One-Week Relaxed Austria Road Trip from Linz to Vienna

Your relaxed road trip through Austria starts when you reach the incredible city of Linz, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Linz and begin your adventure in Austria.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Linz’s main square. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,238 reviews.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Linz. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Linz.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at PAULS steak & veggi Linz, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, nuba - bar with kitchen is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Fu Cheng. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Linz tonight.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Divino. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Café Bar Walker offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Solaris, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Austria. Enjoy your first taste of Linz as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Austria means 24 hours of making the best memories in Linz. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Linz!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to New Cathedral, Linz. This extraordinary cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,676 visitors.

Next, make your way to Ars Electronica Center. This top attraction is an art museum with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,491 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Zoo Linz. This zoo is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,440 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Grottenbahn am Pöstlingberg. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,678 travelers.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Linz, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Austria.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Wia z'haus Lehner, a top-rated dining destination in Linz. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider ARCOTEL Nike, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at STEAKHOUSE. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Linz this evening.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Linz.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Exxtrablatt, known for its lively atmosphere.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Linz!

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Austria continues on day 3, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Austria and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Salzburg and beyond. With 1 night left in Linz, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Salzburg. This car ride takes around 1 hour 36 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Hellbrunn Palace. This extraordinary château has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,017 visitors.

Next, make your way to Fortress Hohensalzburg. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 43,309 reviews.

While in Salzburg, we also recommend a visit to Mirabell Palace. This château has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,688 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Hangar-7. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,007 travelers, this architectural structure is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Salzburg.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Linz.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Linz, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Dine in style at Hotel Schwarzer Bär, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, ÄNGUS Downtown boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Teesalon Madame Wu. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Linz.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Austria.

Day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Austria is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Knillhof and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the town of Gemeinde Melk and the town of Gemeinde Baden. You’ll stay in Vienna for 3 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Linz, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Knillhof. Your travel time is around 36 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Tierpark Stadt Haag. This zoo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,639 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Gemeinde Melk, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Knillhof to Gemeinde Melk may take around 48 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Gemeinde Melk, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Melk Abbey. This popular abbey has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,473 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gemeinde Baden. This car ride takes around 1 hour 1 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Kurpark Baden Stadtpark. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,816 visitors.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Vienna in this laid-back road trip in Austria. You'll stay here for 3 nights.

Exploring the food culture in Vienna offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Vienna by reserving a table at Amador. Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative and contemporary cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Mraz & Sohn, renowned for its delectable creative dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Steirereck im Stadtpark, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative and contemporary menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Vienna.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Vienna.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Kruger’s American Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Josef Cocktailbar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Loos American Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Knillhof can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Austria!

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Vienna, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Austria are extraordinary.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Belvedere Palace Chapel. This chapel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 66,332 visitors.

Schönbrunn Palace is another popular attraction you could visit today. This château has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 145,237 visitors.

Schönbrunn Palace is also highly recommended by travelers. This château has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 53,579 visitors.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This zoo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 50,414 reviews.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Austria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Austria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Vienna, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Vollpension, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Zum Schwarzen Kameel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Plachutta Wollzeile is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Vienna.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Vienna’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Austria.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Kleinod, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Needle Vinyl Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Roberto American Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Austria.

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Austria, you’ll go deep into Vienna, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Vienna, and meet locals along the way!

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Prater. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 114,084 reviews.

Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 37,411 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Stadtpark. This metro station is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,294 reviews.

Austria makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Austria also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Austria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Vienna, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Lebenbauer, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Lugeck is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Vienna tonight.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Vienna. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Austria!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Austria promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Vienna and drive in the direction of the city of Linz for some laid-back sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 103,855 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Vienna State Opera. This opera house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 49,854 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Hofburg Palace. This castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 47,034 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Maria-Theresa Memorial. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,300 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to MuseumsQuartier. This art museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,180 visitors.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Austria at Linz. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Austria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Linz, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Leberkas-Pepi Linz Rathausgasse, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, tiktak café is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant Rauner. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Linz tonight.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Austria. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Austria tomorrow with new energy.

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Austria is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Linz.

As your final day in Austria unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Linz’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Austria. Keep the spirit of your trip to Austria alive with these special souvenirs.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Linz is the remarkable Franz-Josef-Warte, Freinberg. This cultural property and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 365 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Linz or just grab something light to keep you going.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant Promenadenhof Linz, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Front Food? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Linz and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Austria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.