Austria is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage, but it’s a pricey destination for travellers. With some preparation and local tips, you can easily enjoy Austria’s beauty and culture without breaking the bank. From knowing the best time to travel to making informed choices for accommodation and dining, you can make the most of Austria on a budget while still enjoying all it provides. Here’s a complete guide to budget travel in Austria to help you create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Choosing the right time to visit Austria can significantly affect your travel costs. The best times to visit Austria on a budget are during the off-peak seasons, typically late spring and autumn. You’ll find that flights and accommodations are often significantly cheaper during these periods, from April to June and September to November, as most tourists tend to come during the summer and winter seasons. Traveling during these off-peak times saves money and offers a crowd-free experience of Austria.
If you’re a winter sports fan, Austria’s ski season can be costly, but if you visit just before or after the peak holiday periods, you may find discounts at ski resorts and accommodations. Smaller ski resorts offer more budget-friendly prices, unlike well-known destinations where prices can skyrocket during the high season. Spring and autumn also bring milder weather, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
Accommodation can take up a large portion of your travel budget, but Austria has a range of options that cater to travellers on a budget. Budget hotels and hostels in major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck provide affordable lodging with essential amenities. Hostels are a great choice if you’re open to sharing a space with other travellers, and many offer private rooms for those who prefer a bit more privacy but still want to save money. Hostels also have the added benefit of social spaces, which can be a great way to meet other travellers.
For those seeking more independence, short-term rental platforms offer affordable options in many parts of Austria. You can find anything from a shared room to an entire apartment, often at rates lower than those of hotels. This option is ideal for groups as you can split the cost and save a lot. Staying in local neighbourhoods outside tourist hotspots can also help you save on accommodation and give you a more authentic experience of Austrian life.
Opting for short-term rentals or local inns in these regions can be affordable and convenient for travellers seeking to explore smaller towns and scenic countryside areas.
Austria’s excellent public transportation system makes it easy to travel affordably across the country. Trains, trams, and buses connect all major cities and popular tourist destinations, making public transport a cost-effective choice. Consider purchasing a rail pass from the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) if you plan to travel frequently between cities, which offers discounted fares for early bookings. You can save significantly on travel expenses by planning your routes and booking in advance. Additionally, several regional rail passes offer unlimited travel within specific areas for a set period, perfect for exploring Austria’s diverse regions.
City travel can be budget-friendly with options like Vienna’s efficient tram and metro systems and Salzburg’s reliable bus network. Walking or renting a bike is also an excellent option for exploring cities. Vienna and Salzburg, for instance, are pedestrian-friendly, with numerous historical sites and scenic views accessible by foot. Many Austrian cities also offer bike-sharing programmes, which are inexpensive and ideal for budget-conscious travellers looking to see the sights up close. With options like these, you can easily explore Austria’s urban landscapes while saving money.
Austria offers many affordable activities, especially Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. In Vienna, you can visit the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or walk through St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. These activities allow you to enjoy the country's rich culture without spending much.
Vienna’s parks, such as the Stadtpark and Prater, provide beautiful spaces to relax and people-watch, with Prater also offering the iconic Ferris wheel, which is a must-see, even if you don’t take a ride. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, boasts a historic Old Town (Altstadt) with Baroque architecture that you can explore on foot.
A hike up Mönchsberg, the hill overlooking Salzburg, offers stunning views of the city and its medieval fortress without spending a penny. In Innsbruck, you can wander the charming Old Town or enjoy the natural beauty along the Inn River. The city is surrounded by mountains, making it a gateway to many accessible hiking trails that showcase the Austrian Alps’ breathtaking landscapes.
Austria’s museums are also a treat for culture lovers, with some offering free or reduced entry on certain days. Vienna’s Kunsthalle Wien provides free admission on select days, and the Vienna Museum is free to enter on the first Sunday of each month. MuseumsQuartier in Vienna also features free public art installations and an open courtyard where you can relax and immerse yourself in the vibrant artistic atmosphere. Checking museum websites in advance allows you to time your visits for budget-friendly days.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Austria has no shortage of free activities. Austria’s extensive hiking trails, from the Wachau Valley to the Kitzbühel Alps, are free to access, offering scenic views and fresh alpine air. Austria’s lakes, like Lake Wolfgang, Lake Hallstatt, and Lake Attersee, are perfect for swimming and picnicking, with many public access points available for free. Winter sports can be pricey, but smaller ski resorts offer more affordable lift tickets, and cross-country skiing is often complimentary on public trails.
Austrian cuisine is diverse and delicious, but eating out in Austria doesn’t have to be expensive. Head to one of the many würstel or sausage stands scattered throughout Austrian cities for a quick and affordable meal. Here, you can enjoy classic Austrian sausages served with bread rolls, a filling meal that won’t break the bank. Bakeries also offer a wide range of inexpensive snacks and sandwiches, ideal for breakfast or a light lunch.
For budget-friendly dining, consider visiting local bakeries which serve fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Supermarkets have pre-packaged meals, salads, and sandwiches for convenient and inexpensive picnic options. Buying ready-to-eat items from supermarkets allows you to save on food costs while still enjoying Austrian flavours.
Eating at a Gasthaus, or traditional inn, can also be affordable, especially in smaller towns, where prices are lower than in big cities. Gasthäuser serves hearty local dishes, such as schnitzel, goulash, and käsespätzle (cheesy pasta), at a reasonable price. Lunch menus or mittagsmenü are popular in Austria and provide set meals at discounted rates. Look for daily specials at restaurants, as many places offer lunch deals that include a main course and sometimes a soup or dessert for a fraction of the usual dinner prices.
Remember to refill a reusable water bottle with tap water, as Austria’s tap water is high-quality and safe to drink. This simple habit helps reduce unnecessary expenses on bottled water throughout your trip.
Many Austrian cities offer sightseeing passes that provide free or discounted entry to numerous attractions, which is a great way to save money if you visit multiple sights. The Vienna City Card, for instance, offers discounts on museum entries, attractions, and public transport within the city. This pass is perfect for travellers wanting to enjoy Vienna's cultural and historical sites at an affordable price.
The Salzburg Card grants free access to popular attractions like Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s Birthplace, and Mirabell Gardens and free use of the city’s public transportation system. Similarly, the Innsbruck Card provides free entry to museums, cable cars, and public transport options. City cards offer great value for those wanting to see as much as possible on limited time.
Be sure to calculate the cost of individual entry fees compared to the price of a city card to ensure it’s a cost-effective choice for your travel plans. These cards are designed for tourists who want to visit multiple attractions quickly, making them ideal for those following an itinerary.
Shopping for souvenirs and local products doesn’t have to strain your wallet. Austrian markets offer unique finds at fair prices, from fresh produce and artisan cheeses to handmade crafts and vintage items. Haggling isn’t common in Austria, but you might be able to negotiate slightly on non-food items in markets. Traditional handicrafts, small bottles of local schnapps, and Austrian chocolates make excellent, affordable souvenirs. Look for smaller shops outside tourist hotspots, where prices are often lower, and you’re more likely to find locally made items.
Austria also has numerous free cultural events throughout the year, such as Vienna’s Film Festival at Rathausplatz, where you can enjoy open-air film screenings without spending a dime. Seasonal Christmas markets are a must-see, offering everything from festive decorations to mugs of warming glühwein (mulled wine). Even if you don’t buy anything, These markets provide a lively atmosphere and the chance to experience Austria’s festive spirit firsthand.
A rental car is a convenient and budget-friendly option for exploring Austria's scenic countryside, especially when traveling with a group. It provides access to remote villages, mountain trails, and hidden lakes often out of reach by public transport. You can create a flexible itinerary and travel at your own pace by renting a car in Austria. Finalrentals offers a wide selection of vehicles to suit any budget, making it easy to find an affordable option.
Check for inclusions like insurance and unlimited mileage when booking to avoid surprises. Planning and comparing prices can also help you secure the best deal. Driving in Austria is straightforward, but it's essential to understand the road rules, such as the need for a vignette (road tax sticker) on highways. Parking can be costly, so consider free or low-cost options outside the centre. With a rental car, you can effortlessly explore the Austrian Alps, serene lakes, and charming villages—perfect for those looking to venture beyond the cities.
Travelling in Austria on a budget is more than achievable with some careful planning and a few insider tips. By choosing affordable accommodations, dining smartly, and taking advantage of Austria’s public transportation and free attractions, you can experience the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty without overspending. Whether exploring Vienna’s grand architecture, hiking in the Alps, or savouring traditional Austrian cuisine, these budget travel tips will help you make the most of your journey. Austria awaits with its charm and elegance, ready to provide an unforgettable experience for every traveller, regardless of budget.
