PRACTICALITIES
RESERVATIONS AND ADVANCE TICKETS
Map: Public Transportation in Austria
TAXIS AND RIDE-BOOKING SERVICES
This chapter covers the practical skills of European travel: how to get tourist information, pay for things, sightsee efficiently, find good-value accommodations, eat affordably but well, use technology wisely, and get between destinations smoothly. For more information on these topics, see RickSteves.com/travel-tips.
Travel Tips
Travel Advisories: Before traveling, check updated health and safety conditions, including restrictions for your destination, on the travel pages of the US State Department (www.travel.state.gov) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/travel). The US embassy website for Austria is another good source of information (see later).
Covid Vaccine/Test Requirements: It’s possible you’ll need to present proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and/or a negative Covid-19 test result to board a plane to Europe or back to the US. Carefully check requirements for each country you’ll visit well before you depart, and again a few days before your trip. See the websites listed above for current requirements.
ETIAS Registration: The European Union may soon require US and Canadian citizens to register online with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering Austria and other Schengen Zone countries (quick and easy process). For the latest, check www.etiasvisa.com.
Tourist Information: Austria’s national tourist office in the US can be a wealth of information. They have itinerary ideas and information on festivals, hiking, wine country, and more. Call +1 212 944 6880 or visit www.austria.info. The iAustria Travel Guide app is also handy for tips on sightseeing, hiking, transportation, and more.
In Austria, a good first stop is generally the tourist information office (abbreviated TI in this book). TIs are in business to help you spend money in their town—which can color their advice—but I still swing by to pick up a city map and get info on public transit, walking tours, special events, and nightlife. Some TIs have information on the entire country or at least the region, so you can pick up maps and other info for destinations you’ll be visiting later in your trip.
Emergency and Medical Help: For any emergency service—ambulance, police, or fire—call 112 from a mobile phone or landline (operators typically speak English). If you get sick, do as the locals do and go to a pharmacist for advice. Or ask at your hotel for help—they’ll know the nearest medical and emergency services.
Theft or Loss: To replace a passport, you’ll need to go in person to an embassy (see next). If your credit and debit cards disappear, cancel and replace them (see “Damage Control for Lost Cards” on here). File a police report, either on the spot or within a day or two; you’ll need it to submit an insurance claim for lost or stolen items, and it can help with replacing your passport or credit and debit cards. For more information, see RickSteves.com/help.
US Embassy in Vienna: Boltzmanngasse 16, dial +43 1 313 390; consular services at Parkring 12a, 4th floor, U: Stephansplatz or Stubentor, daily 8:00-11:30, dial +43 1 313 397 535, http://at.usembassy.gov, consulatevienna@state.gov.
Canadian Embassy in Vienna: Laurenzerberg 2, 3rd floor, U: Schwedenplatz, Mon-Fri 8:30-12:30, dial +43 1 531 383 000, after-hours emergencies call Canadian tel. +1 613 996 8885, www.austria.gc.ca, vienn@international.gc.ca.
Time Zones: Austria, like most of continental Europe, is generally six/nine hours ahead of the East/West Coasts of the US. The exceptions are the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time: Europe “springs forward” the last Sunday in March (two weeks after most of North America), and “falls back” the last Sunday in October (one week before North America). For a handy time converter, use the world clock app on your phone or download one (see www.timeanddate.com).
Business Hours: In Austria, most shops are open from about 9:00 until 18:00-20:00 on weekdays, but close earlier on Saturday (as early as 12:00 in towns and as late as 18:00 in cities), and are almost always closed on Sunday. Most banks in Vienna are open weekdays roughly from 8:00 until 15:00, but elsewhere in Austria, banks often close for lunch. Many museums and sights are closed on Monday. Catholic regions, including Germany’s Bavaria and Italy’s South Tirol, shut down during religious holidays.
Watt’s Up? Europe’s electrical system is 220 volts, instead of North America’s 110 volts. Most electronics (laptops, phones, cameras) and appliances (newer hair dryers, CPAP machines) convert automatically, so you won’t need a converter, but you will need an adapter plug with two round prongs, sold inexpensively at travel stores in the US. Italy only accepts plugs with slimmer prongs: Don’t buy an adapter with the thicker (“Schuko” style) prongs—it won’t work.
Rip up this book! Turn chapters into mini guidebooks: Break the book’s spine and use a utility knife to slice apart chapters, keeping gummy edges intact. Reinforce the chapter spines with clear wide tape; use a heavy-duty stapler; or make or buy a cheap cover (see the Travel Store at RickSteves.com), swapping out chapters as you travel.
Discounts: Discounts for sights are generally not listed in this book. However, seniors (age 65 and over), youths under 19, and students or teachers with proper identification cards (obtain from www.isic.org) can get discounts at many sights—always ask. Some discounts are available only to European citizens.
Online Translation Tips: Google’s Chrome browser instantly translates websites; Translate.google.com and DeepL.com are also handy. The Google Translate app converts spoken or typed English into most European languages (and vice versa) and can also translate text it “reads” with your phone’s camera.
Going Green: There’s plenty you can do to reduce your environmental footprint when traveling. When practical, take a train instead of a flight within Europe, and use public transportation within cities. In hotels, use the “Do Not Disturb” sign to avoid daily linen and towel changes (or hang up your towels to signal you’ll reuse them). Bring a reusable shopping tote and refillable water bottle (Europe’s tap water is safe to drink). Skip printed brochures, maps, or other materials that you don’t plan to keep—get your info online instead. To find out how Rick Steves’ Europe is offsetting carbon emissions with a self-imposed carbon tax, see RickSteves.com/about-us/climate-smart.
Money
Here’s my basic strategy for using money wisely in Europe. I pack the following and keep it all safe in my money belt.
Credit Card: You’ll use your credit card for purchases both big (hotels, advance tickets) and small (little shops, food stands). Some European businesses have gone cashless, making a card your only payment option. A “tap-to-pay” or “contactless” card is the most widely accepted and simplest to use.
Debit Card: Use this at ATMs to withdraw a small amount of local cash. Wait until you arrive to get euros (European airports have plenty of ATMs); if you buy euros before your trip, you’ll pay bad stateside exchange rates. While most transactions are by card these days, cash can help you out of a jam if your card randomly doesn’t work, and can be useful to pay for things like tips and local guides.
Backup Card: Some travelers carry a third card (debit or credit; ideally from a different bank) in case one gets lost or simply doesn’t work.
Stash of Cash: I carry $100-200 in US dollars as a cash backup, which comes in handy in an emergency (for example, if your debit card gets eaten by the machine).
BEFORE YOU GO
Know your cards. For credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal while American Express and Discover are less common. US debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo will work in any European ATM.
Go “contactless.” Get comfortable using contactless pay options. Check to see if you already have—or can get—a tap-to-pay version of your credit card (look on the card for the tap-to-pay symbol—four curvy lines), and consider setting up your smartphone for contactless payment (see next section for details). Both options are widely used in Europe and are more secure than a physical credit card: Instead of recording your credit card number, a one-time encrypted “token” enables the purchase and expires shortly afterward.
Know your PIN. Make sure you know the numeric, four-digit PIN for each of your cards, both debit and credit. Request it if you don’t have one, as it may be required for some purchases. Allow time to receive the information by mail—it’s not always possible to obtain your PIN online or by phone.
Report your travel dates. Let your bank know that you’ll be using your debit and credit cards in Europe, and when and where you’re headed.
Adjust your ATM withdrawal limit. Find out how much you can withdraw daily and ask for a higher daily limit if you want to get more cash at once. Note that European ATMs will withdraw funds only from checking accounts, not savings accounts.
Find out about fees. For any purchase or withdrawal made with a card, you may be charged a currency conversion fee (1-3 percent) and/or a Visa or MasterCard international transaction fee (less than 1 percent). If you’re getting a bad deal, consider getting a new card. Reputable no-fee cards include those from Capital One, as well as Charles Schwab debit cards. Most credit unions and some airline loyalty cards have low or no international transaction fees.
IN EUROPE
Using Credit Cards and Payment Apps
Tap-to-Pay or Contactless Cards: These cards have the usual chip and/or magnetic stripe, but with the addition of a contactless symbol. Simply tap your card against a contactless reader to complete a transaction—no PIN or signature is required. This is by far the easiest way to pay and has become the standard in much of Europe.
Payment Apps: Just like at home, you can pay with your smartphone or smartwatch by linking a credit card to an app such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. To pay, hold your phone near a contactless reader; you may need to verify the transaction with a face scan, fingerprint scan, or passcode. If you’ve arrived in Europe without a tap-to-pay card, you can easily set up your phone to work in this way.
Other Card Types: Chip-and-PIN cards have a visible chip embedded in them; rather than swiping, you insert the card into the payment machine, then enter your PIN on a keypad. Swipe-and-sign credit cards—with a swipeable magnetic stripe, and a receipt you have to sign—are increasingly rare.
Will My US Card Work? Usually, yes. On rare occasions, at self-service payment machines (such as transit-ticket kiosks, tollbooths, or fuel pumps), some US cards may not work. Usually a tap-to-pay card does the trick in these situations. Just in case, carry cash as a backup and look for a cashier who can process your payment if your card is rejected. Drivers should be prepared to move on to the next gas station if necessary. (In some countries, gas stations sell prepaid gas cards, which you can purchase with any US card.) When approaching a toll plaza or ferry ticket line, use the “cash” lane.
Using Cash
Cash Machines: European cash machines work just like they do at home—except they spit out local currency instead of dollars, calculated at the day’s standard bank-to-bank rate. In most places, ATMs are easy to locate—in Austria ask for a Geldautomat. When possible, withdraw cash from a bank-run ATM located just outside that bank.
If your debit card doesn’t work, try a lower amount—your request may have exceeded your withdrawal limit or the ATM’s limit. If you still have a problem, try a different ATM or come back later.
Avoid “independent” ATMs, such as Travelex, Euronet, Moneybox, Your Cash, Cardpoint, and Cashzone. These have high fees, can be less secure, and may try to trick users with “dynamic currency conversion” (see next).
Dynamic Currency Conversion: When withdrawing cash at an ATM or paying with a credit card, you’ll often be asked whether you want the transaction processed in dollars or in the local currency. Always refuse the conversion and choose the local currency. While DCC offers the illusion of convenience, it comes with a poor exchange rate, and you’ll wind up losing money.
Exchanging Cash: Minimize exchanging money in Europe; it’s expensive (you’ll generally lose 5 to 10 percent). In a pinch you can find exchange desks at major train stations or airports. Banks generally do not exchange money unless you have an account with them.
Security Tips
Pickpockets target tourists. Keep your cash, credit cards, and passport secure in your money belt, and carry only a day’s spending money in your front pocket or wallet.
Before inserting your card into an ATM, inspect the front. If anything looks crooked, loose, or damaged, it could be a sign of a card-skimming device. When entering your PIN, carefully block other people’s view of the keypad.
Avoid using a debit card for purchases. Because a debit card pulls funds directly from your bank account, potential charges incurred by a thief will stay on your account while your bank investigates.
To access your accounts online while traveling, be sure to use a secure connection (see the “Tips on Internet Security” sidebar, later).
Damage Control for Lost Cards
If you lose your credit or debit card, report the loss immediately to the respective global customer-assistance centers. With a mobile phone, call these 24-hour US numbers: Visa (+1 303 967 1096), MasterCard (+1 636 722 7111), and American Express (+1 336 393 1111). From a landline, you can call these US numbers collect by going through a local operator.
You’ll need to provide the primary cardholder’s identification-verification details (such as birth date, mother’s maiden name, or Social Security number). You can generally receive a temporary card within two or three business days in Europe (see RickSteves.com/help for more).
If you report your loss within two days, you typically won’t be responsible for unauthorized transactions on your account, although many banks charge a liability fee.
TIPPING
Tipping in Austria isn’t as automatic and generous as it is in the US. For special service, tips are appreciated, but not expected. As in the US, the proper amount depends on your resources, tipping philosophy, and the circumstances, but some general guidelines apply.
Restaurants: You don’t need to tip if you order your food at a counter. Restaurants that have wait staff generally include a service charge in the bill, but it’s common to tip by rounding up (about 5-10 percent). If paying with a credit card, be prepared to tip separately with cash or coins; credit card receipts often don’t have a tip line. For more on tipping in restaurants, see here.
Taxis: For a typical ride, round up your fare a bit (for instance, if the fare is €4.50, pay €5). If the cabbie hauls your bags and zips you to the airport to help you catch your flight, you might want to toss in a little more.
Services: In general, if someone in the tourism or service industry does a super job for you, a small tip of a euro or two is appropriate...but not required. If you’re not sure whether (or how much) to tip, ask a local for advice.
GETTING A VAT REFUND
Wrapped into the purchase price of your Austrian souvenirs is a value-added tax (VAT) of 20 percent. You’re entitled to get most of that tax back if you purchase more than €75.01 worth of goods at a store that participates in the VAT-refund scheme. Typically, you must ring up the minimum at a single retailer—you can’t add up your purchases from various shops to reach the required amount. (If the store ships the goods to your US home, VAT is not assessed on your purchase.)
Getting your refund is straightforward...and worthwhile if you spend a significant amount.
At the Merchant: Have the merchant completely fill out the refund document (they’ll ask for your passport; a photo of your passport usually works). Keep track of the paperwork and your original sales receipt. Note that you’re not supposed to use your purchased goods before you leave Europe.
At the Border or Airport: Process your VAT document at your last stop in the European Union (such as at the airport) with the customs agent who deals with VAT refunds (allow plenty of extra time to deal with this process). At some airports, you’ll have to go to a customs office to get your documents stamped and then to a separate VAT refund service (such as Global Blue or Planet) to process the refund. At other airports, a single VAT desk handles the whole thing. (Note that refund services typically extract a 4 percent fee, but you’re paying for the convenience of receiving your money in cash immediately or as a credit to your card.) Otherwise, you’ll need to mail the stamped refund documents to the address given by the merchant.
CUSTOMS FOR AMERICAN SHOPPERS
You can take home $800 worth of items per person duty-free, once every 31 days. Many processed and packaged foods are allowed, including cheeses, dried herbs, jams, baked goods, candy, chocolate, oil, vinegar, condiments, and honey. Fresh fruits and vegetables and most meats are not allowed, with exceptions for some canned items. As for alcohol, you can bring in one liter duty-free (it can be packed securely in your checked luggage, along with any other liquid-containing items).
To bring alcohol (or liquid-packed foods) in your carry-on bag on your flight home, buy it at a duty-free shop at the airport. You’ll increase your odds of getting it onto a connecting flight if it’s packaged in a “STEB”—a secure, tamper-evident bag. But stay away from liquids in opaque, ceramic, or metallic containers, which usually cannot be successfully screened (STEB or no STEB).
For details on allowable goods, customs rules, and duty rates, visit http://help.cbp.gov.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing can be hard work. Use these tips to make your visits to Austria’s finest sights meaningful, fun, efficient, and painless.
In the wake of the pandemic, be prepared for changes to hours or entry procedures; call ahead to confirm details if it seems like a museum’s website hasn’t been updated recently.
MAPS AND NAVIGATION TOOLS
A good map is essential for efficient navigation while sightseeing. The maps in this book are concise and simple, designed to help you locate recommended destinations, sights, hotels, and restaurants. In Europe, simple maps are generally free at TIs and hotels.
You can also use a mapping app on your mobile device, which provides turn-by-turn directions for walking, driving, and taking public transit. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and CityMaps2Go allow you to download maps for offline use; ideally, download the areas you’ll need before your trip. For certain features, you’ll need to be online—either using Wi-Fi or an international data plan.
PLAN AHEAD
Set up an itinerary that allows you to fit in all your must-see sights. For a one-stop look at opening hours in Vienna and Salzburg, see this book’s “At a Glance” sidebars in the Sights in Vienna and Salzburg & the Salzkammergut chapters. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, hours for museums and sights have been unstable. Both before and during your trip, confirm the latest opening days and times with the TI or on a museum or sight’s official website (listed throughout this book).
Don’t put off visiting a must-see sight—you never know when a place will close unexpectedly for a holiday, strike, or restoration. Many museums are closed or have reduced hours at least a few days a year, especially on holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s, and Labor Day (May 1). A list of holidays is in the appendix; check for possible closures during your trip. In summer, some sights may stay open late. Off-season hours may be shorter.
Going at the right time helps avoid crowds. This book offers tips on the best times to see specific sights. Try visiting popular sights very early or very late. Evening visits (when possible) are usually more peaceful, with fewer crowds. Late morning is usually the worst time to visit a popular sight.
If you plan to hire a local guide, reserve ahead by email. Popular guides can get booked up.
Study up. To get the most out of the self-guided tours and sight descriptions in this book, read them before you visit. Schönbrunn Palace is much more fascinating if you’ve polished your knowledge of the Habsburg dynasty in advance.
RESERVATIONS AND ADVANCE TICKETS
Many popular sights in Europe come with long lines—not to get in, but to buy a ticket. Visitors who buy tickets online in advance (or who have a museum pass covering these key sights) can skip the line and waltz right in. Advance tickets are generally timed-entry, meaning you’re guaranteed admission on a certain date and time.
For some sights, buying ahead is required (tickets aren’t sold at the sight and it’s the only way to get in). At other sights, buying ahead is recommended to skip the line and save time. And for many sights, advance tickets are available but unnecessary: At these uncrowded sights you can simply arrive, buy a ticket, and go in.
Don’t confuse the reservation options: available, recommended, and required. Use my advice in this book as a guide. Note any must-see sights that sell out long in advance and be prepared to buy tickets early. If you do your research, you’ll know the smart strategy.
Given how precious your vacation time is, I’d book in advance both where it’s required (as soon as your dates are firm) and where it will save time in a long line (in some cases, you can do this even on the day you plan to visit).
You’ll generally be emailed an eticket with a QR or bar code that you’ll store on your phone to scan at the entrance (if you prefer, you can print it out). At the sight, look for the ticket-holders line rather than the ticket-buying line; you may still have to wait in a security line.
Sightseeing Passes: Some cities offer sightseeing passes that include free or discounted admission to several sights. Do the math to determine if a sightseeing pass makes sense for your visit. Even with a sightseeing pass, you’ll often still need to make reservations for the most popular sights.
AT SIGHTS
Here’s what you can typically expect:
Entering: You may not be allowed to enter if you arrive too close to closing time. And guards start ushering people out well before the actual closing time, so don’t save the best for last.
Many sights have a security check. Allow extra time for these lines. Some sights require you to check day packs and coats. (If you’d rather not check your day pack, try carrying it tucked under your arm like a purse as you enter.)
At churches—which often offer interesting art (usually free) and a cool, welcome seat—a modest dress code (no bare shoulders or shorts) is encouraged, though rarely enforced.
Photography: If the museum’s photo policy isn’t clearly posted, ask a guard. Generally, taking photos without a flash or tripod is allowed. Some sights ban selfie sticks; others ban photos altogether.
Audioguides and Apps: I’ve produced free, downloadable audio tours of the major sights in Vienna and Salzburg; look for the 
in this book. For more on my audio tours, see here.
Some sights offer audioguides with useful recorded descriptions in English. In some cases, you’ll rent a device to carry around (if you bring your own plug-in earbuds, you’ll enjoy better sound). Increasingly, museums and sights instead offer an app you can download with their audioguide (often free; check websites from home and consider downloading in advance as not all sights offer free Wi-Fi).
Temporary Exhibits: Museums may show special exhibits in addition to their permanent collection. Some exhibits are included in the entry price, while others come at an extra cost (which you may have to pay even if you don’t want to see the exhibit).
Expect Changes: Artwork can be on tour, on loan, out sick, or shifted at the whim of the curator. Pick up a floor plan as you enter and ask museum staff if you can’t find a particular item.
Services: Important sights usually have a reasonably priced on-site café or cafeteria (handy and air-conditioned places to rejuvenate during a long visit). The WCs at sights are free and generally clean.
Before Leaving: At the gift shop, scan the postcard rack or thumb through a guidebook to be sure you haven’t overlooked something that you’d like to see. Every sight or museum offers more than what is covered in this book. Use the information I provide as an introduction—not the final word.
Sleeping
While accommodations in Austria are fairly expensive, they are normally very comfortable and usually include a hearty breakfast (typically an all-you-can-eat buffet). Choose from hotels; smaller, cheaper hotels and bed-and-breakfasts (called Gasthof, Gasthaus, or Pension); rooms in private homes (Privatzimmer); and hostels (Jugendherberge).
Extensive and opinionated listings of good-value rooms are a major feature of this book’s Sleeping sections. Rather than list accommodations scattered throughout a town, I choose hotels in my favorite neighborhoods that are convenient to your sightseeing.
My recommendations run the gamut, from dorm beds to luxurious rooms with all of the comforts. I like places that are clean, central, relatively quiet at night, reasonably priced, friendly, small enough to have a hands-on owner and stable staff, and run with a respect for Austrian traditions. I’m more impressed by a handy location and fun-loving philosophy than oversized TVs and a fancy gym. Most of my recommendations fall short of perfection. But if I can find a place with most of these features, it’s a keeper.
Book your accommodations as soon as your itinerary is set, especially if you want to stay at one of my top listings or if you’ll be traveling during busy times. See the appendix for a list of major holidays and festivals in Austria.
Some people make reservations a few days ahead as they travel. This approach fosters spontaneity, and booking sites make it easy to find available rooms, but—especially during busy times—you run the risk of settling for lesser-value accommodations.
RATES AND DEALS
I’ve categorized my recommended accommodations based on price, indicated with a dollar-sign rating (see sidebar). Room prices can fluctuate significantly with demand and amenities (size, views, room class, and so on), but relative price categories remain constant. City taxes, which can vary from place to place, are generally insignificant (a few dollars per person, per night).
Booking Direct: Once your dates are set, compare prices at several hotels. You can do this by checking hotel websites and booking sites such as Hotels.com or Booking.com. After you’ve zeroed in on your choice, book directly with the hotel itself. This increases the chances that the hotelier will be able to accommodate special needs or requests (such as shifting your reservation). And when you book on the hotel’s website, by email, or by phone, the owner avoids the commission paid to booking sites, giving them wiggle room to offer you a discount, a nicer room, or a free breakfast (if it’s not already included).
Getting a Discount: Some hotels extend a discount to those who pay cash or stay longer than three nights. And some accommodations offer a special discount for Rick Steves readers, indicated in this guidebook by the abbreviation “RS%.” Discounts vary: Ask for details when you reserve. Generally, to qualify for this discount, you must book direct (not through a booking site), mention this book when you reserve, show this book upon arrival, and sometimes pay cash or stay a certain number of nights. In some cases, you may need to enter a discount code (which I’ve provided in the listing) in the booking form on the hotel’s website. Rick Steves discounts apply to readers with either print or digital books. Understandably, discounts do not apply to promotional rates.
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels
In this book, the price for a double room in a hotel ranges from about €50 (very simple, toilet and shower down the hall) to €200-plus (maximum plumbing and more). Prices are higher in big cities and heavily touristed cities, and lower off the beaten path.
Some hotels can add an extra bed (for a small charge) to turn a double into a triple; some offer larger rooms for four or more people (I call these “family rooms” in the listings). If there’s space for an extra cot, they’ll cram it in for you. In general, a triple room is cheaper than the cost of a double and a single. Three or four people can economize by requesting one big room.
Room prices depend on the season and the day of the week, but peak times vary from one town to the next. In Vienna, hotels are at their priciest from May or June all the way through October; rates are also high around New Year’s Eve. In Salzburg, rates always rise significantly during the music festival (mid-July-Aug), during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, and usually around Easter. High season in Füssen and Reutte is June-September. Rates rise in the Dolomites in July, August, and around Christmas.
Arrival and Check-In: Hotels and B&Bs are sometimes located on the higher floors of a multipurpose building with a secured door. In that case, look for your hotel’s name on the buttons by the main entrance. When you ring the bell, you’ll be buzzed in.
Hotel elevators are common, though small, and some older buildings still lack them. You may have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the elevator (if so, you can ask the front desk for help carrying your bags up). When you’re inside an elevator, press “E” if you want to descend to the “ground floor” (Erdgeschoss).
Most European countries require hotels to collect your name, nationality, and passport number. At check-in, the receptionist might ask for your passport and may keep it for several hours. If you’re not comfortable leaving your passport at the desk, bring a copy to give them instead.
If you’re arriving in the morning, your room probably won’t be ready. Check your bag safely at the hotel and dive right into sightseeing.
In Your Room: Most hotel rooms have a TV and free Wi-Fi, which can vary in strength and quality. Simpler places rarely have a room phone.
Air-conditioning is rare, but if you’re here during a heat spell, ask to borrow a fan. Learn how the windows work: You’ll often find the windows tipped open from the top to air out the room, with the window handle pointing up. To close the window, push it in and rotate the handle so it points down. The third handle position is horizontal, which lets you swing the entire window open.
Most hotels have gone completely nonsmoking. Some hotels have nonsmoking rooms or floors—let them know your preference when you book.
Breakfast and Meals: Most Austrian hotels and pensions include breakfast in the room price. Some offer paid breakfast as an optional add-on.
Checking Out: While it’s customary to pay for your room upon departure, it can be a good idea to settle your bill the day before, when you’re not in a hurry and while the manager’s in.
Hotelier Help: Hoteliers can be a good source of advice. Most know their city well and can assist you with everything from public transit and airport connections to finding a good restaurant, the nearest launderette, or a late-night pharmacy.
Hotel Hassles: Even at the best places, mechanical breakdowns occur: sinks leak, hot water turns cold, toilets may gurgle or smell, or the Wi-Fi goes out. Report your concerns clearly and calmly at the front desk.
If you find that night noise is a problem (if, for instance, your room is over a nightclub or facing a busy street), ask for a quieter room in the back or on an upper floor. To guard against theft in your room, keep valuables out of sight. Some rooms come with a safe, and other hotels have safes at the front desk. I’ve never bothered using one and in a lifetime of travel, I’ve never had anything stolen from my room.
For more complicated problems, don’t expect instant results. Above all, keep a positive attitude. Remember, you’re on vacation. If your hotel is a disappointment, spend more time out enjoying the place you came to see.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses—the Austrian equivalent to B&Bs—are small, warm, family-run accommodations. Known as Pensionen, Gasthäuser, or Gasthöfe in German, they are very common in areas popular with travelers (such as Austria’s Tirol, Salzkammergut Lake District, and Salzburg; northern Italy’s Dolomites; and Germany’s Bavaria). Compared to hotels, a guesthouse gives you double the cultural intimacy for half the price. While you may lose some of the conveniences of a hotel—such as in-room phones, frequent bed-sheet changes, and the ease of paying with a credit card—I happily make the trade-off for the lower rates and personal touches.
Guesthouses range in size, with anywhere from 3 to 10 rooms (sometimes more). Many serve up a hearty breakfast. The smallest establishments are private homes with rooms (Privatzimmer) rented out to travelers for as little as €20 per person. In general, you can expect rooms in guesthouses to be clean, comfortable, and simple, though usually homey.
Rooms can run the gamut. Some are suite-like, with multiple rooms, separate entrances, and private baths. Others are spare bedrooms in family homes, with no in-room plumbing (but you have access to the bathroom and shower in the home).
Austrians depend heavily on expensive imported fuel and are very aware of their energy use. You’ll endear yourself to your hosts if you turn off lights when you leave and avoid excessively long showers.
Finding and booking a guesthouse is no different than reserving a hotel. Even most smaller places are listed on hotel-booking websites—but a direct booking is especially appreciated at mom-and-pop places, and will likely net you a better price. Private rooms are also available through Airbnb-type services (described next). If you haven’t booked ahead, when you arrive at your destination, look for signs that say Zimmer frei, which means rooms are available; Zimmer belegt means no vacancy.
Short-Term Rentals
A short-term rental—whether an apartment, a house, or a room in a private residence—is a popular alternative, especially if you plan to settle in one location for several nights. For stays longer than a few days, you can usually find a rental that’s comparable to—and cheaper than—a hotel room with similar amenities. Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes peek into how locals live.
Many places require a minimum stay and have strict cancellation policies. And you’re generally on your own: There’s no reception desk, breakfast, or daily cleaning service.
Finding Accommodations: Websites such as Airbnb, Flipkey, Booking.com, and VRBO let you browse a wide range of properties. Alternatively, rental agencies such as InterhomeUSA.com and RentaVilla.com can provide a more personalized service (their curated listings are also more expensive).
Before you commit, be clear on the location. I like to virtually “explore” the neighborhood using Google Street View. Also consider the proximity to public transportation and how well connected it is with the rest of the city. Ask about amenities (elevator, air-conditioning, laundry, Wi-Fi, parking, etc.). Reviews from previous guests can help identify trouble spots.
Think about the kind of experience you want: Just a key and an affordable bed...or a chance to get to know a local? Some hosts offer self check-in and minimal contact; others enjoy interacting with you. Read the description and reviews to help shape your decision.
Confirming and Paying: Many places require payment in full before your trip, usually through the listing site. Be wary of owners who want to take your transaction offline; this gives you no recourse if things go awry. Never agree to wire money (a key indicator of a fraudulent transaction).
Apartments or Houses: If you’re staying in one place for several nights, it’s worth considering an apartment or rental house. Apartment or house rentals can be especially cost-effective for groups and families. European apartments, like hotel rooms, tend to be small by US standards. But they often come with laundry facilities and small, equipped kitchens, making it easier and cheaper to dine in.
In rural areas, you can find reasonably priced vacation rentals (Ferienwohnungen), ideal for families and small groups who want to explore a region. This kind of arrangement is very popular with Austrian vacationers. You usually get a suite of two or three rooms with a kitchen. Owners discourage short stays and usually require a minimum rental period (3-5 days), and sometimes a deposit.
Rooms in Private Homes: Renting a room in someone’s home is a good option for those traveling alone, as you’re more likely to find true single rooms—with just one single bed, and a price to match. These can range from air-mattress-in-living-room basic to plush-B&B-suite posh. While you can’t expect your host to also be your tour guide—or even to provide you with much info—some are interested in sharing travel tips and getting to know the travelers who pass through their home.
Other Options: Swapping homes with a local works for people with an appealing place to offer (don’t assume where you live is not interesting to Europeans). Good places to start are HomeExchange and LoveHomeSwap.com. To sleep for free, Couchsurfing.com is a vagabond’s alternative to Airbnb. It lists millions of outgoing members, who host fellow “surfers” in their homes.
Hostels
A hostel (Jugendherberge) provides cheap beds where you sleep alongside strangers for about €25 per night. Travelers of any age are welcome if they don’t mind dorm-style accommodations and meeting other travelers. Most hostels offer kitchen facilities, guest computers, Wi-Fi, and a self-service laundry. Hostels almost always provide bedding, but the towel’s up to you (though you can usually rent one). Family and private rooms are often available.
Independent hostels tend to be easygoing, colorful, and informal (no membership required; www.hostelworld.com). You may pay slightly less by booking directly with the hostel. Official hostels are part of Hostelling International (HI) and share an online booking site (www.hihostels.com). HI hostels typically require that you be a member or else pay a bit more per night.
Eating
Traditional Austrian cuisine is heavy, meaty, hearty, and borrows much from the cuisines of neighboring Hungary, Bohemia (western Czech Republic), and Germany. Food here is tasty and inexpensive, but can get monotonous if you fall into a schnitzel-filled rut. Be adventurous. If you need variety, you’ll find that all but the smallest towns have restaurants serving non-Austrian cuisine.
For listings in this guidebook, I look for restaurants that are convenient to your hotel and sightseeing. When restaurant-hunting, choose a spot filled with locals, not the place with the big neon signs boasting, “We Speak English and Accept Credit Cards.” Venturing even a block or two off the main drag leads to higher-quality food for a better price.
RESTAURANT PRICING
I’ve categorized my recommended eateries based on the average price of a typical main course, indicated with a dollar-sign rating (see sidebar). Obviously, expensive specialties, fine wine, appetizers, and dessert can significantly increase your final bill.
The categories also indicate the personality of a place: Budget eateries include street food, takeaway, order-at-the-counter shops, basic cafeterias, and bakeries selling sandwiches. Moderate eateries are nice (but not fancy) sit-down restaurants, ideal for a pleasant meal with good-quality food. Most of my listings fall in this category—great for a taste of the local cuisine at a reasonable price.
Pricier eateries are a notch up, with more attention paid to the setting, presentation, and (often inventive) cuisine. Splurge eateries are dress-up-for-a-special-occasion swanky—typically with an elegant setting, polished service, and pricey and refined cuisine.
BREAKFAST
Most Austrian hotels and pensions include breakfast in the room price and pride themselves on laying out an attractive buffet spread. (However, some hotels, especially in cities, let you choose whether to pay extra for breakfast.) Even if you’re not a big breakfast eater, take advantage of the buffet to fortify yourself for a day of sightseeing. Expect sliced bread, rolls, pastries, cereal, yogurt, cold cuts, cheese, and fruit. You’ll always find coffee, tea, and some sort of Saft (juice). Along with orange, apple, and grapefruit, multivitamin juice is popular. This sweet, smooth blend of various fruits is less acidic than a citrus juice. A bottle of mineral water is standing by to mix with any juice to turn it into a G’spritzter.
For breakfast, most Austrians like bread or rolls topped with cheese or cold cuts and/or a bowl of Müsli (an oat cereal like granola, but less sweet), sometimes mixed with corn flakes. Instead of pouring milk over cereal, most Austrians begin with a dollop of yogurt (or Quark—sweet curds that resemble yogurt), then sprinkle the cereal on top. Bircher Müsli is a healthy mix of oats, nuts, yogurt, and fruit. To make a local-style open-faced sandwich for breakfast, layer toppings such as Schinken (ham), Streichwurst (meat spread, often Leberwurst—liver pâté), and Käse (cheese) on a slice of bread or a roll.
If a buffet has eggs, they’re most likely boiled (gekochte Eier). To eat one as the Austrians do, set the egg in its stand, gently break the shell around its perimeter, remove the top half of the shell, salt it, and eat it as if from a tiny bowl. Hard-boiled eggs (hartgekochte Eier) are often served with rémoulade (similar to tartar sauce). Buffets in larger hotels might have Rühreier (scrambled eggs) or Spiegeleier (fried eggs—literally “mirror eggs”—typically sunny-side up).
In some hotels, a small garbage can is set on the table for you to dispose of trash as you eat.
LUNCH AND DINNER
Austrians eat lunch and dinner about when we do, though they tend to eat a bigger lunch and a smaller dinner.
Most restaurants tack a menu onto their door for browsers and have an English menu inside. In summer, look for a place with outdoor seating so you can join the locals. Once you’re seated, take your time—only a rude server will rush you. Good service is relaxed (slow to an American).
Traditional restaurants aren’t your only option. In Vienna, balmy evenings drive people into the hills to enjoy wine gardens (Heurigen) surrounded by fields of grapevines (see here). Hotels often serve fine food. A Gaststätte is a simple, less-expensive restaurant.
Or try a Beisl (BYE-zul), the Viennese word for a pub that serves food. There’s one in every neighborhood, filled with poetry teachers and their students, couples deep in conversation, students on their way home from cello lessons, and servers who enjoy bringing out hearty food and drinks at an affordable price. Ask your hotel to recommend a good Beisl. For most travelers, a visit to one of Vienna’s grand cafés is a must; see here for details.
Though Austrians are typically health-conscious, many starchy, high-fat, high-calorie traditional foods remain staples on restaurant menus. As a new generation takes over their grandparents’ restaurants and inns, however, it’s becoming easier to find lighter versions of the meaty standards—and organic ingredients are getting more popular. Order house specials whenever possible. (For a rundown of common dishes, see “Austrian Cuisine,” later.)
Most restaurants offer a “Menü”—a fixed-price meal—at lunchtime on weekdays (typically around €10 for a main course plus soup or salad). For smaller portions, order from the kleine Hunger (small hunger) section of the menu.
Take note: You might be charged for bread you’ve eaten from the basket on the table; have the waiter take it away if you don’t want it. To wish others “Happy eating!” offer a cheery “Guten Appetit!” When you want the bill, say, “Rechnung (REHKH-noong), bitte.”
Tipping: At Austrian restaurants that have a wait staff, a service charge is generally included in the bill, although it’s common to round up after a good meal (usually 5-10 percent; for an €18.50 meal, pay €20). Rather than leaving coins behind on the table (considered slightly rude), Austrians usually pay directly: When the server comes by with the bill, simply hand over paper money, stating the total you’d like to pay. For example, if paying for a €10 meal with a €20 bill, while handing your money to the server, say “Eleven, please” (or “Elf, bitte” if you’ve got your German numbers down). The server will keep a €1 tip and give you €9 in change. Or just hand over the rounded-up amount and say “Danke,” signaling that you don’t want any change.
Lately, many restaurants—especially those in well-touristed areas—have added a “Tip is not included” line, in English, to the bottom of the bill. This is misleading, as the prices on any menu in Austria do include service. I wouldn’t tip one cent more at a restaurant that includes this note on the bill. (Supposedly the trend’s been prompted by an influx of tourists from cultures where it’s not customary to round up...though I’ve seen servers circle the “tip not included” line before presenting the bill to Americans, who are known to overtip.) Many locals are rebelling by tipping far less generously at eateries using this approach.
Budget Tips
In Austria, you’re never far from a Würstelstand, which sells inexpensive sausages (for common types of wurst, see “Best of the Wurst,” later). Most bakeries and supermarkets sell cheap sandwiches; look for Leberkäsesemmel (similar to a bologna sandwich) as well as Schnitzelsemmel (schnitzel sandwich). Supermarkets have prepared foods that are good for picnics. Stehcafés (food counters) usually offer open-face finger sandwiches (belegte Brote) with a wide array of toppings. For a quick, cheap bite, have a deli make you a Wurstsemmel—a basic sausage sandwich. Other budget eateries include department-store cafeterias, Schnellimbiss (fast-food) stands, and university cafeterias (Mensas).
International Cuisine
International restaurants provide a welcome break from Austrian fare. It’s easy to find Italian restaurants and pizzerias. Otherwise, most foreign cuisine is newly arrived with recent immigrants. Asian and Turkish food is a good value, and there are also Middle Eastern fast-food options. Döner kebab kiosks are especially popular. Originally from Turkey, döner kebab (shaved meat and vegetables served in pita bread) is a classic takeout meal for locals.
AUSTRIAN CUISINE
Much “Austrian” cooking is actually a mix of influences and flavors—the legacy of a crumbled empire, which included Hungary and Bohemia (where Austrian cuisine gets its goulash and dumplings).
Specialties
Traditional Austrian dishes tend to be meat-heavy (although fish is very popular and generally good in this landlocked country). The classic Austrian dish—and a stand-by on menus—is Wiener schnitzel (a veal cutlet that’s been pounded flat, breaded, and fried). Pork schnitzel, which is cheaper, is also common. Austrian Gulasch, a meat stew, is a favorite comfort food. Sausage (Wurst) is also a staple.
Chicken (Huhn) is usually served grilled or breaded and baked. Pork (Schwein) comes in many forms. Beef appears in goulash, as schnitzel, and in the Viennese Tafelspitz. Wild game (Wildbret or Wild), such as Reh and Hirsch (venison) or Gams (chamois or wild goat), is usually served in fall in meat sauces with pasta or as an entrée.
Here are a few other specialties to look out for:
Eintopf: Hearty stew with lots of vegetables, potatoes, and meat combined in “one pot”
Fleischlaberln or Faschierte Laibchen: Fried ground-meat patties
Geräucherte Schweinelende: Pork loin that is first smoked, then boiled
Geschnetzeltes: Diced meat (usually chicken or veal) in a rich, creamy sauce, often with mushrooms
Gulasch: Thick, meaty stew spiced with onion and paprika
Krautrouladen: Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat
Kümmelbraten: Crispy roast pork with caraway
Leberkäse: Finely ground corned beef, pork, bacon, and onions that’s baked as a loaf (like a bologna sausage)
Leberknödel: Liver dumplings
Marend: Platter of cured meats and hard cheeses (Tirol); called Brettljause in the rest of Austria
Naturschnitzel: Variation of Wiener schnitzel without the breading; served with rice and sauce
Rouladen or Rindsrouladen: Strip of beef rolled up with bacon, onion, and pickles, then braised
Schlachtplatte or Schlachtschüssel: “Butcher’s plate”—usually blood sausage, Leberwurst, and other meat over hot sauerkraut
Schopfbraten: Oven-roasted pork shoulder with gravy
Schweinsbraten: Roasted pork served with dumplings and sauerkraut
Selchkarree: Salted, slightly smoked pork
Speckpalatschinken: Large, savory crêpe with bacon
Stelze: Roasted pork knuckle, usually garnished with potatoes
Tafelspitz: Boiled beef, served with vegetables
Best of the Wurst
Sausage (Wurst) is a staple here. Most restaurants offer it (often as the cheapest thing on the menu), but it’s more commonly eaten at a takeout stand (Würstelstand). Options go far beyond the hometown hot dog, and most are pork-based. Generally, the darker the weenie, the spicier it is.
Sausages can be boiled or grilled. The generic term Bratwurst simply means “grilled sausage.” Brühwurst is boiled. While some types of wurst can be found all over, others are unique to a particular area.
At sausage stands, wurst usually comes in or with a roll (Semmel—not your typical hot-dog bun). You might be given the choice of a slice of bread (Brot), a pretzel (Breze), or, in restaurants, potato salad.
Sauces and sides include Senf (mustard; ask for süss—sweet, or scharf—spicy), ketchup or curry-ketchup (Currysauce—curry-infused ketchup), Kraut (sauerkraut), and sometimes horseradish (called Kren in Austria and southern Germany).
When surveying your options, knowing these terms may help:
Berner-Würstel: Filled with cheese and wrapped with bacon
Blutwurst or Blunzn: Blood sausage
Bosna: Spicy sausage with onions and sometimes curry
Burenwurst or Burenheidl: Pork sausage similar to what we’d call “kielbasa”
Debreziner: Long, lightly smoked sausage flavored with paprika
Frankfurter: A skinny, pink, boiled sausage—the ancestor of our hot dog (also called Sacherwürstel)
Käsekrainer: Boiled, with melted cheese inside
Knackwurst: Similar to American knockwurst (called Salzburger in western Austria)
Waldviertler: Smoked sausage, served with mustard and horseradish
Weisswurst: Boiled white sausage—peel off the casing before you eat it—served with sweet mustard and a pretzel (found mostly in Bavaria). If it’s frisch (fresh), you’re supposed to “eat it before the noon bell tolls”
Soups, Starches, and Sides
Austrians are fond of soup. Lunch specials at restaurants often include soup and a main course. Dumplings in soup are common (such as Speckknödel); Frittatensuppe is another favorite (both described next). For a meal-sized salad, order a Salatteller.
Eiernockerl: Little egg noodles (like Spätzle); often served with melted cheese and fried onions as a stand-alone meal
Erdapfel: Potato; Erdäpfelnidei are potato dumplings
Frittatensuppe (“pancake soup”): Beef broth garnished with thin strips of crêpe
Geröstete Knödel: Roasted dumplings
Rotkraut: Sweetish red-cabbage sauerkraut
Schinkenfleckerl: Ham and noodle casserole
Spargel: Big, white or green asparagus in season in May and June
Speckknödel: Dumplings with ham or bacon mixed into the dough, often served in broth
Schlutzkrapfen: Spinach-stuffed ravioli (Tirol)
Pastries and Sweets
Make sure to visit a bakery (Bäckerei) or pastry shop (Konditorei) to browse the selection of fresh pastries (Feingebäck) and cakes. Strudel is everywhere, but the selection goes well beyond the familiar Apfelstrudel. Cakes, pastries, and pies are often loaded with fresh fruits, raisins, nuts, and/or Mohn (poppy-seed filling).
Buchteln: Sweet pull-apart yeast buns, traditionally filled with jam or topped with baked fruit; called Rohrnudeln in Bavaria
Esterhazytorte: Layer cake of liqueur-flavored buttercream and almond or hazelnut dough, topped with white icing and elegant chocolate designs
Germknödel: Steamed dumplings filled with plum jam (a cousin of the German Dampfnudeln)
Kaiserschmarrn: Thick, fluffy, caramelized crêpe that’s pulled apart into pieces; usually prepared with fruit compote, raisins, and/or nuts and topped with powdered sugar (the name is a pun, meaning “Emperor’s nonsense”)
Kardinalschnitte (“Cardinal’s slice”): Layers of cream, spongey meringue, and often jam, made to resemble the pope’s robes
Kipferl: Crescent-shaped yeast roll; sweet versions like Vanillekipferl are dusted with vanilla sugar and typical at Christmas
Krapfen: Doughnut filled with jam or cream, particularly popular for Faschingsdienstag (Fat Tuesday)
Malakov Torte: Layer cake made from whipped cream and ladyfingers, with sliced almonds on top
Mohnzelten: Savory pastry filled with sweet poppy-seed paste, popular on the border of Austria and the Czech Republic
Mozartkugeln: Confectionary balls of marzipan, hazelnut, and cream, covered in chocolate (see sidebar later)
Palatschinken: Thin, rolled-up crêpes, either sweet (filled with jams, jellies, Nutella) or savory (filled with Speck, spinach)
Prügeltorte or Baumkuchen: Spit-roasted cylindrical cake made over an open fire
Punschkrapfen (“Punch cake”): Cake squares layered with jam and soaked in rum, topped with a pink rum icing
Sacher Torte: Vienna’s famous chocolate cake—dense and layered with apricot jam
Salzburger Nockerl: Soufflé shaped like mountain peaks and dusted with powdered sugar (like snow), often served with raspberry sauce
Topfenstrudel: Wafer-thin strudel filled with sweet cheese and raisins
Zwetschkenfleck (“Plum patch”): Similar to Apfelstrudel, but with plums
Beverages
For most visitors, it’s not only the rich pastries that provide the fondest memories of Austrian cuisine, but the coffee, wine, and beer as well. Menus typically list drink sizes by the deciliter (dl, a tenth of a liter): 2 deciliters is a small glass, and 4 or 5 deciliters is a larger one. For beer sizes, see “Beer,” later.
Water, Juice, and Soft Drinks
Tap water (Leitungswasser) is sometimes served for a nominal fee (about €0.50), but waiters would prefer that you buy Mineralwasser (mit/ohne Gas—with/without carbonation). Half-liter mineral-water bottles are available everywhere for about €1. (I refill my water bottle with tap water.)
Popular soft drinks include Apfelsaft gespritzt (apple juice with sparkling water), Spezi (Coke and orange soda), and the über-Austrian Almdudler (a thirst-quenching soda similar to ginger ale). In cafés, look for Himbeersoda (raspberry soda) and the refreshing Holunder gespritzt (elderberry juice mixed with sparkling water).
Coffee
As in Italy and France, coffee drinks in Austria are espresso-based. Kaffee means coffee and Milch is milk; Obers is cream, while Schlagobers is whipped cream. Here are some Austrian coffee terms: Use them elsewhere, and you’ll probably get a funny look (some are unique just to Vienna).
Schwarzer or Mokka: Straight, black espresso; order it kleiner (small) or grosser (big)
Verlängeter (“lengthened”): Espresso with water, like an Americano
Brauner: With a little milk
Schale Gold (“golden cup”): With a little cream (Vienna)
Mélange: Like a cappuccino
Franziskaner: A Mélange with whipped cream rather than foamed milk, often topped with chocolate flakes
Kapuziner: Strong coffee with a dollop of sweetened cream
Verkehrt (“inverted”) or Milchkaffee: Two-thirds milk and one-third coffee (Vienna)
Einspänner (“buggy”): With lots and lots of whipped cream, served in a glass with a handle (It was the drink of horse-and-buggy drivers, who only had one hand free.)
Fiaker (“horse-and-buggy driver”): Black, served with a sliwowitz (plum schnapps) or rum (Vienna)
(Wiener) Eiskaffee: Coffee with ice cream
Maria Theresia: Coffee with orange liqueur
Wine
Austria specializes in fine boutique wines that are generally not exported and therefore not well-known. Locals order white or red Austrian wines expecting quality equal to French and Italian wines. When in Austria, I go for the better local wines; they’re well worth the cost (generally about €4 per small glass). The wine (65 percent white) from the Danube River Valley and eastern Austria is particularly good.
Try Grüner Veltliner if you like a dry white wine. Among red wines, locals favor Blauer Zweigelt and Blaufräkisch. Traubenmost is a heavenly grape juice—alcohol-free but on the verge of wine. Most is the same thing, but lightly alcoholic (can also be an apple cider). Sturm is “new wine,” stronger than Most, available only in autumn, and central to the Heuriger phenomenon (described on here). In fall, try the red “new” wine, roter Sturm; it’s so fruity that locals say “Eat up!” when toasting with it. Another specialty is the rosé Schilcher Sturm.
You can order wine by the glass in two sizes: the Viertel (quarter-liter, 8 oz) or Achtel (eighth-liter, 4 oz). To ask for a glass of white wine, say “Ein Achtel Weisswein, bitte.”
Rotwein: Red wine
Weisswein: White wine
Gespritzter Wein or gespritzte Weisse: Spritzer made with equal portions of white wine and sparkling water; for less wine and more water, ask for a Sommerspritzer
Sekt: Sparkling wine
Süss: Sweet
Trocken: Dry
Halbtrocken: Medium
Beer
While better known for its wine than its beer, Austria offers plenty of fun for beer drinkers. Each region is proud of its local breweries—in Vienna, try Ottakringer; in Salzburg, look for Stiegl and Augustiner Bräu; and in Tirol, check out Frastanzer and Fohrenburger. Lager (called Märzen here) is popular, as are Pils (barley-based), Weissbier (yeasty and wheat-based), and Bock (hoppy seasonal ale). Dark beer (Dunkles) is not common in Austria, but easy to find if you make a foray into Bavaria. Designated drivers can try Ottakringer’s delicious nonalcoholic beer, called “Null Komma Josef.” Malzbier is the malted soft drink that children learn on. Radler is beer and lemon soda.
At stores, half-liter bottles of beer require a deposit (Pfand; usually €0.15 or €0.25—listed in small print on the shelf’s price label), which is refunded if you return the bottle for recycling. You can generally return bottles to any supermarket, provided the bottle is a type they sell. Some stores have vending machine-like bottle-return stations that issue a coupon after you insert your bottles (redeem when you pay for your groceries). If you don’t want to bother getting your deposit back but do care about recycling, set the bottle on top of or right next to any trash can, whether on the street or in your hotel room. Chances are someone will collect it for the extra cash.
Here are some terms for ordering beer:
Ein Pfiff: Fifth-liter (about 7 oz)
Ein Seidel: Third-liter (10 oz)
Ein Krügerl: Half-liter (17 oz)
Eine Mass: A whole liter (about a quart)
Flaschenbier: Bottled
Vom Fass: On tap
Staying Connected
One of the most common questions I hear from travelers is, “How can I stay connected in Europe?” The short answer? More easily and affordably than you might think.
The simplest solution is to bring your own device—phone, tablet, or laptop—and use it much as you would at home, following the money-saving tips below, such as getting an international plan or connecting to free Wi-Fi whenever possible. Another option is to buy a European SIM card for your mobile phone. Or you can use European landlines and computers to connect. More details are at RickSteves.com/phoning.
USING YOUR PHONE IN EUROPE
Here are some budget tips and options.
Sign up for an international plan. To stay connected at a lower cost, sign up for an international service plan through your carrier. Most providers offer a simple bundle that includes calling, messaging, and data. Your normal plan may already include international coverage (for example, T-Mobile’s covers data and text, but not voice calls).
Before your trip, research your provider’s international rates. Activate the plan a day or two before you leave, then remember to cancel it when your trip’s over.
Use free Wi-Fi whenever possible. Unless you have an unlimited-data plan, save most of your online tasks for Wi-Fi. Most accommodations in Europe offer free Wi-Fi. Many cafés (including Starbucks and McDonald’s) offer hotspots for customers; ask for the password when you buy something. You may also find Wi-Fi at TIs, city squares, major museums, public-transit hubs, airports, and aboard trains and buses.
Minimize the use of your cellular network. The best way to make sure you’re not accidentally burning through data is to put your device in “airplane” mode (which also disables phone calls and texts) and connect to Wi-Fi as needed. When you need to get online but can’t find Wi-Fi, simply turn on your cellular network (or turn off airplane mode) just long enough for the task at hand.
Even with an international data plan, wait until you’re on Wi-Fi to Skype or FaceTime, download apps, stream videos, or do other megabyte-greedy tasks. Using a navigation app such as Google Maps over a cellular network can require lots of data, so download maps when you’re on Wi-Fi, then use the app offline.
Limit automatic updates. By default, your device constantly checks for a data connection and updates app content. Check your device’s settings menu for ways to turn this off, and change your email settings from “auto-retrieve” to “manual” (or from “push” to “fetch”).
Use Wi-Fi calling and messaging apps. Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet are great for making free or low-cost calls or sending texts over Wi-Fi worldwide. Just log on to a Wi-Fi network, then connect with friends, family members, or local contacts who use the same service.
Buy a European SIM card. If you anticipate making a lot of local calls, need a local phone number, or your provider’s international data rates are expensive, consider buying a SIM card in Europe to replace the one in your (unlocked) US phone or tablet. SIM cards are sold at department-store electronics counters, some newsstands (you may need to show your passport), and vending machines. If you need help setting it up, buy one at a mobile-phone shop.
There are generally no roaming charges when using a European SIM card in other EU countries, but confirm when you buy.
Here’s how to dial from anywhere in the US or Europe, using the phone number of one of my recommended Vienna hotels as an example (01 534 050). If dialing internationally, drop the initial 0 from the number. If a number starts with 0, drop it when dialing internationally (except when calling Italy).
Phone numbers in this book are presented exactly as you would dial them from a US mobile phone. For international access, press and hold the 0 (zero) to get a + sign, then dial the country code (43 for Austria) and phone number.
To call the Vienna hotel from any location, dial +43 1 534 050.
Replace + with 011 (US/Canada access code), then dial the country code (43 for Austria) and phone number.
To call the Vienna hotel from your home landline, dial 011 43 1 534 050.
Replace + with 00 (Europe access code), then dial the country code (43 for Austria, 1 for the US) and phone number.
To call the Vienna hotel from a Swiss landline, dial 00 43 1 534 050.
To call my US office from an Austrian landline, dial 00 1 425 771 8303.
To place a domestic call (from an Austrian landline or mobile), drop +43 and dial the phone number (including the initial 0).
To call the Vienna hotel from Salzburg, dial 01 534 050.
Local Numbers: European phone numbers and area codes can vary in length and spacing, even within the same country.
Toll and Toll-Free Calls: It’s generally not possible to dial European toll or toll-free numbers from a US mobile or landline (although you can sometimes get through using Skype). Look for a direct-dial number instead.
Calling the US from a US Mobile Phone, While Abroad: Dial +1, area code, and number.
More Phoning Help: See HowToCallAbroad.com.
WITHOUT A MOBILE PHONE
It’s less convenient but possible to travel in Europe without a mobile device. You can make calls from your hotel and check email or get online using public computers.
Most hotels charge a fee for placing calls. You can use a prepaid international phone card (usually available at newsstands, tobacco shops, and train stations) to call out from your hotel.
Some hotels have public computers in their lobby for guests to use; otherwise you may find them at public libraries (ask your hotelier or the TI for the nearest location). On a European keyboard, use the “Alt Gr” key to the right of the space bar to insert the extra symbol that appears on some keys. If you can’t locate a special character (such as @), simply copy and paste it from a web page.
You can mail one package per day to yourself worth up to $200 duty-free from Europe to the US (mark it “personal purchases”). If you’re sending a gift to someone, mark it “unsolicited gift.” For details, visit www.cbp.gov, select “Travel,” and search for “Know Before You Go.” The Austrian postal service works fine, but for quick transatlantic delivery (in either direction), consider services such as DHL (DHL.com).
Transportation
Figuring out how to get around in Europe is one of your biggest trip decisions. Cars work well for two or more traveling together (especially families with small kids), those packing heavy, and those delving into the countryside. Trains and buses are best for solo travelers, blitz tourists, city-to-city travelers, and those who want to leave the driving to others. Short-hop flights within Europe can creatively connect the dots. Be aware of the potential downside of each option: A car is an expensive headache in any major city; with trains and buses you’re at the mercy of a timetable; flying entails a trek to and from a usually distant airport and leaves a larger carbon footprint.
If your itinerary mixes cities and countryside, my advice is to connect cities by train and to explore rural areas by rental car. Arrange to pick up your car in the last big city you’ll visit, then use it to lace together small towns and explore the countryside. For more detailed information on transportation throughout Europe, see RickSteves.com/transportation.
TRAINS
Austrian trains—most operated by Austrian Railways (a.k.a. Österreichische Bundesbahn, or ÖBB)—are generally speedy and fairly punctual, with synchronized connections; all are nonsmoking. They cover cities well, but some frustrating schedules make a few out-of-the-way recommendations not worth the time and trouble for the less determined (www.oebb.at).
Types of Trains
Austrian Railways’ several classes of trains differ substantially in speed, comfort, and price. Its newest, fastest, and reddest train, the Railjet, streaks between Budapest, Vienna, Innsbruck, and Zürich, and also connects Vienna to Prague and Munich. Red regional trains (labeled R and REX on schedules) are the slowest—the milk-run R trains stop at every small station—but cost much less. Midlevel, usually white IC and EC trains are air-conditioned, but are older than the Railjets and German ICE trains (and don’t always have outlets for your laptop).
The private Westbahn company (www.westbahn.at) runs blue-and-white express trains about as fast as the Railjet between Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, and Innsbruck. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn trains run into Austria and Italy’s Dolomites (www.bahn.com).
ÖBB’s Nightjet (www.nightjet.com) operates most of the international overnight trains in western Europe, connecting Austria and Germany to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, plus cities in Italy and Switzerland.
Schedules
Schedules vary by season, weekday, and weekend. Verify Austrian Railways times listed in this book at www.oebb.at, www.bahn.com (Germany’s excellent Europe-wide timetable site, easier to navigate), or ÖBB’s “Scotty” app (schedules, maps, and route planning for all transportation in Austria).
At staffed train stations, attendants will print out a step-by-step itinerary for you, free of charge. Schedules are also posted at stations. The trackside machines marked Fahrkarten show prices but do not give schedule information.
If you’re changing trains en route and have a tight connection, note the numbers of the platforms (Bahnsteig or Gleis) where you will arrive and depart (listed on itineraries). This will save you precious time hunting for your connecting train.
To reach Austria’s train information number from anywhere in the country, dial toll +43 51 717 (to get an operator, dial 2, then 2) and ask for an English speaker.
Rail Passes
The Eurail Austria pass can be a good value if you’re making several train journeys within Austria. If you’re also traveling beyond Austria, consider the Eurail Global Pass, covering most of Europe. If you buy two separate passes for neighboring countries, note that you’ll use a travel day on each when crossing the border.
Your Austria rail pass covers certain extras, such as discounts on Danube boats. Flexipass holders should note that fully covered (“free”) trips start the use of a travel day, while discounted trips do not. Seat reservations are not required on daytime trains except in the ritzy Railjet business compartment. Optional seat reservations in first or second class cost €3-4.50 extra.
For more detailed advice on figuring out the smartest rail pass options for your trip, visit RickSteves.com/rail.
Point-to-Point Tickets
Ticket fares are shown in the “Rail Passes and Train Travel in Austria” sidebar, and at www.oebb.at. Bikes cost an extra 10 percent on top of your train fare (also requires €3 advance reservation for long-distance trains).
Buying Tickets: Major Austrian stations have a handy Reisezentrum (travel center) where you can ask questions and buy tickets. Many smaller stations are unstaffed, with tickets sold only from machines (marked Fahrkarten, “tickets”). You can pay with bills, coins, or credit cards. Boarding a local train without a ticket can earn you a hefty fine if you could have bought a ticket at the station where you boarded. Westbahn tickets are sold only through its own outlets (or onboard for a €3.10 fee).
It’s worth knowing about a few special ticket deals that can save you some money:
Daypass: Austrian Railways’ Einfach-Raus-Ticket (“Just Get Outta Here” ticket) is a cheap way for couples and small groups to travel. It’s valid only on slower regional trains: R, REX, S-Bahn, RSB, ER, and EZ (€34 for 2 people, €4 for each additional person up to 5 total, €9 extra with bikes—no matter how many, covers whole day of travel except not valid Mon-Fri before 9:00, cannot be used by solo travelers).
Will you be better off buying a rail pass or point-to-point tickets? It pays to know your options and choose what’s best for your itinerary.
A Eurail Austria Pass lets you travel by train in Austria for three to eight days (consecutively or not) within a one-month period. Austria is also covered (along with most of Europe) by the classic Eurail Global Pass.
Discounted rates are offered for seniors (age 60 and up) and youths (ages 12-27). Up to two kids (ages 4-11) can travel free with each adult-rate pass (but not with senior rates). All passes offer a choice of first or second class for all ages.
Austria is also a key element in the independent European East Pass.
While most rail passes are delivered electronically, it’s smart to get your pass sorted before leaving home. For more on rail passes, including current prices and purchasing, visit RickSteves.com/rail.
For short trips, buying individual point-to-point tickets may save you money over a pass. Use this map to add up approximate pay-as-you-go fares for your itinerary, and compare that to the price of a rail pass. Keep in mind that significant discounts on point-to-point tickets may be available with advance purchase. Private rail competitors may be cheaper than the national railway (for instance, Westbahn’s Vienna-Salzburg route).
Map shows approximate costs, in US dollars, for one-way, second-class tickets on faster trains.
Discount Card: Many Austrians have a Vorteils card, which knocks 50 percent off all rail fares. The adult version (€99, or €66 for a mobile-only version; valid one year) isn’t worth it for most travelers, but the youth version (under 26 only, €19) and senior version (age 65 and above, €29) pay for themselves with just one trip from Vienna to Innsbruck. The family version (€19 per accompanying adult) is also a great deal—adults get the 50 percent discount and each can take up to 4 kids ages 6-14 for free (kids named on the card need not be related; normally they’d pay half the adult fare). To get a Vorteils card, go to any station ticket counter; you’ll get a temporary card on the spot that’s valid for two months (the permanent card will be sent to your address back home).
Advance-Purchase Discounts: If you book online at www.oebb.at at least three days in advance, Austrian Railways offers “SparSchiene” fares that can be as low as €10 domestically and €15 internationally. Availability is limited, and these tickets lock you into a departure time.
Bavaria Deal: For a whole day of travel on local trains in Bavaria, such as from Salzburg to Munich and Füssen, consider the Regional Day Ticket for Bavaria—a.k.a. Bayern-Ticket (€26/day for the first person plus €8 for each additional person, up to 5 total).
BUSES
While long-distance buses don’t offer as extensive a network as trains, they do cover the most popular cities for travelers (including nearly all the destinations recommended in this book), often with a direct connection. In Austria, the bus can be the best—and sometimes only—way to reach mountainous areas.
Bus tickets are sold on board, at kiosks at some bus terminals, or online. Because the cheapest fares often sell out, it’s best to book online as soon as you’re sure of your plans. The main bus operators to check out are Postbus (www.postbus.at) and Flixbus (www.flixbus.com).
Though not as comfortable as trains, each company’s buses are surprisingly well-outfitted and make for a more pleasant ride than your average Greyhound trip. Most offer free Wi-Fi and WCs.
TAXIS AND RIDE-BOOKING SERVICES
Most European taxis are reliable and cheap. In many cities, two people can travel short distances by cab for little more than the cost of bus or subway tickets. If you like ride-booking services such as Uber, their apps usually work in Europe just like they do in the US: Request a car on your mobile phone (connected to Wi-Fi or data), and the fare is automatically charged to your credit card.
RENTING A CAR
It’s cheaper to arrange most car rentals from the US, so research and compare rates before you go. Most of the major US rental agencies (including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and Thrifty) have offices throughout Europe. Also consider the two major Europe-based agencies, Europcar and Sixt. Consolidators such as Auto Europe (AutoEurope.com—or the sometimes cheaper AutoEurope.eu) compare rates at several companies to get you the best deal.
Wherever you book, always read the fine print. Check for add-on charges—such as one-way drop-off fees, airport surcharges, or mandatory insurance policies—that aren’t included in the “total price.”
Rental Costs and Considerations
If you book well in advance, expect to pay $350-500 for a one-week rental for a basic compact car. Allow extra for supplemental insurance, fuel, tolls, and parking. To save money on fuel, request a diesel car.
Manual vs. Automatic: Almost all rental cars in Europe are manual by default—and cars with a stick shift are generally cheaper. If you need an automatic, reserve one specifically. When selecting a car, don’t be tempted by a larger model, as it won’t be as maneuverable on narrow, winding roads or when squeezing into tight parking lots.
Age Restrictions: Some rental companies impose minimum and maximum age limits. Young drivers (25 and under) and seniors (69 and up) should check the rental policies and rules section of car-rental websites.
Choosing Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Always check the hours of the locations you choose: Many rental offices close from midday Saturday until Monday morning and, in smaller towns, at lunchtime. When selecting an office, confirm the location on a map. A downtown site might seem more convenient than the airport but could actually be in the suburbs or buried deep in big-city streets. Pedestrianized and one-way streets can make navigation tricky when returning a car at a big-city office or urban train station. Wherever you select, get precise details on the location and allow ample time to find it.
Having the Right License: If you’re renting a car in Austria, bring your driver’s license. You’re also technically required to have an International Driving Permit—an official translation of your license (sold at your local AAA office for $20 plus the cost of two passport-type photos; see AAA.com). How this is enforced varies: I’ve never needed one.
Crossing Borders in a Rental Car: Be aware that international trips—say, picking up in Vienna and dropping off in Munich—can be expensive if the rental company assesses a drop-off fee for crossing a border.
Always tell your car-rental company exactly which countries you’ll be entering. Some companies levy extra insurance fees for trips taken in certain countries with certain cars (such as BMWs, Mercedes, and convertibles). Double-check with your rental agent that you have all the documentation you need before you drive off (especially if you’re crossing borders into non-Schengen countries, where you might need to present proof of insurance).
Picking Up Your Car: Before driving off in your rental car, check it thoroughly and make sure any damage is noted on your rental agreement. Rental agencies in Europe tend to charge for even minor damage, so be sure to mark everything. Find out how your car’s gearshift, lights, turn signals, wipers, radio, and fuel cap function, and know what kind of fuel the car takes (diesel is common in Europe). When you return the car, make sure the agent verifies its condition with you.
Car Insurance Options
When you rent a car in Europe, the price typically includes liability insurance, which covers harm to other cars or motorists—but not the rental car itself. To limit your financial risk in case of damage to the rental, choose one of these options: Buy a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW; also called “loss damage waiver” or LDW by some firms) with a low or zero deductible from the car-rental company (roughly 30-40 percent extra), get coverage through your credit card (free, but more complicated), or get collision insurance as part of a larger travel-insurance policy.
Basic CDW costs $15-30 a day and typically comes with a $1,000-2,000 deductible, reducing but not eliminating your financial responsibility. When you reserve or pick up the car, you’ll be offered the chance to “buy down” the deductible to zero (for an additional $10-30/day; this is sometimes called “super CDW” or “zero-deductible coverage”).
If you opt for credit-card coverage, you must decline all coverage offered by the car-rental company—which means they can place a hold on your card to cover the deductible. In case of damage, it can be time-consuming to resolve the charges. Before relying on this option, quiz your card company about how it works.
If you’re already purchasing a travel-insurance policy for your trip, adding collision coverage can be an economical option. For example, Travel Guard (TravelGuard.com) sells affordable renter’s collision insurance as an add-on to its other policies; it’s valid everywhere in Europe except the Republic of Ireland, and some Italian car-rental companies refuse to honor it, as it doesn’t cover you in case of theft.
For more on car-rental insurance, see RickSteves.com/cdw.
Navigation Options
If you’ll be navigating using your phone or a GPS unit from home, remember to bring a car charger and device mount.
Your Mobile Phone: The mapping app on your phone works fine for navigating Europe’s roads. To save on data, most apps allow you to download maps for offline use (do this before you need them, when you have a strong Wi-Fi signal). Some apps—including Google Maps—also have offline route directions, but you’ll need mobile data access for current traffic. For more on using a mapping app without burning through data, see “Using Your Phone in Europe,” earlier.
GPS Devices: If you want a dedicated GPS unit, consider renting one with your car (about $20/day, or sometimes included—ask). These units offer real-time turn-by-turn directions and traffic without the data requirements of an app. The unit may come loaded only with maps for its home country; if you need additional maps, ask. Make sure you know how to use the device—and that the device’s language is set to English—before you drive off.
Paper Maps and Atlases: Even when navigating primarily with a mobile app or GPS, I always have a paper map, ideally a big, detailed regional road map. It’s invaluable for getting the big picture, understanding alternate routes, and filling in if my phone runs out of juice. The free maps you get from your car-rental company usually don’t have enough detail. It’s smart to buy a better map before you go, or pick one up at a local gas station, bookshop, newsstand, or tourist shop.
Driving
Road Rules: Be aware of typical European road rules—for example, many countries require headlights to be turned on at all times, and nearly all forbid handheld mobile-phone use. In Austria you’re required to use low-beam headlights when driving in urban areas. Austria also requires an “emergency corridor” during traffic jams on expressways and toll roads—follow what other drivers are doing and stay out of the cleared lane.
In Europe, you’re not allowed to turn right on a red light unless a sign or signal specifically authorizes it, and on expressways it’s illegal to pass drivers on the right. Ask your car-rental company about these rules, or check the “International Travel” section of the US State Department website (www.travel.state.gov, search for your country in the “Learn About Your Destination” box, then click on “Travel and Transportation”).
Tolls: Austria charges drivers to use their major roads. You’ll need a Vignette sticker stuck to the inside of your rental car’s windshield (buy at the border crossing, big gas stations near borders, or a rental-car agency; www.asfinag.at). The cost is €9 for 10 days, or €26 for two months. Not having one earns you a stiff fine. Place it on your windshield exactly as shown on the back of the sticker, and keep the lower tear-off portion—it’s your receipt.
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (Benzin) comes in regular (91 octane) and “Euro-Super” (95 octane). If you’re also driving in Germany, pumps marked “E10” or “Super E10” mean the gas contains 10 percent ethanol—make sure your rental can run on this mix. You don’t have to worry about learning the German word for diesel—it’s the same word as in English. Some pumps are color-coded: Unleaded pumps are green and labeled “E,” while diesel pumps (often yellow or black) are labeled “B.”
Navigation: Use good local maps and study them before each drive. Learn which exits you need to look out for, which major cities you’ll travel toward, where the ruined castles lurk, and so on. Ring roads go around a city. Learn the universal road signs (explained in charts in most road atlases and at service stations). To get to the center of a city, follow signs for Zentrum or Stadtmitte. When navigating, you’ll see nord, süd, ost, and west.
Autobahn: Every long drive between my recommended destinations is via the autobahn (super-freeway) and Schnellstrassen (expressway) system, and nearly every scenic backcountry drive is paved and comfortable.
The shortest distance between any two points is the autobahn. Blue signs direct you to the autobahn, and in Austria, unlike in Germany, the autobahn has a speed limit (130 km/hour, unless otherwise signed). Learn the signs: Dreieck (“three corners”) means a Y in the road; Autobahnkreuz is a freeway interchange. While all roads seem to lead to the little town of Ausfahrt, that’s the German word for exit. Exits are spaced about every 20 miles and often have a gas station, restaurant, a minimarket, and sometimes a tourist information desk. Exits and intersections refer to the next major city or the nearest small town. Peruse the map and anticipate which town names to look out for.
Parking: To park on the street, pick up a plastic or cardboard clock (Parkscheibe, available for free at gas stations, police stations, and Tabak shops). Display your arrival time on the clock and put it on the dashboard, so parking attendants can see you’ve been there less than the posted maximum stay (blue lines indicate 90-minute zones on Austrian streets). Your US credit and debit cards may not work at automated parking garages—bring cash.
Theft: Thieves easily recognize rental cars and assume they are filled with a tourist’s gear. Be sure all your valuables are out of sight and locked in the trunk, or even better, with you or in your room.
FLIGHTS
To compare flights, begin with an online travel search engine: Kayak is the top site for flights to and within Europe, easy-to-use Google Flights has price alerts, and Skyscanner includes many inexpensive flights within Europe. To avoid unpleasant surprises, before you book be sure to read the small print about refunds, changes, and the costs for “extras” such as reserving a seat, checking a bag, or printing a boarding pass.
Flights to Europe: Start looking for international flights about four to six months before your trip, especially for peak-season travel. Depending on your itinerary, it can be efficient and no more expensive to fly into one city and out of another. If your flight requires a connection in Europe, see my hints on navigating Europe’s top hub airports at RickSteves.com/hub-airports.
Flights Within Europe: Flying between European cities is surprisingly affordable. Before buying a long-distance train or bus ticket, check the cost of a flight on one of Europe’s airlines, whether a major carrier or a no-frills outfit like EasyJet or Ryanair. Be aware that flying with a discount airline can have drawbacks, such as minimal customer service, time-consuming treks to secondary airports, and a larger carbon footprint than a train or bus.
Flying to the US and Canada: Because security is extra tight for flights to the US, be sure to give yourself plenty of time at the airport (see www.tsa.gov for the latest rules).
Resources from Rick Steves
Begin Your Trip at RickSteves.com
My mobile-friendly website is the place to explore Europe in preparation for your trip. You’ll find thousands of fun articles, videos, and radio interviews; a wealth of money-saving tips for planning your dream trip; travel news dispatches; a video library of travel talks; my travel blog; our latest guidebook updates (RickSteves.com/update); and the free Rick Steves Audio Europe app. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Our Travel Forum is a well-groomed collection of message boards where our travel-savvy community answers questions and shares their personal travel experiences—and our well-traveled staff chimes in when they can be helpful (RickSteves.com/forums).
Our online Travel Store offers bags and accessories that I’ve designed to help you travel smarter and lighter. These include my popular carry-on bags (which I live out of four months a year), money belts, totes, toiletries kits, adapters, guidebooks, and planning maps (RickSteves.com/shop).
Our website can also help you find the perfect rail pass for your itinerary and your budget, with easy, one-stop shopping for rail passes, seat reservations, and point-to-point tickets (RickSteves.com/rail).
Rick Steves’ Tours, Guidebooks, TV Shows, and More
Small Group Tours: Want to travel with greater efficiency and less stress? We offer more than 40 itineraries reaching the best destinations in this book...and beyond. Each year about 30,000 travelers join us on about 1,000 Rick Steves bus tours. You’ll enjoy great guides and a fun bunch of travel partners (with small groups of 24 to 28 travelers). You’ll find European adventures to fit every vacation length. For all the details, and to get our tour catalog, visit RickSteves.com/tour or call us at +1 425 608 4217.
Books: This book is just one of many books in my series on European travel, which includes country and city guidebooks, Snapshots (excerpted chapters from bigger guides), Pocket guides (full-color little books on big cities), “Best Of” guidebooks (condensed, full-color country guides), and my budget-travel skills handbook, Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door. A complete list of my titles—including phrase books, cruising guides, and travelogues on European art, history, and culture—appears near the end of this book.
TV Shows and Travel Talks: My public television series, Rick Steves’ Europe, covers Europe from top to bottom with over 100 half-hour episodes—and we’re working on new shows every year (watch full episodes at my website for free). My free online video library, Rick Steves Classroom Europe, offers a searchable database of short video clips on European history, culture, and geography (Classroom.RickSteves.com). And to raise your travel I.Q., check out the video versions of our popular classes (covering most European countries as well as travel skills, packing smart, cruising, tech for travelers, European art, and travel as a political act—RickSteves.com/travel-talks).
Audio Tours on My Free App: I’ve produced dozens of free, self-guided audio tours of the top sights in Europe. For those tours and other audio content, get my free Rick Steves Audio Europe app, an extensive online library organized by destination. For more on my app, see here.
Radio: My weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, features interviews with travel experts from around the world. It airs on 400 public radio stations across the US. An archive of programs is available at RickSteves.com/radio.
Podcasts: You can enjoy my travel content on several free podcasts. The podcast version of my radio show brings you a weekly, hour-long travel conversation. My other podcasts include a weekly selection of video clips from my public television show, my audio tours of Europe’s top sights, and live recordings of my travel classes (RickSteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/podcasts).