From its stunning Alpine surroundings and Baroque architecture to its classical music scene (birthplace of the composers Mozart and Johann Strauss) and traditional schnitzels and strudels, a city break in Austria offers something for every keen traveller. It’s home to famous landmarks, including monasteries, castles and museums, is packed full of fascinating history and boasts delicious eateries, vibey bars and warm sunny weather in the summer.

Perfect for a short getaway, a city break in Austria promises to be jam-packed with adventures for every type of traveller. Whether keen on Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck, if you’re thinking of booking a trip to discover these wonderful municipalities, make it happen with the Austria Hotel Collection. A curated group of beautiful hotels spread across the European country, it offers everything from luxury grand dames to chic off-the-beaten-track boutique stays. With 10 urban hotels under its wings, we’ve got the lowdown on the best places to stay during your city break in Austria.

Luxury hotels in Vienna

Almanac Palais Vienna

Situated on Ring Boulevard, this five-star boutique hotel is slap bang in the centre of Vienna, where all the action happens. Once you’ve spent your day exploring the buzzing city – whether it be a meander down the Ringstrasse, a tour around the Museum of Art or a look at St Stephen’s gothic cathedral (or all of the above) – head to the hotel for that home-away-from-home feeling. Blending Austrian heritage with contemporary design, and luxurious in every way, be sure to make time for the wellness area, where an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym promise to soothe tired post-sightseeing muscles.

Insider tip: A trip to the nearby Austrian National Library is a must – find it situated in the Imperial Palace and overflowing with history.

Hotel Ambassador

Hotel Ambassador has stood in the centre of Vienna since 1898, neighboured by St Stephen’s Cathedral and the State Opera. Steeped in history and Austrian tradition, featuring 19th-century design with a contemporary spirit, few stays can rival its charming ambience (and location). Nestle in for a couple of nights, just as many famous music stars and artists have, and enjoy the fabulous facilities, all within walking distance of Vienna’s cultural epicentre.

Insider tip: Make time for a shopping spree on nearby Kärntner Straße to stock up on local treats to take home with you (followed by a refreshment in a traditional coffee house, of course).

Hotel Astoria Vienna

A trailblazer in its time, Hotel Astoria opened in 1912 as the most glitzy, glam, modern hotel in Vienna, and naturally became a go-to for aristocrats, diplomats and film stars. Inspired by New York’s Waldorf Astoria, it became the crème de la crème of luxury hotels where everybody who was somebody stayed, and following a recent renovation, continues to sparkle. Modernised and more eco-friendly, but still flaunting its historic Art Deco charm, check in for a taste of the VIP treatment in the heart of Vienna’s historic centre.

Insider tip: Book tickets to the State Opera – just moments from the hotel, you can practically roll back to bed (or for a nightcap at the bar).

Henriette Stadthotel Vienna

The philosophy at Henriette Stradhotel is: “We’re not trying to change the whole world. But our little piece of it? Definitely.” This eco-friendly, family-run boutique hotel holds sustainability at its core, from 100 per cent natural linen in the rooms to environmentally-friendly heating systems and homemade dishes using seasonal, regional produce. Based in the cool Leopoldstadt neighbourhood, this forward-thinking hotel (which was once home of Austrian composer Johann Strauss) is the perfect place for eco-conscious weekenders to stay, within close proximity to the Old Town, and with an underground station opposite for easy exploration.

Insider tip: Visit the Karmelitermarkt food market for sensational local delicacies, before hopping on the Giant Ferris Wheel nearby for panoramic views of the city.

Apartment Hotel Singerstrasse 21/25

Whether you choose a luxury double room, a fully-fledged apartment, or even an exclusive penthouse with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Baroque skyline, a stay at Singerstrasse 21/25 is always unique. A super central spot, surrounded by historical sites and cultural attractions, each accommodation type is available for short and long-term bookings, perfect for weekend getaways or summertime takeovers. Kitted out with all the amenities you need across a sophisticated, contemporary space, base yourself here for a truly authentic Viennese experience.

Insider tip: Just 300 metres from St Stephen’s Cathedral, take on the challenge of climbing the 343 steps of the South Tower for an epic view of the city.

Hotel Altstadt Vienna

One for the art lovers, all rooms and suites at Hotel Altstadt have been beautifully designed by artists including Lena Hoschek, Matteo Thun and Lilli Hollein. A fitting vibe for the cool creative district of Spittelberg, more than 350 pieces of art are displayed across the 19th-century building, creating a quirky space that you won’t want to leave. Go for the central location, just minutes from Vienna’s main museums and shops, and stay for the homely, laidback feel.

Insider tip: Embrace this artistic neighbourhood – soak in the ambience, browse the independent boutiques, and lunch among locals in one of the authentic restaurants or bars.

Hotel Harmonie Vienna

Boasting a central location that is far enough off-the-beaten-track to feel under-the-radar, Hotel Harmonie offers a peaceful spot that art and design lovers will fall head over heels for. Standing in the hip Servite neighbourhood and named after the now-closed Harmonie Theatre, it takes its design queues from its effervescent cultural surroundings and theatrical influences. Every room is unique and full of character while championing sustainability. Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast before heading out on foot to explore the cultural playground before you.

Insider tip: Discover Vienna’s famous Jewish Quarter, within walking distance from the hotel, to explore key sights including the Jewish Museum and the Sigmund Freud Museum for a snippet of the city’s history.

Hotel Sans Souci

After a day of sightseeing and uncovering the fascinating history of the Austrian metropolis, check into Hotel Sans Souci for a truly five-star experience. Designed by Philippe Starck’s studio, Yoo, all bedrooms and suites combine comfort with utmost style, while downstairs, the elegant bar offers more than 100 different champagnes, making it the perfect palace to mark those special celebrations. It is also home to the longest hotel pool in the city (complete with a dazzling chandelier above), boasts an exclusive collection of works by famed American artist Roy Lichtenstein and offers sublime R&R at its relaxing spa.

Insider tip: Wander over to the arty Spittelberg district, just two minutes away, for a flavour of local life, including shopping, eating and drinking

Leopoldmuseum

Although not a hotel, it would be wrong of us not to mention the artistic treasure trove that is Vienna’s Leopoldmuseum. Situated in the Museum Quarter, it houses an impressive collection of more than 8,000 pieces of modern Austrian art, from the likes of Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, and Emil Jakob Schindler. Founded by couple Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold, who spent more than 50 years collecting artwork, furniture and decorative pieces from the Jugendstil and Wiener Werkstätte movements, enter to be transported to a creative world of imagination, history and unrivalled artistic talent.

Luxury hotels in Salzburg and Innsbruck

Arthotel Blaue Gans, Salzburg

Live like Mozart for the weekend and stay next door to his birthplace at the Arthotel Blaue Gans. Located in the heart of the historic city on the banks of the Salzach River, the Hohensalzburg Fortress towers in the distance, and the famous Festival Halls are across the road, making for a truly majestic setting. Step inside to be greeted with modern interiors mixed with Austrian tradition, comfortable rooms and a fabulous restaurant. Lap up the artistic history around you, sip on copious Camparis (celebrating the old trade routes between Salzburg and Venice) and bed down in one of Salzburg’s finest (also home to the city’s oldest inn, which opened in 1350).

Insider tip: Explore Salzburg by bike to pack in all the city’s impressive sights – rentals are available at the hotel.

Nala Individuell Hotel, Innsbruck

For an Alpine city escape, head to Innsbruck, where rugged cliffs border the stunning landscape, and landmarks such as Ambras Castle and the Gothic Ottoburg Tower are ripe for exploration. Once you’ve finished sightseeing and soaking up the quintessentially Austrian culture, spend your nights at Nala Individuell Hotel. A sustainably-led, modern hotel, it runs on 90 per cent green energy, uses eco-friendly bed linens and provides only organic ingredients at breakfast. If that’s not enough, each room or apartment has a fun name that characterises the space, for example ‘Snow White’ and ‘Zen’, each looking out to the beautiful mountains.

Insider tip: The hotel is located in the Wilten district, the starting point of the Walk 2 city tour promising ‘huge tower and deep ravines’, so make sure to pack your trainers.

Discover more and find your perfect city stay at austria.info.