Table of Contents
Introduction
The elegant and historic city of Vienna has been the capital of Austria for centuries. Once the epicenter of the vast Habsburg Empire, today it is known for its imperial architecture, enduring musical legacy, coffeehouse culture, and resplendent palaces. Beyond its opulent façade, Vienna has a vibrant, contemporary energy and many hidden gems waiting to be uncovered by visitors. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the real charms of this fascinating city.
Getting There
Flying into Vienna International Airport
Vienna International Airport is a major hub located just outside the city center, with regular flights arriving from cities across Europe and the world. The airport is well-connected to the city via public transportation, with the City Airport Train taking just 16 minutes to reach the main station in the city center.
Arriving by train
As Vienna was historically the gateway between Western and Eastern Europe, it is very well connected by rail. Direct trains arrive from major European cities like Berlin, Munich, Venice, Prague, Budapest, and more. The main station is right in the city center, making it easy to navigate on arrival.
Accommodation
Luxury hotels like Hotel Sacher
To experience old world Viennese glamour, stay at Hotel Sacher, just steps from the Opera. Known for its iconic Sachertorte chocolate cake, the ornate hotel has hosted royalty like Queen Elizabeth II. Other luxury options include the Ritz-Carlton, Palais Hansen Kempinski, and Park Hyatt Vienna.
Smaller boutique hotels
For a more intimate stay, choose one of Vienna’s unique boutique hotels, like 25hours Hotel, filled with art and design, or Magdas Hotel run by refugees. The Guesthouse Vienna is a restored 1920s B&B.
Hostels and apartments
To save money, stay at one of Vienna’s trendy hostels like Wombats or the Circus Hostel. Another affordable option is to rent an apartment through services like Airbnb, with locations across the city center.
Top Sights
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
This beloved Gothic cathedral is the heart of Vienna, dominating the main square with its colorful tiled roof. Climb the 343 steps to the top of the South Tower for stunning views across the city.
Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburgs’ immense summer palace has 1,441 rooms, manicured gardens, and the oldest zoo in the world. Must-sees are the Grand Gallery and Napoleon’s rooms. Don’t miss a stroll through the shady grounds.
The Spanish Riding School
Watch elegant Lipizzaner stallions practice inside the lavish Winter Riding School, a Baroque hall dating to 1735. The horsemanship demonstrations embody Vienna’s aristocratic past.
The Vienna State Opera
One of the world’s greatest opera houses, the Neo-Renaissance State Opera stages over 300 performances a year. Cheaper standing room tickets let you experience the opulence on a budget.
Belvedere Palace
This Baroque complex houses the world’s greatest Klimt collection, including his masterpiece The Kiss. The Lower and Upper Belvedere are set amongst exquisite gardens.
Off the Beaten Path
Exploring the Vienna Woods
Vienna is surrounded by forested highlands called the Wienerwald or Vienna Woods. Hike or bike among rolling hills and vineyards, and stop for a meal at a traditional inn, like Mayer am Pfarrplatz.
Visiting Heurigen wine taverns
Make like a Viennese and head to a Heurigen, a cozy wine tavern serving new vintages, with a relaxed, communal atmosphere. Look for the green branches hung above the door.
People watching at coffeehouses
Pull up a chair at a century-old Viennese coffeehouse and indulge in a slice of Sacher torte while watching the crowds stroll past. Cafe Central is a famous haunt dating from 1876.
Strolling the Danube Canal
The tree-lined banks of the Danube Canal are the perfect spot for a summer promenade. Check out the inventive modern architecture along the way.
Food and Drink
Coffee culture
Vienna’s grand coffeehouses serve effervescent espresso and a universe of cakes like the Dobos Torte. Sit for hours over a coffee or ‘Melange’ and take in the beautiful interiors.
Apple strudel
Warm, crisp apple strudel drizzled with vanilla sauce is decadent Viennese delight. For the classic experience, try the strudel at grand cafes like Landtmann’s Jugendstil or Café Frauenhuber.
Wiener Schnitzel
Tender, flattened, breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet, Wiener Schnitzel is Vienna’s signature dish. Pair it with potato salad and a dry Riesling.
Sachertorte
An icon of Vienna’s cafe culture, this dense chocolate cake with layers of apricot jam and chocolate icing was invented at Hotel Sacher in 1832.
Nightlife
Attending concerts at the Musikverein
Hearing the Vienna Philharmonic play in the grand Golden Hall at the Musikverein is a magical experience every music lover should have. Book tickets well in advance.
Partying at Bermuda Triangle clubs
Vienna has a world-class electronic music scene. For thumping club nights, head to the Bermuda Triangle in the Innere Stadt, bouncing between Melon Bar, Sass and Volksgarten Club Disco.
Going to balls during Ball Season
Each January and February, Vienna hosts over 450 glamorous balls, where guests don their finest gowns and tuxedos. The most famous is the opulent Opera Ball.
Outskirts of Vienna
Day trip to Wachau Valley vineyards
Just an hour west of Vienna lies Austria’s famous Wachau wine region. Visit medieval towns, opulent monasteries, and family-run Weingüter (wine estates) along the Danube for wine tastings.
Visiting Melk Abbey
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, this breathtaking Baroque abbey has stunning frescoed ceilings and libraries housing medieval manuscripts. The train ride from Vienna provides gorgeous scenery.
Exploring Klosterneuburg Monastery
Dating from 1114, this Augustinian monastery holds fascinating medieval art, extensive winery, and commanding position above the Danube. Reach it easily via S-Bahn from Vienna.
Conclusion
With its grand palaces, musical pedigree, and old-world charm combined with a modern, electric energy, Vienna offers the perfect blend of heritage and culture. Wander the atmospheric streets to uncover tucked-away cafes, wine taverns, and unique museums. This imperial capital reveals its myriad charms to visitors who take the time to look deeper and venture off the beaten path. Let Vienna’s beauty, history, and joie de vivre sweep you away.
FAQ 1: How many days do you need in Vienna?
With world-class museums, palaces, coffeehouses and music venues, Vienna rewards longer stays. To hit the highlights at a comfortable pace and have time to uncover hidden gems, plan to spend at least 3-4 days in the city.
FAQ 2: Is Vienna safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Vienna is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Basic precautions apply, but violent crime is rare here. The excellent public transit system also makes getting around after dark worry-free.
FAQ 3: What is the best way to see Vienna palaces?
Purchase a Sisi Ticket for entry to Schönbrunn Palace, Imperial Furniture Collection and Vienna Hofburg. Or get the Grand Tour ticket for the Belvedere, Lower Belvedere and 21er Haus. Buying combined tickets saves money.
FAQ 4: What is there to do in Vienna at night?
Vienna has a world-class opera and classical music scene. Take in an opera or concert at the Wiener Staatsoper or Musikverein. The city also has a vibrant bar culture. Go cafe-hopping or hit up Bermuda Triangle nightclubs.
FAQ 5: Is Vienna expensive to visit?
Compared to other European capitals, Vienna offers good value for money. Getting around using an efficient public transit pass, staying in apartments, and eating at cafes or food stands helps keep costs affordable for budget travelers.