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Vienna, Austria

With its Baroque palaces and manicured gardens, Vienna is all elegance and charm. What’s more, they’ve got a huge opera scene—with three houses including the Vienna State Opera—and a deep connection to classical music (Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn all lived here). But it’s not all history at its (literal) finest. To see a modern side, check out MuseumsQuartier, a creative district packed with exhibits, shops, and restaurants. Coffee culture’s a real thing, and there are tons of cozy cafés where you can grab an espresso and a slice of sachertorte and hang out for the day. Want to trade your coffee for something stronger? Head to a vineyard (there’s around 400 of them) or wine tavern for drinks and schnitzel. That’s just the start—we’ve got more recs below.

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How to spend 3 days in Vienna

Cathedrals, cafes, and classical music galore
Read on

Vienna’s coffeehouse culture

Coffeehouses are an integral part of life in Vienna. Throughout the city’s history, they have been political hotspots, literary centers of philosophical debate, and—for people in cramped apartments—extended living rooms where locals can linger over coffee and sweet treats. There is no rush to turn tables, and in fact, many travelers find the waiters gruff—but it’s all part of the charm.
carlyhulls, Vienna, Austria
  • Cafe Sperl
    1,410
    Whatever you do, do not simply order “a coffee” in a Viennese coffeehouse. The Viennese melange is the ideal mix—an espresso shot topped with warm milk and a small amount of foam. Order yours at the richly decorated Cafe Sperl. Chandeliers twinkle overhead, red velvet settees invite you to stay awhile, and if you are lucky, a musician might just appear to perform on the grand piano.
  • Café Jelinek
    222
    The rustic Cafe Jelenik is home to students and couches that can comfortably swallow you whole. Leaning more toward the bohemian than the imperial side of Vienna, Jelenik reliably serves traditional Sacher Torte cakes, gulasch soups, and apfelstrudel alongside many coffee varieties. You won’t find waiters in bow ties here, but you will find a cozy spot to get lost in a book or newspaper for hours on end, without interruption.
  • Kleines Cafe
    338
    This picture-perfect cafe can be found on a cobblestoned courtyard in Vienna’s historic city center. With tiny wooden tables and mismatched chairs, it lives up to its name (“kleines” means “small”), though it feels larger than life, thanks to cleverly positioned mirrors.
  • Konditorei Oberlaa
    432
    Hidden away in a leafy green corner near Schonbrunn Palace, Cafe Dommayer has a coffee menu with endless pages (try the Maria Theresia kaffee with orange liqueur-infused espresso); waiters stand at the ready to bring you plates of pastries and cakes heaving with whipped cream. Grab a marble interior table lit by a chandelier and enjoy the real treat: watching the aristocratic locals, bedecked in furs and pearls, sip their coffee in companionable silence.
  • Balthasar Kaffee Bar
    195
    If all these traditional coffee houses overwhelm with their gruff waiters and opulence, allow me to introduce a more modern alternative, if you just want a really good flat white or filter coffee. Balthasar Kaffee Bar takes its beans and brewing seriously and will give you a caffeine jolt with a smile—ushering in the next generation of Viennese coffee traditions.
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Vienna Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Vienna

liad_magen

The city center is very small, and everything is within walking distance. But other attractions such as Schönbrunn Palace may require an underground ride.

Vienna Unwrapped

Get the 72-hour Vienna Card, which includes public transport and 210 discounts on selected museums, attractions, restaurants, and shops.

Richard M

Travel light. Vienna is comfortably warm for outdoor cafes, evening meals outside, from late March to late September.

PhoebeNJ

Vienna has been voted the second most liveable city in the world, for obvious reasons. The city is clean, safe, and public transportation is easy. The locals are friendly, and the food is a mesh of the surrounding cuisines. A week is a great start to taste what this amazing gem of a city has to offer.

Richard M

Vienna is a city drenched in history, full of galleries, museums and good places to eat.

Dushan J

Besides being one of Europe’s cultural hubs, Vienna is considered one of the greenest cities of the region, featuring more than 200,000 trees, the Danube River, a handful of parks as well as running and biking trails spread across the city. Visit in spring or summer and make the most out of Vienna's great outdoor offerings.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is a major hub with 77 airlines flying to more than 200 destinations in 68 countries.

For info, see here.

train

Wien Hauptbahnhof is Vienna’s main train station, with regional and international connections, while Wien Westbahnhof station connects Vienna and Salzburg.

For more info, visit here.

bus

Flixbus and Eurolines offer bus service to Vienna from dozens of European cities.

For rates, fares and schedules, visit here.

Do I need a visa?

Since Austria is one of the 26 Schengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans. For more info, see here.

When is the best time to visit?

Winter: Winter is a magical time to visit Vienna, with its UNESCO-listed palaces lit up with festive illuminations, atmospheric Christmas markets and the New Year’s Eve Imperial Ball marking the start of the ball season. You can expect average daily temperatures in Vienna this time of year to be highs of 39 Fahrenheit (4 Celsius) and lows around 32 Fahrenheit (0 Celsius).

Get around

public transportation card

Be sure to nab a Vienna City Card, which includes free public transportation and discounts on lots of attractions.

For more info, visit here.

trains

The U-Bahn subway has five lines serving 109 stations across the city.

For more info, visit here.

trams

Another great way to get around Vienna is by taking one of its 29 tram lines.

For schedules, routes, and fares, visit here.

buses

There are 127 bus lines in the city’s network.

For schedules, routes and fares, visit here.

bikes

Citybike Wien is the city’s public bike-share with 1,500 bikes available at 121 docking stations.

For rates and locations, visit here.

ridesharing

Uber is available in Vienna via its app on your smartphone.

taxis

Taxis are widely available in Vienna and fairly inexpensive. You can find them at taxi stands across the city and at train stations.

For a map of taxi stands in Vienna, visit here.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Central European Summer Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

230 V and 50 Hz with F type sockets.

What is the currency?

Euro.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes, but paying in euros is more common.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Restaurant

Tipping 10% of your restaurant bill in Vienna is common, more, of course, if you’re extremely happy with the meal and service.

Taxis

At least 10% of your fare.

Hotels

Give a euro or two per bag to bellhops helping with your luggage, and a euro or two per day of your stay to the housekeeping staff as you would in any other city.

Tour guides

At least 10% of the tour cost is a common tip for Vienna tour guides, more if they were extra fun or interesting.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The legal drinking age in Vienna is 18.

Drugs

Only medical marijuana is legal in Austria for qualified residents.

Greetings

“Grüss Gott” is a common greeting in Vienna, and if it’s said to you, say it or a simple “Hello” back. Shaking hands is also very common.

Toast

“Prost” rhymes with what it is, a toast before drinking, and it’s rude to drink before saying it, especially with locals.

Vienna travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Train and Subway Options

According to forum posts, Vienna offers a well-connected train and subway system. Travelers have mentioned specific train lines such as the S7, which connects the airport to central Vienna, and subway lines like U3 that facilitate movement within the city. The cost for a one-way train ticket from the airport to the city is mentioned as 4.20€.

Bus Services

For many users, buses are also a viable option. The airport express bus (VAL) is available from Westbahnhof to the airport, costing 8€. Buses also serve as a link between Vienna and nearby cities, such as the direct bus from Bratislava Airport to Vienna.

Public Transport Accessibility

Some travelers said that Vienna's public transportation system is user-friendly for English speakers, easing navigation through the city. The public transport network is extensive, covering major parts of the city efficiently.

Additional Travel Tips

Travelers have called out the importance of using official resources like www.wienerlinien.at for comprehensive information on routes, schedules, and prices, ensuring a smoother travel experience within Vienna.

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City Center Recommendations

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying in the city center, particularly in postal code 1010, known as Innere Stadt. This area is highlighted for its proximity to major sites and vibrant atmosphere.

Hotel Suggestions

Some travelers have mentioned specific hotels like the Aviano Boutique Hotel, known for its central location and boutique experience. The Graben Hotel is also favored due to its proximity to St. Stephen's Square and good service.

Budget-Friendly Options

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, the Pension Aviano and Hotel am Parkring were noted for offering reasonable prices and good services. These hotels are praised for their central locations and ease of access to Vienna's main attractions.

Alternative Districts

For visitors seeking alternatives to the city center, districts 2-9 (postcodes 1020-1090) are suggested as they are close to the 1st district and generally more affordable.

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Popular Attractions

According to forum posts, some of Vienna's must-see attractions include Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the Imperial Furniture Collection. Travelers have called out the historical importance and architectural beauty of these sites.

Recommended Museums

For many users, top museum recommendations in Vienna include the Zoom Children’s Museum, House of Music, the Technical Museum, and the Natural History Museum. These museums cater to a wide range of interests, making them suitable for both adults and children.

Miscellaneous Recommendations

Some travelers said that other interesting places to visit are the Central Cemetery for its unique atmosphere and historical significance, and the Naschmarkt for a local shopping experience. Additionally, the Prater and Riesenrad are highlighted for offering both recreational activities and a touch of Viennese history.

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Luggage Storage Options

According to forum posts, Vienna offers several luggage storage options. Vienna Airport provides a service that can be found at www.viennaairport.com, suitable for long-term storage. CityLocker, accessible via https://citylocker.at/en/, offers storage facilities within the city. Additionally, https://www.luggage-storage-vienna.com/ is mentioned as a convenient service located in the city center, capable of storing luggage for up to 30 days.

Alternative Storage Solutions

For those looking for different options, forum users have suggested Luggage Hero and Bounce. Luggage Hero, found at https://luggagehero.com/, offers hourly rates and is suitable for short-term needs. Bounce provides a 24/7 facility near the main station, detailed at https://usebounce.com/s, which could be more fitting for travelers needing round-the-clock access.

User Experience and Recommendations

Travelers have expressed interest in hearing about others' experiences with these services. Once users utilize these services, they are encouraged to share their experiences to assist future travelers in making informed decisions.

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Outdoor and Seasonal Activities

According to forum posts, the Prater Amusement Park, featuring a variety of rides and the iconic Riesenrad Ferris wheel, is popular among families. During winter, Christmas markets such as those at Karlsplatz, which offer live animals and a funky carousel, are highlighted for their family-friendly atmosphere.

Cultural and Educational Experiences

Travelers have called out several museums that cater well to families. The Haus der Musik and the Natural History Museum offer interactive exhibits that engage children. The Schönbrunn Palace also features a children's museum, and its zoo is highly recommended for family visits.

Unique Experiences

For unique experiences, some users recommended the Haus des Meeres, an aquarium housed in an old WWII flak tower. Additionally, the Time Travel Museum provides an engaging historical experience suitable for all ages.

Recommendations for Specific Times

During Easter, travelers suggest visiting the Easter Markets, and during Christmas, the various thematic markets around the city are a must-visit, offering crafts, festive foods, and ice skating opportunities.

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Schengen Area Entry

According to forum posts, Vienna Airport does not require additional visa checks for flights arriving from other Schengen Zone countries, as mentioned by users discussing travel from Zurich to Vienna. Since Switzerland is part of the Schengen Agreement, no passport controls are enforced at Vienna for such flights.

UK Travel Considerations

For UK passport holders, as pointed out by some travelers, no visa is required for short trips to EU countries, including Austria. This is applicable even post-Brexit for tourist visits. However, they should carry their passport for possible spot checks.

Non-Schengen Entrants

For those entering the Schengen area at Vienna Airport, such as travelers from non-Schengen countries, passport control is necessary to enter Austria. This includes passengers arriving from countries like Australia and needing to comply with the Schengen visa regulations, as highlighted in discussions about transit flights through Vienna.

Covid-Related Documentation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, entry requirements included health documentation verification. Travelers mentioned needing proof of COVID-19 recovery or a negative PCR test result, alongside regular travel documents, to meet entry requirements at Vienna Airport.

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Popular Venues

According to forum posts, several classical concert venues in Vienna are frequently mentioned by travelers. The Musikverein and Konzerthaus are highlighted as top choices due to their renowned acoustics and historical significance. The Vienna State Opera is also recommended for its opera performances and accompanying orchestra.

Historic and Tourist-Focused Venues

Travelers have called out that venues like Kursalon and Schönbrunn Palace offer concerts that are appealing to tourists, featuring popular compositions by Mozart and Strauss. These venues are noted for their beautiful settings though they might be considered tourist-oriented.

Church Concerts

Some users prefer the ambiance of church concerts for a more intimate musical experience. Churches such as St. Anne’s, Peterskirche, and the Augustinerkirche are known for hosting classical music events that can be enjoyed by visitors looking for a different type of venue.

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Visitor Options at Vienna State Opera

According to forum posts, visitors to the Vienna State Opera have several options depending on their interests and ticket availability. Some travelers mentioned that obtaining tickets for popular performances like the Vienna Philharmonic might be challenging due to high demand and subscriber priority. However, standing room tickets are available for some performances, offering a more affordable way to experience the opera.

Guided Tours

For those interested in exploring the building itself, guided tours are the only option available for viewing the architecture and art, as self-guided tours are not permitted. Travelers have discussed that these tours are scheduled at fixed times and it’s advisable to check the opera house's official website for precise tour timing and any available slots.

Performance Options

Travelers looking for specific performances at the Vienna State Opera have noted that the schedule varies, with different operas and ballets shown regularly. It is recommended to check the official Vienna State Opera website or trustworthy ticketing platforms to view the current schedule and book tickets in advance due to the popularity of the shows.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.