See All Photos
Search destination (e.g. Tokyo)

Vienna

Europe

/

Austria

/

Vienna

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Austria, Vienna is bordered by the Alps and the Carpathians while the Danube River, Europe's second-longest river, flows through it. The allure of Austria's most populous city of over two million lies in its enchanting architectural splendor and historic charm. A journey to the country's former imperial capital is akin to embarking on a captivating love affair, as the city is renowned for its fairytale landscapes and majestic, centuries-old structures. As a popular destination for short city breaks, Vienna boasts a thriving tourism sector and a high standard of education, resulting in widespread English proficiency among service staff.

Vienna's rich tapestry of attractions includes iconic landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Sigmund Freud Museum, and the Belvedere Palace. Delving into Viennese cuisine is necessary, with traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel taking the spotlight. This famous dish features a thinly breaded veal cutlet fried to golden perfection. Vienna's cafes and restaurants offer a plethora of local delicacies to satiate every desire. Vienna has a prominent café culture and takes coffee and cake pairings seriously. The city's Museum of Fine Arts also houses artifacts dating back thousands of years, while the Albertina is the place to enjoy tens of thousands of graphic art collections.

Explore Vienna

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

Travel Tips for Vienna

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Vienna

A guide to Vienna's local transportation

CAT (City Airport Train)
S-Bahn (Local Train)
U-Bahn (Subway)
Straßenbahn (Tram)
Stadt-Omnibus (City Bus)
Taxi
Bicycle

The City Airport Train (CAT) is a unique mode of transportation that can quickly take passengers from Vienna Airport to the city center or vice versa. The CAT makes non-stop trips, with stops only at the airport and city center. The journey takes only 16 minutes, and fares range from EUR 11 to EUR 99. The CAT is an excellent option if you're looking for punctuality and speed when traveling to the airport. If you have a lot of bags, there are 30 free lockers available for the ones who arrived first. Getting there early and keeping your things safe is a good idea.

Practical Tips for Vienna

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How do I get around Vienna?

The optimal modes of travel in Vienna are walking and public transportation. Various services connect the city to Vienna International Airport (VIE), 12 miles southeast of the Austrian capital. Notably, the City Airport Train provides efficient airport connectivity. Vienna excels in providing the best and most inclusive transportation, featuring ramps for wheelchairs that have become a standard feature for public transportation, including tram and bus services. You will find U-Bahn stations with wheelchair lifts, guiding strips, and buses with ramps and tilting mechanisms. Auditory cues at traffic lights enhance pedestrian safety. The city's compact Innere Stadt houses numerous historic sites, making walking ideal. Vienna's commitment to accessible transit continually enhances inclusivity and ease of movement.

Where should I stay in Vienna?

For a brief visit to Vienna, Innere Stadt and Museum Quartier are ideal locations due to their proximity to major attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and more. The Museum Quartier boasts multiple museums and cultural sites, along with dining options. For a longer stay, various neighborhoods offer unique experiences. Neubau showcases artistic vibes and galleries, while Wieden offers a relaxed nightlife. Mariahilf, between Neubau and Wieden, features the bustling Mariahilferstrasse shopping street. Travelers on a budget can consider Landstrasse and Margareten. Your Vienna experience is influenced by your chosen area, making a wise selection important.

How can I experience Viennese coffee culture like a local?

Vienna's coffee culture finds its perfect companion in sweet treats. A delightful range of pastries awaits, from high-end patisseries to local bakeries and the Naschmarkt (snack market). Beyond this, Vienna presents the Kardinalschnitte, a layered meringue delight, and the iconic apple strudel. Mohnzelten, a poppy seed treat, and other delights like Mozart Torte and Punschkrapfen, with their vibrant icing, contribute to Vienna's reputation as a dessert paradise.

Is there any nightlife in Vienna?

Vienna surprises visitors with a vibrant nightlife scene. The city offers a lively club and bar circuit amid its coffee capital reputation. This duality is evident in coffee institutions transforming into cocktail hubs after sunset. Beyond that, Vienna boasts jazz nights, karaoke, and art deco bars. Celeste, Loos American Bar, Flex, Donau, and Grelle Forelle headline the party scene. Kaffee Alt Wien, established in 1922, caters to a diverse crowd seeking daytime espressos and evening beers. The venue's vintage charm is enhanced by concert posters, exuding an inviting and classic aura.

What is Vienna's most popular summer activity?

The answer is an outdoor dip. Vienna boasts impressive pools, with the Amalienbad offering a unique Viennese experience through its Art Deco design and ceramic mosaic. The Art Deco-designed Amalienbad showcases Viennese history with sculptured figures and vibrant tiles, reflecting its Red Vienna initiative. The combined pool and sauna ticket provides a full experience, featuring a deep main pool under a glass dome, diving platforms, and wooden changing booths. However, there is something truly special about swimming in the river's open air. A mere seven stops from the central Stephansplatz lies the picturesque Alte Donau (Old Danube) region, which becomes a local hotspot during the warmer months. Alte Donau's open-air bathing spots, seafood restaurants, and boat rentals offer a unique summer escape just a short distance from the city center. Badeschiff Vienna provides another distinct option, with a cool pool on a boat, a DJ, and diverse cuisine.

Get to Know Vienna

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Set off your journey to Vienna

Plan smart & save big! Use discount code BISAYUK only for you

Flights

Hotels

Xperience

In This Guide

Explore Vienna

Travel Tips for Vienna

Get to Know Vienna