Austrian cities offer so much more than just traditional guidebook sights. Gourmet Graz, romantic Salzburg, and invigorating Innsbruck offer even seasoned travellers new experiences.
Graz: Austria?s Delicatessen
Despite being Austria?s second-largest city with 250,000 residents, Graz is still easily explorable on foot as visitors soon find themselves admiring the historic old town with its attractive streets, squares and courtyards where there?s plenty to see and enjoy. But, for a real taste of Graz, visitors need only to sample the city?s thriving foodie scene ? from award-winning restaurants and traditional farmers markets to the annual Long Table of Graz event which, for one evening, turns the city centre into a giant open air restaurant.
Salzburg: Where World Heritage mixes with Contemporary Character
Celebrated for its baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Mozart, the city of Salzburg offers all the historical splendours you?d expect from a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet Salzburg also innovatively blends tradition and modernity. Headquartered in Salzburg, Red Bull may have sent the city?s second-most famous son, Felix Baumgartner, skydiving from the stratosphere, but is also behind the design of the super cool ?Hangar-7?, one of Austria?s most contemporary bars and restaurants. Alternatively, why not mingle with other music lovers at the Salzburg Festival 2013 which features a live screening on the Kapitelplatz square.
Innsbruck: Alpine Urban Lifestyle
Innsbruck is a small city nestled in the heart of the Tirolean Alps and is the capital city of Tirol. What makes this provincial capital such a great discovery? Strolling the streets in search of its special character, you find a treasure trove of unique and stunning facets. The first thing you notice, however, are the mountains that protect and surround the city, an almost loving embrace from Mother Nature?s giant arms. The second noticeable feature is the old town full of wonderful historical highlights and yet still in use every day.
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For more information: Austrian National Tourist Office, Martina Jamnig, Tel: +44-20 74403840, email: [email protected], newsroom-uk.austria.info; Follow us on Twitter: @Austria_UK