Top Cities to Visit in Austria You Have to Visit

The Republic of Austria is a landlocked East Alpine country in the southern part of Central  Europe.

It is composed of nine federated states, one of which is Vienna, Austria’s capital and largest city. Austria is famous for its castles, palaces, and buildings, among other architectural works.

Some of Austria’s most famous castles include Festung Hohensalzburg, Burg  Hohenwerfen, Castle Liechtenstein, and the Schloß Artstetten. Many of Austria’s castles were created during the Habsburg reign. Let’s explore some Austrian cities in this article. 

1. Vienna 

Austria’s capital lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. 

In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon  Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists. The city offers a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. It is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and the very special Viennese charm. 

2. Salzburg

Salzburg is an Austrian city on the border of Germany, with views of the Eastern Alps. The city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt  (Old City) on its left bank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right.

The  Altstadt birthplace of famed composer Mozart is preserved as a museum displaying his childhood instruments. This charming Austrian town is most famous for being the birthplace of the classical composer Mozart but has so much more in terms of historical sights and fun attractions. 

3. Innsbruck 

This is the capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is a city in the Alps that’s long been a  destination for winter sports. Innsbruck is also known for its Imperial and modern architecture.

The Nordkette funicular, with futuristic stations designed by architect Zaha  Hadid, climbs up to 2,256m from the city centre for skiing in winter and hiking or mountaineering in warmer months. Innsbruck features a nice city centre with impressive mountains in the background. If you like nature and mountains, then you could contemplate a (short) stay. 

4. Graz 

Graz is the capital city of the southern Austrian province of Styria. At its heart is Hauptplatz,  the medieval old town’s main square. Shops and restaurants line the narrow surrounding streets, which blend Renaissance and baroque architecture. A funicular leads up Schlossberg, the town hill, to the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower. Across the River Mur, futuristic  Kunsthaus Graz exhibits contemporary art. 

Its roots date back to the Roman age, lies on either side of River Mur. Graz is well-known for its striking buildings and architecture.

5. Eisenstadt 

This is are a small Austrian city and it is also the capital of Burgenland. The grand Esterházy  Palace, with its sprawling landscaped gardens, dominates the city centre. The palace features treasures collected by the Esterházy dynasty and the interactive Haydn Explosive exhibition,  which brings the work of composer Joseph Haydn to life. The Haydnsaal concert hall has lavish frescoes and hosts classical music performances.