BUCKET LIST THINGS TO DO IN AUSTRIA:  Soar above the Alps on a paragliding adventure   Ever been paragliding? Well, where’s a better place to start than above the world-famous Alps? After all, Austria is renowned for its natural beauty, and a paragliding experience will give you ultimate views of the landscape, combined with a bit (okay, a lot) of thrill! Insider tips Head to some of Austria’s top paragliding spots for stunning views of the mountains, such as Innsbruck or Kitzbühel. If you’re new to paragliding, book a tandem flight with a certified expert.

Hike in the Austrian Alps Great news for travelers to Austria on a budget: it’s completely free to frolic through alpine meadows doing your best Julie Andrews impression. Mountains cover about 60 percent of Austria, so there are plenty of peaks and valleys to explore. Don’t be put off by the high price tags of luxury ski resorts: the Alps offer top-tier scenery and endless outdoor adventures that won’t break the bank. Explore Schladming-Dachstein, famous for its spectacular views and pristine waters, and home to more than 300 lakes and 100 waterfalls. On the Dachstein Mountain, walk out onto the unsettling “Stairway to Nothingness”, a viewing platform set over stunning panoramas. You can also visit Hohe Tauern, the country’s biggest national park, known for its heart-stopping gorges and ravines, and home to Austria’s highest waterfalls, the Krimml Waterfalls. Keep an eye out for rare species like the ibex (endemic to the Alps) or the marmot.

Spend a slow afternoon at a Viennese coffeehouse. Capital cities usually mean capital price tags, but there are still plenty of things to do on a budget in Vienna, such as delving into the city’s café culture. Coffeehouses are Viennese institutions — UNESCO even recognizes them as “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” Grab a coffee, dig into an Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and spend an afternoon with a book, observing the lively bustle of Austria’s illustrious capital. The older, more renowned coffeehouses offer the classiest architecture, but the aesthetic will cost you. If you want to save money in Austria, head down side streets to discover quieter haunts.

Last night, I attended a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Vienna’s stunning Karlskirche. Walking into the baroque church with its grand dome and ornate interiors immediately set the tone for a magical evening. Orchestra 1756, playing on period instruments, brought each season to life—from the gentle warmth of spring to the icy chills of winter. The acoustics were incredible, making every note feel alive, and the passion of the musicians was simply captivating. It was an intimate 75-minute journey through music and history, an experience I’ll remember long after leaving the church. Want to experience this wonderful event? Click just here. 

A Day at the Top of Innsbruck Starting in Innsbruck’s Old Town, I hopped on the sleek Hungerburg funicular, designed by Zaha Hadid. In just a few minutes, I was gliding up from the city into the mountains. The ride itself already felt like part of the adventure, with each stop offering a new perspective on Innsbruck below. From Hungerburg, I switched to the cable car to Seegrube and then on to the very top: 2,256 meters above sea level. The final stretch was breathtaking—suddenly the city looked tiny, surrounded by the vast peaks of the Nordkette and the untouched wilderness of the Karwendel Nature Park. Up there, it was pure magic: 360° views, crisp mountain air, and that perfect mix of alpine peace and city energy far below. Whether you go in summer or winter, day or night, the Top of Innsbruck is an experience that stays with you. Want to book this trip? Discover it all here.