Thanks to Scoot’s new direct flight from Singapore to Vienna, the capital city of Austria is now just a 12-hour sleep away. No frantic transits, just chicken rice one day and schnitzel the next.
I recently got the chance to join a press trip organised by Austria Tourism and Scoot to explore three parts of Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, and Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley.
Each place had its own vibe, from imperial grandeur to music and storybook charm, but all shared the same kind of easy beauty that makes you want to slow down and simply be present.
Here’s how the trip went. And if you’re planning a visit, I’ve included tips on where I stayed, what I ate, and what stuck with me.
Bookmark this page for hotel picks, attractions, travel tips, and more!
VIENNA: Imperial Splendour
In little more than 12 hours thanks to Scoot’s direct flight, I traded Singapore’s dense concrete jungle for Vienna, where skyscrapers are rare and the skyline opens up to church spires and historic facades. With wide boulevards made for strolling, and a coffeehouse culture that encourages lingering, Vienna is the perfect destination for a few unhurried days of wandering.
No wonder Vienna has been ranked the world’s most liveable city three years in a row by the EIU’s Global Liveability Index.
What to See, Do & Eat in Vienna
I kicked off my time in Vienna with a guided walking tour of its UNESCO-listed historic centre. Our guide, Ilse, really brought the city’s history to life, pointing out hidden corners and telling stories behind the grand façades and elegant palaces.
One of the standout sights for me was St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), right in the heart of Vienna. This Gothic masterpiece completely blew me away—its 137-metre South Spire soars into the sky, and that colourful patterned roof, made up of nearly 250,000 glazed tiles, shimmered in the summer sun. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and stare.
Fun facts: Mozart was married and had two of his children baptized in this very cathedral. Although I only had time to snap a few photos, I’d recommend setting aside a couple of hours to climb the tower and explore the catacombs within.
Another attraction not to be missed is Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family. It is easily accessible by public transport from the historic city centre. From the outside, the sunny yellow palace looks almost modest, but step inside, and you’re surrounded by the grandeur of the Habsburgs at their peak
Following the audio guide, I wandered through lavish halls and gilded chambers, but what stayed with me most were the glimpses into the royals’ personal life. The family dining room, Empress Elisabeth’s vanity table, and Emperor Franz Joseph I’s bedroom made the history feel real and lived in.
To cap off the day, I attended a live concert at the Schönbrunn Orangerie (Schönbrunn Grand Hall), where the orchestra performed timeless pieces by Mozart and Strauss, bringing Austria’s rich musical legacy to life. Singers in period costumes added to the feeling of stepping back in time.
Before the concert, we enjoyed dinner at Café-Restaurant Gerstner. The cozy setting and classic Austrian dishes were the perfect way to start the evening.
Other restaurants in Vienna worth checking out:
For dining with a view, 360° Ocean Sky at the top of Haus des Meeres (literally “House of the Sea,” an aquarium inside a former WWII flak tower) offers sweeping panoramic views of Vienna.
Although the restaurant is only on the 11th floor, it was the tallest building as far as my eyes could see. The wide expanse of space and open skyline felt incredibly refreshing, especially for someone coming from a city packed full of skyscrapers like sardines in a can.
If you’re after a meal with a side of grandeur, Restaurant Vestibül—set in the former imperial entryway (or vestibül in German) of the Burgtheater (“Castle Theater,” Austria’s national theatre)—serves up Michelin-rated Austrian cuisine in a space once used by the emperor himself.
Where to Stay in Vienna
MAXX by Steigenberger Vienna. It is a solid mid-range hotel with a good breakfast spread and easy public transport access.
Just over an hour from Vienna on a scenic boat cruise via Krems, we arrived in Dürnstein—a tiny village along the Danube, Europe’s second-longest river at 2,846 km.
What to See, Do & Eat in Dürnstein
Dürnstein is one of those places where time seems to slow down. Just up the hill are the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. You could walk from one end of the village to the other in just 30 minutes, but you’ll want to linger. With its cobbled lanes, pastel-hued houses, and charming shops overflowing with all things apricot (the local specialty), it’s too picturesque to rush through.
Visiting the quaint Dürnstein Abby is a must-do. The standout is its striking blue-and-white Baroque bell tower—easily the most iconic landmark along this stretch of the Danube.
I found out that blue traditionally stands for heaven in Baroque church design. It totally makes sense—just look at that blue and white tower blending in with the sky, with those puffy clouds floating by like they are part of the design.
Wine tasting in Dürnstein is another experience I would recommend, especially for sampling the region’s renowned Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The Wachau Valley’s terraced vineyards thrive on mineral-rich soils and a climate of warm days, cool nights, and the moderating influence of the Danube—creating ideal conditions for producing crisp, aromatic wines.
I had the chance to sample a few in the underground wine cellar of Hotel Schloss Dürnstein, which made the experience feel even more special. You can book wine tasting sessions for a minimum of four persons.
Dinner on the terrace at Hotel Schloss Dürnstein was pure magic. Think golden sunset rays and the gentle coolness of the Danube drifting by. With breathtaking views and perfect weather, it was a meal to linger over.
Where to Stay in Dürnstein
Perched above the Danube in the heart of Dürnstein, Hotel Schloss Dürnstein is a former castle turned family-run boutique hotel. For me, this hotel is reason enough to visit this little village. The interiors brim with old-world character, from antique furnishings to elegant vaulted ceilings. My room, with its soft pink walls, tall windows, and river view, felt like a setting for a dreamy fairytale. Staying here added a sense of place to the Wachau experience—quiet, romantic, and steeped in history.
A three-hour drive from Dürnstein brought us to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. It is a city of cobbled streets, Alpine backdrops, and echoes of classical music around every corner.
What to See, Do & Eat in Salzburg
To make the most of a visit to Salzburg, getting the Salzburg Card is a convenient choice. It offers free entry to major attractions and museums, unlimited use of most public transport, discounts on concerts and tours, and even lets you skip ticket lines at some locations.
A leisurely day can easily be spent exploring Salzburg’s historic city center, known as the Old Town. It is best explored on foot, with cobbled alleyways, pastel buildings lining the streets, and cosy cafés where you can sit, sip, and people-watch for hours.
For lovers of classical music, a visit to Mozart’s birthplace, Hagenauer Haus at No. 9 Getreidegasse, will be a highlight. Now a small museum, it displays family portraits, personal letters, and early music manuscripts that offer a glimpse into his childhood. Entry is included with the Salzburg Card.
From there, it’s a short walk to Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart was baptized in 1756. The “Music at Noon” organ performance (€9) is a highlight—30 minutes of celestial music in a beautiful setting. The musical notes echoes through the cathedral’s ornately decorated interior, making the space feel extra magical and holy.
Slow down and smell the roses—literally—at Mirabell Gardens, where vibrant blooms line the paths, scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed, and couples pause to snap selfies in the sunshine.
Hohensalzburg Fortress is a top attraction not to be missed. Take the funicular or take an easy hike up to reach this medieval fortress that proudly watches over Salzburg. From the top, you get a stunning bird’s-eye view of the city. The funicular ride is included with the Salzburg Card.
For those who want to do more than just eat local cuisine, you can try making it yourself. At Edelweiss Cooking School, you can learn how to make apple strudel and Salzburger pretzels and then enjoy the fruits of your labour, all while being entertained by a musical performance from one of the baking instructors in the spirit of The Sound of Music.
Other dining options in the Old Town: Zirkelwirt serves up traditional Austrian fare in a cosy, rustic setting—perfect for a comforting midday meal. And if your tastebuds are craving Asian flavours, head to Restaurant Yuen, Salzburg’s first and oldest Chinese restaurant.
And of course, no visit is complete without a slice of rich Sachertorte, best savoured at its very place of origin, Sacher Café, which offers a luxurious hotel setting of glittering chandeliers and velvet sofas.
To explore beyond the Salzburg Old Town, we took a taxi (Austria uses the Uber app), and in less than half an hour, we were at Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains—a must-visit for families, especially those with kids.
Built in the early 17th century as a summer retreat for Archbishop Markus Sittikus, the palace is famous for its playful water features and sculpture-lined walkways. The highlight for me? Ingenious water mechanisms hidden throughout the grounds that spray unsuspecting visitors—I got caught myself! It’s a fun, light-hearted stop that shows just how creative people were with mischief, even centuries ago.
If you’re feeling peckish, Schlossrestaurant Hellbrunn nearby serves casual Austrian fare in a relaxed setting.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
JUFA Hotel Salzburg City is a practical and family-friendly base within a short walking distance to the Old Town, and with views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress from selected rooms.
From Salzburg, it’s about a 2.5-hour train ride from the Salzburg Train Station back to Vienna, where you can head to Vienna International Airport to catch your departing Scoot flight back to Singapore.
Vienna charms with its imperial heritage, Salzburg hums with Mozart’s legacy, and Dürnstein offers a serene respite beside the river Danube.
Each place left its own unique impression, but they all shared one thing in common: an invitation to slow down, savour the moment, and embrace the simple beauty of living well.
If Austria is on your travel list, my advice is simple: Go.
Take your time. Order that second coffee. Tour the cathedral. Listen to a concert. Try the strudel. You might just find your spirit recharge, just like I did.
Planning a trip? Bookmark this guide for your next European adventure. And if you’re curious about what it’s like to fly long-haul on a budget airline, check out my 12-hour Scoot flight review.
Header picture: View at fortress Hohensalzburg and the Old Town of Salzburg. Credit: Tourismus Salzburg, Foto: Breitegger Günter
