Austria has a unique culture, amazing food and its beauty is evident in the people and the surroundings. This is a country that is easily but mistakenly overlooked but you really should consider making this your next solo travel destination.
Check out my top tips for exploring Austria independently including places you should visit and general advice about accommodation, where to stay and recommended places to eat and drink on a budget.
Cities to Visit
Austrian cities are some of the best places to travel alone.
Typical Austrian cities are not too big, they are very walkable, and because of the nature of the country there are a multitude of things to do, ranging from sipping cappuccinos to going on a hiking excursion or exploring old churches and castles.
I urge you even further to discover the best places in Vienna, but don’t forget about the other cities this country has to offer. My top two cities for solo female travel in Austria are Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Both of these cities know how to slow down. People aren’t rushing around bumping into you or anxious for you to be finished with your coffee so someone else can sit there. These people and places get it. Life isn’t a race.
To enjoy something you must sit in the moment and linger here or there.
Another popular places to visit is Mayrhofen, in winter you can go skiing and in summer explore the alps.
Salzburg
Salzburg is famous for the Sound of Music, and rightly so. The hills are definitely alive with something, whether it be music or magic we will never know.
Salzburg is perfect for a female solo traveler because it is small enough to leisurely see everything you need to in just a few days. The main highlights of the city are relatively inexpensive as well; the Mirabell Gardens and the Hohensalzburg Fortress are my top two picks.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is smaller than Salzburg and is a University town, so there are a lot of young people around to people watch and talk to.
Innsbruck is closer to the mountains and there are incredible views from the center of the city, which is surprisingly full of ornate and colorful old buildings. It is a city that can be seen and appreciated at a relatively low cost.
Honestly the best way to enjoy your days are to buy some fresh bread and cheese and have picnics in the park or slowly drink a blond beer next to the glimmer of the multicolored houses reflected in the river.
Some of the places you must visit in Innsbruck include the Golden Roof, the Hofgarten, the Cathedral of St. James and the Insbrucker Nordkettenbahnen. All are recommended ways to spend your time and money.
Tours
If you do want to learn more about the places you visit you might want to search Austria tours.
There are lots of itineraries with departures all year round. Lots of single travellers book these types of trips, and they can also be a great way to meet like-minded travellers.
You can also join free city sightseeing tours in all the main cities which generally last a few hours.
Accommodation
Stay at a hostel, a budget hotel, a b&b or couchsurf to meet people.
Budget
Austria isn't the most expensive destination in Europe, but it isn't the cheapest either.
Food & Drink
Austria knows food. They can dish out a perfectly fluffy and moist cake, tender and juicy meat, and brew a superior beer.
If you leave Austria without having an apple strudel or a cappuccino or even better, both of them together, you have made a mistake. Make a point to sit down, people watch and sip a cappuccino on the rivers edge.
Then smile to yourself because you are in Austria.
If you do fall in love with the country and feel like you want to stay, you might want to apply to work in Austria - there are seasonal opportunities available all year round.
By Stephanie Mor
