Follow the Danube River and head to Budapest, Hungary’s magnificent capital. A city with a fascinating history, Budapest has been home to diverse cultures, from Celts and Romans to Huns and Hapsburgs. Travelers can choose from all kinds of activities, like soaking in thermal springs at the Szecheyni Baths, taking the funicular up to Buda Castle, and admiring the fairytale towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion. Recharge with a drink at one of the city’s urban ruin pubs or cake and coffee at Café Gerbaud.

Allow plenty of time for the 243-kilometer (150-mile) journey to Budapest from Vienna. By car or train, you can expect to arrive after two and a half hours. The bus from Vienna's bus terminal takes just over three hours. Of course, don’t forget your passport since you’ll be crossing an international border.

People hoping to get out to the countryside will find a wonderful retreat in the Wachau Valley. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley is rich with history and culture. A well-known wine producing region, fans of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner will love their time in the valley. Visitors to Wachau shouldn’t miss a stop in Melk at the grand abbey, with its famous frescoes and incredible library. Other worthy stops include the town of Krems, Schallaburg Castle, and Göttweig Abbey.

Drive time for the 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Vienna to the Wachau Valley averages an hour. Train travel time is similar but can take up to 90 minutes.

Day trips to the Vienna Woods, also known as the Wienerwald, are extremely popular with the Viennese locals, as well as adventurous travelers who want to experience the nature of Austria. The most common activities in the woods are hiking and biking in Naturpark Föhrenberge, but there’s more to the area than the stunning scenery. Hear the heavenly Gregorian chants of the monks at the Heiligenkreuz Abbey, cruise across the underground lake of Seegrotte, and take in the views from Hoher Lindkogel.

Depending on which part of the forest you decide to travel to, the trek from Vienna to the Vienna Woods could be anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour by car. Unfortunately, you can’t access Naturpark Föhrenberge easily by train, but you can get to nearby towns like Hinterbrühl by bus in about 45 minutes.