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Portugal Vs Austria

Mikhil Rialch

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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Two countries that will soon meet on a football pitch. Yet their competition is quite fierce in other avenues as well. As we’ll soon find out (Exhibit A below).

Both these European countries are worthy contenders if you’re looking to make a holiday in the continent for the memory albums. With their own distinct cultures, fascinating historical marvels and a social ethos that’s exciting to witness – Portugal and Austria are two countries that jostle for the podium finish.

So, where do you think you’d like to spend your summer holiday? On the winding hill roads that weave in and out across Lisbon or the musical quarters of Vienna and Salzburg? There’s a lot put on the table.

Portugal

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a hill city that winds its way upwards in a coterie of tram tracks through a series of hills overlooking the Tagus River. Expect to see a number of rustic shopping streets, elegant bridge ways, Gothic cathedrals and vibrant neighbourhoods – all abound in the traditional fado music of Portugal. If you want a history 101 on the city, hop into the Tram No. 28 which will take you through Lisbon’s important historical attractions, gardens and alleys. Also ensure that you visit the Alfama district, the oldest quarter in the city distinctive for its Moorish leanings and home to the grand St. George’s Castle. Portugal’s rich maritime history is also reflected in the museums paying homage to its heydays as the strongest naval power in Europe (once upon a time…)

Porto

The namesake behind the famous port wine, Porto is nestled along the hills that stand watch over the Douro River in northern Portugal. The laidback air of Porto is best envisioned in its charming Ribiera pedestrian district – bustling with riverside cafes, live music bars, street vendors and restaurants. Do visit the Ponte Dom Luis, an imposing double-deck arch bridge that connects Vila Nova de Gaia with Porto. A visit to the bridge is important to get to Vila Nova de Gaia, since it is home to some rich port wine cellars. That’s always a visit worth making.

How to Get There

There are several airlines that operate between India and Portugal – dependent, of course, upon the departure and arrival cities in both countries. Carriers like Lufthansa, Air India, Aeroflot, Emirates, British Airways and Swiss Airlines will get you there. If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.

Austria

Vienna

Ah, what could be said of Vienna that hasn’t been said before? The capital of Austria and the sentinel of civility itself, Vienna is still reputed to hold over 200 elegant balls every year. Vienna’s reputation as a musical entrepot is well-deserved – with composers such as Mozart, Strauss, Schubert, Beethoven, and Brahms being among its arsenal. The royal palace of Hofburg was once the seat of Austrian and – to a large extent – European power and influence, so make sure you do give it a visit. Art enthusiasts can find their feet to the Kunsthistorisches – housing an enviable collection of the finest arts by the old masters. There’s far too much cultural jewels such as those mentioned here to pack into one trip, so don’t make a heavy schedule. Make sure you give yourself plenty of breaks lounging at one of the many cafes that Vienna is famous for.

Salzburg

It is said that some of Mozart’s best music was inspired by the views of Salzburg. The birthplace of Mozart, who remains arguably the world’s most famous musical composer, Salzburg is a picturesque mountainous city and the fourth-largest in Austria. Visitors here are spell-bound by the magnificent vistas of medieval fortressed perched atop Alpine scenery, Old Towns such as Altstadt and historical masterpieces such as the 17^th century Baroque Mirabell Palace. Often called the place that inspired the ‘beginning of music’, Salzburg also happens to be the setting for the renowned Von Trapp family, the inspiration behind the popular musical The Sound of Music. Whether you have an ear for music or not, do make sure you visit Mozart’s birthplace and remodelled home.

How to Get There

Vienna and Salzburg are very popular destinations – as is Austria as a whole. So it behoves a traveller to book tickets well in advance because the later one books, the costlier the tickets get. Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Swiss Airlines and good ole’ Air India fly there. If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.

Destination	Lisbon, Portugal	Vienna, Austria
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 4797 (per night at the Hotel 3K Barcelona) Rs. 8245 (per night at the Clarion Suites Lisbon Hotel) Rs. 8549 (per night at the Radisson Blu Hotel Lisbon)	Rs. 5363 (per night at Hotel Prinz Eugen) Rs. 11,452 (per night at NH Wien Hotel) Rs. 25,024 (per night at Enziana Hotel Vienna)
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 3200 per day	Rs. 2500 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 112 per day	Rs. 160 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 2300 per day	Rs. 3000 per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

When it comes to prices, there really isn’t much by way of comparison between Portugal and Austria. But knowing the profile of a Lisbon or a Salzburg lets you know where you’d rather be vacationing, doesn’t it? So, would you rather be letting your nose guide you towards the wine cellars of Porto? Or allow the musical virtuosos and art maestros of Vienna and Salzburg enchant you with their creations?

You be the judge of that. And the comments section is for when you’re back from your holiday, okay? Okay.

Mikhil Rialch

History lover. Wasp hater. World-conqueror-in-waiting.

Comments

Branson Atterbury | on 22 August 2018

Really good article;e Mikhil, this is some of the very best travel journalism I have read for quite some time. Having recently overseen the construction of luxury ski apartments in Austria, I'm always going to be opting for that country over Portugal. There is no other country in the world that can match Austria for it's incredible scenery and architecture. Branson Atterbury | Kristall Spaces