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Austria Itinerary 7 Days – A Realistic Travel Guide

Austria has marble palaces, mountain lakes, and some of the world’s best coffee houses. You’ll drink melange in 300-year-old cafes, climb fortress walls for city views, and ride trains through valleys that look like postcards.

This guide shows you a practical Austria itinerary 7 days that Indian travelers can actually follow. I’ll tell you real costs, which trains to catch, and where locals actually eat.

Suggested Read: Austria Visa Extension for Indians

One Week in Austria – The Overview

This Austria 7 day travel plan takes you from Vienna’s grand buildings to Salzburg’s narrow streets, then to Hallstatt’s famous lake. You’ll spend about ₹10,000-15,000 (€115-170) per day on food, tickets, and getting around – more if you like fancy restaurants.

Day

Where You’ll Be

What You’ll See

What You’ll Spend

Getting Around

Where You’ll Eat

Day 1

Vienna Old Town

St. Stephen’s, Hofburg

₹9,200 (€105)

CAT train, walking

Café Central, Figlmüller

Day 2

Imperial Vienna

Schönbrunn, Belvedere

₹11,400 (€130)

U-Bahn, trams

Café Residenz, local spots

Day 3

Museum District

Art museums, markets

₹8,750 (€100)

Walking mostly

Naschmarkt stalls

Day 4

Wachau Valley

Melk Abbey, vineyards

₹9,600 (€110)

Train, boat

Riverside restaurants

Day 5

Salzburg

Mozart sites, beer halls

₹13,150 (€150)

Train, walking

Augustiner brewery

Day 6

Lakes & Mountains

Fortress, Hallstatt

₹16,600 (€190)

Train, funicular

Lake fish restaurants

Day 7

Morning & Departure

Skywalk, airport

₹8,750 (€100)

Trains

Café Sacher

Day 1 – Landing in Vienna and Finding Your Feet

Vienna

Your 7 day trip to Austria starts at Vienna Airport, which is actually pretty easy to navigate. Most Indian flights land early morning, and you’ll be through immigration in about 45 minutes if everything goes smoothly.

Morning Activities

Once you grab your bags, head straight to the CAT (City Airport Train) platform. These green trains leave every 30 minutes and get you to the city center in just 16 minutes. Buy tickets from the machines for ₹1,050 (€12) – they take cards.

Time

What You’re Doing

Good to Know

06:00

Landing at Vienna Airport

Immigration usually takes 45 mins

06:30

CAT train to Wien Mitte

Runs every 30 mins, 16-minute ride

07:00

Checking into your hotel

Hotel Am Stephansplatz (₹17,500/€200)

08:00

Breakfast at Café Central

Old-school Vienna coffee house

09:30

Walking around Old Town

UNESCO area, cobblestone streets

11:00

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Tower climb costs ₹440 (€5)

Hotel Am Stephansplatz is an excellent option for your stay. Yes, it’s pricey at ₹17,500 (€200) per night, but you literally step outside to the cathedral. They’re used to early check-ins from Asian flights, too.

Lunchtime

Head to Figlmüller for lunch – tourists go for the schnitzel, and honestly, it’s worth it. The original Wiener schnitzel is massive (bigger than your plate) and costs ₹1,750 (€20). Get there before noon or you’ll have to wait for a while before you receive your order.

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, walk over to the Hofburg Palace. The Habsburgs lived here for 600 years, and now it’s basically several museums in one complex. Get the Sisi Museum ticket for ₹1,750 (€20) – it includes an audio guide that explains all the royal drama.

Next, visit the Spanish Riding School. Even if you don’t care about horses, the baroque architecture is stunning. The behind-the-scenes tour costs ₹2,280 (€26) and takes about an hour. You’ll see where they keep the famous white Lipizzaner stallions.

Stop at Demel for afternoon coffee. Yes, it’s touristy, but they’ve been making cakes since 1786. A slice of Sachertorte costs ₹610 (€7) – expensive for cake, but you’re paying for history too.

Evening Activities

Walk the Ringstraße as the sun sets. This circular boulevard has all the big buildings – Opera House, Parliament, and City Hall. They light up beautifully at night, and it’s free entertainment.

For dinner, try Plachutta Wollzeile. They specialize in tafelspitz (boiled beef), which sounds boring but tastes amazing. A half portion costs ₹2,450 (€28). Make a reservation or you won’t get in.

If you’re not too tired, take a stroll along the Danube Canal. The graffiti and bars give you a different side of Vienna than all the imperial stuff.

Pro Tips:

  • Get a Vienna City Card if you plan to use lots of public transport
  • Keep ₹50 (€0.50) coins for public toilets
  • Most places close between 3-5 PM, plan accordingly
  • Download the ÖBB app for train times

Suggested Read: Austria Visa Appeal For Indians

Day 2 – Palace Hopping and Art Hunting

Schönbrunn Palace

Today, you’ll see how the other half lived – or at least how emperors lived. Schönbrunn Palace is the main event, but there’s plenty more imperial splendor to go around.

Morning Activities

Take the U4 subway to Schönbrunn – it’s about 20 minutes from the center. Get there early, like 8:30 AM, to beat the tour groups. The Classic Pass costs ₹3,500 (€40) and gets you into everything.

Time

What’s Happening

Details

Cost

07:00

Hotel breakfast

Usually included

08:00

U4 to Schönbrunn

20-minute ride

₹210 (€2.40)

08:30

Palace tour starts

40 rooms included

₹3,500 (€40) pass

10:30

Gardens exploration

Gloriette hill climb

Included

11:30

Coffee break

Café Residenz onsite

₹700 (€8)

The palace has 1,441 rooms, but you’ll see 40 on the tour. Audio guides come in Hindi, which is helpful. In this palace, you will also get to see The Great Gallery, where 6-year-old Mozart performed.

Lunchtime

Head back toward the city center and eat at Glacis Beisl in the MuseumsQuartier. It’s where museum workers eat, so you know it’s decent and not overpriced. Main dishes run about ₹1,575 (€18).

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, take tram D to Belvedere Palace. The Upper Belvedere has Klimt’s “The Kiss” – probably the most famous painting in Austria. Tickets cost ₹1,445 (€16.50) if you book online.

The gardens between Upper and Lower Belvedere are free and perfect for walking off lunch. In spring, they have tulips everywhere. In winter, there’s usually a Christmas market.

Stop by Volksgarten on your way back. It’s a public park with over 3,000 rose bushes. Free to enter, nice place to sit and people-watch.

Evening Activities

Tonight, splurge a bit at Steirereck im Stadtpark. It’s got two Michelin stars and prices to match – the tasting menu starts at ₹17,325 (€198). But if you want to try modern Austrian cuisine at its best, this is the place.

If that’s too rich for you, try Gasthaus Pöschl near Franziskanerplatz. Great schnitzel for ₹1,400 (€16) and a local crowd.

For culture, check what’s on at the State Opera. Standing room tickets go for ₹2,625 (€30) – get there 80 minutes before showtime and line up. The view is actually pretty good if you’re tall enough.

Pro Tips:

  • Schönbrunn tickets sell out online – book ahead
  • Belvedere is closed on Mondays
  • Standing room at the opera requires standing for 3+ hours
  • Smart casual dress for nice restaurants

Suggested Read: Austria Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

Day 3 – Museums and Market Food

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Vienna has more museums than you could see in a month. Today hits the highlights without overwhelming you with art overload.

Morning Activities

Start with breakfast at Café Landtmann – Freud used to come here, and they haven’t changed much since. A proper Viennese breakfast with coffee, rolls, butter, and jam costs about ₹1,050 (€12).

Time

Activity

Notes

Price

08:00

Café Landtmann

Freud’s favorite spot

₹1,050 (€12)

09:30

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Habsburg art collection

₹1,575 (€18)

12:00

Walk to Naschmarkt

15-minute stroll

Free

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is overwhelming – it’s huge and full of masterpieces. Focus on the Bruegel room and the Kunstkammer (chamber of wonders) if you’re short on time. Entry is ₹1,575 (€18).

Lunchtime

Naschmarkt time! This open-air market has been here since the 16th century. Skip the sit-down restaurants and graze at the stalls. Turkish kebabs cost ₹875 (€10), falafel wraps ₹700 (€8), and fresh juice ₹350 (€4).

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, visit the Leopold Museum for Austrian art. They have the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection – his work is pretty intense but fascinating. Entry costs ₹1,225 (€14).

Then head to Haus der Musik, especially good if you’re traveling with kids. It’s interactive – you can conduct a virtual orchestra, remix Mozart, and learn about sound waves. Tickets are ₹1,490 (€17).

Take a coffee break at Café Mozart. Here, Apple strudel costs ₹610 (€7). End the afternoon shopping on Mariahilfer Straße. It’s 1.8 km of stores from H&M to local designers. Good for picking up clothes if you packed light.

Evening Activities

Dinner at Motto am Fluss brings you back to modern Vienna. It’s in a glass building right on the Danube Canal. Main courses average ₹2,190 (€25), and the view is worth paying for.

If it’s warm enough (April-October), take an evening river cruise. One hour costs ₹1,750 (€20), and they have English commentary. Boats leave from Schwedenplatz.

Pro Tips:

  • Museums have free lockers – use them
  • Naschmarkt has pickpockets – watch your stuff
  • Shops close at 7 PM weekdays, 6 PM Saturdays
  • Museums are often free first Sunday of the month

Suggested Read: Reasons for Austria Visa Rejection for Indian Nationals

Day 4 – Wine Villages Along the Danube

Wachau Valley

Time to get out of the city and see why UNESCO listed the Wachau Valley. This wine region has medieval towns, terraced vineyards, and river views that haven’t changed much in centuries.

Morning Activities

Catch an early train from Westbahnhof to Melk. Trains leave hourly starting at 6:45 AM, and the ride takes exactly one hour. A round-trip ticket costs ₹2,540 (€29).

Time

What’s Up

Details

Cost

07:00

Quick hotel breakfast

Grab and go

Included

07:45

Train to Melk

1-hour ride

₹2,540 (€29) return

08:45

Arriving in Melk

Walk uphill to abbey

10-min walk

09:00

Melk Abbey tour

Baroque overload

₹1,050 (€12)

11:00

Boat to Dürnstein

River cruise portion

₹1,315 (€15)

Melk Abbey sits on a cliff above the town. The tour takes you through marble halls, a library with 100,000 old books, and a church with so much gold it hurts your eyes. Entry is ₹1,050 (€12) with an audio guide.

Lunchtime

The boat drops you in Dürnstein, a tiny town famous for apricots and wine. Eat at Restaurant Baroque overlooking the river. Main dishes cost around ₹1,750 (€20). Try local river fish with a glass of Grüner Veltliner.

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, hike up to Dürnstein Castle ruins. Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here in 1192. The climb takes 30 minutes and costs ₹440 (€5) to enter. Views are worth the sweat.

Back in town, visit Domäne Wachau for wine tasting. ₹875 (€10) gets you three wines with explanations in English. They represent 250 local winemakers, so you’re tasting the region’s best. Catch the boat back to Melk around 4 PM, then train to Vienna. You’ll be back by 6 PM.

Evening Activities

Keep dinner simple tonight at Glacis Beisl. It’s casual, local, and mains cost around ₹1,575 (€18). Their goulash is perfect after a day of traveling.

End the night at Loos American Bar. It’s tiny (seats 20), designed by Adolf Loos in 1908, and feels like stepping into a jewelry box. Cocktails start at ₹1,050 (€12).

Pro Tips:

  • Buy combo train/boat tickets to save money
  • Wear good shoes for castle hiking
  • Boats only run from April to October
  • Bring a light jacket – gets cool on the river

Suggested Read: How to Check Austria Visa Status in India

Day 5 – Mozart’s Salzburg and Real Beer Halls

Salzburg

Check out of your Vienna hotel and head to Salzburg. The train ride is beautiful – you’ll pass lakes and mountains that get more dramatic as you go west.

Morning Activities

The Railjet train to Salzburg takes 2.5 hours and costs ₹4,375 (€50). Grab a window seat on the right side for best views. Trains leave every hour from Wien Hauptbahnhof.

Time

Activity

Notes

Cost

07:00

Check out, grab breakfast

Pack light meal

Hotel breakfast

08:00

Railjet to Salzburg

2.5-hour scenic ride

₹4,375 (€50)

10:30

Check in Hotel Goldener Hirsch

Historic luxury

₹19,250 (€220)

11:00

Mirabell Gardens walk

Sound of Music spots

Free

12:00

Cross river to Old Town

Medieval streets

Free

Hotel Goldener Hirsch is expensive at ₹19,250 (€220), but it’s been here since 1407 and sits right on Getreidegasse. Regular hotels in Old Town run ₹8,750-13,125 (€100-150).

Lunchtime

Lunch at Augustiner Bräustüben is an experience. This monastery brewery from 1621 works like this: grab a mug, rinse it at the fountain, pay the beer guy, then hit the food stalls. Budget ₹1,315 (€15) for beer and snacks.

Afternoon Activities

Visit Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse 9. Entry costs ₹1,050 (€12) to see where he lived until age 17. They have his childhood violin and letters to his sister.

Stop for coffee at Café Tomaselli – it opened in 1700, making it Austria’s oldest coffee house. A melange (like cappuccino) costs ₹395 (€4.50). The waiters wear tuxedos and act accordingly.

Walk down Getreidegasse and look up – every shop has these elaborate metal signs. McDonald’s even has a fancy one. The street’s been a shopping area since Roman times.

Evening Activities

Do the Mozart Dinner Concert at St. Peter Stiftskeller. Musicians in wigs play Mozart while you eat three courses. Package costs ₹5,250 (€60).

After dinner, walk along the Salzach River. The fortress lights up at night, and it’s peaceful after all the tourist action during the day.

Pro Tips:

  • Book train seats in advance for better prices
  • Getreidegasse shops close at 6 PM sharp
  • Mozart concerts sell out – book ahead
  • Free walking tours leave from Mozartplatz daily

Day 6 – Mountain Fortresses and Lake Villages

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Today mixes Salzburg’s medieval fortress with Hallstatt’s famous lake views. It’s a lot of traveling, but worth it for the scenery.

Morning Activities

Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress first thing. The combo ticket costs ₹1,140 (€13) and includes entry to all museums. The fortress has never been conquered in 900 years.

Time

What’s Going On

Details

Price

07:00

Hotel breakfast

Fuel up

Included

08:00

Funicular to the fortress

1-minute ride

₹1,140 (€13)

09:00

Exploring fortress

Museums, views

Included

10:45

Taxi to Hellbrunn

15-min drive

₹875 (€10)

11:00

Trick fountains

Get wet warning

₹1,140 (€13)

From the fortress, you can see all of Salzburg and into Germany. The audio guide explains which tower imprisoned which archbishop – lots of political drama up here.

Lunchtime

Eat at Zum Zirkelwirt near Hellbrunn Palace. It’s a local place that serves proper Austrian food. Try käsespätzle (cheese noodles) for ₹1,575 (€18).

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, catch the train to Hallstatt. You’ll need to change at Attnang-Puchheim – the whole journey takes 2.5 hours and costs ₹2,625 (€30). The train stops across the lake from Hallstatt, so you take a ferry (included) to the village.

Check into Seehotel Grüner Baum, right on the lake. Rooms start at ₹15,750 (€180) and some have balconies over the water. This hotel has been here since 1700.

Take the funicular up to the salt mines. The tour costs ₹2,625 (€30) and includes sliding down wooden mining slides (surprisingly fun) and crossing an underground lake.

Evening Activities

Dinner at Gasthof Zauner serves lake fish caught that morning. Main courses average ₹1,925 (€22). Get a table by the window if you can.

After dinner, walk along the lake. Hallstatt looks best at dusk when the tour buses leave and lights reflect on the water. Bring a tripod if you’re into photography.

Pro Tips:

  • Hallstatt is tiny – you can walk everywhere
  • Salt mine tours require closed shoes
  • Book restaurants in summer – limited options

Day 7 – Final Morning and Getting Home

Hallstatt

Make the most of Hallstatt before heading back to Vienna for your flight. The morning light on the lake is worth waking up early.

Morning Activities

Start with breakfast at your hotel – most include a buffet for ₹1,050 (€12). Eat on the terrace if the weather permits.

Time

Activity

Notes

Cost

07:00

Hotel breakfast

Lakeside if possible

₹1,050 (€12)

08:00

Hallstatt Skywalk

350m above the village

₹440 (€5)

09:30

Boat ride on the lake

30-minute tour

₹1,050 (€12)

11:00

Train to Salzburg

Via Attnang-Puchheim

Included

The Skywalk platform sticks out from the mountain like a diving board. You get amazing views of the lake and village below. Entry costs ₹440 (€5) and includes a small museum.

Afternoon Activities

Take the 11:00 train back to Salzburg, then connect to Vienna. A total journey of about 5 hours. Store bags at Wien Hauptbahnhof for ₹525 (€6) while you grab the last souvenirs.

Stop at Café Sacher for the original Sachertorte. A slice costs ₹610 (€7) – same as other places, but this is the original from 1832.

Evening Departure

Take the CAT train back to the airport. Runs every 30 minutes and takes 16 minutes. Give yourself 3 hours before international flights.

Airport shopping beats city prices for some things – especially alcohol and Mozartkugeln chocolates. Get VAT refunds at the counter before security.

Pro Tips:

  • Morning trains are less crowded
  • Keep receipts for VAT refunds (over €75)
  • The airport has free WiFi

Your Top 7 day itinerary for Austria wraps up with palaces, mountains, and enough cake to last a lifetime. This 7 days travel route in Austria gives you the highlights without rushing too much. You’ll go home with good photos and probably a few extra kilos from all the schnitzel and strudel.

Additional Recommendations for Indian Tourists

Hotels

Luxury:

  • Hotel Forsthofgut – Family-run alpine retreat in Leogang with mountain views, a modern infinity pool, and a renowned spa.
  • Der Daberer Bio Hotel – Eco-friendly luxury in Carinthia, famous for organic cuisine and wellness experiences.
  • Hotel Schutterhof – Romantic four-star hotel in Schladming, known for excellent hospitality and panoramic alpine scenery.

Budget:

  • Novotel Suites Wien City – Spacious, affordable suites in Vienna, close to major attractions and public transport.
  • Proneben Gut – Charming farm-stay in Salzburg region, ideal for families and nature lovers.
  • Dolomitenhütte – Unique mountain hut experience in East Tyrol, perfect for hikers and budget travelers.

Food

Luxury:

  • Steirereck im Stadtpark – Two Michelin stars, modern Austrian cuisine in a riverside glass pavilion in Vienna.
  • Plachutta Wollzeile – Iconic for tafelspitz (boiled beef), a Viennese classic in an elegant setting.
  • Gasthof Zauner – Hallstatt’s lakeside dining, celebrated for fresh local fish and traditional Austrian dishes.

Casual:

  • Figlmüller – Home of the original Wiener schnitzel, famous for its generous portions and authentic atmosphere.
  • Glacis Beisl – Hidden courtyard restaurant in Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier, serving local favorites at fair prices.
  • Augustiner Bräustübl – Salzburg’s historic monastery brewery with hearty Austrian snacks and self-service beer.

Indian:

  • Namaste Restaurant Vienna – Authentic North Indian cuisine, easily accessible by metro.
  • Sitar Indian Restaurant Vienna – Vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties in a cozy ambiance, located on Mariahilfer Strasse.
  • Happy Rajah Salzburg – Traditional Indian dishes, popular with Indian travelers in Salzburg.

Shopping

Electronics:

  • Wien Mitte The Mall – Vienna’s largest shopping center, offering electronics, gadgets, and international brands in a modern setting.
  • Saturn Vienna – Major electronics retailer for cameras, phones, and appliances, centrally located.
  • MediaMarkt Austria – Leading chain for electronics and home tech, with multiple city branches.

Fashion & Luxury:

  • Goldenes Quartier Vienna – Vienna’s premier luxury shopping district, featuring international designer boutiques and flagship stores.
  • Ringstrassen Galerien – Upscale mall with 60 boutiques, classical ambiance, and gourmet restaurants.
  • Getreidegasse Salzburg – Historic shopping street with Austrian brands, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Local Markets:

  • Naschmarkt Vienna – An iconic market for fresh produce, street food, and local delicacies.
  • Kärtnerstrasse Vienna – Lively pedestrian street for fashion, gifts, and Austrian specialties.
  • Salzburg Old Town Markets – Weekly markets for crafts, cheese, and regional products.

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FAQs

Is 7 days enough to explore Austria?

Seven days lets you see Vienna properly, visit Salzburg, and get to Hallstatt. You won’t see everything (nobody does), but you’ll hit the famous spots and some local favorites too.

What is the average daily cost for a 7 day itinerary in Austria?

Plan on ₹10,000-15,000 (€115-170) per day for mid-range travel. That covers decent hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing. Add more for fancy dinners or luxury hotels.

Which is the best month to visit Austria?

May-June and September-October have good weather and fewer tourists. December is magical with Christmas markets. July-August is crowded but good for hiking.

How much money to take to Austria for 7 days?

Bring ₹70,000-105,000 (€800-1,200) for the week, not counting hotels and flights. Cards work everywhere, but keep cash for small purchases and tips.

Which area of Austria is best to stay in?

In Vienna, stay in the First District (Innere Stadt) to walk everywhere. Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt) puts you near all the Mozart stuff. Hallstatt is so small it doesn’t matter.

Should I include Innsbruck in my itinerary?

Not in 7 days – you’ll spend too much time on trains. Save Innsbruck for a trip focused on mountains and skiing. This Austria itinerary 7 days covers enough variety already.