sunset and watched the city lights flicker on as the Danube turned rose‑pink.
Day 2
🚍 Morning | Ringstrasse Tram Tour
Vienna’s grand boulevard circles the old city like a parade route of Neo‑Renaissance eye‑candy. We hopped on Tram #1 (or #71) and glided past the State Opera, Parliament, City Hall, and Burgtheater—each façade more elaborate than the last. Grab a window seat, plug in an audio guide app, and you’ve got a moving history lesson for the price of a single fare.
🕍 Mid‑Day | Historic Center of Vienna
We wandered the pedestrian lanes branching off St. Stephen’s Cathedral—listening to street violinists, peeking into hidden courtyards, and admiring wrought‑iron shop signs that haven’t changed in centuries. Café terraces spilled onto cobblestones, and every turn revealed a new slice of Baroque or Art Nouveau architecture.
🍰 Afternoon Pick‑Me‑Up | Café Sacher
No Vienna visit is complete without the legendary Sachertorte. We slid into red‑velvet booths at Café Sacher, ordered a single slice (rich chocolate cake, thin apricot layer, glossy ganache) plus a Wiener Melange coffee, and shared it four ways—decadent, yes, but just enough sugar to refuel for more exploring. Expect a short queue; it moves quickly and the experience is worth the wait.
Day 3
🚌 Half‑Day | Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus Tour
With only a half‑day left, we let the bright‑red double‑decker do the navigation. The HOHO “Red Line” netted us sweeping views of:
- Belvedere Palace—home to Klimt’s The Kiss
- Hundertwasserhaus—a kaleidoscopic apartment block that delighted the kids
- Hofburg Palace-where emperors once dined and Lipizzaner stallions still train
- Danube Tower—for anyone craving another skyline shot
Audio commentary filled in anecdotes, like how Vienna’s coffee culture sprouted from sacks of beans abandoned by retreating Ottoman troops. We then took a horseback ride in the city center of Vienna to end our fantastic 3 day stay in Vienna.
✨ Final Thoughts
In just three calendar days (and two full ones on the ground) we managed to sample Vienna’s royal history, café culture, and playful panoramas. The city balances grandeur with easy public transit, making it perfect for families or anyone short on time. As we rolled our suitcases back to the station, the kids were still humming waltzes they’d heard on street corners—proof that Vienna’s magic lingers long after the last slice of cake.
🇦🇹 2.5 days from Salzburg’s Charm to Swarovski Sparkle & Hallstatt Magic
Our 2.5-day journey took us from the romantic streets of Salzburg to the crystal world of Wattens and the lakeside beauty of Hallstatt, ending with fond memories and a heart full of alpine wonder.
Stay
Hotel Imlauer Pitter
Day 1 – Salzburg: Music, History & Gardens
🚆 Morning | Train to Salzburg
We boarded the ÖBB Railjet train from Vienna and arrived in Salzburg by noon. The 3-hour ride offered sweeping countryside views, setting the tone for a serene Austrian escape. We recommend sitting by the window and grabbing a snack from the onboard bistro.
🌸 Mirabell Gardens
Our first stop was the stunning Mirabell Gardens, famous for their manicured lawns, baroque statues, and their starring role in The Sound of Music. The kids loved running through the hedge maze, and we all paused for photos by the Pegasus Fountain. It’s free to enter and especially beautiful in spring and summer.
⛪️ Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg)
Next, we walked over to the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral, with its twin towers and grand white facade. Inside, the ornate dome and historic organ (which Mozart once played) left us speechless. It’s a peaceful place to reflect—and escape the midday sun.
🎼 Mozart’s Birthplace & Legacy
We ended the day with a visit to Mozart’s Geburtshaus, the yellow townhouse where the world-famous composer was born. The museum is interactive and compact, making it great even with kids. You’ll see Mozart’s childhood violin, personal letters, and hear snippets of his genius echoing through the halls.
Day 2 – Wattens & Innsbruck: Crystals and Mountains
💎 Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds), Wattens
We started early for a magical day at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, about 20 minutes from Innsbruck. This isn’t your average museum—it’s part fantasy land, part art installation. The Giant’s Head Fountain at the entrance was a hit with the kids, while the Crystal Dome and mirrored halls wowed us all. There’s even a crystal carousel and outdoor playground, making it perfect for families.
🏔️ Innsbruck Old Town
Afterward, we spent our afternoon in Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and one of the most scenic towns in Austria. We wandered the Altstadt (Old Town) with its pastel buildings and ornate Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), then took in mountain views from the Innsbruck City Tower. Cafés here serve delicious local dishes like Käsespätzle and Apfelstrudel, perfect for a hearty lunch.
Day 3 – Hallstatt & Farewell
🏞️ Hallstatt Day Trip
On our final day, we traveled to Hallstatt, one of the most photogenic villages in the world. Nestled between the lake and towering Dachstein mountains, the town looks like a postcard come to life. We strolled along the waterfront, visited the Central Market Square, and admired the quaint homes with flower-filled balconies.
Optional: Take the funicular up to the Skywalk, offering panoramic views over Hallstatt and the lake—it’s worth it for the photo alone!
🚄 Evening | Return to Vienna & Departure
In the afternoon, we made our way back to Vienna to catch our flight home. The train journey from Hallstatt to Vienna takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, so plan your return with buffer time for luggage and transfers.
✨ Final Thoughts
In just three days, we experienced the best of Austria—the music of Mozart in Salzburg, the shimmer of Swarovski in Wattens, the Alpine charm of Innsbruck, and the fairy-tale beauty of Hallstatt. Each stop had its own magic, and we left already dreaming about returning for a longer adventure.
