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Hallstatt Austria by By chensiyuan – Wikimedia

5 Best Cities to Visit in Austria

Austria is known for its impressive architecture and its natural beauty that is characterized by the mountainous Alpine surroundings.

During winter, the alpine slopes attract many tourists that love to ski and other winter sports.

If sports is not your thing, there are other activities that you can engage in. Take a tour of the cities and discover the beautiful medieval architecture in every corner.

There are historical and art museums to learn about this country and its people. Relish in their cuisine too and get to learn their culture through your taste buds.

Each city in Austria offers a unique experience and there are intimate cultural villages that are worth your time. I will be sharing the 5 best cities to visit.

1. Vienna

A street in Vienna in 1966 by By Herbály István,-Wikimedia

This is the most famous Austrian city known by many people. Vienna is home to many cultural and historic sites that many people visit. This city is the former home to the Habsburg Empire, the imperial palace such as Habsburg summer residence is here and open to visitors.

The museum quarter in the city has a fair number of museums, art galleries, coffee shops, and bakeries. It’s a good place to take a break from the tours and refresh.

The architecture of the city buildings facade is pleasant to the eye such as the churches and opera houses. Music lovers will have a great time at the Opera House in the City and there are several other classical music joints too.

Vienna is popularly known as a music haven, famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert once performed in the opera houses.

The city centre has many interesting sights, especially along Ringstrasse. You will not run out of artistic and cultural sights in this city. One can shop for souvenirs, enjoy hearty meals at the restaurants or a favourite drink at the atmospheric bars in the city.

The city hosts more than 200 balls annually with several music concerts honouring famous composers that once lived there.

2. Salzburg

Old town Salzburg By Jiuguang Wang -Wikimedia

Salzburg is located near Germany’s southern border with Austria. This city is famous for its established musical traditions and is the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart. It is also the fourth largest city in Austria.

The architecture here is similar to Vienna’s featuring Romanesque and Baroque styles. One beautiful aspect of this city is its natural beauty from the epic Alps mountain range.

It is no wonder this city has been named as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With a rich history going back to the 12^th century, Salzburg old town centre that is well preserved was named the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A fun fact about this city is that it was where the famous movie, the Sound of Music (1965) was shot, it has indeed not lost its glory with the greenery and the alps landscape in the background.

Visiting the old town, one cannot miss the gigantic Hohensalzburg fortress next to Salzach River. It is indeed one of the best cities to get immersed in not only for its rich history and culture but also fantastic its culinary and social scenes.

3. Innsbruck

A public Square in Innsbruck by By Michael aus Halle,- Wikimedia

Innsbruck city is almost like a fairy tale surrounded by the Alps, the alpine valley, several ski resorts and a ton of activities to do. If you are a winter sports fanatic, this city will sate your appetite. Many visitors to this city head straight to the resorts and the snow slope to ski, it is irresistible.

Hikers will also have a great time walking along the trails and paths along the alpine slopes while taking in the immense natural beauty surrounding them.

Other than the ski resorts, there is a lot to see and enjoy in the city.

Innsbruck was home to Maximilian I’s imperial court. Its picturesque old town is something not to miss while here. You will get to see the lavish Hapsburg palace, the bell making museum and the towering cathedral that is well preserved.

Most of the buildings in the old town were damaged during world war II but have been renovated to retain its original state. Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976.

Innsbruck has one of the largest student population in Austria, this means that there are fun places and things to do here. There are several restaurants both affordable and Michelin star ones.

4. Graz

Castle hill and Clock tower in Graz by By Ralf Roletschek – Wikimedia

Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and is one of the real hidden gems in Europe.

It is one of the best cities to visit and if you happen to be in Vienna, this is the closest city. This city has its root in the Ancient Roman times, it was the defence area used by the Europeans from the Ottomans.

Like most cities in Austria, Graz has a historic old town that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This old town is characterized by quaint narrow cobbled streets and boutique stores.

Walking down the streets here one would see similarities with those in Venice and is of the best ways to experience the old town.

The centrepiece of the old town is Castle hill, it has a wall of green trees around it and towering above this is the well-known attractive Clock Tower.

If you prefer a laid-back vacation and would love to spend it in Austria, Graz is the city for you.

With a sizeable amount of student population, you are guaranteed both fun from the lively art scene and nightlife but also relaxation.

5. Lienz

View of Lienz BY Wikimedia

Lienz is commonly known as the Sun Town and is close to the southern border with Italy. This city in the Tyrol province of Austria and was inhabited for more than 4,000 years ago.  It is believed that its first occupants were from the bronze age.

The occupants of the land were ruled by different leaders such as the Roman empire, The Hapsburg Monarchy, and Nazi Germany.

All these regimes have left their footprints that are evident through the architecture. The Schloss Bruck castle in Lienz is more than 7 centuries old. It has now been converted into a museum and an art gallery.

The old town in the city is close to the main train station. Here you will find a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, shops and boutiques. The landscape of the mountains around the city beautifully complements its natural beauty.

Lienz happens to be the cultural, economic and social hub of its province. The warm climate here attracts many visitors in Austria.

If you happen to be in this city in November and December; enjoy shopping and touring the traditional Christmas markets. In summer you can catch the Olala street theatre festival.