My 4 Days Austria Travel Itinerary
Austria had long been on my travel wishlist—and in just four days, I managed to soak in imperial grandeur, alpine charm, and lakeside serenity. Whether you’re planning a short Euro trip or adding Austria to a multi-country itinerary, here’s a full breakdown of my 4-day journey through Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt.
Day 1: Exploring Imperial Vienna on Foot
I arrived in Vienna by train from Budapest—smooth, scenic, and just a few hours long.
I stayed at Pension Lerner (€100-120), a budget-friendly hotel located in the city center.
Hotel Link : Pension Lerner
Hotel Review: Pension Lerner is a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in the center of Vienna. It’s perfect for travelers who want to be close to all the main sights without spending too much. The staff is friendly, the breakfast is great, and the rooms have everything you need. It’s not fancy, but it’s a great value for the price.
📍 What I Explored:
Hofburg Palace – The former imperial residence; grand and full of history.
Spanish Riding School – A must-see! Watch the famous Lipizzaner stallions in action.
Kunsthistorisches Museum – One of the best art museums I’ve ever visited.
MuseumsQuartier – A modern contrast to Vienna’s historic vibe.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Iconic Gothic architecture right in the heart of Vienna.
Café Central – Historic café with delicious cakes and coffee.
💡 Tip: I covered all these locations by walking. Vienna is very walkable, but you can also purchase a 24-hour Vienna public transport pass, available at wien.info or through the WienMobil App.
🎟️ For attractions like the Spanish Riding School or museum entries, I recommend booking tickets in advance via GetYourGuide.com.
You can pre-book your activities here:
Day 2: Vienna to Salzburg – From Royals to Romance
The next morning, I took a train to Salzburg (booked via Omio.com). I stayed at a cozy and affordable B&B Hotel Salzburg (€90-120)
Omio Site Route Link: Vienna To Salzburg
Train ticket price: €55-70 (Book your tickets in advance to get cheaper prices—early morning trains usually cost less too.)
For more details watch my Youtube video: Vienna To Salzburg by Train & Hallstatt by Bus
Hotel Link: B&B Hotel Salzburg
Hotel Review: A good and relatively affordable option. Although it’s located outside the city center, it’s well connected by bus. There’s a bus stop right outside the hotel, and a McDonald’s on the ground floor.
🎫 I bought a 24-hour Salzburg pass for local buses—super convenient! Download the Salzburg Verkehr App or SalzburgMobil App to plan routes.
📍 What I Explored:
Mirabell Gardens – Perfect for photos and peaceful walks.
Mozart’s Birthplace – A treat for music lovers.
Salzburg Old Town – Wandered through charming streets and hidden alleys.
Hohensalzburg Fortress – The views from the top are unreal!
🎟️ Again, pre-booking activities on GetYourGuide.com saved me a lot of time.
You can pre-book your activities here:
Day 3: Day Trip to Dreamy Hallstatt
Since staying overnight in Hallstatt can be pricey and limited, I opted for a day trip from Salzburg—and it was 100% worth it!
🚌 How I Got There:
Bus 150 from Salzburg to Bad Ischl (~90 mins)
Bus 542 from Bad Ischl to Gosaumühle (~20 mins)
Bus 543 from Gosaumühle to Hallstatt Lahn (~10 mins)
Total cost: Just around €14.60, and takes ~2 hrs 15 mins
📍 What I Explored:
Skywalk – Panoramic views of the lake and mountains
Old Town – Picture-perfect and charming
Hallstatt Church & Cemetery – Peaceful and historic
Boat Ride on the Lake – A calm, scenic escape
⏱️ I returned to Salzburg by evening—tired but completely enchanted.
Day 4: Back to Vienna for a Royal Farewell
On my final day, I took a morning train back to Vienna (again booked via Omio.com) and visited a few last iconic spots.
Omio Site Route Link: Salzburg To Vienna
Hotel Link: Prizeotel
Hotel Review: Prizeotel (€80-110) Vienna-City is a clean, modern, and affordable hotel just a 5-minute walk from Vienna’s main train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). It’s about 10 minutes by tram or subway to the city center, so getting around is very easy. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the location is perfect for travelers who want good transport access without spending too much.
📍 Final Day Highlights:
Schönbrunn Palace – A grand way to wrap up the trip!
Albertina Museum – Home to world-class art, including Monet and Picasso.
Vienna State Opera – One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.
🎟️ As before, book in advance at GetYourGuide.com to skip queues and secure your spots.
Final Thoughts
Austria is truly a traveler’s dream—rich in culture, art, and natural beauty. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a 19th-century café or gazing over a glacial lake, every moment feels like a postcard come to life.
✨ Tips Recap:
Book trains at Omio.com
Public transport passes via WienMobil and SalzburgMobil apps
Activity tickets at GetYourGuide.com
Walk as much as possible—Austria’s charm is in the streets!