Main Character Stays: 8 Wonderfully Weird and Romantic Places to Stay in Vienna, Austria
Forget boring beige hotel rooms. These eight unique destinations in Vienna offer circus-inspired interiors, historic glamour, secret romances, vintage trailers, and even…a ghostly French bulldog. Find your perfect Vienna main-character stay here!
Main Character Stays: 8 Unique Hotels in Salzburg
Ever dreamed of waking up in an Austrian palace, hiding away in a historic retreat, or sipping cocktails like a glamorous international spy? These eight unique Salzburg hotels offer castles, theatrical hideaways, old-world luxury, and serious main-character energy. Find a stay worthy of your next great adventure.
Where to Stay in Salzburg Away from the Crowds (But Close to Everything)
Where you stay in Salzburg can make a big difference to your trip. After discovering that our affordable guesthouse was too far from the action, I went looking for better options. Here's my guide to Salzburg's quieter neighborhoods, charming hotels, and the best places to stay if you have ADHD (or sensitivity to noise) without sacrificing convenience.
Salzburg to Werfen by Train: Ice Caves, Castles & a Charming Austrian Village
Oh, Werfen! This ridiculously charming Austrian town is an easy train ride from Salzburg, with a medieval fortress towering overhead, spectacular ice caves, and a hillside meadow straight out of The Sound of Music. Here's how to plan your own Werfen adventure, including train tips, what to see, and whether it's worth spending the night.
3 Days in Salzburg: A Realistic Itinerary With Hellbrunn and Werfen
Forget racing through every Mozart museum. Here's how I'd spend three gorgeous days in Salzburg, with Old Town wandering, Hellbrunn's mischievous fountains, mountain views and a Sound of Music adventure in Werfen.
Mönchsberg Walk in Salzburg: Amazing Views Without the Uphill Hike
Want some of the best views in Salzburg without a strenuous uphill hike? Take the Mönchsberg Lift and follow this beautiful ridge walk past medieval fortifications, wooded trails, and spectacular Old Town overlooks. Here's our step-by-step route, including where to stop, what to see, and how to get back down.
Salzburg Card vs. Guest Mobility Ticket: Do You Still Need Both in 2026?
Salzburg now gives overnight guests a public transportation ticket, so is the paid Salzburg Card still worth buying? After using both during our September 2026 trip—and having a rather unpleasant encounter with an Austrian train conductor—I'm breaking down exactly what each card covers, when the Salzburg Card saves money, and how to avoid paying for transportation you may already have.
36 Hours in Salzburg: What I’d Actually Do on a Short First Visit
Salzburg might be famous for Mozart and The Sound of Music, but there's much more to this gorgeous Austrian city. From historic streets and spectacular views to beautiful gardens and unexpected discoveries, here's how to make the most of 36 hours in Salzburg without turning your visit into an endurance sport.
Where to Buy a Dirndl or Lederhosen in Vienna
Looking for a dirndl or lederhosen in Vienna? We shopped outlets and secondhand stores before buying our Tracht for festivals in Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. Here’s where we looked, what we paid, and what I’d recommend before you buy.
Three Days in Vienna: A First-Timer Itinerary with Time to Enjoy the City
Three days in Vienna, with room to breathe. This first-timer itinerary brings together art, books, palaces, and the old town—with honest recommendations, practical booking notes, and time for gardens, good meals, and whatever catches your interest.
Is Vienna Worth Visiting Twice? Why I Came Back
One day in Vienna made me want more. Returning for four days gave us time for palaces, gardens, a beer festival, and afternoons without an agenda. Here’s why I came back—and why I’d happily do it again.
The New Sound of Music Museum in Salzburg: Is It Worth Visiting?
We’re multiple-rewatches-a-year Sound of Music fans, so Salzburg’s new museum had our names written all over it. Here’s what we loved, what left me wanting more, and why I’d pair it with a half-day at Hellbrunn Palace.
Where to Stay in Vienna: Why I Stayed Near Belvedere Twice
I’ve stayed near Belvedere on both of my Vienna trips. Here’s why I came back for the quieter mornings—and who would be happier staying in the historic center.
Wiener Kaiser Wiesn 2026: 6 Things to Know Before You Go
Vienna’s Oktoberfest has giant beers, live bands, and strangers who might become your dancing partners. Here’s what I’d know before a night at Wiener Kaiser Wiesn.