Plan
your trip with this complete Austria travel guide - from majestic
alpine landscapes to Vienna’s cultural treasures. Discover key
facts, travel tips, and essential info for visiting Austria with
confidence.
Country: Austria
Continent / Region: Europe / Central Europe / Alpine Region
Capital City: Vienna
Government Type: Federal Parliamentary Republic
Population: Approx. 9 million
Official Language(s): German
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~73% (very high)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+1 / GMT+2 (summer)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type C/F – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 112 (general), 133 (Police), 144 (Ambulance), 122 (Fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 1.5–2.5 hours (direct)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May–September (outdoors), December–March (ski season)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Part of the Schengen Area
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Austria):
Average Daily Costs: £50 / £90 / £180+
Tipping Culture: Rounding up or 5–10% appreciated
Public Transport Options: Trams, buses, metros, trains, cable cars
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: €2.40–€2.60 (Vienna transport)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; A1, Magenta, Drei
Main Climate Type: Temperate; alpine in mountainous regions
Average Temperature: Winter −5–5°C; Summer 20–30°C
Major Cities: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Linz
Natural Attractions: Alps, lakes, forests, valleys, national parks
Popular Destinations: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Zell am See, Tyrol ski resorts
Main Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Wiener schnitzel, apple strudel, sachertorte, goulash, knödel, coffeehouse culture
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Mirabell Gardens, Hallstatt Village, Grossglockner Alps Road
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Common Scams: Minimal; occasional tourist pricing scams
Health Risks: Cold temperatures in winter; altitude effects in Alps
Recommended Clinics: High-quality hospitals & clinics nationwide
Insurance Recommendation: Standard travel insurance recommended
Internet Speed: Excellent 4G/5G; fast fibre in cities
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Schönbrunn Palace, Hallstatt, Salzburg Old Town, Vienna Christmas Markets, Innsbruck Nordkette cable car
Unique Experiences: Alpine spa retreats, classical concerts, Sound of Music tours, lakeside cycling, ski safaris
Hidden Gems: Wachau Valley vineyards, Zell am See–Kaprun, Semmering Railway, Seegrotte Hinterbrühl
Popular Areas to Stay: Vienna Innere Stadt, Salzburg Altstadt, Innsbruck centre, Tyrol ski villages
Average Hotel Prices: £50 / £100 / £200+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Vienna Gürtel nightlife, Salzburg Old Town bars, ski resort après-ski spots
Local Drinks: Austrian wine, schnapps, beer, Almdudler
Entertainment: Opera, classical music halls, lakeside bars, mountain lodges
Car Rental: Common; useful for rural and alpine travel
Domestic Flights: Limited due to efficient trains
Trains: ÖBB rail network is excellent
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Taxis common; Uber available in major cities
Best Markets: Vienna Naschmarkt, Salzburg markets, Christmas markets
Popular Souvenirs: Mozartkugeln, schnapps, alpine crafts, ceramics, chocolates
Local SIM Card Providers: A1, Magenta, Drei
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Excellent; among the cleanest in Europe
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Austria has more than 60% of its land covered by mountains, making it one of Europe’s premier outdoor destinations.
