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Vienna is famous for its music, restaurants, parks, and Christmas markets, and it’s one of my favorite cities in Central Europe. This is a large city with A LOT to see and do, so I’ve created the ultimate Vienna city guide to help you plan an epic trip.
The Ultimate Austria Travel Guide
Fun Fact: Vienna is home to the world’s oldest Ferris wheel, the Wiener Riesenrad, which gives you incredible views of the city.
Here’s your Vienna city guide to plan the perfect trip!
When To Go
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to save money and ensure availability. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but rain is always possible, so bring rain gear.
December is also a peak travel month because of the holidays, Christmas markets, and festivities. So if you plan to visit this month, bundle up, and book early.
September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. Vienna is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds. These are also the harvest months for nearby vineyards in the Wachau Valley.
November and January – March is the off-season when you can have Vienna practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – March, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months.
April and May are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. Daytime temperatures will be in the 40s – 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold mornings and evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.
What To Do
Do a walking tour of the historic City Center.
Visit the Schönbrunn Palace.
Go to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for incredible views of the city.
Have a picnic in the Schonbrunn Gardens.
Tour the Vienna State Opera.
Go to a concert.
Ride the Wiener Riesenrad and have fun at the Prater Amusement Park.
Visit the Spanish Riding School.
Tour the Hofburg Palace and visit one of its museums.
Shop at the Naschmarkt.
Do a Danube River cruise.
Visit filming sites for the movie Before Sunrise.
Where To Eat
Austrian/German Food: Restaurant Steirereck ($$$$), Figlmuller ($$-$$$), Griechenbeisl ($$-$$$).
My Favorites: Silvio Nickol (Vegetarian, Vegan, $$$$), Krypt Bar (Cocktails, $$-$$$), Das Loft (International, $$$$).
Breakfast: Motto am Fluss ($$-$$$), Cafe Sperl ($$-$$$), Drechsler Wienzeile ($$).
International: Fabios (Italian, Mediterranean, $$$$), Leto (Greek, Seafood, $$-$$$), Restaurant Lebenbauer (Fusion, $$-$$$).
Fine Dining: Walter Bauer (Austrian, $$$$), Loca (International, $$$$), Vestibul (Austrian, $$$$).
Cheap Eats: Vienna Sausage (Austrian, Quick Eats, $), Fenster Cafe (Cafe, Coffee, Ice Cream, $), Markt 58 (Austrian, $).
Where To Stay
I stayed at the Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna, one of the most luxurious European hotels I’ve ever visited!
Vienna has incredible accommodations for every budget and preference. So from boutique hotels to modern retreats to historic mansions, I’ve rounded up the best hotels and vacation homes in Vienna.
Best Day Trips
Hallstatt. This picturesque lake town is just a short drive or train ride from Vienna. Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded during summer. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
The Wachau Valley. This region is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, churches, and fortresses. Located just a short train ride from Vienna, the best way to explore this area along the Danube River is by e-bike (in the Spring, Summer, and Fall) and by car in the winter.
Bratislava. You can take a short speed boat ride to this beautiful city over the border in Slovakia. Make sure you explore Bratislava’s Old Town and check out St. Michael’s Street for some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes.
Melk Abbey. Built atop a rocky mountainside with views across the Danube Valley, Melk Abbey is a majestic Baroque-style building that’s home to famous works of art and stunning gardens.
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Is there anything you’d add to this Vienna city guide? Let us know in the comments!
For Planning The Rest Of Your Trip
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Vienna City Guide
Recommended Tours in Vienna
Frequently Asked Questions
Do and don'ts in Vienna?
The Best Things To Do in Vienna:
Do a walking tour of the historic City Center.Visit the Schönbrunn Palace.Go to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for incredible views of the city.Have a picnic in the Schonbrunn Gardens.Tour the Vienna State Opera.Go to a concert.Ride the Wiener Riesenrad and have fun at the Prater Amusement Park.Visit the Spanish Riding School.Tour the Hofburg Palace and visit one of its museums.Shop at the Naschmarkt.Do a Danube River cruise.Visit filming sites for the movie Before Sunrise.How many days are sufficient for Vienna?
I recommend spending at least three days in Vienna – two days for exploring the city and one day for a day trip.
The Best Things To Do in Vienna:
Do a walking tour of the historic City Center.Visit the Schönbrunn Palace.Go to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for incredible views of the city.Have a picnic in the Schonbrunn Gardens.Tour the Vienna State Opera.Go to a concert.Ride the Wiener Riesenrad and have fun at the Prater Amusement Park.Visit the Spanish Riding School.Tour the Hofburg Palace and visit one of its museums.Shop at the Naschmarkt.Do a Danube River cruise.Visit filming sites for the movie Before Sunrise.Is 2 days enough to see Vienna?
I recommend spending at least three days in Vienna – two days for exploring the city and one day for a day trip.
The Best Things To Do in Vienna:
Do a walking tour of the historic City Center.Visit the Schönbrunn Palace.Go to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for incredible views of the city.Have a picnic in the Schonbrunn Gardens.Tour the Vienna State Opera.Go to a concert.Ride the Wiener Riesenrad and have fun at the Prater Amusement Park.Visit the Spanish Riding School.Tour the Hofburg Palace and visit one of its museums.Shop at the Naschmarkt.Do a Danube River cruise.Visit filming sites for the movie Before Sunrise.What you cannot miss in Vienna?
The Best Things To Do in Vienna:
Do a walking tour of the historic City Center.Visit the Schönbrunn Palace.Go to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for incredible views of the city.Have a picnic in the Schonbrunn Gardens.Tour the Vienna State Opera.Go to a concert.Ride the Wiener Riesenrad and have fun at the Prater Amusement Park.Visit the Spanish Riding School.Tour the Hofburg Palace and visit one of its museums.Shop at the Naschmarkt.Do a Danube River cruise.Visit filming sites for the movie Before Sunrise.
What is considered rude in Austria?
Shake hands when meeting for the first time and when saying goodbye. When shopping, you should say Grüezi (hello) to the employees when entering and Adieu (goodbye) when leaving.
Being late is considered extremely rude.
Greet fellow hikers on trails with a hello: Grüezi (singular) or Grüezi mitenand (plural).
If you’re toasting, look your toasting partner in the eye when clinking glasses and say Prost (cheers). Locals think a lack of eye contact when toasting will bring bad luck!
Do people wear jeans in Vienna?
A professional personal appearance is important to locals in Austria. So to dress like the locals, pack practical dressy-casual clothes. Long or capri pants, skirts, and dresses for women and long pants for men. You won’t see locals wearing shorts unless they’re about to jump in a lake.
Now, you can wear athletic gear, white tennis shoes, or graphic tees, but your appearance will single you out as a tourist. I’ve found that when traveling, it’s usually better to blend in. It’s also respectful to dress more as the locals would.
It’s smart to have a layer on hand when you’re visiting churches or other religious sites to cover your shoulders out of respect.
Bring your most comfortable shoes! You’ll be walking A LOT, and you’ll spend a lot of time on trails and cobblestone sidewalks or streets.
What is the best month to visit Vienna?
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to save money and ensure availability. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but rain is always possible, so bring rain gear.
December is also a peak travel month because of the holidays, Christmas markets, and festivities. So if you plan to visit this month, bundle up, and book early.
September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. Vienna is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds. These are also the harvest months for nearby vineyards in the Wachau Valley.
November and January – March is the off-season when you can have Vienna practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – March, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months.
April and May are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. Daytime temperatures will be in the 40s – 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold mornings and evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.
Should I spend more time in Prague or Vienna?
Vienna and Prague are both incredible destinations, and they will give you very different scenery and experiences. I highly recommend visiting both of these incredible cities for at least three days each!
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This Vienna city guide is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Vienna city guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Vienna city guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this Vienna city guide.
