Experience Austria Like a Local: Vienna, Vineyards & Alpine Lakes

After arriving in Vienna, ease into the city with a stroll through the historic First District, taking in its grand architecture and café culture. Vienna is exceptionally stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and plenty of green spaces nearby. One of my favorites includes the rose garden at Volksgarten and the iconic Palm House.

• For a classic coffee stop, Café Central is worth visiting early in the day. It’s lively but spacious, easy to manage with a group, and feels distinctly Viennese without being overly formal.

• For a quick, casual lunch, stop at a traditional Würstelstand, such as Bitzinger near the Albertina Museum (also worth a visit), which makes for an easy, kid-friendly meal.

• For something sweet, don’t miss Kaiserschmarrn from Demel near Stephansplatz—their to-go option is a favorite with both kids and adults.

Later, return to the Almanac Palais Vienna and unwind at the spa, a welcome way to ease into the time zone and settle in after travel.

• Start at the Haus des Meeres, a fascinating underwater world spread across multiple levels. With marine life, reptiles, and fully indoor exhibits, it’s an engaging stop for children and an easy choice regardless of weather.

• For lunch, head up to 360° Ocean Sky, the rooftop restaurant above the aquarium, where traditional dishes are paired with some of the best panoramic views over Vienna.

In the afternoon, choose based on energy levels and interests.

• For a more museum- and history-focused experience, visit the Belvedere Palace, known for its Baroque architecture and its collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss.

• If the group is craving something more playful, head to the Prater, a blend of traditional carnival and amusement park for the iconic Vienna Ferris wheel and family-fun.

Optional

For a richer Vienna experience, spend another night and explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with its gardens, maze, and children’s zoo.

You can also stroll along the tree-lined avenues, enjoy a coffee at the Café Gloriette overlooking the palace, or let little ones run in the open spaces.

• Pick up a rental car and drive west, where the landscape gradually shifts from city to vineyards and open countryside.

• Stop at Schlosspark Grafenegg, where expansive gardens and walking paths around the castle make for an easy outdoor break. Then enjoy lunch at a local cafe or heuriger.

• Continue on to Langenlois for a visit of Steininger Loisium, an interactive introduction to the region’s winemaking tradition. Be sure to sample the area’s renowned Grüner Veltliner and Riesling!

Base yourself at the family-run MÖRWALD Hotel am Wagram, an authentic Austrian inn set among vineyards in the Wagram wine region. For an unhurried experience, I recommend 2–3 nights.

Known for vineyards, small villages, and castle ruins, the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO-listed stretch along the Danube.

• Start the morning wandering Krems, considered a gateway to the region.

• In the afternoon, head to picturesque Duernstein, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades, small cafés, and castle ruins perched above the village.

• From there, visit Aggstein Castle, dramatically set above the Danube. The ruins offer sweeping views of the valley and a sense of medieval history without requiring a long visit, making it manageable with children.

• Later, slow things down with a short walk along one of the well-marked Wachau wine trails, which wind gently through vineyards and villages.

• On the way south, stop at Zotter Chocolate Factory, one of Austria’s most beloved food destinations, and an easy, family-friendly break in the drive.

• Arrive in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city and one of its most livable. Spend time wandering around the historic old town, ducking into Renaissance courtyards, and enjoying the relaxed café culture that gives Graz its local feel.

• In the afternoon, head up to the Schlossberg—either by funicular or elevator—for views over the red rooftops and the iconic clock tower.

• End the day with an easy dinner in town, where many restaurants welcome families and offer outdoor seating in warmer months.

Alternatively, head onwards to your final destination.

• If traveling during the warmer months, use your final days to slow things down at Lake Woerthersee, nestled in the foothills of the Alps and often nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Alps” for its clear, turquoise water. Boat rides connect the lakeside towns, making it easy to explore without spending much time in the car. Adults can settle into the café culture and lake views, while children enjoy safe swimming areas and nearby playgrounds.

• Indulge in a stay at Hotel Schloss Seefels, set directly on the lake and known for its year-round heated lake pool, or at Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, a grand lakeside property with a wonderful spa. Both hotels work well for families, offering space, easy lake access, and amenities that allow adults to unwind while children are comfortably accommodated.

• For lunch or dinner, Seespitz is one of my personal favorites and very much the “it” spot on Woerthersee, offering excellent à la carte cuisine, an easy holiday atmosphere, and sweeping lake views.

This is a fitting way to end the journey—relaxed, scenic, and distinctly Austrian—before either returning to Vienna or continuing onward to neighboring Italy or Slovenia.