Why go to Austria? The 10 good reasons to go Austria
Go hiking in the mountains
Walk along the many marked trails and enjoy the alpine way of life.
Going to the opera
As the birthplace of great composers, Austria programs prestigious concerts.
Going to the ball
In Vienna, people dance to Strauss waltzes all winter long. Come during the ball season.
Sailing on the Danube
Embark in Vienna for a cruise on the river, enjoy the banks and the island.
Downhill skiing
Prestigious ski areas offer superb slopes and snow.
In the footsteps of Hundertwasser
Discover the achievements of this visionary artist, builder, humanist and environmentalist.
Christmas markets
During Advent, mulled wine is the order of the day on the Weihnachtsmärkte in towns and villages.
Going on a coffee tour
It's part of the Austrian way of life: a break in a historic café.
Follow the wine route
Discover the vineyards and their delicious wines in a friendly atmosphere.
Visit Vienna
The imperial and baroque capital with rich museums and great concerts, classical or electro.
What to visit Austria?
Interview: My Vienna
With Corine Lacrampe, author of the guide
Journalist and author, long-time contributor to Le Petit Futé, Corine Lacrampe made her first report in Vienna 20 years ago, falling immediately under the spell of this city for its culture and art of living. Today, she appreciates its new trends: organic-vegetarian cuisine, vintage shopping and young designers, participative housing and eco-neighbourhoods, and always the charm of the Danube Island.
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Austria
Timetable
Summer offers the widest range of opening hours for museums and monuments. Many smaller museums are only open during the tourist season.
To be booked
To avoid (very) long queues, it's best to book your ticket online for the most popular sights, especially in Vienna during the school vacations, when there are a lot of tourists.
Budget & Tips
Some major museums open their doors free of charge once a month, for example on the first Sunday of the month. Find out more. Discounts for seniors are common practice in museums and monuments, and always for children and teenagers. Free admission for children is also common, as are family passes.
Main events
Major events revolve around the dance season, Christmas markets, religious celebrations such as Easter and Palm Sunday, cultural festivals in summer, the opening and closing of ski resorts, and the arrival and departure of mountain herds.
Guided tours
A good formula, but unfortunately the guided tours are in German or English, and rarely in French. However, for a substantial budget, you can hire a French-speaking guide for a private tour.
Smokers
Smoking is banned in public places, including museums, monuments and even some parks.
What's very local
You'll need to dress appropriately when visiting museums and, of course, entering religious buildings.
