Vienna
The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Vienna
Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and entertainment. From grand palaces and museums to charming streets and cafes, there’s something for everyone in this magnificent city. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the must-visit places, activities, restaurants, accommodations, and tips to make your trip to Vienna an unforgettable experience.
Places to Go
1. Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
- Address: Himmelpfortgasse 5a, 1130 Wien
- Opening Hours: April to October: 9am - 6pm (gardens open until 7pm); November to March: 10am - 4pm (gardens close at 5pm)
- Tickets: €20 (adults), €12 (children aged 6-15)
The former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy, Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the grand palace, stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, and visit the maze, pond, and puppet theater.
2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
- Address: Stephansplatz 1, 1010 Wien
- Opening Hours: Daily from 6am to 10pm; Climb to the top for a breathtaking view (€5)
- Tickets: Free admission; €5 for climbing
Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and climb to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for panoramic views of the city.
3. Hofburg Palace
- Address: Heldenplatz, 1010 Wien
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 6pm; Last entry at 5:30pm
- Tickets: €13 (adults), €7 (children aged 6-15)
The former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums and the Spanish Riding School.
4. Vienna State Opera
- Address: Opernring 1, 1010 Wien
- Opening Hours: Guided tours available daily from 9am to 6pm; Last entry at 5:30pm
- Tickets: €13 (adults), €7 (children aged 6-15)
Take a guided tour of the world-famous Vienna State Opera and learn about its rich history.
5. Belvedere Palace
- Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm; Last entry at 5pm
- Tickets: €20 (adults), €12 (children aged 6-15)
The Belvedere Palace complex includes two Baroque palaces and a beautiful gardens.
6. MuseumsQuartier
- Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm; Last entry at 9pm
- Tickets: Free admission; individual museum ticket prices vary
Explore the various museums and art spaces within the MuseumsQuartier complex.
Activities
1. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Experience Vienna’s charming streets on a horse-drawn carriage ride, which will take you through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
2. Visit a Traditional Viennese Coffeehouse
Vienna is famous for its coffee culture. Step into a traditional coffeehouse like Café Central or Café Sperl and indulge in a cup of coffee and a slice of cake while soaking up the atmosphere.
3. Take a Walk Along the Danube Canal (Donaukanal)
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Danube Canal, which offers beautiful views of the city’s skyline and waterfront promenade.
4. Visit a Local Market
Visit one of Vienna’s many markets like Naschmarkt or Karmelitermarkt to sample local produce, cheese, and bread while shopping for souvenirs.
Where to Eat
1. Café Central
- Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 11pm; Last order at 10:30pm
Indulge in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse experience at Café Central.
2. Restaurant Steirereck
- Address: Am Heumarkt 2a, 1030 Wien
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm; Last order at 9pm
Enjoy modern Austrian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
3. Naschmarkt’s Market Hall
Address: Linke Wienzeile 40, 1160 Wien Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 7pm (market hall hours may vary)
Sample local produce and international cuisine at the bustling Naschmarkt market.
Where to Stay
1. Hotel Sacher
- Address: Philharmonikerstraße 4, 1010 Wien
- Opening Hours: Check-in from 2pm; check-out by 12pm
- Prices: From €250 per night (single room); from €350 per night (double room)
Stay in style at the famous Hotel Sacher, a luxury hotel known for its opulent rooms and impeccable service.
2. Boutique Hotel Am Stephansplatz
Address: Stephansplatz 12, 1010 Wien Opening Hours: Check-in from 3pm; check-out by 11am Prices: From €180 per night (single room); from €250 per night (double room)
This boutique hotel offers modern and stylish rooms in the heart of Vienna.
Things to Know
1. Language
While many Viennese speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic German phrases like “Hallo” (hello), “Danke” (thank you), and “Auf Wiedersehen” (goodbye).
2. Currency
The official currency of Austria is the Euro.
3. Safety
Vienna is generally a very safe city, but as with any tourist destination, take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Transportation
1. Public Transport
Vienna has an efficient public transport system, including buses (Wien Linien), trams (Wiener Stadtbahn), and metro lines (U-Bahn). You can purchase a Vienna Card for free public transport and discounts at attractions.
2. Taxi
Taxis are readily available, but be aware that they use meters and may have different rates depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Tips
- Always dress modestly when visiting churches or other places of worship.
- Don’t tip at cafes or restaurants where service is already included in the bill.
- Learn to say “Bitte” (please) and “Vielen Dank” (thank you very much).
4. Be Prepared for Weather
Vienna’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers for cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.
Other Things of Interest
1. Visit the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)
Explore the beautiful Vienna Woods on a hike or horseback ride and enjoy stunning views of the city.
2. Attend a Classical Music Concert
Vienna is famous for its classical music heritage. Catch a performance at the Musikverein, where Mozart himself once performed.
Conclusion
Vienna is a city that will leave you enchanted with its rich history, cultural attractions, and warm atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in grand palaces, museums, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in a charming cafe, Vienna has something for everyone.