Weekend & Day Trips from Vienna, Austria

Formerly an imperial summer retreat, Baden Bei Wien is a charming spa town only 16 miles away from Vienna. The therapeutic thermal waters have always been the town's biggest draw, and many visitors come here solely to relax in the luxurious thermal spas, some of which feature special touches like beautifully landscaped gardens and an artificial sand beach.

However, there are plenty of other attractions in Baden Bei Wien as well, including the historic castle ruins, the childhood home of the famous composer Beethoven, and a unique Doll and Toy Museum with a collection of more than 1000 pieces.

The capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava isn't nearly as well-known as nearby cities like Prague or Vienna, but it's a wonderful city with ample rewards for visitors who choose to step off the typical tourist trail. The pedestrian-only Old Town is filled with beautiful historic buildings and busy restaurants, and you can get some excellent views from above by climbing up to the reconstructed Bratislava Castle, which is an interesting attraction in its own right. Wine lovers should also stop by the Slovak National Collection of Wines, where 100 of the country's best wines are available to be sampled. Bratislava Map

Located in the historical Moravian region of the Czech Republic, Brno is another city that tends to fly under the radar, but most people who come here can't help but fall in love with its magnificent modernist architecture, its cozy cafe culture, and its hip, laid-back atmosphere. Most of the biggest attractions are located in the walkable historic city center, including the Špilberk Castle, the gorgeous Petrov Cathedral, and the 17th century Capuchin Monastery. There are also some excellent museums, including the Mendel Museum of Genetics and the Moravian Museum, the second largest museum in the country.

Sprawling across both sides of the Danube River, Budapest is one of the most iconic cities in Eastern Europe. There are endless things to see and do here, but if you only have a day, make sure to visit the relaxing mineral baths, stop by the landmark Hungarian Parliament Building, and take the funicular up to Buda’s Old Town to marvel at the castle and the jaw dropping city views. If you love it here so much that you end up deciding to spend the night, you can also take advantage of the city's incredible nightlife, which revolves largely around the eclectic "ruin bars". Map of Budapest

If you're interested in Roman history, the ancient fortress of Carnuntum is a must-see attraction. The on-site museum houses a collection of artifacts found at the site, but the real highlights include a 2nd-century amphitheater and a reconstructed gladiators' practice arena. Visitors also have the unique opportunity to step back in time in the Roman City Quarter, where reconstructed houses and public baths have been built and furnished to look exactly as they would have 1700 years ago. Guided tours are available as well, but if you want to ensure that you can take a tour in English, it's best to book in advance.

Also known as the Wachau Valley, the Danube Valley is a wonderfully lush region of Austria known for its rolling vineyards, its ruined castles, and its opulent baroque abbeys. The best way to travel through the romantic scenery is to take a boat cruise down the river, but make sure to stop at notable sights like the stunning Benedictine Abbey of Melk and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The atmosphere here is truly magical, but if you're not afraid to break the spell, you can also pay a visit to the sobering Mauthausen concentration camp memorial.

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, but it's also one of the most relaxing, and it's a great place to come for anyone interested in culture and architecture. The city's most prominent feature is the Schlossberg, a large, forested hill that rises up behind the city, and visitors can take the funicular up to the top to explore the historic fortress and admire the spectacular city views. When you come back down, you should still have time to explore some of the city's other attractions, which include the Styrian Armory, the Graz Art Museum, and the fascinating Natural History Museum. Map of Graz

A traditional Viennese wine village, Grinzing is technically part of Vienna, but it has its own distinct culture and heritage that sets it apart. Aside from its delicious wine, the town is best known for its many Heurigers, traditional wine taverns that serve local wine and delicious food. Lucky visitors will also catch a live music performance while they enjoy their food and drink. Of course, the town is surrounded by acres and acres of grape vines, and it makes a great starting or ending point for anyone who plans on touring the beautiful vineyards.

Named for its location overlooking the dazzling Lake Hallstatt, the tiny village of Hallstatt is a fantastic place to enjoy the beauty of the mountainous Salzkammergut region. The town is filled with picturesque 16th-century houses and winding alleyways, and one of the most enjoyable things to do here is wander through the streets, snapping photos as you go. However, your trip wouldn't be complete without taking the funicular to Salzwelten, an underground salt mine that has been in use for thousands of years. You can also take the funicular up to a viewing platform that looks out over the mountains and the lake.