5-Day Austria Travel Itinerary: How to Visit Vienna and Salzburg on a Budget

Planning your first trip to Austria and wondering where to start?

I took my mom on a trip to Vienna and Salzburg, two of Austria’s most famous cities, as part of our search for our ancestry. As I’d surprised and gifted her with this trip, I had to do so without breaking the bank.

So, my Austria travel itinerary will have you exploring imperial palaces, baroque architecture, Sound of Music filming locations, and world-class museums, in between drinking radler and munching on schnitzel, while keeping costs surprisingly low.

Whether you’re also in search of your roots with a family member or a solo traveler looking for some historic adventures, this comprehensive 5-day Austria itinerary shows you exactly how to maximize your time between these two iconic cities, save money with tourist passes, and experience the best of Austria on a budget.

The Best Time to Visit Austria

My mother and I visited in May, which was perfect, as the weather was nice and it wasn’t super crowded, since tourists don’t really start flocking to Austria until summer (aka peak season).

Visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) can also save you a few bucks, as hotels are cheaper. Since crowds are smaller, you can see more attractions instead of standing in lines.

🏆 Best Overall: May or September (Shoulder Season)

• Pleasant weather (15-22°C / 59-72°F)
• 30-40% cheaper hotels than summer
• Smaller crowds at attractions
• No need to book months ahead

💰 Best Budget: April or October

• Even lower prices than May/September
• Still comfortable weather
• Fewer tourists

🎄 Best for Christmas Markets: Late November-December

• Magical festive atmosphere
• Premium prices (book early!)
• Cold weather, short daylight

❄️ Budget Winter: January-February

• Cheapest hotel rates
• Very cold and short days
• No Christmas market crowds

⚠️ Avoid if Possible: Peak summer (July-August) unless you have specific reasons or are visiting for the Salzburg Festival

Top Places to Go in Austria

Now, you’re likely wondering why we selected Vienna and Salzburg when Austria has TONS to offer!

Well, firstly, our ancestors lived in Vienna for about a decade after moving there from Ljubljana, Slovenia, so it made for a nice reverse starting point of their passage to America.

Vienna is also usually a pretty affordable airport to fly into as it’s a major city. I even flew in there when I visited Bratislava, Slovakia and then took a bus to the neighboring country.

Lastly, there are tons of incredible historical sites in this city, from the Sisi Museum, where I learned about Empress Elizabeth, to Schönbrunn Palace, where I saw rooms where Maria Theresa used to reside—yes, I’m a big history nerd, but even more so for women in history.

As for Salzburg’s worthiness, well, we’re fans of Julie Andrews, so to get to see where she sang about the hills being alive with music was just a nonnegotiable for me!

Plus, fascinating sites such as Hellbrunn Palace and its musical trick fountains were just too enticing not to check out.

However, you may not feel similarly, so I’m going to give you some more options for your Austria travel itinerary.

🏛️ Vienna (3-5 days recommended)

• Imperial palaces, world-class museums, Klimt’s “The Kiss”
• Classical music heritage, historic coffeehouses
• Best for: History buffs, art lovers, architecture fans

🎵 Salzburg (2-3 days recommended)

• Sound of Music filming locations, Mozart’s birthplace
• Medieval fortress, baroque Old Town, Alpine views
• Best for: Music lovers, Julie Andrews fans, and photographers

🇦🇹 Short on time and have to pick one? Review my comparative guide: Vienna vs Salzburg.

Worth Adding If You Have Time:

Hallstatt (1-day trip from Salzburg, 2.5 hours): Austria’s most picturesque village with lakeside charm and mountain backdrop, Hallstatt looks magical in winter

Innsbruck (2-3 days, 2 hours from Salzburg): Alpine city perfect for skiing in winter, hiking in summer, year-round mountain views

Wachau Valley (1 day trip from Vienna, 1-1.5 hours): Wine region along the Danube with Melk Abbey and river cruises

Graz (1-2 days, 2.5 hours from Vienna): Austria’s second largest city with Renaissance Old Town and modern architecture

Sample Itineraries by Trip Length:

5-7 days: Vienna (3 days) + Salzburg (2 days) ← This guide!

7-10 days: Vienna + Salzburg + Hallstatt day trip + Innsbruck

10-14 days: Vienna + Salzburg + Hallstatt + Innsbruck + Graz + Wachau Valley

🚂 Getting Around: Austria’s excellent train network makes multi-city trips easy.

Book tickets 1-2 weeks ahead through Omio for the best prices!

🇦🇹 Review my guides on how long in Vienna and how long in Salzburg for more details!

This Austria Travel Itinerary Overview

⏳ Time Split:

• Days 1-3: Vienna
• Day 4: Travel day + Salzburg
• Day 5: Salzburg

💰 Money-Saving Must-Haves:

• Vienna Pass (2-3 days) – saves €70+ per person (detailed review)
• Salzburg Card (24-48 hours) – covers attractions + transport (detailed review)
• Train tickets booked in advance via Omio

🎟️ Book These ASAP:

• Schönbrunn Palace (time slots required)
• Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (time slots required)
• Train from Vienna to Salzburg (for best prices and prefered departure times)

Why This 5-Day Split Works

After experiencing both cities firsthand, I can tell you that Vienna deserves three full days while Salzburg is perfectly explorable in two.

Vienna’s palaces, museums, and attractions require more time, as there are just a lot more of them, and the city is more spread out.

Salzburg’s compact Old Town makes it totally doable for a shorter but intense visit.

The journey between cities takes just 2.5 hours by train, making it easy to transition midway through your trip without losing precious sightseeing time.

Those looking to really maximize their time will get an early train so that they can spend more time in Salzburg!

Getting Between Vienna and Salzburg

The Best Option: Train Travel

My mother and I chose to take the train from Vienna to Salzburg, and it was hands-down the best decision.

Here’s why:

Cost: €19-75 per person (book early for best prices)
Duration: 2.5 hours direct
Comfort Level: High – spacious seats, WiFi, beautiful scenery
Convenience: Stations are centrally located in both cities

How to Book Train Tickets

1. Use the Omio app to compare prices and book tickets
2. Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the cheapest fares
3. Travel off-peak (avoid Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons)
4. Choose either ÖBB (departs Wien Hauptbahnhof) or Westbahn (departs Westbahnhof) in Vienna, we did the former as it was nearly across the street from our hotel

Pro Tip: Download the Omio app so you don’t need to print anything. The conductor scans your phone directly when checking tickets.

Day 1: Imperial Vienna – Hofburg Palace & Historic Center

Morning: Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum

Start your Austria travel itinerary at the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which served as the Habsburg monarchy’s political hub for over 600 years.

What’s Included:

• Imperial Silver Collection (room after room of royal dining ware)
• Imperial Apartments where Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth lived
• The fascinating Sisi Museum (my favorite attraction in Vienna)

The Sisi Museum was an unexpected highlight for me. Learning about Empress Elisabeth through 300 personal items, including her exercise equipment, beauty products, and even her cocaine syringe, made her one of the most intriguing historical figures I’ve encountered.

⏳ Duration: 1.5-2 hours
💰 Cost: Included with Vienna Pass or book separately online
🕰️ Time Saving Tip: Book time slots in advance to avoid lines

Late Morning: Austrian National Library State Hall

This baroque masterpiece, stretching 262 feet long, will make any bookworm feel like Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

The State Hall houses over 12 million items and features stunning frescoes depicting Emperor Charles VI’s “deification.”

I planned just 30 minutes, but ended up completely mesmerized by the vast collection and breathtaking architecture in the Austrian National Library.

⏳ Duration: 0.5-1 hour
💰 Cost: €11 adults, free under 19, included with Vienna Pass

Lunch: Traditional Viennese Coffeehouse

Vienna’s coffeehouses are UNESCO-protected cultural spaces where you can sit for hours with just one coffee, as it’s part of the culture!

Skip the tourist traps (I found Café Sacher’s cake disappointingly dry and overpriced) and find a local spot.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour
💰 Budget: €3-8 for coffee and pastry

Afternoon: Stephansdom & Historic City Center

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s most iconic landmark and one of the world’s tallest churches. While the exterior is free to admire, you can pay for tours to explore the catacombs or climb the towers for city views.

Optional: After visiting the cathedral, wander the Graben and Kohlmarkt shopping streets for people-watching and window shopping.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour
💰 Cost: Free entry to the cathedral, €6-25 for tours (CASH ONLY)

Evening: Peterskirche

End your first day at the stunning baroque Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church).

It’s free to enter (just make sure to be respectful, as it’s an active church), and it’s absolutely breathtaking inside, with its ornate decorations and impressive dome.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes
💰 Cost: Free

Day 2: Palaces & Gardens – Schönbrunn and Belvedere

Morning: Schönbrunn Palace

Start bright and early at Austria’s most visited cultural monument.

With 1,441 rooms (40 of which are open to the public), this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the imperial summer residence.

The State Apartments Tour takes you through the Great and Small Galleries used for ceremonies and balls from Maria Theresa’s era.

Note that photography isn’t allowed inside the palace.

⏳ Duration: 40 minutes for State Apartments, up to 4 hours with gardens
💰 Cost: €25-76 depending on tour, Vienna Pass covers the State Apartments
⚠️ Must Book: Time slots online in advance – they’re required!

Mid-Morning: Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

The baroque gardens are completely FREE to explore and stunning in any season.

Wander through manicured lawns, fountains, the Neptune Fountain, and the Roman Ruin.

Don’t miss the Gloriette monument for panoramic Vienna views.

Note: Some buildings on the grounds charge admission, such as the Gloriette and Palm House, but many are included with the Vienna Pass.

💰 Cost: Free
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours

Optional: Apple Strudel Show

If you want a unique cultural experience, attend the Apple Strudel Show at Schönbrunn.

Experienced bakers demonstrate the secrets of making Viennese apple strudel and share stories and recipes. The show ends with a taste of fresh, hot strudel!

This was meaningful for me since my mother remembers her grandmother making this flaky pastry.

⏳ Duration: 20 minutes
💰 Cost: Included with Vienna Pass or separate tickets available

Afternoon: Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace houses the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including his masterpiece “The Kiss” from his Golden Period.

The palace comprises the Upper and Lower Belvedere buildings with beautiful Baroque gardens between them.

I recommend renting an audio guide to hear the context behind the artwork.

The baroque gardens are also free to explore.

If you’re not a big art fan, skip the Palace on this Austria travel itinerary and just explore the gardens!

⏳ Duration: 2.5-3 hours for both palaces
💰 Cost: Upper €19.50, Lower €16, or combined ticket. Vienna Pass includes fast-track entry.

Day 3: Local Vienna – Markets, Wine Villages & Hidden Gems

Morning: Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous market with about 120 stalls and restaurants featuring cuisines from Viennese to Indian, Vietnamese, and Italian.

While you could spend money on breakfast here, browsing is completely free.

The market opens every morning at 6 AM (except Sundays).

On Saturdays, don’t miss the flea market for vintage finds and antiques.

⏳ Duration: 1-1.5 hours
💰 Cost: Free to browse

Late Morning: Karlskirche

This baroque church is widely considered Vienna’s most outstanding structure. Its green dome towers over Karlsplatz as a symbol of Vienna.

While the exterior is free to admire, the interior tour with access to the panoramic terrace offers incredible views.

⏳ Duration: 15 minutes exterior, 1-2 hours with interior
💰 Cost: €8-10 for interior and panoramic terrace

Lunch: Grinzing Wine Village

Head to Grinzing, Vienna’s old wine village on the edge of the city, to try local wine and food in a traditional Heuriger (wine tavern).

Vienna is the only capital city in the world that grows and supplies its own wine!

We took the Green Line hop-on hop-off bus (included with Vienna Pass), which took about half an hour from our hotel and provided audio commentary along the way.

⏳ Duration: 2-4 hours
💰 Budget: €10-18 for a meal and a drink
💡 Access: Take the hop-on hop-off bus or the U4 metro + bus

Afternoon Option: Vienna City Cruise

If you want to rest your feet, the city cruise along the Danube Canal offers a relaxing way to see Vienna.

Since my mom needed breaks from walking, we found this 1-hour 15-minute cruise perfect.

If you’re not keen on heading to Grinzing, you can also add lunch to a cruise and make it a foodie experience!

⏳ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
💰 Cost: €32+ adults, included with Vienna Pass

Evening: Prater & Schweizerhaus

End your Vienna adventure at the Prater amusement park grounds.

The Wurstelprater offers free entry to walk around. The giant Ferris wheel from 1897 is iconic (though it costs extra to ride).

Head to Schweizerhaus for a large beer garden perfect for spending the evening.

They specialize in classic Viennese cuisine and serve Radler (beer and lemonade mix). I’m not usually a beer fan, but I really enjoyed it!

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
💰 Cost: Free entry to Prater, €10-18 for meal

Day 4: Travel to Salzburg + First Afternoon Exploring

Morning: Check Out & Train to Salzburg

After breakfast at your Vienna hotel, head to Wien Hauptbahnhof or Westbahnhof for your 2.5-hour train journey to Salzburg.

The ride offers beautiful Austrian countryside views.

💡 Pro Tip: Eat breakfast at your hotel before departing, then grab lunch in Salzburg after arrival.

Arrival in Salzburg

When you arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, you can:

• Take a taxi to your hotel (what we did, but learned we could have used the bus!)
• Use public transportation with the Salzburg Card
• Walk if your hotel is close enough

Important: Pick up your Salzburg Card at the train station or have it ready on your phone before exploring.

Mid-Day: Mirabell Palace & Gardens – “Do-Re-Mi”

Built in the 17th century, Mirabell Palace and Gardens is where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi” in The Sound of Music.

The baroque gardens are completely free and feature the famous Pegasus Fountain, hedge tunnels, and dwarf statues.

From here, you get an epic view of Hohensalzburg Fortress looming above the city.

⏳ Duration: 30-45 minutes
💰 Cost: FREE

Afternoon: Residenzplatz & Salzburg Cathedral

Visit Residenzplatz where Maria splashed in the Residenz Fountain while singing “I Have Confidence.”

The impressive backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral makes it one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

Salzburg Cathedral was first built in 774 and Mozart was baptized here in 1756.

The baroque dome and twin towers dominate the city center skyline.

⏳ Duration: 30-45 minutes
💰 Cost: Cathedral FREE, tours €9 (included with Salzburg Card)

Evening: Getreidegasse & Schnapps

Walk through Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most historic street in Old Town.

See beautiful buildings with distinctive wrought-iron guild signs.

Mozart’s birthplace is located at No. 9.

This narrow medieval street is perfect for window shopping and soaking in the atmosphere. Or, you can head to Sporer Schnapps for a drink like we did!

Here you can sample an assortment of liquors for just €2 per shot.

⏳ Duration: 45 minutes
💰 Cost: Free to walk, extra to tour Mozart’s Birthplace

Day 5: Salzburg Highlights – Fortress, Palace & Sound of Music

Morning: Hohensalzburg Fortress

Start your final day early at Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, which makes it a must on this Austria travel itinerary.

Construction began in 1077, and today it looms 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the city, offering spectacular 360-degree views!

Explore the Prince’s Chambers, Armory, Fortress Museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, and Marionette Museum.

The fortress is fully preserved and fascinating to explore, especially for history buffs.

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
💰 Cost: €14.50 adults (includes funicular), included with Salzburg Card
🕰️ Time Saving Tip: Take the funicular ride up to save yourself the uphill walk!

Midday: St. Peter’s Cemetery

One of Austria’s most beautiful cemeteries, featured in The Sound of Music‘s escape scene.

The actual filming used a Hollywood set, but the real cemetery is stunning and well worth visiting.

Warning: Those with mobility issues should avoid the catacombs as they have steep and slippery stairs.

⏳ Duration: 20-30 minutes
💰 Cost: FREE (Catacombs require separate ticket, included with Salzburg Card)

Afternoon: Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains

This 17th-century pleasure palace features Europe’s most complete Baroque trick fountains, designed to surprise and soak unsuspecting guests.

The guided tour reveals the archbishop’s playful sense of humor through hidden water jets that still operate after 400 years.

Don’t worry if you don’t want to get wet; you can stand by the tour guide, away from the fountains!

Sound of Music fans can also find the famous gazebo here.

⏳ Duration: 2 hours
💰 Cost: €15 adults, included with Salzburg Card
🚌 Transport: 10-minute bus ride from Old Town (covered by Salzburg Card)

Late Afternoon: Salzach River & Final Old Town Wandering

Take a peaceful stroll along the Salzach River promenade with views of Old Town’s baroque spires.

Cross one of the pedestrian bridges for photo opportunities.

End your trip wandering through Alter Markt (Old Market Square) for final photos and perhaps a coffee at one of the cafés.

Alternatively, if you’re tired of walking, take the short Salzburg river cruise, included with the Salzburg Card.

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
💰 Cost: FREE

Where to Stay on a Budget

Vienna Accommodations

Budget-Friendly Areas:

1. Wieden (4th District) – Near Belvedere Palace, 15-25 min to center
2. Mariahilf (6th District) – Along shopping street, good transport
3. Near Wien Hauptbahnhof – Convenient for train travel to Salzburg

Our Experience:

Garner Hotel Vienna – €50-120/night

• Located across from Wien Hauptbahnhof (perfect for hopping on the train to Salzburg)
• Clean, comfortable, quiet
• Optional breakfast available
• Helpful staff (they helped us track down our lost luggage!)

Hotel George Vienna – €56-110/night

• Walking distance to Schönbrunn Palace
• More modern aesthetics
• Optional breakfast available

💡 Pro Tip: Stay near public transport or hop-on hop-off bus routes rather than paying premium prices for the 1st District.

🏨 For more comprehensive details, read my guide on where to stay in Vienna.

Salzburg Accommodations

Budget-Friendly Area: Parsch – Quiet residential area with mountain views

Our Experience:

Hotel Heffterhof – €89-145/night

• Bus line 6 stop directly across the street
• 10-minute ride to Old Town
• Breakfast buffet with organic/local products
• Mountain views from rooms and terrace
• Eco-certified

This hotel was significantly cheaper than Old Town hotels, yet still convenient and comfortable. The bus stop location made getting around effortless with the Salzburg Card.

🏨 For more comprehensive details, read my guide on where to stay in Salzburg.

Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work

1. Tourist Passes Are Worth It (Really!)

Vienna Pass (2-3 days): €125-148 per adult

What we saved: Nearly €70 per person by using the Vienna Pass instead of buying individual tickets.

Included:

• 90+ museums and attractions
• Unlimited hop-on hop-off bus (we used this as primary transport!)
• Skip-the-line at select sites
• Free WiFi on buses
• Audio guides in 19 languages

Pro Tip: The pass runs midnight to midnight, so start using it as early in the day as possible to maximize value!

Salzburg Card (24-48 hours): €28-40 per adult

What it covers:

• 30+ attractions including Hohensalzburg Fortress and Hellbrunn Palace
• ALL public transportation (buses, funiculars)
• Discounts on tours and concerts
• Fast-track entry at select sites

How it saved us: The fortress alone costs €14.50. Add Hellbrunn Palace (€15) and public transport, and the card pays for itself after just 2-3 attractions.

2. Book Train Tickets in Advance

We saved about 40% by booking our Vienna-Salzburg train tickets weeks in advance.

Last-minute tickets can cost €75+ while advance bookings start at €19.

3. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

In Vienna:

• Schönbrunn Gardens (not the palace interior)
• Belvedere Gardens
• Peterskirche
• Stephansdom exterior
• Historic center wandering
• Prater park grounds

In Salzburg:

• Mirabell Gardens
• St. Peter’s Cemetery
• Getreidegasse street
• Salzach River walk
• Residenzplatz
• Cathedral (exterior and basic entry)

These free attractions could easily fill 1-2 days in each city if you’re on a limited budget!

4. Eat Smart

Budget Breakfast Strategy:

• Include breakfast with your hotel booking (adds €8-12/person but convenient)
• Alternatively, grab pastries from local bakeries or grocery stores (€2-4)

Lunch:

• Prix fixe lunch menus (cheaper than dinner!)
• Naschmarkt in Vienna for affordable, diverse options
• Würstel from sausage stands (€3-5)

Dinner:

• Schweizerhaus beer garden in Vienna for hefty portions at good prices
• Local markets for picnic supplies
• Grinzing wine taverns for traditional Heuriger experience

Pro Tip: Ask for “Leitungswasser” (tap water)—it’s free and high-quality in Austria!

5. Use Public Transport Strategically

In Vienna, the hop-on hop-off bus (included with Vienna Pass) goes to all major attractions and saves paying for individual metro tickets.

In Salzburg, the Salzburg Card includes all buses, making it easy to stay in cheaper outer neighborhoods and bus into Old Town.

6. Visit During Shoulder Season

We visited in May and enjoyed:

• Pleasant weather without extreme heat
• Minimal crowds at attractions
• Better hotel deals (30-40% cheaper than summer)
• No need to book months in advance

Best times: April-May and September-October

Avoid: July-August (peak prices and crowds), Christmas markets season (premium prices unless that’s specifically what you want)

5-Day Budget Breakdown

Here’s what a budget-conscious traveler can expect to spend on average when doing this Austria travel itinerary:

Accommodation (4 nights):

• Vienna: 2 nights @ €70/night = €140
• Salzburg: 2 nights @ €90/night = €180
• Total: €320

Transport:

• Vienna Pass (2 days): €148
• Salzburg Card (48 hours): €36-40
• Vienna-Salzburg train: €19 (booked in advance)
• Total: €203

Food (5 days):

• Breakfasts included with hotels: €0
• Lunches: 5 × €12 = €60
• Dinners: 5 × €15 = €75
• Coffees/snacks: €30
• Total: €165

Grand Total Per Person: €688 (approximately $799 USD)

This covers accommodation, all major attractions, unlimited public transport, and meals.

You’ll need additional budget for:

• Souvenirs
• Optional concerts or tours
• Drinks
• Airport transfers
• Etc.

💡 Compare This To: Without the tourist passes and budget tips, the same trip would cost approximately €900-1,100 per person, meaning while following this Austria travel itinerary, you’re saving €225-425!

Do note that this is an estimate, as the total will vary significantly depending on the season, whether you’re visiting during holidays or festivals, and the type of travel you’re doing (luxury accommodation versus hostels), etc. However, these strategies will still save you money regardless of these variables.

Practical Tips for Your 5-Day Austria Trip

Before You Go

ETIAS/EES: For short tourist visits (up to 90 days), no visa is required.

However, you will soon need to apply for ETIAS before entering. Additionally, EES requires non-EU travelers to provide fingerprints and facial images to enter Austria.

Download These Free Apps:

• Omio – Book and store train tickets
• Maps.me – Offline maps with public transport info
• Google Translate – Download German for offline use
• Citymapper (if you have data) – Live transport updates
• Get the OBB transport app for more local transport

📲 See all my free Europe app recommendations here!

Book in Advance:

• Train tickets (2+ weeks ahead for best prices)
• Hotel accommodations (especially for shoulder/peak season)
• Schönbrunn Palace time slots (required!)
• Hofburg Palace time slots (gets very busy)

Packing Essentials

Must-Bring Items:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk 15,000+ steps daily)
• Power bank (for using digital tourist passes, photos, and navigating on your phone)
• Light jacket (even in summer – palaces and museums can be cool)
• Reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent and free)
• Anti-theft purse or money belt
• Cash (some places still cash-only, especially cathedral tours)

Don’t Forget:

• Passport (required in Austria)
• Travel adapter (European Type C/F plugs)
• Photocopies of important documents

🧳 Check my list of female travel essentials and things to do before a trip abroad!

Cultural Tips

Language:

• English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Learn basic German phrases: “Guten Tag” (hello), “Danke” (thank you), “Bitte” (please/you’re welcome)
• “Leitungswasser” = tap water (free!)

Tipping:

• Round up or add 5-15% at restaurants

Business Hours:

• Many shops close Sundays
• Museums typically close on Mondays or Tuesdays
• Restaurants often close between lunch and dinner (3-6pm)

What If I Have 6-7 Days?

Option 1: Add a day trip from Salzburg

• Hallstatt (stunning lakeside village, 2.5 hours away)
• Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest in Germany
• Salzburg Lake District

Option 2: Add a third city

• Bratislava from Vienna (45 minutes by bus)
• Innsbruck from Salzburg (2 hours)
• Munich from Salzburg (1.5 hours)

Option 3: Slow down the pace

• Add an extra day in Vienna for museums you missed
• Enjoy longer meals and more coffee house time
• Go on a hike on one of the main paths near Salzburg
• Visit a salt mine, as Salzburg means “Salt Fortress” in German, which was derived from its historical importance in the salt trade

Final Thoughts on This Austria Travel Itinerary

After experiencing Vienna and Salzburg with my mother, I can confidently say these 5 days provide the perfect balance of must-see sights and local experiences, all while staying on a budget.

The key to sticking that budget is:

1. Book early – Train tickets and accommodations
2. Invest in city passes – They genuinely save money AND time
3. Start days early – To maximize your sightseeing hours
4. Mix paid and free – Balance major attractions with free parks and walking
5. Stay flexible – Leave room for spontaneous discoveries

Vienna and Salzburg might seem expensive at first glance, but with pre-planning and this Austria travel itinerary, these incredible cities are absolutely achievable on a moderate budget.

Now get out there and experience the hills that are alive with the sound of music!

FAQs

Related Austria Travel Guides

• 5-Day Austria Travel Itinerary: How to Visit Vienna and Salzburg on a Budget
• Comparing Salzburg vs. Vienna: How to Choose the Best Austrian Getaway for You
• How to Travel from Vienna to Salzburg: Simple Comparative Transport Guide for Visitors

Related Salzburg Travel Guides

• Two Days in Salzburg: A Complete Itinerary for First-Timers
• Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s 900-Year Old Castle
• Visiting Hellbrunn Palace and its Unique Musical Trick Fountains
• Helpful Guide to “Is the Salzburg Card Worth It?”
• Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? 14 Pros and Cons to Help You Decide
• How Many Days in Salzburg? A Simple Guide for First-timers
• 13 Sound of Music Salzburg Filming Locations + How to Visit
• 32 Things to Do in Salzburg: Top Budget-Friendly Walkable Sites
• Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria: My Favorite Area for First Timers on a Budget

Related Vienna Travel Guides

• Guide to the Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum in Vienna
• Austrian National Library: Live a Bookworm’s Dream in Vienna
• How Many Days in Vienna? A Simple Guide for First-timers
• How to Spend 2 Days in Vienna: Budget Itinerary + Map
• Is Vienna Worth Visiting? 13 Things to Consider Before Traveling
• Helpful Guide to “Is the Vienna Pass Worth It?”
• Hofburg Palace vs Schonbrunn Palace: Which Imperial Experience is Better?
• 37 Things to Do in Vienna: Exploring Austria’s Capital Affordably
• Where to Stay in Vienna: My Favorite Areas + Best Budget Hotels
• How to Spend 3 Days in Vienna: My Budget-Savvy Itinerary

Header Photo by daniel plan

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