Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Austria (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See Trip is a crucial step when considering a move to Austria. This exploratory journey allows you to experience the country firsthand, helping you make informed decisions about where to live. It’s an opportunity to explore different cities, towns, and regions, understand the cost of living, and get a sense of the local culture and lifestyle.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider starting in Vienna, then moving on to Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. For a 20-day trip, include additional stops in smaller towns and regions like Hallstatt, the Wachau Valley, and Bregenz. These itineraries provide a comprehensive overview of the country's diverse landscapes and lifestyles.

Vienna

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its high quality of life, rich history, and cultural offerings. With a population of around 1.9 million, it offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with easy access to nature. Expats and digital nomads appreciate Vienna for its excellent public transportation, numerous parks, and a thriving art and music scene. The is moderate compared to other European capitals.

Travel Tip: Visit the historic Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Graz

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known for its well-preserved old town and modern architectural landmarks. With approximately 300,000 residents, Graz offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to Vienna. It is popular among expats for its affordability, excellent universities, and proximity to the Slovenian border, offering easy access to outdoor activities.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Kunsthaus Graz, a unique art museum with an iconic architecture.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is renowned for its baroque architecture and alpine setting. With around 150,000 residents, it provides a charming blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Expats and digital nomads enjoy Salzburg for its cultural richness, lower cost of living compared to Vienna, and easy access to the Alps for outdoor enthusiasts.

Travel Tip: Explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is nestled in the heart of the Alps. With approximately 130,000 residents, it is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Expats appreciate Innsbruck for its scenic beauty, high standard of living, and proximity to outdoor recreation areas. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city offers excellent healthcare and education facilities.

Travel Tip: Visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a unique museum showcasing the famous crystal art.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt, a picturesque village in the Salzkammergut region, is known for its stunning lake and mountain views. With a small population of around 800 residents, it offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. Digital nomads are drawn to Hallstatt for its natural beauty and tranquility, although the cost of living may be higher due to its tourist appeal.

Travel Tip: Take a boat tour on Lake Hallstatt for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley, located along the Danube River, is famous for its vineyards, historic sites, and scenic landscapes. Towns like Dürnstein, Krems, and Melk offer a mix of rural and urban living. Expats enjoy the Wachau Valley for its relaxed pace of life, excellent wines, and proximity to Vienna. The cost of living is generally lower than in major cities.

Travel Tip: Visit the Melk Abbey, a stunning Baroque monastery overlooking the Danube.

Bregenz

Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg, is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Constance. With around 30,000 residents, it offers a blend of urban and natural environments. Expats appreciate Bregenz for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and proximity to Switzerland and Germany, providing easy access to international travel. The cost of living is moderate.

Travel Tip: Attend the Bregenz Festival, an annual opera festival held on a floating stage on Lake Constance.