The city of Vienna is renowned for its UNESCO-listed historic city centercafé cultureworld class museumsand opulent palaces. On a visit to Viennayou can explore this city’s historical and cultural treasureslearn more about the Habsburg family as you tour Hofburg and Schönbrunn palacesand indulge on pastries and cakes at a long list of coffee houses.
So farwe have visited Vienna twice. The first time was a springtime visit during one of our first trips to Europe. Much more recentlywe returned to Vienna in Decemberto visit the Christmas markets and a few of our favorite spots. From our multiple experienceswe have a lot of information to share with you.
In this guidewe provide everything you need to know to plan a trip to Vienna:
- The best things to do
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- How to plan your itinerary
- Money saving tips
- Great day trips you can take from Vienna
Interesting Facts about Vienna
Vienna is the largest city and the capital of Austria. It sits on the Danube River at the foothills of the Alps. The city center is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vienna has the nickname the “City of Music,” since famous musicians such as MozartBeethovenMahlerSchubertand Haydn have all called this city home. It is also referred to as the “City of Dreams” because Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here.
In 1440Vienna became the main city of the Habsburg Dynasty and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The Habsburgs built many of the palaces in and around Vienna and you will learn quite a bit about this family as you tour these buildings.
Vienna Geography 101
The old town of Viennaalso called the Innere Stadtis bordered by the Danube River and the Ringstrasse. The Ringstrasse is a wide boulevard that was built where the medieval fortifications once stood. Nowinstead of walls and rampartscars and trams cruise through Vienna on this road.
Most visitors to Vienna will spend a majority of their time in the Innere Stadt. This is where you will find St. Stephen’s Cathedralthe Hofburg Palacethe Kunsthistorisches and Natural History museumsa long list of famous cafes and pedestrian streetsas well as a few more museums and churches.
There are a few notable sites located outside of the old town. Belvedere Palacethe MuseumQuartier, and Prater make this list. Schönbrunn Palace is located farther from the historic city center of Vienna but it is very easy to get to using the metro.
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with youclick the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Nextwithin your Google Maps appselect ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Best Time to Visit Vienna
Vienna is a great place to visit all year. We have been here in May (wonderfully warm and sunny) and December (magical with the Christmas markets and a dusting of fresh snow). Here is a breakdown by season of what you can expect in Vienna:
WINTER: The winter months are coldwith temperatures ranging from 1°C/33°F to 8°C/47°F. At night it is generally below freezing. Winter is one of the driest times to visit Vienna. Despite the cold temperaturesrain is more likely than snow and the snowfall we witnessed was relatively rare. In winterthe days are very shortand in Decembersunrise is at 7:30 am and sunset is at 4:00 pm.
SPRING: Vienna warms up nicely in the spring. In Aprilthe average high is 17°C/62°F and in May the average high is 21°C/69°F. Rain chances increase in Maywith an average of 9 days of rain during the month of May.
SUMMER: Summer is the warmestwettestand most crowded time to visit Vienna. The average high temperature is 27°C/81°Falthough temperatures can top out over 32°C/90°F during a heat wave. In Julysunrise is at 5:10 am and sunset is at 8:50 pm.
FALL: In fallrain chances diminish and the weather gets cooler. In Octoberthe average high temperature is 16°C/61°F and by the time the calendar flips to Novembertemperatures can dip down below 10°C (into the 40’s).
VERDICT: We loved being in Vienna in early May. The warm sunny daysblooming tulipsgreen grassand lower crowds than the summer months made this a wonderful time to be in the city. September has similar weather and would be another great time to visit Vienna. If you like the idea of visiting Christmas marketsplan your trip for December (and keep for fingers crossed for a dusting of snow).
Vienna in December
Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna hosts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
In mid-NovemberVienna transforms into a magical wonderland. Small markets spring up on famous squares and in front of historic buildings. For sale are holiday giftsarts and craftsspiced mulled wineand a long list of foods to try.
Each market sells a distinctive holiday mug. One of our favorite things to do was to collect a mug from each market and we ended our visit to Vienna with a nice collection of holiday mugs and boots. If you don’t want to purchase the mugsyou will pay a small deposit fee and this will be refunded when you return the mug.
The markets run until the end of December.
The Vienna Christmas markets are one of our favorite Christmas markets in Europe. Learn more in our articles Best Christmas Markets in Vienna and our Christmas Lights Walking Tour.
If visiting the European Christmas markets are on your to-do listdon’t miss our guide ↓
How to Get Around Vienna
Most of the sights in the city center are within walking distance of one another. The old town is easily walkableflatand pedestrian friendly. A few wide pedestrian streets run through the old town. The streets that branch off from thesewhich are open to car traffichave wide sidewalksso it is very easy to get around Vienna on foot.
The metro is useful for getting into the old town and to connect points that are farther apart (such as to get from the Opera House to Stephensplatz or to get from the city center to Schonbrunn Palace).
The tram that runs along the Ringstrasse can be a scenic way to see the beautiful buildings that line the Ringstrasse in the eveningwhen they are illuminated.
There are also more tram lines in the citywhich you will most likely use if you have plans to visit Belvedere Palace. It is also possible to get around using Uber or a taxi.
Karntner Strasse in December
Best Things to Do in Vienna
The list of things to do in Vienna is very long. Take a look at our Vienna Bucket List for the fulldetailed listbut here are the top experiences if it’s your first time in Vienna.
The Historic Heart of Vienna. The city center of Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling the pedestrian streetssuch as Graben and Kohlmarktare one of the best things to do in the city center of Vienna.
Vienna State Opera. This is one of the finest opera houses in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour or attend a performance.
Vienna State Opera
Schönbrunn Palace. This was the summer residence of the Habsburg family. On a visit heretour the palacego for a walk through the gardensand visit the Gloriette for a beautiful view over Schönbrunn Palace.
Schönbrunn Palace
St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This ancient cathedral sits in the city center. Stroll through the navetour the catacombsor climb one or both of its towers for a bird’s eye view over Vienna.
Dine at a Viennese Café. Starting your day with coffee and a pastry is a must-have experience in Vienna. There is a long list of cafés to choose from…good thing that many of them are open for breakfastlunchand dinner!
Best Cafés in Vienna: 10 Must-Visit Coffee Houses & Patisseries
10 of the best cafes to visit in Viennafrom famous coffee houses to a few hidden gems.Have a slice of Sacher Torte. Trying a slice of this famous chocolate cake is also a must-have experience in Vienna. Visit Café Sacher to dine on the original Sacher Torte but you can also have it at Demelanother very famous café in Vienna.
Tour the Hofburg Palace. The Hofburg Palacealso called the Imperial Palacehas been the seat of government since the 13th century and the Habsburg’s winter residence. There is a long list of things to do at this huge complex of buildingsincluding touring the Imperial Apartmentsthe Spanish Riding Schoolthe Imperial Treasurythe Austrian National Libraryand the House of Habsburgs Tour.
Austrian National Library
Belvedere Palace. Inside of this Baroque palace sits over 800 years of art historywith Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss being its most famous work of art. There is also art by MonetJacques Louis David (Napoleon at the Great St. Bernard)and Van Gogh.
Belvedere Palace
The Kunsthistorisches Museum. This gorgeous museum has on display an enormous amount of art which was collected by the Habsburg family.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
In addition to these essential sites to visityou can also visit the Albertina museumattend a classical music concertvisit the Imperial Cryptspend the afternoon in Prater and ride the world’s oldest Ferris wheelphotograph the Palace of Justiceride the tram on the Ringstrasseor visit a handful of other world class museums.
Vienna Travel Cards
Vienna City Card
The Vienna City Card is public transport card that is valid for 2448or 72 hours. It also offers a discount to some attractions (10 to 20%depending on the attraction). One child under the age of 15 travels free with each Vienna City Card holder. You can also add on a Hop-on Hop-Off bus or airport transfer for an additional fee.
If you plan to use the metro or trams a lot during your visit (for exampleyou are staying outside of the city center)the Vienna City Card could offer some savings. Plusit is convenientas you avoid the hassle of purchasing tickets for the metro and trams. Learn more here.
We used the Vienna City Card during our most recent visit to Vienna and recommend it. The savings at the attractions are marginal but having the card to get on and off the metro and trams is very convenient.
The Vienna Pass
The Vienna Pass is a sightseeing card that can offer some savingsdepending on what you choose to see and do in Vienna. This pass covers most of Vienna’s top attractions and gives you skip-the-line access into some sites. It is available for 123or 6 days and includes 90 attractions in Vienna. You can purchase it online before you travel to Vienna or at the first site you visit in Vienna.
Visit the official website for pricing and more information. I recommend pricing out the attractions you plan to visit and then compare that to the Vienna Passto see if it offers any savings.
Palace of Justice
How Much Time Do You Need in Vienna?
Two days in Vienna gives you just enough time to visit the main highlights of the cityplus dine in several amazing cafes and restaurants. With two daysyou also have enough time to visit the must-see sights in the historic city center and day trip to Schönbrunn Palace.
If you can add on more timeyou can either visit several off-the-beaten-path places in Vienna or start adding on day trips to HallstattSalzburgand Bratislava.
How to Plan a Vienna Itinerary
For those who have 24 hours in Viennayou have just enough time to visit a few of Vienna’s most famous attractions. With one day in Viennaspend your time in the old townvisiting Hofburg PalaceSt. Stephen’s Cathedraldining in a few cafesand strolling the pedestrian streets. For more informationtake a look at our detailed one day itinerary for Vienna.
With 2 days in Viennaspend your first day in the old town. On day 2spend the morning at Schönbrunn Palace and the afternoon touring the Vienna State Opera and another museum or two. Get the full details in our 2 day itinerary for Vienna.
Vienna Opera House
Where to Eat in Vienna
Cafés & Coffee Houses in Vienna
In Viennadining in a café is a must-have experience. The cafés and coffee houses are such an important part of the city’s culture that the Viennese coffee house culture is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
These elegant cafés are the perfect place to start your daydining on pastries and coffee.
Cafe Central
DemelCafé Centraland Café Sacher are some of the most famous coffee houses in Viennabut the list goes on and on. We have a guide to the best cafés in Viennawhich lists these famous spots plus a few hidden gems we loved. These cafés serve breakfastlunchand dinnerso you can dine on more than just pastries and coffee.
Sacher Torte, chocolate cake with chocolate icing and apricot jamis Vienna’s famous cake. Café Sacher serves the cake prepared with the original recipebut you’ll also find versions of it in other cafés throughout town.
More Recommended Restaurants in Vienna
Onyx. This sushi restaurant is located on top of the Do & CO Hotel. This restaurant has floor to ceiling windows that offers a spectacular view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Stephensplatz. Here is the link to the official website so you can see the menu and make your reservation in advance.
Onyx
Puerstner. If you want to try traditional Austrian food in a rustic settingtake a look at Puerstner. Dine on Wiener Schnitzelgoulashpork medallions with a mushroom cream saucespätzleand more. See the menu on the official website.
Puerstner
SKY @ STEFFL. This rooftop bar and restaurant offers a unique view of the roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It is located on Karntner Straßea short walk from Stephensplatz.
The view from SKY @ STEFFL
Dine at a Würstelstand. Würstelstands are street food stands that sell hot dogs and sausages. Sausages are served sliced or on bread. You can top them with cabbagepepperspickleshorseradishmustardand ketchup. It’s a cheapquick eat and easy to find in the city center.
Roller Coaster Restaurant. If you have plans to visit Prater and will be traveling with kidsdon’t miss the Roller Coaster Restaurant. All food and drinks are delivered on conveyor belts that look like roller coaster tracks.
Cocktail Bars in Vienna
Kleinod. Located on Singerstrassethis cocktail bar has a friendlylocal vibe. The cocktails are fantasticthe service is fastand they also serve bar snacks. It’s just a short walk from Stephensplatz.
The BirdYard. Offering beerwinecreative cocktailsand mocktailsthis bar is the most beautiful on our list. Brightly colored murals of tropical birds are painted on the walls of the bar. To get hereenter through the Flip n Dip restaurant and take the stairs down to the bar. The BirdYard is located outside of the old town. We took an Uber to get here.
Needle Vinyl Bar. This smallcozy bar gets its name for the music played from vinyl records. The drink menus are also on vinyl. We loved this spot…the relaxed vibeexcellent cocktailsand great music all blend together for a memorable evening in Vienna. There are two locations. We visited Farbergasse 8. The second location is Bernabitengasse 8.
Lvdwig. This elegant bar is located inside of the Hotel Beethoven Wienoutside of the city center. The cocktails were some of the best we had while in Vienna and we loved the chillrelaxed vibe.
Lvdwig
Where to Stay in Vienna
LUXURY: Rosewood. Getting exceptional reviewsthis 5-star hotel has a prime location in the city center of Vienna. It is just a few steps away from St. Peter’s Church and Grabenputting you right in the heart of Vienna. This is one of the highest reviewed hotels in the city and our top pick for luxury travelers.
LUXURY: Hotel Sacher Wien. Sitting across the street from the Vienna State Operathis historic hotel is home to several classy bars as well as Café Sacherthe place to have a slice of Sacher Torte. With its great reviews and fantastic locationthis is another top pick for luxury travelers.
LUXURY: The Ritz-Carlton. Located on the Ringstrasse and a short walk to the Stadtpark metro stationthis luxurious hotel has a wide variety of room typesfrom standard double rooms to spacious suites.
MID-RANGE: Pension Sacher – Apartments am Stephensplatz. This highly rated property is located on Stephensplatz. There are several types of apartments to choose fromsome of which have a spectacular view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In addition to the viewthe apartments also come with a kitchen and washing machine. If you want to stay in the heart of Vienna and have the amenities of an apartmentlook no farther.
MID-RANGE: Boutique Hotel Nossek. This boutique hotel is located at the intersection of Graben and Kohlmarkttwo famous pedestrian streets in Vienna. You’ll stay in the heart of the city. Rooms are small and can accommodate one to two peoplebut the location is unbeatable and prior guests rave about the staff.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Karntnerhof. This highly rated hotel offers rooms ranging from single rooms to two-bedroom suitesmaking this a great pick for families and friends traveling together. This property gets rave reviews and is located in a quiet area on the northeastern end of the old town.
MID-RANGE: 7th Heaven Vienna Center Apartments. These apartments get near perfect reviews on Booking.com. Take your pick from a studio to one to two-bedroom apartments that come with a washing machine and kitchen. This property is located in Spittelbergnear the Kunsthistorisches Museum and MuseumQuartier.
BUDGET: JO&JOE Vienna. This hostel offers a wide range of room types and gets loads of excellent reviews. One of the best parts about staying here is the panoramic view of Vienna from its roof. JO&JOE is located next to the Westbahnhof train stationoutside of the old town.
BUDGET: Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel. This hostel gets excellent reviews for its facilitiescomfortstaffand value for the money. Rooms range from dormitory rooms to standard double rooms. It is located outside of the city centera short walk from Westbahnhof (the train station).
Day Trips from Vienna
Vienna makes a handy home base for exploring more of Austria or even venturing into nearby countries.
BratislavaSlovakia
Bratislava is a smallcolorfulcompact town that also sits on the Danube River. Because of its small sizea half of a day is all you need to stroll through town and see the highlights (learn what to see and do in our Guide to Bratislava ↓).
You can get here by car or by bus (about one hour one-way). This half day tour of Bratislava includes your transportation to and from Vienna.
Bratislava
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a picture-perfect town in central Austria. It has become a very popular destination in Europeand it is one of the most popular day trips from Vienna.
Visiting Hallstatt from Vienna takes a full daygiven the distance between these two cities (it takes about 3 hours to travel from Vienna to Hallstatt). It’s best to visit Hallstatt on a toursuch as this highly rated tour.
Learn more about what to see and do in our guide One Day in Hallstatt.
Hallstatt
Salzburg
Salzburg is also located in central Austriaand like Hallstattthere is a lot of travel time to get here. Salzburg is a larger city than Hallstattwith a lot more to doso it is best to spend a full day in Salzburgso an overnight stay is ideal. Howeverif you don’t mind a quick visit with only a few hours in townit is possible to day trip from Vienna to Salzburg.
This small group day trip gets rave reviews. It is also possible to visit both Salzburg and Hallstatt on a day trip from Vienna.
Salzburg
Tours of Vienna
Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in lineallow you to learn more about Vienna from a knowledgeable guideand introduce you to sights that you may not be able to do on your own. Here are some of the best tours in Vienna.
Tour the Sisi Apartments and the Hofburg Palace with an experienced guide.
Listen to the Four Seasons by Vivaldi at Karlskirche or attend a classical ensemble at St. Peter’s Church.
If you plan to visit Schönbrunn Palacethis skip-the-line-tour gets rave reviews.
You can also go wine tastingtake a walking tour of the city centeror take a World War II Historical Walking Tour.
Tours of Vienna
Is Vienna Worth It?
With its vibrant café culturehistoric city center filled with pedestrian shopping streetsopulent museumsand multiple palaces to visitVienna is one of Europe’s must-visit cities. A day or two is all you need to see the highlights and Vienna makes a great addition to a tour of central Europeif you also have plans to visit BudapestPragueMunichor Bratislava.
If you have any questions about how to plan a trip to Viennalet us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to Austria
Austria Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Austria
Austria Travel Guide Visit Austria… an enchanting country where renowned artists unearth their inspirationand where ambitious adventurers dare to traverse the impressive Alps. Heretravelers can embark on a tour through the country’s opulent citieseach adorned with historic architecture and world-famous galleries. Orstep into the natural beauty of Austria’s countrysidedotted with […]
Vienna Bucket List: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Vienna
Dine at a Viennese cafévisit the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palacehave a slice of Sacher Tortestroll along Vienna’s bustling pedestrian streetsand ride the oldest Ferris wheel in the world…these top the list of things to do in Vienna. Vienna is the largest city and the capital of Austria. It sits on […]
One Perfect Day in Vienna | Best of Vienna in 24 Hours
Planning a trip to Austria and only have one day in Vienna? With a well-planned dayyou can visit Vienna’s must-see sightsincluding St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palaceand dine in one or more famous coffee houses. This itinerary is a wonderful mix of must-visit places plus a few memorable dining experiences. In this […]
2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: How to Plan a Trip to Vienna
If you are planning your first trip to Viennathis Vienna itinerary is perfect. With 2 days in Viennayou have just enough time to see the highlights of this incredible city. Explore the historic heart of Viennatour Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palacesdine in a Viennese caféand get a bird’s eye view of […]
10 Day Central Europe Itinerary: BudapestVienna& Prague
For those who want to tour three of Europe’s great citiesthis central Europe itinerary is perfect. Start with Budapesta gorgeous city known for its thermal bathsunique architectureand stunning setting along the Danube River. Nexttravel to Viennaa sophisticated city rich in history and culture. End with Praguethe most beautiful […]
Christmas in Vienna: Christmas Lights Walking Tour & Festive Things to Do
From late November through DecemberVienna transforms into a holiday wonderland. Festive lights are strung up along this city’s famous streets and small markets pop-up all-over town. Imagine yourself sipping on hot mulled wineshopping at the marketsand going for a stroll along the brilliantly illuminated streets. These experiences create a memorable Christmas in […]
Vienna Christmas Markets 2025 | Where to EatDrink & Shop
If you have plans to visit Vienna in Decemberyou are in for a holiday treat. The Vienna Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe. In mid-NovemberVienna transforms into a magical wonderland. Small markets spring up on famous squares and in front of historic buildings. For sale are holiday giftsarts and […]
One Perfect Day in SalzburgAustria (Updated for 2026)
Nestled in the foothills of the AlpsSalzburg is a compact city that is easy to explore in just one day. It’s the perfect blend of history and culturebeing home to Mozartan ancient fortressand several Sound of Music sites. With one day in Salzburgexplore the old townenjoy the view from […]
One Perfect Day in HallstattAustria
Hallstatt is a picture-perfect town in Austria. This was once a quiet placeoff of the radar of many European visitors. Howeverin recent yearsHallstatt has become one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. Spending one day in Hallstatt can be a wonderful experiencethere are just some things you should […]
10 Day Bavaria Itinerary & Road Trip Guide
Bavaria is the southeast region of Germanythe land of fairytale castlesOktoberfestand lederhosen. With the Alps to the south and idyllic towns dotting its hillsidesBavaria is a beautiful and romantic destination. View the Alps from Germany’s highest peak at Zugspitzetour crazy King Ludwig II’s storybook castle Neuschwansteinlearn about WWII history […]
Two Days in Budapest: The Perfect Budapest Itinerary
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Visit the exquisite Parliament buildingwalk across the Szechenyi Chain Bridgedine in the opulent New York Caféand admire the Art Noveau grandeur of Gresham Palace. This is a city with a tumultuous history but an optimistic view of the future. With two days […]
10 Things to Do in Prague (That are Totally Worth It)
Prague is renowned as being one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Unlike many cities in EuropePrague emerged from World War II unscathedwith its historic architecture and cultural treasures intact. Climbing its gothic towersvisiting its ancient cathedralsand strolling the colorful streets all top the list of things to do in Prague. Prague […]
One Week in Europe: 25 Epic Itineraries
With one week in Europeyou have an infinite number of possibilities for coming up with your “perfect” itinerary. Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like ParisBarcelonaor Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alpsgo on a scenic train rideexplore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europevisit […]
Leave a Comment Cancel reply