Cheap 8-Day Austria Road Trip Vacation from Vienna to Graz, Zell am See & Salzburg

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

Vienna is a popular cheap holiday destination in Austria with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Austria, Vienna is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations in Austria.

In Vienna, one best-rated budget hotel we recommend is Ambassador Hotel. This 5-star hotel is a favorite among travelers, as seen in its average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,149 guests.

Budget-conscious travelers also enjoy staying at Hotel Mercure Wien Zentrum. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,477 former guests, this 4-star hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a temporary place to stay in Vienna.

Pension Dr. Geissler is another low-cost accommodation best for price-conscious travelers. This budget-friendly 3-star hotel in Vienna has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars in over 2,689 reviews.

These top-rated accommodations in Vienna are popular and get fully-booked fast. If unavailable during your trip to the city, our system will automatically recommend you the best, affordable alternatives.

When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Vienna and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Prater will make your cheap holiday in Austria truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 99,924 visitors.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Vienna. An excellent example is the popular Bockshorn Irish Pub. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,158 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Austria is die Feinkosterei Schwarz-Hirsch. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 668 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Lebenbauer. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 517 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Needle Vinyl Bar is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 774 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Vienna we recommend is Grüner Kakadu, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 568 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Austria!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Vienna, proving that cheap holidays in Austria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 31,999 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular St. Stephen's Cathedral. This popular place of interest is a stunning catholic cathedral that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 93,964 visitors.

To make your trip to Vienna more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Stadtpark. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,339 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Stadtpark is often mentioned in Austria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Vienna State Opera is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This opera house and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 44,484 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Belvedere Palace Chapel. More than 57,031 visitors have rated this chapel and tourist destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Vienna does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Vienna on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Austria.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Austria, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Naschmarkt, one of the best restaurants in Vienna. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 43,957 reviews.

You can also check out Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 15,227 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Plachutta Wollzeile. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,398 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Vienna.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Vienna for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Josef Cocktailbar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 508 customers.

Flanagans is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,132 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Crossfield's Australian Pub. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,326 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Vienna.

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

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Austria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Vienna and end your day in the city of Graz, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Vienna is the amazing Hofburg Palace. This travel destination is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 42,543 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible MuseumsQuartier. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 28,254 travelers, a visit to this well-known art museum and sightseeing spot in Vienna is likely to make your vacation in Austria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Vienna is the outstanding Schönbrunn Palace. This château has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 128,358 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Austria, drop by the popular Tiergarten Schönbrunn. This attraction, an amazing zoo, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 45,302 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Austria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Austria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Austria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Austria.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Graz. Graz is another cheap travel destination in Austria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

One of the best budget stay options in Graz is the 4-star Palais Hotel Erzherzog Johann. This hotel has been rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,226 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing Hotel Drei Raben. This 4-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 2,038 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star Meyers Gasthof, Fam. Orthacker to anyone looking for a popular budget hotel in Graz. In fact, around 547 travelers who were once guests of this hotel rated it an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Austria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Graz that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Graz is Steak Boutique. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 772 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Graz, dreizehn by Gauster is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 500 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Glöckl Bräu | Wirtshaus - Schank - Gastgarten | Graz. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Graz enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,934 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Graz’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Austria. For example, you can visit Flann O'Brien Original Irish Pub. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,257 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Austria!

Day 4 of your road trip across Austria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Graz and the enchanting Carinthia, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Graz and end the day in Carinthia, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 4 of your affordable vacation in Austria will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Graz is the magnificent Hauptplatz, Graz. Around 14,791 visitors have rated this excellent square and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Clock tower in Graz on this leg of your self-drive tour in Austria. This attraction is a well-known clock tower that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 6,156 travelers.

The remarkable Schlossberg is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Austria. This attraction, an amazing park, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,266 travelers.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Pyramidenkogel Tower. This popular site is a valued observation tower in Carinthia and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,772 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Austria. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Austria. Make your cheap holiday experience in Austria more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Zell am See offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Austria. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

Hotel Salzburgerhof is one of the best budget hotel options for price-conscious travelers in the city. In fact, this 5-star hotel has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 280 reviews.

Another practical choice for travelers looking to enjoy a cheap vacation in Zell am See is Superior Sport und Familienresort Alpenblick. This 4-star hotel offers reasonably-priced accommodations with many handy amenities, and is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 494 former guests.

We also recommend staying at the charming 3-star Traube to take advantage of their cheap holiday deals. Rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,055 former guests, this hotel is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, cozy, and budget-friendly place to stay in Zell am See.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Zell am See offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Austria.

Enzianhütte is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 710 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Zell am See is Restaurant Kupferkessel - Kreml GmbH, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,415 customers.

The Burger Factory offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Zell am See. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,098 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Zell am See’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

GINHOUSE | Pub | Zell am See is an excellent example of a great bar in Zell am See offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 331 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Slow Down, another of locals’ go-to bars in Zell am See. Slow Down is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 241 customers having rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Murrays Irish bar is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Zell am See. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 221 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Austria with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Austria!

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Austria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Salzburg and end your day in the city of Salzburg, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Salzburg is the amazing Pinzgau Local Railway. This travel destination is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 238 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Plettsaukopf reservoir. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 200 travelers, a visit to this well-known best-rated sightseeing destination and sightseeing spot in Salzburg is likely to make your vacation in Austria even more memorable.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Austria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Austria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Austria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Austria.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Salzburg. Salzburg is another cheap travel destination in Austria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

One of the best budget stay options in Salzburg is the 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt. This hotel has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,769 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing JUFA Hotel Salzburg. This 4-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,522 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star Gästehaus im Priesterseminar Salzburg to anyone looking for a popular budget hotel in Salzburg. In fact, around 2,501 travelers who were once guests of this hotel rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Austria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Salzburg that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Salzburg is Indian Restaurant Taj Mahal. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,149 customers.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Salzburg enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Salzburg’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Austria. For example, you can visit Monkeys cafe. Bar. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 851 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Darwin's Cafe Bar. This popular bar in Salzburg has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 658 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Austria!

Day 6’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Salzburg, proving that cheap holidays in Austria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Salzburg Cathedral. This attraction is a catholic cathedral that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,132 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Fortress Hohensalzburg. This popular place of interest is a stunning museum that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 38,973 visitors.

To make your trip to Salzburg more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Salzburg Zoo. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,644 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Salzburg Zoo is often mentioned in Austria road trip itineraries.

Your discovery of Salzburg does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Salzburg on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Austria.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Austria, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Bärenwirt, one of the best restaurants in Salzburg. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,298 reviews.

You can also check out Zwettler's Wirtshaus. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,457 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is IMLAUER Sky - Bar & Restaurant in Salzburg. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,933 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Salzburg.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Salzburg for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Murphy's Law Irish Pub and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 615 customers.

StageBar Salzburg is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 391 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Celtic Spirit. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 504 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Salzburg.

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

On day 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Austria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Lower Austria and end your day in the city of Vienna, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Lower Austria is the amazing Melk Abbey. This travel destination is an abbey that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,971 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Myra Waterfalls. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,321 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Lower Austria is likely to make your vacation in Austria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Lower Austria is the outstanding Spa park Baden city park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,588 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Austria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Austria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Austria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Austria.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Vienna. Vienna is another cheap travel destination in Austria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

One of the best budget stay options in Vienna is the 5-star Ambassador Hotel. This hotel has been rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,149 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing Hotel Mercure Wien Zentrum. This 4-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,477 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star Pension Dr. Geissler to anyone looking for a popular budget hotel in Vienna. In fact, around 2,689 travelers who were once guests of this hotel rated it an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Austria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Vienna that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Vienna is Lugeck. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,346 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Vienna, Reinthaler's Beisl is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,346 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Puerstner. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Vienna enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,511 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Vienna’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Austria. For example, you can visit Loos American Bar. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,538 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Kleinod. This popular bar in Vienna has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 863 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Austria!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Austria as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Vienna.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Austria.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your leisurely self-drive vacation in Austria.

If you'd rather pass 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 Vienna is the remarkable Schönbrunn Palace. This château and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 50,477 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Vienna, consider a top-rated restaurant like Rinderwahn. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,045 customers.

Flanagans is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,132 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Steirereck. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,356 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Austria and your fun memories in Vienna.

You’ll then say farewell to Vienna and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Austria!