Vienna

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Vienna

Introduction

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and beauty. From grand palaces and opera houses to charming cafes and street performers, Vienna has something for everyone. As a tourist, you’ll want to make the most of your time in this incredible city. This guide will help you navigate the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and more.

Places to Visit

Palaces and Museums

  • Schönbrunn Palace: A former imperial summer residence with stunning gardens and fountains.
  • Hofburg Palace: The official residence of the President of Austria, with impressive architecture and museums.
  • Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts): One of the world’s largest and most important art museums.
  • Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum): Home to over 30 million specimens, including dinosaur fossils.

Churches and Cathedrals

  • St. Stephen’s Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral with intricate stone carvings and breathtaking views from the south tower.
  • Votive Church: A beautiful neo-Gothic church built in gratitude for Emperor Franz Joseph’s survival of an assassination attempt.

Parks and Gardens

  • Prater Park: A large public park with a famous Ferris wheel, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Burggarten: A charming park with fountains, statues, and a beautiful glasshouse.
  • Volksgarten: A tranquil park with walking paths, gardens, and a beautiful pond.

Markets and Shopping

  • Naschmarkt: Vienna’s largest market, offering fresh produce, meats, and souvenirs.
  • Graben: A pedestrian shopping street lined with high-end boutiques and cafes.
  • Kärntner Strasse: A popular shopping street with a mix of high-end and affordable stores.

Neighborhoods to Explore

  • Innere Stadt (Inner City): The historic heart of Vienna, with narrow streets, grand buildings, and lively squares.
  • Leopoldstadt: A trendy neighborhood with street art, independent shops, and multicultural restaurants.
  • Wieden: A charming neighborhood with a mix of old and new buildings, cafes, and parks.

Activities

Classical Music and Opera

  • Vienna State Opera: One of the world’s most famous opera houses, offering performances throughout the year.
  • Mozart Concerts: Enjoy classical music performances in ornate concert halls and churches.
  • Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: Attend a performance by one of the world’s leading orchestras.

Food and Wine

  • Coffeehouse Culture: Visit traditional coffeehouses like Café Central or Café Sperl to indulge in coffee, cake, and conversation.
  • Wine Tastings: Sample Austrian wines at wine bars or vineyards on the outskirts of Vienna.
  • Food Tours: Join a guided tour to sample traditional Viennese cuisine, from sausage to pastries.

Outdoor Activities

  • Biking: Rent a bike and explore Vienna’s parks and bike paths, including the Danube Canal.
  • Boat Tours: Take a scenic boat tour along the Danube River or Canal.
  • Hiking: Escape the city with a hike in the nearby Wienerwald forest.

Where to Eat

Traditional Viennese Cuisine

  • Griechenbeisl: Try traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at this historic restaurant.
  • Zum Finsteren Stern: Enjoy classic Austrian cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting.
  • Café Central: Indulge in coffee and cake at this grand, ornate café.

International Cuisine

  • NENI: Savor modern Israeli-Austrian fusion cuisine at this trendy restaurant.
  • Motto am Fluss: Enjoy international dishes with a focus on local ingredients and stunning river views.
  • Yppenmarkt: Visit this bustling market hall for a variety of international food stalls.

Cafes and Bakeries

  • Aida: Try traditional Viennese pastries and coffee at this beloved bakery chain.
  • Café Sperl: Relax in this beautiful, historic café with stunning interior design.
  • Konditorei Sluka: Indulge in handmade chocolates and cakes at this charming patisserie.

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • Hotel Sacher Vienna: Experience luxury and tradition at this iconic hotel, famous for its chocolate cake.
  • Grand Hotel Wien: Enjoy opulent rooms and a prime location on the Ringstrasse.
  • Hotel Imperial Vienna: Relax in style at this beautifully restored palace hotel.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Wombats City Hostel: Stay in a vibrant, centrally-located hostel with a lively atmosphere.
  • ** Meininger Vienna**: Enjoy affordable prices and modern rooms at this popular hostel chain.
  • Airbnb Apartments: Rent a cozy apartment in a trendy neighborhood for a more local experience.

Things to Know

Language

  • German is the official language, but many Viennese speak English fluently.
  • Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook to help with communication.

Currency

  • The Euro is the official currency.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Safety

  • Vienna is generally a very safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Transportation

Public Transportation

  • U-Bahn (Subway): An efficient network with five lines that cover most areas of the city.
  • Tram: A convenient way to explore the city, with 28 tram lines operating throughout Vienna.
  • Bus: A comprehensive network of buses connects outlying neighborhoods and surrounding towns.

Taxis

  • Taxi Companies: Use reputable companies like Taxi Wien or Flughafentaxi to ensure a safe ride.
  • Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and other services operate in Vienna, but be aware that prices may surge during peak hours.

Walking and Cycling

  • Pedestrian Zones: Explore the city’s pedestrian zones, including the Graben and Kärntner Strasse shopping streets.
  • Bike Rentals: Rent a bike to explore Vienna’s parks and bike paths, or take a guided bike tour.

Tips and Tricks

Buying Tickets

  • Buy tickets for public transportation at machines or tobacco shops (Tabaktrafik) before boarding.
  • Consider purchasing a Vienna Card for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

Tipping Culture

  • Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and cafes is appreciated.
  • Tip your tour guide or bartender accordingly based on their service.

Dress Code

  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or palaces, covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
  • Pack layers for Vienna’s changeable weather, with warm clothing for winter and light layers for summer.

Other Things to Know

Festivals and Events

  • New Year’s Concert: Attend the famous New Year’s concert at the Musikverein on January 1st.
  • Vienna Film Festival: Enjoy screenings and events during this annual festival in October.
  • Christmas Markets: Visit festive markets throughout the city, offering mulled wine, food, and crafts.

Shopping Hours

  • Shops typically open between 9-10 am and close between 6-7 pm, with some exceptions on weekends or holidays.

Siesta Culture

  • Many shops and restaurants take a break between 12 pm and 2 pm for lunch and rest.
  • Plan your day accordingly to avoid inconvenience during these hours.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Vienna! From grand palaces to charming cafes, and from classical music to modern art, Vienna has something for everyone. Prost!