Vienna Travel Guide


   
Day 2 Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum, go for a stroll in Naschmarkt, have a coffee in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse.
Day 3 Visit Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, explore the Gloriette and the Tiergarten, watch a classical concert at the Orangery.
Day 4 Visit Belvedere Palace and its art collection, take a bike tour to Danube Island, paddle a boat on the Old Danube.
Day 5 Visit Vienna Woods, hike to Kahlenberg, have lunch in a Heuriger (wine tavern)
Day 6 Explore Vienna’s trendy neighborhoods like Neubau or the Naschmarkt area, visit a contemporary art museum like MUMOK.
Day 7 Go for a day trip to Bratislava (Slovakia), visit its Old Town and Castle, enjoy Slovakian cuisine and wine.

Food and Drink Scene of Vienna

Vienna’s food and drink scene is as rich and diverse as its culture and history. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wiener Schnitzel – a breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet
  • Tafelspitz – boiled beef with root vegetables and horseradish sauce
  • Apfelstrudel – a sweet pastry with apple filling, served with whipped cream
  • Sachertorte – a chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze, invented in Vienna
  • Goulash – a hearty stew with beef, onions, and paprika

Local Beverages

  • Wiener Gemischter Satz – a white wine made from multiple grape varieties grown together in the same vineyard
  • Ottakringer beer – a traditional Viennese beer with a slightly bitter taste and refreshing aroma
  • Melange – a coffee drink similar to a cappuccino, with steamed milk and a shot of espresso
  • Wiener Eiskaffee – a cold coffee drink with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream

Where to Stay in Vienna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vienna has a wide range of accommodation options to fit every budget and style. Here are some recommended hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  1. Hotel Sacher – a luxury hotel near the Vienna State Opera, famous for its Sachertorte and elegant rooms
  2. Grand Ferdinand – a hip hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the city, located in the historic center
  3. Wombat’s City Hostel – a popular hostel chain known for its stylish design and friendly atmosphere, with various locations in Vienna
  4. Vienna City Rooms – a guesthouse with modern rooms, in a central location, and friendly staff

What to Buy in Vienna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Vienna is renowned for its art, culture, and craftsmanship. Here are some recommended souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Porcelain from Augarten Porcelain Factory
  • Handmade crafts from Naschmarkt or Spittelberg Christmas Market
  • Mozartkugeln – a chocolate praline with marzipan and pistachio filling
  • Wiener Gold – a sweet liqueur made from herbs, honey, and gold flake
  • Handmade jewelry from the Goldsmiths’ House in the First District

Local Culture and Customs of Vienna

Vienna has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art, music, and way of life. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  • Dress up for concerts or fine-dining restaurants
  • Always greet people formally and use titles like “Herr” or “Frau”
  • Respect public spaces and keep them clean and tidy
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, and cafes (10%-15% is standard)

Best Time to Visit Vienna

Vienna has four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit Vienna:

  • Spring (March to May) – mild weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds
  • Summer (June to August) – warm weather, outdoor festivals, and high tourist season
  • Fall (September to November) – cooler weather, autumn foliage, and cultural events
  • Winter (December to February) – cold weather, Christmas markets, and opera season

Do’s and Don’ts of Vienna

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to follow in Vienna:

Do:

  • Visit the historic center and Hofburg Palace
  • Try Viennese coffee and cake in a traditional coffeehouse
  • Use public transportation to explore the city
  • Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful towards cultural or religious sites
  • Jaywalk or disregard traffic rules
  • Smoke in public places or restaurants
  • Be loud or overtly flirtatious in public

Safety and Health

Vienna is known for its high quality of life and safety record. However, like any other major city, it’s important to be aware of safety and health concerns. Here are some tips:

Safety in Vienna

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded tourist areas and public transportation
  • Avoid dark or deserted alleys at night
  • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
  • Stay informed about potential political or social unrest

Health in Vienna

  • Drink bottled or tap water (safe to drink)
  • Seek medical attention in case of emergencies (dial 144 for ambulance)
  • Carry necessary medication and prescriptions
  • Get vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria, and measles

Getting to Vienna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Vienna is well-connected to major European cities and has an extensive public transportation network. Here are some transportation options and logistics:

Airports Near Vienna

  • Vienna International Airport (VIE)
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS)

Bus Stations Near Vienna

  • Vienna Central Bus Station (VIB)

Other Options

  • Train stations: Wien Hauptbahnhof (main station), Wien Westbahnhof (west station)
  • Car rentals: several international and local rental options available
  • Taxi or ride-sharing services

How to Get Around in Vienna

Vienna has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including metro (U-Bahn), tram, and bus services. You can purchase tickets at ticket machines or online and validate them before boarding. Taxi and bike rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from Vienna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Vienna is a great starting point for exploring the rest of Austria and neighboring countries. Here are some destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Salzburg – birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Bratislava – charming capital of Slovakia, located just across the Danube river
  • Budapest – the capital city of Hungary, known for its thermal baths, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife
  • Wachau Valley – a scenic wine region along the Danube river, perfect for wine tastings and river cruises
  • Graz – a lovely city in the south of Austria, known for its medieval old town and culinary delights

Conclusion

Vienna is a splendid city that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From world-famous museums and art collections to stunning parks and outdoor adventures, Vienna has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your visit and make unforgettable memories in Vienna.

New Castle ''(Neue Burg)'' of the Hofburg palace with National Library New Castle ''(Neue Burg)'' of the Hofburg palace with National Library Most of the historic core of Vienna has already been in place in early 1700s – do note the fortifications later replaced with the Ring. Most of the historic core of Vienna has already been in place in early 1700s – do note the fortifications later replaced with the Ring. Vienna existed even as early as the ancient Roman Empire – the ruins of what was then called ''Vindobona'' can be seen right in the city centre. Vienna existed even as early as the ancient Roman Empire – the ruins of what was then called ''Vindobona'' can be seen right in the city centre. The majestic church in the ''Zentralfriedhof'' is a monument to the importance of death in Viennese culture The majestic church in the ''Zentralfriedhof'' is a monument to the importance of death in Viennese culture Ever since the Polish king Sobieski gave Vienna the coffee acquired from his victory over the invading Turks, the ''Kaffeehauskultur'' is an integral part of the Viennese lifestyle Ever since the Polish king Sobieski gave Vienna the coffee acquired from his victory over the invading Turks, the ''Kaffeehauskultur'' is an integral part of the Viennese lifestyle 1., An old street sign with abbreviated district name 1., An old street sign with abbreviated district name "Innere Stadt", which is the 1st district. Vienna International Airport sees direct flights to Europe, North America and Asia Vienna International Airport sees direct flights to Europe, North America and Asia If you prefer a low-cost flight, choose the Bratislava Airport and be prepared for an extra hour in transit If you prefer a low-cost flight, choose the Bratislava Airport and be prepared for an extra hour in transit Wien Hauptbahnhof Wien Hauptbahnhof Platforms of Wien Hauptbahnhof Platforms of Wien Hauptbahnhof Long-distance-trains-map of Austria Long-distance-trains-map of Austria A parking garage in Erdbergstraße A parking garage in Erdbergstraße Take a Twin City Liner catamaran from Schwedenbrücke in Vienna to the Slovak capital of Bratislava Take a Twin City Liner catamaran from Schwedenbrücke in Vienna to the Slovak capital of Bratislava Vienna Ring Road with a tram Vienna Ring Road with a tram Inside a vintage Viennese tram. Inside a vintage Viennese tram. Rail lines inside Vienna (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Lokalbahn and local trains) Rail lines inside Vienna (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Lokalbahn and local trains) Vienna's tramway network Vienna's tramway network Tramway in Vienna: public-transport-tram on the right side, ''Vienna-Ring-Tram'' (VRT) sightseeing-tour on the left side Tramway in Vienna: public-transport-tram on the right side, ''Vienna-Ring-Tram'' (VRT) sightseeing-tour on the left side NightLine Vienna NightLine Vienna Fiaker coachmen waiting for customers Fiaker coachmen waiting for customers Lime Lime Bicycle stand pump at Siebensternplatz Bicycle stand pump at Siebensternplatz Citybike Wien Citybike Wien The busy shopping street ''Graben'' is a great starting point for a walk around Vienna The busy shopping street ''Graben'' is a great starting point for a walk around Vienna Donauturm (Danube-Tower), viewing platform, restaurant and bar, open daily Donauturm (Danube-Tower), viewing platform, restaurant and bar, open daily There is hardly a more stylish way to greet the new year than at the Vienna Opera There is hardly a more stylish way to greet the new year than at the Vienna Opera Musikverein Vienna Musikverein Vienna Innere Mariahilferstrasse Innere Mariahilferstrasse Kraut on Naschmarkt Kraut on Naschmarkt Belvedere Christmas Market Belvedere Christmas Market ''Schnitzel'', a true Viennese mainstay ''Schnitzel'', a true Viennese mainstay Viennese food offerings go far beyond ''Wienerschnitzel'' - here is a selection of seafood sandwiches Viennese food offerings go far beyond ''Wienerschnitzel'' - here is a selection of seafood sandwiches Café Central Café Central Vienna Café newspapers Vienna Café newspapers Hotel Sacher) Hotel Sacher) Beer garden Beer garden Viennese hotels provide an endless supply of Viennese hotels provide an endless supply of "revival" furniture, wood panelling, gilded chandeliers and patterned carpeting ''Le Loft'' at the Sofitel is one of the few hotel restaurants with a view over Vienna - and an otherworldly ambiance afforded by its painted and lit ceiling ''Le Loft'' at the Sofitel is one of the few hotel restaurants with a view over Vienna - and an otherworldly ambiance afforded by its painted and lit ceiling MuseumsQuartier has free internet, lots of outdoor seating - and quite a few world-class museums to boot! MuseumsQuartier has free internet, lots of outdoor seating - and quite a few world-class museums to boot! The modern district of ''Donaustadt'' across the river Danube from central Vienna The modern district of ''Donaustadt'' across the river Danube from central Vienna The Austrian Parliament in Vienna at dusk The Austrian Parliament in Vienna at dusk Vienna has it all - and more! Even a musical toilet in the passage under the Opera (singing during usage not compulsory) Vienna has it all - and more! Even a musical toilet in the passage under the Opera (singing during usage not compulsory) The French Embassy to Austria in Vienna The French Embassy to Austria in Vienna


    Alsergrund
    Hietzing
    Innere Stadt
    Neubau
    Outer South
    Outer West