Austria – A Journey Through Classic Cities, Breathtaking Landscapes and Real European Food
Esimfly · 11 March 2025
I still remember the first time I arrived in Austria. It started on the plane: during the descent I looked out of the window and saw the Alps poking through the clouds. The excitement only grew when I stepped out of the airport and breathed in the cool, clean Vienna air. I knew I was about to set off on a journey that would stay with me forever, one that blends a classic European city with wild nature, a magnificent musical culture with excellent coffee on a picturesque pedestrian street.
Austria is a country like nowhere else. On one side there is elegant Vienna, with its imperial palaces, historic coffee houses and a refinement you simply will not find in any other city. On the other, the small villages between the mountains, with landscapes that look like an old postcard, little markets selling local cheeses, and green valleys that feel lifted from a fairy tale. And for anyone after a bit of action, Austria is also the ultimate ski destination, with perfectly groomed slopes.
But before we dive into the places you absolutely have to see, I want to talk about the thing that matters most to me on every trip: a constant internet connection. When I travel, I want everything at my fingertips – real-time navigation, searching for recommended spots, instant translation when I need it, and sharing photos of the best moments. The best solution for that is an eSIM, and it is what I always use abroad. Instead of hunting for a local SIM card or paying outrageous roaming rates to your home carrier, you simply install a digital SIM in advance, and the moment you land you already have internet, with zero hassle.
The cheapest and easiest way to get to Austria
Hunting for flights is an inseparable part of my travel routine. Every experienced traveller knows that with the right planning you can save a serious amount of money. I always search on sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights, which compare prices across airlines and surface the cheapest options.
If Vienna is your destination, there are direct flights from Tel Aviv that take around three and a half hours, but sometimes a connection through another European city actually works out cheaper. A useful tip is to check nearby airports too, such as Munich or Prague, and take a direct train onward to Austria. This route is not only cheaper, it also gives you a scenic journey in comfortable carriages, with views you will not want to look away from.
Getting around Austria – trains, rental cars and buses
If you want to travel between Austria's main cities, the train is the best choice by far. Austrian trains are punctual, clean and very fast, and the views from the window are simply breathtaking. The national rail operator Ă–BB runs lines to every major city, and offers good-value passes for anyone planning to take the train several times during their trip.
But if your plan is to explore villages and countryside, renting a car is the perfect solution. Austrian roads are well maintained and clearly signposted, and driving here is an experience in itself. I recommend booking a car in advance through Rentalcars to lock in a good price and a vehicle that suits your needs. If you are heading into the mountains, make sure the car comes with winter tyres in the colder months.
Vienna – the perfect blend of history and European elegance
You cannot visit Austria without giving Vienna at least a few days. Every street in the city feels like a journey back in time, with grand buildings, remarkable museums and classical music drifting from every corner. I recommend starting your day with a wander down Mariahilfer Straße, one of the city's main streets, packed with boutiques, luxury shops and historic cafés serving the legendary Sachertorte.
Of course, Schönbrunn Palace is unmissable, one of the most impressive sights in Vienna. Climb to the palace viewpoint and you get a panorama over the entire city. From there you can continue to St. Stephen's Cathedral right in the city centre, or visit the famous opera house, home to some of the finest classical performances in the world.
How to stay connected in Austria with an affordable data plan
There is nothing more frustrating than travelling abroad and discovering you have no internet. Being online matters not only for navigation and reservations, but also for staying in touch with home and sharing your experiences on social media. The solution I use on every trip is an eSIM. Instead of messing about with a physical SIM, you install a digital SIM in advance and you are connected the moment you land. It works perfectly both in the cities and out in remote villages.
Summary – why Austria is a perfect destination
Austria is one of the most magical countries I have ever visited. It offers a perfect blend of history, culture, superb food and breathtaking scenery. Whether you love classic European cities, dream of a trip between lakes and picture-postcard villages, or want to try real skiing, Austria delivers all of it and a great deal more.
Most importantly, to make sure your trip is comfortable and enjoyable, prepare in advance: find cheap flights, plan how you will get around, and make sure you are connected with an eSIM. That way you can enjoy the holiday without unnecessary worries, and come home with memories that last.
Planning the trip? Order your Austria eSIM before you fly — the QR code arrives by email within minutes.