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Which City to Visit in Austria? Take the Quiz to Find Out

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Austria is small but has a lot to offer. With imperial cities, alpine escapes, lakeside gems, and vibrant local culture, it can be tough to decide which city to visit in Austria, especially if it’s your first trip.

As someone who grew up in Austria, I totally get the struggle. I’ve lived in Graz for over 13 years, studied there, and now call Vienna home. And I’ve visited many more. So I’ve seen cities from both a traveller’s and local’s perspective.

Whether you’re into hiking, sipping espresso in historic squares, or hunting down the best vegan food scenes, there’s a perfect Austrian city for you.

Not sure where to start? Take the quiz below to find out which city matches your travel style.

Take the Quiz: Which Austrian City Should You Visit?

But if you’re more of a skimmer (or just curious about the results), here’s a breakdown of some of the best cities to visit in Austria, based on your interests.

Vienna: For Culture and Relaxed Big City Vibes

Marble statue of a classical figure stands on a pedestal in the manicured gardens of the Hermesvilla, a historic palace in Vienna. The elegant villa, with its turrets and balconies, serves as a regal backdrop under a clear blue sky.
This image depicts the Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria, showcasing its iconic colorful and irregular facade. The architecture features a mix of vibrant hues, asymmetrical windows, and whimsical details, with a central fountain surrounded by visitors in the courtyard below. Lush greenery and trees frame the scene, enhancing the artistic, nature-inspired aesthetic of this landmark.
The exterior of the Votive Church in Vienna, showcasing its striking twin spires and intricate neo-Gothic façade under a clear blue sky. The detailed stone carvings, pointed arches, and clock tower add to the grandeur, with birds flying near the spires.

I’ve been living in Vienna for over a year now, and it’s become one of my favourite cities anywhere. It’s the only real big city in Austria, but it doesn’t feel too hectic.

Vienna mixes grand history with a modern, liveable pace. You’ve got iconic sights like Schönbrunn Palace, but also underrated gems like the Central Cemetery, indie flea markets, and concerts tucked into courtyards.

Whether it’s December Christmas markets or a outdoor summer concert, there’s always something going on.

Why visit Vienna?

  • Explore palaces, art museums, and historic cafés
  • Eat at fully vegan spots like Vevi, Velani, or Tisch
  • Relax in one of the city’s many parks or one of the vineyards just outside the city
  • Take easy day trips to Bratislava or the Wachau wine region
  • Soak in both imperial grandeur and local neighbourhood life

👉 Read my full Vienna guide for local tips, vegan eats, and hidden gems.

Graz: For Creative Vibes and Wine Country Trips

The famous Uhrturm, a large clock tower on the Schlossberg hill in Graz, surrounded by lush gardens with colorful flowers in the foreground.
A visitor ascends the intricate stone double spiral staircase, known for its unique design, inside a historical building in Graz. The spiraling stone steps are a marvel of late Gothic architecture.
The steep and winding Schlossbergstiege staircase, carved into the side of the hill in Graz, with green railings and stone arches. This iconic staircase leads visitors up to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) and offers stunning views.

Graz was my home for over 13 years, and I still think it’s one of the most underrated cities in Austria. It’s Austria’s second-largest city, but it has a totally different energy from Vienna, more relaxed and full of quiet corners that make you want to linger.

Graz is great for slow travel. You can explore the UNESCO-listed old town, hike up the Schlossberg for panoramic views, or chill in a shady courtyard café. There’s a blend of historic buildings, street art, and laid-back student life.

It’s also close to southern Styria, which means easy day trips to vineyards, castles, or spa towns. You can even do a short day trip to Arnold Schwarzeneggers home town.

Why visit Graz?

  • Explore a walkable old town without the crowds
  • Grab coffee or lunch at one of the many vegan-friendly cafés
  • Day trip to Styrian vineyards or relaxing thermal spas
  • Enjoy a relaxed pace that still delivers plenty to see and do

👉 Check out my Graz posts for things to do, vegan-friendly cafés, and day trip ideas.

Innsbruck: For Mountain Views and Classic Austrian Charm

Panoramic view of Innsbruck at golden hour, seen from above with the Hungerburgbahn track leading downhill through forested slopes toward the city, surrounded by mountains.
Bustling pedestrian street in Innsbruck lined with colorful historic buildings and shopfronts, with snow-capped mountains rising in the background under a blue sky.

If you’re picturing snow-capped peaks, colourful buildings, and a charming old town tucked between mountains, you’re probably thinking of Innsbruck. For many visitors, it feels like the most “Austrian” city.

What makes Innsbruck special is how effortlessly it combines nature and city life. You can visit the imperial Hofburg in the morning and then be up a mountain peak by early afternoon. The cable car leaves right from the edge of the old town.

It’s a dream base for travellers who want that storybook Alpine experience without giving up good coffee or cultural spots.

Why visit Innsbruck?

  • Wander the cobbled streets of the medieval old town
  • Take the Nordkette gondola from the city centre straight into the mountains
  • Visit quirky museums like the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum or Ambras Castle
  • Enjoy light hikes, full-on alpine trails, or just the views
  • Soak up that fairytale mix of historic town squares and dramatic natural backdrops

👉 Read more about Innsbruck and how to make the most of your trip.

Salzburg: For Baroque Beauty, Mozart & Sound of Music

A scenic view of Salzburg’s Old Town framed by leafy tree branches, with pastel-colored buildings, church domes, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above the city under a bright blue sky.
Vibrant orange roses in the foreground frame a view of the baroque Mirabell Palace and Gardens in Salzburg, with manicured lawns, walking paths, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress visible in the distance under a bright blue sky.
The iconic white gazebo from The Sound of Music, framed by ivy-covered arches and shaded by trees, stands in the park grounds of Hellbrunn Palace.

Salzburg is full of cobblestone streets, ornate churches, mountain views, and music floating through the air. This is the city of Mozart and The Sound of Music, and it leans into that all the way.

The UNESCO-listed old town is small enough to explore on foot but packed with history. You can wander past Baroque buildings, climb up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views, or take a river cruise on the Salzach.

It’s also one of the easiest places in Austria to mix city sightseeing with nature. You don’t need a car, just hop on a bus or train and you’re off into the Alps or the Salzkammergut lake region.

Why visit Salzburg?

  • Explore the historic old town, fortress, and Mozart’s birthplace
  • Take Sound of Music tours or just walk the hills that inspired the film
  • Ride the Untersberg cable car for epic views, then do a light alpine hike
  • Take day trips to St. Wolfgang, Gmunden, or Hallstatt (I prefer the other two)

👉 Explore my Salzburg posts for the best things to do, cosy cafés, and easy day trips.

Linz: For Underrated Culture and Low-Key Cool

A woman standing inside a large yellow “Linz” sign installation in the city’s main square, with colorful historic buildings and the Holy Trinity Column in the background.
A woman in a red jacket looks out over a panoramic view of Linz from a stone lookout, with the Danube River winding through the valley below under a dramatic cloudy sky.

Linz doesn’t get as much attention as Austria’s more famous cities, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a mix of historic town squares and edgy creativity, sitting right on the Danube with colourful buildings and a laid-back vibe, without the tourist rush.

One of the most unique sights is the Mural Harbor street art in the port area. It’s one of Europe’s largest graffiti galleries, with massive murals covering industrial buildings. You’ll need to book a guided tour to visit, but it’s absolutely worth it.

As day trips go, you can head out to the Wachau Valley for wine and river views, explore the Salzkammergut lakes, or visit the postcard-perfect town of Schärding.

Why visit Linz?

  • Walk the colourful streets of the old town and riverside promenade
  • Take a guided tour of the Mural Harbor street art at the working port
  • Use it as a base for day trips to the Wachau, Salzkammergut, or Schärding
  • Enjoy a slower pace and fewer crowds
  • Find a few solid vegan-friendly spots (even if it’s not a foodie capital)
  • Try to visit during the Pflasterspektakel in July, the coolest street performance festival I’ve ever been to

👉 Check out my Linz posts for things to do, vegan-friendly cafés, and day trip ideas.

Bregenz: For Lakeside Peace and Art in the Alps

Aerial view of a lakeside city with rooftops, trees, and cable car lines stretching toward a calm, expansive lake under a blue sky.
A serene lakeside promenade at sunset, with golden-orange light reflecting on the water and silhouetted trees lining the paved walkway.

Tucked between Lake Constance and the mountains, Bregenz is the kind of place that feels like a deep breath. It’s small, scenic, and very relaxed, perfect if you’re after nature, culture, and quiet cafés without the bustle of a big city.

You can go for a swim, take a ferry to Germany or Switzerland, or just sit by the promenade with a coffee. If you want views, hop on the Pfänderbahn cable car from town and in minutes you’ll be looking down over three countries.

Bregenz is also known for its summer Bregenzer Festspiele, where opera is performed on a floating stage, one of the most unique arts events in Europe.

Why visit Bregenz?

  • Chill by Lake Constance or take boat trips to Germany or Switzerland
  • Ride the Pfänderbahn cable car for panoramic views and light hiking trails
  • Visit during the Bregenz Festival for a one-of-a-kind open-air performance
  • Explore modern art at the Kunsthaus Bregenz or local cafés in the old town

👉 Check out my Bregenz guides to help you plan your trip.

Klagenfurt: For Lakeside Chill and Castles Just Out of Town

Klagenfurt isn’t flashy, but it’s quietly beautiful, and for travellers looking to relax by the water, it’s one of the best bases in Austria. It sits right next to the Wörthersee, a turquoise lake surrounded by forests and hills.

Most people come here to relax by the lake, swim, rent a paddleboard, or just wander along the waterfront promenade. But Klagenfurt also has a compact old town, baroque buildings, and loads of green space.

It’s also a good base for short day trips into the mountains for a hike or to nearby castles, like the impressive Burg Hochosterwitz, and lakeside villages, like Velden.

Why visit Klagenfurt?

  • Swim or relax by the clear waters of Wörthersee
  • Stroll through a low-key old town and leafy parks
  • Take day trips to castles, hiking trails, or historic small towns
  • Enjoy a slower, more local side of Austria

👉 Read more about what to do around Wörthersee, plus local day trips (COMING SOON)

So, Which City Should You Visit in Austria?

The truth is, Austria has no bad options, just different ones. Whether you’re after lakes and light hikes, royal palaces and vegan cafés, or a quiet base to explore wine country, there’s a city here that fits your travel style.

If you’re still torn between mountains and museums, or just want a little help picking your perfect base…

👉 Take the quiz to find out which Austrian city is the best fit for your trip.
It’s quick, it’s fun, and by the end, you’ll know exactly where to go, plus I’ll send you a free itinerary to help you plan your time there.

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Collage-style graphic featuring iconic views of Austrian cities, including Vienna’s Ferris wheel, Innsbruck’s colorful row houses with snowy mountains, Graz’s clock tower, and Salzburg’s old town with fortress. Text overlay reads “Which Austrian City to Visit? Take the Quiz,” promoting a travel quiz by AustrianVeganDerlust.com.
Which Austrian City Should You Visit? Take This Quiz to Find Out

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.