Vienna is grand, historic, and a bit formal. The city was the center of the Habsburg Empire, and it shows. Palaces everywhere. Schönbrunn Palace (the summer residence of the Habsburgs) is massive with gardens and a zoo. Hofburg Palace (the winter residence) is in the city center. St. Stephen's Cathedral dominates the skyline. You can climb the tower for views over the city.

Vienna is famous for classical music. Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss all lived here. The Vienna State Opera is one of the best opera houses in the world (performances are expensive, but standing room tickets are cheap). Street musicians play classical music in the city center.

Viennese coffeehouse culture is real. Cafés like Café Central and Café Sacher are institutions. You sit, drink coffee, eat cake (try Sachertorte, a chocolate cake), and read the newspaper. It's slow, old-world, and charming.

Salzburg is smaller, more touristy, and the birthplace of Mozart. The old town is beautiful with baroque churches and narrow streets. Hohensalzburg Fortress sits on a hill overlooking the city. Sound of Music tours are everywhere (the movie was filmed here). They're cheesy but fun if you're a fan.

The Austrian Alps are stunning. Innsbruck is the main city in the Alps with skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Hallstatt is a tiny village on a lake that looks like a postcard. It's beautiful and completely overrun with tourists (especially Asian tour groups). Go early in the morning if you visit. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a scenic mountain drive with hairpin turns and views of Austria's highest peak.

Austrian food is hearty. Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet). Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Tafelspitz (boiled beef). Austrian food is similar to German food but slightly more refined. Coffeehouse pastries are excellent.

Austrian people are polite, reserved, and formal. They value order and punctuality. Don't be loud or disruptive. English is widely spoken in cities.

Getting around is easy. Trains connect Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and other cities. The trains are punctual, clean, and comfortable. If you want to explore the Alps or smaller villages, rent a car.

Austria is more expensive than Eastern Europe but cheaper than Switzerland. Hostels run $20-35/night. A meal at a restaurant is $12-20. A coffee and cake at a Viennese café is $8-12.

When to go: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal for cities. Summer (June-August) is perfect for hiking in the Alps. Winter (December-March) is skiing season. Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg (November-December) are magical.

Austria is elegant, beautiful, and a bit formal. If you like classical music and mountains, go.