Find Your Urban ‘Lebensgefühl‘: 365 Days in Austria’s Cities
Historic old towns meet world-class museums, top-notch foodie hotspots and quick nature escapes in Austria's cities.
Ignite your urban “Lebensgefühl” with an Austrian city break, where historic buildings meet design hotspots, the great masters meet new talent and traditional Austrian fayre meets award-winning interpretations.
Feed your Austrian synapse with all that Austria’s cities have to offer, drawing energy from the local culture, flavours and green spaces that surround. From the buzzing festivals in summer tot he nostalgic Christmas markets in winter, there’s always a reason to come back for more!
THE GRAZ REGION – FULL OF CONTRASTS AND SURPRISES
In the centre of the Graz Region lies the city of Graz, Austria’s second-largest city which is best known for its Mediterranean vibes, as the country’s Capital of Delight, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a recognised City of Design. But just outside the city forests, rolling hills, alpine pastures, vineyards and top excursion destinations await. So you could be strolling along the red rooftops and hidden courtyards of the Old Town in the morning, heading to nearby Eggenberg Palace in the afternoon, hopping on a bike to work up an appetite for dinner and ending the day with a world-class performance at the opera house or Schauspielhaus. Thinking winter over summer? Graz Winter World has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. The atmospheric ice rink is located at the foot of the iconic Schlossberg, promising a truly magical experience. And with direct British Airways flights from London Gatwick, getting there any season couldn’t be easier.
SALZBURG – IN TUNE WITH NATURE AND CULTURE
2026 is a great year to visit the City of Mozart, which is celebrating the 270th birthday of the musical genius with a series of exclusive concerts, fascinating exhibitions and impressive art installations, complemented by city tours, culinary experiences and events for the whole family. “The Sound of Music” lovers are in for a treat too, with the brand new Sound of Music Museum opening in nearby Hellbrunn this summer. And the city of Salzburg is brimming with even more of our favourite things, from visiting the famous sights of the charming historic centre to sampling the excellent restaurant scene, coffee houses and 600 year old beer culture or exploring the picture book mountains that surround. So do-re-mi yourself a favour and put Salzburg on your 2026 travel list!
VIENNA'S LEOPOLD MUSEUM – A MUST-VISIT FOR ART LOVERS
Vienna's Leopold Museum turns 25 in 2026 and is celebrating with a series of special exhibitions. These include a retrospective of French realist Gustave Courbet and the collection of the Austrian National Bank (both a first in Austria!), a joint exhibition of works by Austrian painter Herbert Boeckl and sculptures by Swiss sculptor Hans Josephsohn, a large-scale exhibition on the development of Viennese fashion from around 1900 to approx. 1930, as well as a photography collection of the 1920s and 1930s in Germany and Austria. As one of the capital’s key cultural centres, the Leopold Museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of modern Austrian art and takes you up close with greats like Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka. Start your visit with a “Sunny Side Art” breakfast at Café Leopold that includes admission to all exhibitions, then end your tour on the dragonfly-shaped rooftop terrace boasting marvellous views of Vienna.
THE IMPERIAL HABSBURGS COLLECTIONS – BUCKET LIST MUSEUMS FOR YOUR CITY BREAK
Austria's cities are full of world-class museums, but these seven sites should be at the top of your list. The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, built by Emperor Franz Joseph brings together artworks spanning 5,000 years of history and masterpieces by the likes of Dürer, Raphael, Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian and Velázquez. This year’s highlights include the Canaletto & Bellotto exhibition (24th March – 6th September) and the food-themed "A Bite of Art" trail (from Easter). The Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg Palace showcases the crown jewels of the Habsburgs. The Weltmuseum Vienna is one of the world’s most important ethnographic museums, housing the collection of British explorer Captain James Cook. Even Cinderella would turn green with envy when visiting Europe’s best-preserved princely carriage collection at the Imperial Carriage Museum in Schönbrunn Palace. With more than two million objects, the Theatermuseum steals the show for theatre, opera and dance fans, while Ambras Castle Innsbruck houses a museum dating back tot he Middle Ages.
UPPER AUSTRIA – WHERE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE MEETS URBAN FUN
The province of Upper Austria is full of surprises, perfect for travellers who want to see the many facets of Austria in one trip. From the rugged mountains and glistening lakes of the Salzkammergut to the forest wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Kalkalpen National Park and the hiking/biking paradise of the Danube region, nature can be found at every corner here. Follow the Danube through the heart of Upper Austria into the city of Linz, the provincial capital and cultural centre where cutting-edge museums, music and creativity meet a lively old town and celebrated dining scene. Because wherever you go in Upper Austria, its culinary delights accompany you, from the inviting inns serving traditional dishes and local “Most” cider to award-winning restaurants led by top young talents. And the getting here part is easy too, with Ryanair flights jetting straight from London Stansted to Linz.
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