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Austria

Vienna: itinerary & travel tips

Vienna combines imperial grandeur with a relaxed everyday atmosphere. Palaces, the opera and museums lie mostly within or just outside the Ring and are quickly reached by tram and U-Bahn. This means you can see a lot even in two days, without constantly being stuck in traffic.

Then there are the coffee house culture, the Heurigen on the edge of the city and one of the best music scenes in Europe. From Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Vienna is easy to reach by train or plane, which makes the city an ideal destination for a long weekend.

Ready-made itineraries

What to see

  • Schönbrunn Palace

    The former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with state rooms, a large park and the Gloriette, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • St. Stephen's Cathedral

    This Gothic landmark in the centre offers a tower climb, catacombs and its distinctive colourful roof.

  • Hofburg

    The former imperial palace houses, among other things, the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Treasury.

  • Kunsthistorisches Museum

    It displays one of the most important painting collections in Europe, including many works by Bruegel.

  • Belvedere Palace

    Klimt's "The Kiss" hangs here, along with Baroque gardens with views over the city.

  • Vienna State Opera

    One of the world's leading opera houses, with guided tours and cheap standing places for performances.

Where to stay

  • Innere Stadt (1st district)

    For those who want to reach everything on foot on a first visit and accept higher hotel prices for it.

  • Neubau and Josefstadt (7th and 8th districts)

    For travellers who like small shops, cafés and quieter streets near the MuseumsQuartier.

  • Leopoldstadt (2nd district)

    For those who appreciate the Prater, the Karmelitermarkt and good U-Bahn connections, at more moderate prices.

  • Naschmarkt and Wieden (4th district)

    For food lovers who want a market, restaurants and nightlife on their doorstep.

Best time to visit

The loveliest times are April to June as well as September and October, with mild temperatures and moderate prices. In December the Christmas markets are a highlight, but then the city and the hotels are full and more expensive. July and August can get hot, and some stages pause then. January and February are cold and grey, but offer ball season and cheaper rooms.

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Getting there

Vienna-Schwechat Airport is about 18 km south-east of the centre. The City Airport Train (CAT) and the S7 take around 16 to 25 minutes to Wien Mitte, and the S7 costs only a few euros. From Germany and Switzerland you can also easily come by train to the main station (Wien Hbf), for example from Munich in around four hours and from Zurich in around eight hours by night train or day train.

Getting around

The network of U-Bahn, trams and buses is dense and reliable, and you can explore the city centre well on foot. For 2 to 4 days, the 24-, 48- or 72-hour tickets from Wiener Linien are worthwhile. A Vienna Card can pay off if you visit several museums with a discount.

Daily budget

budget

€50

mid-range

€110

per person, without accommodation. Public transport and standing places at the opera are cheap, while admission to palaces and restaurants in the centre tend to be expensive.

Local tips

  • In a coffee house you can sit for as long as you like; order a coffee and a glass of tap water with it, which is served free of charge.
  • Get tickets for Schönbrunn and the Hofburg online in advance to avoid queues.
  • Heurigen in Grinzing, Nussdorf or Stammersdorf can be reached by tram or bus and are good alternatives to the tourist places in the centre.
  • Standing places at the State Opera are only sold shortly before the start and cost just a few euros; come early for good spots.

FAQ

How many days do you need for Vienna?

Two days are enough for the main highlights, while three to four days leave room for museums, Heurigen and excursions. If you want to go to the Wachau or to Bratislava, plan one more day.

Which area is best to stay in in Vienna?

For short stays the Innere Stadt is the most convenient; Neubau, Leopoldstadt or Wieden are cheaper and livelier. Above all, being close to a U-Bahn station is important.

Is Vienna expensive?

Vienna is in the middle range for Central Europe and is often cheaper than Munich or Zurich. Public transport and everyday food are inexpensive, while accommodation in the centre and admission fees cost more.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

With the CAT or the S7 suburban train you reach Wien Mitte in about 16 to 25 minutes. The Railjet also goes to the main station, and a taxi takes about 25 to 40 minutes and costs significantly more.

Is Vienna safe, and how much should you tip?

Vienna is considered a very safe big city, but you should watch out for pickpockets in crowds and on trains. A tip is usually around 5 to 10 percent, by rounding up the amount when you pay.

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