Mixed experience in Austria — beautiful but overhyped

Austria is undeniably beautiful. Schönbrunn Palace and the area around Hallstatt have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed Wiener Schnitzel and appreciated world-class classical music. That's all real.

But tourist restaurants in Vienna overprice was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.