Vienna is a city that took me by surprise in all the best ways. It felt slower than most of central Europe. I was surprised to see that the bulk of the city closed up by about 9:00 PM, even on the weekends. After my first night there I thought taking an entire week was maybe a mistake? I was dead wrong. There is so much to do and explore in Vienna outside the art and architecture. This travel guide will help you maximize your time in Vienna and get the most out of your trip!
Pro Tips For Vienna
Stay in the city center
When I went, I stayed north of the Danube and it was a 40 minute walk each day just to get to the city center. If you don’t mind the trek, then go for it. While it may cost you almost double for accommodation, it’s well worth the time you get back walking back and forward each day.
Spend an extra day here
There is more to do in the city than you think! Outside of the major attractions, Vienna is full of seasonal markets and outdoor festivities. Take an extra day (or two) to explore and not rush the city.
Top 10 Things to Do
1. Saint Stephan’s Cathedral
Looming in the center of downtown Vienna are the lording spires atop St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). It will immediately catch your eye as it uses a traditional gothic style of architecture in combination with different mosaics made with the roof tiles. Walking in you will be captured by beautifully detailed arches, alters, and use of red marble throughout the structure.
Just under the cathedral is the Stephansdom Crypt. A massive ossuary home to bones of over 11,000 former humans. Most of which died during the bubonic plague that wiped out half of Europe. There is also a special chapel that contains the remains of the priests including a collection of cast iron canopic jars that holds the organs of the deceased church leaders. There are a few times in history where one of the jars had leaked creating an unbearably wretched smell in which a group of poor prisoners were forced to clean.
Access to the crypt is only available from a guided tour in which a ticket is required. The tour is in English and German and lasts roughly 30 minutes. It’s well worth it if you have an interest in the macabre.
2. Tour Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace was the seat of power for over 700 years during the Habsburg dynasty. The Habsburg’s rulership stretched over nine countries, most of which were given very little autonomy from the family’s influence. While the monarchy dissolved in its entirety in 1918, the family still oversees a handful of Austrian political organizations. Today the palace is home to many attractions including the Spanish Riding School, The Austrian National Library, and several other museums.
3. Visit the Spanish Riding School
While you’re at Hofburg Palace, stop by the Spanish Riding School to see the stallions. There is a viewing area of the stables and feeding yard where if you are lucky, you can see horses getting some exercise and grazing. Tickets to see the training of the horses or their performances and vary in price depending on the event.
4. Attend an Orchestra
Vienna has long been considered the birthplace of classical music. Many of the greatest composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven spent the majority of their careers in Viennese conservatories writing and composing. My first night in Vienna I saw there was a quartet performing Vavaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche. It was a flawless performance! If you have the means I would definitely book tickets as the standards in Vienna are still high. Tickets vary in price depending on when you get them but you can get decent seats for 40 euro.
5. Be a kid again at Prater Park
A great place for kids and adults, Prater Park has a plethora of rides and attractions that will keep you busy for a full day. Entry to the park is free but you are charged per attraction. You can get a 10% discount on your tickets if you buy them online, so be sure to check and save.
6. Admire the art on the Danube
Stretching almost 1,800 miles, the Danube runs through 10 current EU countries. However, the length going through Vienna is an integral part of the city’s character . Featuring the work of many popular street artists, It’s covered wall to wall with murals that make for an inspiring view from start to finish.
7. Karlskirche
Just north of Vienna Central Station is Karlskirche. A massive baroque style church built as promised by Charles VI to commemorate the end of the great plague in 1713. There’s an elevator inside that will take you to near the top of the dome to get a better look at the artwork. The frescoes painted on the ceiling are highlighted in gold to produce a 3D look. A definite site to see for art lovers.
8. Find St. Michael’s Cathedral
Tucked away directly across from the Sisi Museum is a small cathedral with a humble exterior. You’ll miss it if you blink so you have to seek out the entrance through the modest entrance of the building. The craftsmanship above the altar is unlike most churches in Europe. Its incredibly simple. The plaster is molded in such a way to look like clouds with cherubs and angels fighting a full out battle with Satan and his host of demons. Pretty cool stuff.
9. Donauturm
Also known as the Danube Tower, Donauturm is the tallest structure in Austria at 826 feet. It sits on the northern bank of the Danube river giving you a wide angled view from the city skyline. I recommend going at night as the city looks more interesting from the north side after sunset. Tickets are 18 Euros for adults and vary in price for seniors and children.
10. Parliament
Planted directly on the east side of the Danube in the city center is the Hungarian Parliament building, also known as – The National Assembly. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city and definitely a favorite of mine to admire. Ticket prices for tours vary depending if you are from the EEA (European Economic Area) starting at 5000 HUF and 10000 HUF for non-EEA citizens.
Vienna Nightlife
Vienna is kinda a quiet place compared to some other capitals in central europe, but you can still find some decent night life most days of the week.
Club Loco: This place by far is the best bang for your buck when it comes to drinks. Vienna is a pricey city and here you will get incredibly strong drinks for cheap. Prices increase every hour starting at 1.4 Euros at 7:00 PM and maxing out at 4.4 Euro at 10:00 PM. They play a lot of new pop music remixed for a club environment.
Grelle Forelle: Lying smackdown right on the Danube is Grelle Forelle, the hardest slappin techno club in Vienna. Grelle does offer a bit of variety with a hip hop room but you will mostly find techno and house music. The only area in Vienna that is mildly sketchy is the area surrounding Grelle. You most likely won’t find yourself in danger, be aware of your surroundings.
Volksgarten Club: This is probably the most classy club in the city. With over 180 years of history as a club, it has an indoor and outdoor floor that plays mostly house and some popular hits. Make reservations if you want a table and prepare your wallet for some damage.
Der Dochboden: Dachboden has a creative, funky, off beat kinda vibe that I really liked. It is pricey so if you’re traveling on a budget I would suggest going for just one drink and enjoying the environment.
Chill at Aussie Bars: Hard to believe but Aussie bars are a thing in Vienna. Normally if I’m looking for a football game and semi-routy environment, I’ll go to an Irish bar. A local had told me to skip them and check out Aussie bars. Lots of Aussies talking trash offering a decent variety in their drink menu made for a great night.
See an Orchestra: Most orchestras happen at night in Vienna and they are wonderful experiences. Most are not that costly unless you want tickets right up in the front.
Where to Stay
As expensive as Vienna is, you can still find cheap places to stay if you go with hostels. Before you book your accommodation, make sure you check out what amenities they offer. Often you are paying for things like a pool, onsite cafe, or things that you might not use or value. Book accordingly and save. Below are a few backpacking hostels I recommend:
- MEININGER Hotel Downtown Franz
- Wombats Vienna
Food In Vienna
Food in Austria is very similar to German food. Lots of brats, fermented veggies, and potatoes. However, you don’t have to look far to find a good amount of variety. You can get great street food like brats, sandwiches, and doner wraps from 8 – 12 euros. For a sit down restaurant you can easily pay 20+ euros for schnitzel and other plates.
EF 16: This was my most expensive meal in Vienna and it was more fine dining than traditional Viennese food. With that said it was also one of the best. I got the four course chef’s dinner which cost 44 euro. With 2-3 drinks expect to pay around 80 euros per person.
NordSee: This place is good for a budget place for those who love seafood. There are several locations dotted throughout the city where you can get bread rolls stuffed with just about any seafood you can imagine.
Zum Golden Wurstel: Father/son establishment with cheap and delicious brats and pickled goods.
Aida: A cute and highly esthetic cafe with decently priced food and outstanding deserts.
Figlmuller: Has amazing schnitzel
Cafe Bellaria: Good for breakfast foods and coffee.
Restaurant Indian Village: Vegan/vegetarian options
Try desserts that Vienna is famous for!
- Apple Strudel and cream cheese strudel
Saftey In Vienna
Vienna is one of the safest places I’ve ever been. The city isn’t known for taking advantage of tourists and violence is practically non-existent. That said, take your standard precautions when walking about at night, especially when alone or after drinking.
Getting Around
Vienna’s transportation is clean, fast, and efficient. There is no official ticket check as admission is based on the honor system. Don’t get caught without a ticket though. The transportation authorities will sometimes board at random stations or even go “undercover” as plain clothes citizens and ask all riders to produce their tickets (which will land you a whopping 60 euro fine if you don’t have one!). You can buy a single ticket at a kiosk or onboard some trams. Even better, I would recommend buying a Vienna City Card. You can get a 24/48/72 hour travel pass which allows you to take any form of transportation for the denoted time. If you do buy a city card make sure to check out the perks! It offers reduced costs to museums and up to 20% discounts on participating restaurants and hotels.
Where To Buy Necessities
- Billa: Grocery stores/small grab and go meals.
- DM: Toiletries, feminine products, non-prescription medicines.
- PEPCO: Cheap wears like flip flops, hats, water bottles, and odds and ends.