Austria City Breaks

A guide to Austria

Austria is one of Europe’s top city break destinations, with a number of beautiful cities and places of interest throughout the country. It's a particularly good option for those in search of some culture and history, and anyone with a little less time on their hands looking for a relaxing getaway in Europe. With direct flights from many UK airports to Austrian destinations such as Vienna and Salzburg, getting here is convenient and hassle-free, and with budget airlines offering competitive prices on cheap flights, there’s always a chance of bagging a real bargain.

Charming and elegant Vienna

Vienna is probably Austria’s most popular city, offering a wealth of events and activities to keep you entertained in the pleasant central European climate. Grand theatres such as the Burgtheater and the Wiener Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, provide the perfect setting for enjoying an evening’s entertainment, while an impressive collection of museums, including the immense Natural History Museum and the Museum of Modern Art can keep visitors engrossed for days. The city’s architecture is also one of its most attractive features, with a mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Art Nouveau, all blending together to create the ideal setting for some rewarding city walks. And that’s not to mention the many parks and green spaces, as well as excellent opportunities for fine dining and shopping that the city has to offer.

Salzburg, surrounded by dramatic scenery

Smaller and less populated than Vienna, the Austrian capital, Salzburg is another superb city break destination, perfect for anyone in search of rest and rejuvenation. Situated on the banks of the Salzach River and at the northern boundary of the Alps, Salzburg is surrounded by diverse and dramatic scenery. The picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is home to a number of spectacular historic buildings, including Salzburg Cathedral, and the Baroque architecture is internationally renowned, making it an idyllic place for strolling around, or stopping off in one of the many pavement cafes. The well-known Sound of Music was also filmed in Salzburg, for anyone keen to experience a piece of popular culture history, and sightseeing tours of the area are possible.