Vienna offers something for all tastes: Figlmüller’s, which has been around for 110 years, makes an authentic Wiener schnitzel. If you are keen to sample some local sausage fare on the go, try the Bitzinger Würstelstand am Albertinaplatz, just opposite the Opera house. There is also a variety of vegetarian and vegan restaurants like Vegetasia, Tian and Veggiezz. For vegan dessert, check out the Eis Greissler ice cream shop.
The Viennese coffee house culture is highly recommended, and worth exploring – they've got great coffee and cakes. Don’t worry if you can’t order in German, as most places will have an English menu. In Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, they have authentic Austrian cuisine places like Leberkas-Pepi (fast food), Gosser Keller, and JKU Teichwerk, which is also vegetarian friendly. For more contemporary dining, try the Gelbes Krokodil - a popular spot to eat and hang out. You can watch movies next door in German and English in their cinema, Moviemento. In upper Austria, in cities such as Gmunden in the Austrian lake district, there are plenty of delicious options if you want to try out the traditional foods and yummy desserts Austria has to offer. Make sure you check out some of the bakeries in the area. As you wander through the town past the windows you won’t be able to resist stepping inside to try something new. Gmunden is also home to the famous Gmundener Keramik - it makes the perfect gift for family or friends when you return home from your adventure abroad!
Of course, what really stands out in Gmunden is the Traunsee - the lake that looks beautiful as it is surrounded by mountains and sleepy little Austrian towns. One of the prettiest views is from the Schlossort - a small castle that is out on the lake and provides a stunning setting for some of those Instagram posts you will want to take! From the location in Upper Austria, it is an easy train journey to get to so many stunning locations - some touristy like Hallstatt, but some remain a well-kept secret only for the locals!