Austria On A Budget Travel Guide

Austria is a stunning country bursting with history and culture. I visited this beautiful country twice, once based in Salzburg and the other in Vienna. It really is 2 sides of the coin as you have Vienna’s imperial architecture to sprawling vineyards and snowy alpine peaks, there’s something for everyone and every budget. Explore the capital Vienna’s palaces, wander the charming streets of Salzburg, and enjoy alpine scenery in Tyrol.It is known for its musical heritage, cozy coffeehouses and picturesque villages and here is how to do Austria on a Budget!

Best Time to Visit & Where To Go in Austria

Late spring and early autumn bring comfortable weather, lighter crowds, and better room rates. Summer is gorgeous but busy; book early and lean on free lake walks and viewpoints. Winter shines in the cities, especially once market season starts.

Salzburg Region: Things to Do & Day Trips from Salzburg

Salzburg is the easiest base if you want scenery without renting a car. The old town, fortress views, river paths, and gardens fill a day for little money if you time entries and choose a single paid sight. From Salzburg, lakes and villages sit on simple bus and train links, so you can pack a lot into one day without pricey tours. Start early, carry water and snacks, and aim to be back before the evening rush.

Here you can find our 2 guides on things to do in Salzburg and Day Trips from Salzburg. Trust me, you really don’t want to miss these!

Werfen & Hallstatt: Iconic Day Trips on a Budget

Amongst the day trips you can take from Salzburg are Werfen and Hallstatt. Both of which you can find in depth guides for including how to get there not only from Salzburg but in general. There is no stone left unturned in these guides and if you do still have questions don’t hesitate to contact us!

Werfen is truly spectacular with its deep ice caves and offers once in a lifetime experience. To get there is a bit tricky but you can navigate the ins and outs with our guide here

Hallstatt is Austria’s most photographed village, set on the shore of a mirror-like lake surrounded by mountains. While busy in peak season, it’s magical at any time of year. The cheapest route from Salzburg is via regional buses with easy transfers; the train-and-ferry route costs a bit more but is breathtakingly scenic.

For full details, check our dedicated guide:

The Austrian Capital – Vienna

I visited Vienna during Christmas time for its famous markets. In my opinion this is the best time to visit Vienna. It truly comes to life and turns into an open-air fairground. You can visit slightly before Christmas and plan weekday visits in late November or early December for calmer crowds and better rates. Bring a reusable mug, aim for late afternoon into evening, and mix the headline squares with a couple of smaller neighborhood markets to keep food and drink prices sensible. Read our complete guide into Vienna’s Christmas Markets and which ones to visit in 2025!

Austria Practical Tips

• Language: German is official, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
• Cash vs card: Cards are fine almost everywhere; keep coins for toilets and lockers.
• Weather: Layers are essential; even summer days in the mountains can turn cool.
• Transport passes: Check if a Salzburg Card or Vienna City Card fits your sightseeing plans—worth it if you plan multiple paid attractions in a day.

Where to Stay in Austria

Salzburg: Look for guesthouses or hostels near the station or river. Being within walking distance of the old town saves on buses.

Vienna: Consider districts like Leopoldstadt or Margareten – close to the center by U-Bahn but cheaper than staying directly in Innere Stadt.

Food & Drink on a Budget

Austrian food can be hearty and filling, perfect for budget travellers who want one big meal a day. For breakfast, hit local bakeries for pastries and coffee. For lunch, supermarkets like Billa or Spar have deli counters with sandwiches and salads. In the evening, try a traditional Beisl (bistro) away from tourist zones for affordable Austrian classics.

Street food stalls like wurst stands are quick, cheap, and authentic. And don’t miss a slice of apple strudel or Sachertorte in a coffeehouse, even if it’s your one splurge of the day. We can’t mention food in Austria without mentioning their famous schnitzel. It is not as expensive as you may think with around €15 for a good meal, it can be quite the filler for your day to keep you going!

Airports in Austria

Austria’s major airports are Vienna International (VIE) and Salzburg Airport (SZG), with Innsbruck (INN) serving the Tyrol region. Vienna is a major European hub with connections to most capitals, while Salzburg receives flights mainly from within Europe.

If you’re arriving by train, Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are all served by ÖBB’s high-speed Railjet services. For budget travellers, advance-booked long-distance buses (FlixBus, RegioJet) can save money, especially on cross-border routes from Germany, Hungary, or the Czech Republic.

Transport in Austria

Trains are the fastest way between major cities. For Salzburg–Vienna, book advance tickets on the ÖBB website for the best fares. Westbahn, a private rail company, also operates on this route and can be cheaper if booked last minute.

For day trips around Salzburg, the regional bus network is excellent. Services like the 150 → 542 → 543 chain connect you to the Salzkammergut and Hallstatt with easy timed transfers. Around Vienna, trams and U-Bahn make it easy to cover large distances for a few euros.

Frequently Asked Questions – Austria on a Budget