How to spend a week in Austria
Spend 3 days in Vienna for imperial history and coffee culture, then head west to Salzburg and Hallstatt for 4 days of Alpine scenery. Travel between cities via the OBB train system, which is reliable and connects all major hubs efficiently.
- Book your train tickets in advance. Use the OBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) app or website to book 'Sparschiene' tickets at least 4 weeks out. You can save up to 60% compared to buying tickets at the station on the day of travel.
- Secure your city passes. If you plan on doing more than two museums in Vienna or Salzburg, buy the Vienna City Card or the Salzburg Card. They cover public transit and provide significant discounts or free entry to major sites.
- Use the rail network. Don't rent a car for city-to-city transit. The train from Vienna to Salzburg takes 2.5 hours, is comfortable, and drops you in the city center. A car is only necessary if you are exploring remote mountain villages in the Tyrol region.
- Do I need to tip in restaurants?
- Rounding up or adding 5-10% is standard. Don't leave large American-style tips; it is not expected.
- Is English widely spoken?
- Yes, in all tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, English is spoken fluently.