Vienna, Austria

Vienna Travel Guide

Welcome to Vienna, the charming capital city of Austria! Vienna is a treasure trove of history, culture, music, and culinary delights. From grand palaces to cozy cafes, and from world-class museums to picturesque parks, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.

Places to Visit

1. Schönbrunn Palace

A must-visit attraction in Vienna is the stunning Schönbrunn Palace. This former imperial summer residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features opulent interiors, beautifully manicured gardens, and an impressive zoo.

  • Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 1, 1130 Wien
  • Open daily from 9am to 5pm (April to October) or until 4:30pm (November to March)
  • Tickets: €14.90 per person

2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and features intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and a striking south tower.

  • Address: Stephansplatz 1, 1010 Wien
  • Open daily from 6am to 10pm (April to October) or until 8pm (November to March)
  • Admission: free

3. Hofburg Palace

The grand Hofburg Palace was the principal imperial palace of the Habsburgs and is now home to the Spanish Riding School, where you can watch the famous Lipizzaner horses perform.

  • Address: Heldenplatz 1, 1010 Wien
  • Open daily from 9am to 5pm (April to October) or until 4:30pm (November to March)
  • Tickets: €12 per person

4. MuseumsQuartier

This vibrant cultural complex is home to a range of museums, including the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.

  • Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien
  • Open daily from 10am to 6pm (April to October) or until 5pm (November to March)
  • Admission: free

5. Prater Park

This beautiful park is home to the famous Riesenrad Ferris wheel and offers a peaceful escape from the city.

  • Address: Praterstraße 1, 1020 Wien
  • Open daily from 10am to midnight (April to October) or until 10pm (November to March)
  • Admission: free

Activities

1. Take a stroll through the historic city center

The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant street performers.

  • Address: Various locations throughout the city
  • Open daily from dawn until dusk
  • Admission: free

2. Visit the Naschmarkt market

This bustling marketplace offers a wide range of fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.

  • Address: Wienzeile 43, 1040 Wien
  • Open daily from 9am to 7pm (April to October) or until 6pm (November to March)
  • Admission: free

3. Take a walk along the Danube Canal

This picturesque canal offers stunning views of the city and is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

  • Address: Donaukanal, 1020 Wien
  • Open daily from dawn until dusk
  • Admission: free

Where to Eat

1. Cafe Central

This historic cafe has been serving coffee and pastries since 1876 and is a must-visit for any foodie.

  • Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien
  • Open daily from 10am to midnight (April to October) or until 11pm (November to March)
  • Prices: €5-€15 per person

2. Restaurant Griechenbeisl

This cozy restaurant serves traditional Austrian cuisine and has been in operation since 1453.

  • Address: Fleischmarkt 11, 1010 Wien
  • Open daily from 10am to midnight (April to October) or until 11pm (November to March)
  • Prices: €15-€30 per person

3. Naschmarkt food stalls

The Naschmarkt market is home to a range of delicious food stalls serving everything from sushi to falafel.

  • Address: Wienzeile 43, 1040 Wien
  • Open daily from 9am to 7pm (April to October) or until 6pm (November to March)
  • Prices: €5-€15 per person

Where to Stay

1. Hotel Sacher

This historic hotel has been in operation since 1876 and offers luxurious accommodations.

  • Address: Philharmonichof 4, 1010 Wien
  • Prices: €200-€500 per night

2. Hotel Imperial

This grand hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers elegant accommodations.

  • Address: Karntner Ring 10, 1045 Wien
  • Prices: €150-€300 per night

3. Meininger Vienna City West

This budget-friendly hostel offers comfortable accommodations and a lively atmosphere.

  • Address: Kaisermühlenstraße 12, 1020 Wien
  • Prices: €20-€40 per night

Things to Know

1. Language

The official language of Austria is German, but most Viennese speak English fluently.

2. Currency

The Euro (€) is the official currency of Austria.

3. Safety

Vienna is a very safe city, with low crime rates compared to other major cities.

4. Weather

Vienna has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters.

Transportation

1. Public transportation

Vienna has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn subway system.

  • Tickets: €2-€3 per ride or €10-€20 for a day pass
  • Passes: available at most stations or online in advance

2. Taxi

Taxis are widely available throughout the city.

  • Prices: €5-€10 per ride, depending on traffic and distance

3. Bike rental

Bike rental is a great way to explore the city, with many bike-friendly roads and bike lanes.

  • Prices: €10-€20 per day

Tips

  1. Be prepared for crowds in popular areas during peak season.
  2. Try to avoid eating at restaurants on busy streets or touristy areas.
  3. Don’t be afraid to try local specialties and traditional cuisine.
  4. Take a stroll through the historic city center to get a feel for the city’s atmosphere.

Other Things of Interest

  1. Vienna Opera Ball: A grand ball held in January, featuring opera performances, music, and dancing.
  2. Life Ball: An annual charity event held in June, with live music, performances, and fundraising efforts.
  3. Christmas markets: Vienna’s festive Christmas markets are a must-visit during the holiday season.

We hope you enjoy your trip to Vienna!