vienna
Vienna charms with its graceful beauty and lively atmosphere, inviting visitors to uncover its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant street life. From historic palaces and baroque churches to peaceful parks and bustling markets, the city is packed with experiences for every type of traveller.
During the summer months, Vienna comes alive with events ranging from open-air concerts in Stadtpark and classical performances at Schönbrunn Palace to film festivals in public squares and vibrant food markets. Whether you're keen to explore world-famous museums, wander through beautifully maintained gardens or soak up the atmosphere at lively squares and markets, Vienna offers endless opportunities to discover its charm, music and history at every turn.
Thanks to its central location in Europe, Vienna is within easy reach of other major cities, including Bratislava in Slovakia and Budapest in Hungary, making it a perfect base for exploring the region. During our visit, we took a day trip to Bratislava, which is just a short journey away – find out what we got up to here.
How to get from the Airport?
City Airport Train (CAT) - This is the fastest connection from the airport to Vienna’s city centre, taking just 16 minutes. With trains running every 30 minutes to Wien Mitte/Landstraße station. Tickets cost €14.90 for a single and €24.90 for a return. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the city centre, or you can continue your journey using the U3 or U4 subway, streetcar line 0, bus line 74, or various overground trains.
S7 S-Bahn Train - This is the most affordable direct connection from the airport to the city centre, with trains running every 30 minutes to Wien Mitte/Landstraße station. The journey takes around 20 minutes, and tickets cost just €4.60 one-way. You’ll need two fare zone tickets: one for the route from the airport to the Vienna city boundary (€2.20) and another for travel within Vienna (€2.40). This is the option we took, and it was easy to navigate, comfortable, and efficient.
Bus - There are several bus routes connecting the airport with the city centre, with services running every 30–60 minutes.
VAL 1 (Vienna Airport > Vienna Main Station > Vienna Westbahnhof) takes around 40 minutes.
VAL 2 (Vienna Airport > Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz) takes around 22 minutes.
VAL 3 (Vienna Airport > Donauzentrum) takes around 42 minutes.
Tickets cost €11 for a single or €20 for a return, and can be purchased online or directly from the bus driver with cash.
GETTING AROUND
Vienna is well connected by its public transport system, and during our three-day trip we used the U-Bahn (underground) frequently. It was efficient, convenient, and easy to navigate. Tickets can be purchased at machines in the stations, but they must be validated in the blue validation machines before boarding to be valid. The advantage is that you can buy several tickets at once and only validate them when you’re ready to travel. The same system applies to streetcars and buses, where the validation machines are located inside the vehicles.
A single ticket costs €2.40 and is valid for 80 minutes in one direction. You can change lines as often as needed, but you cannot interrupt your journey with breaks.
Other ticket options include:
24 hours – €8.00
48 hours – €14.10
72 hours – €17.10
7 day Vienna ticket – €22.60
We found that using single tickets for most of our trip worked well, as we enjoyed exploring on foot and Vienna is extremely walkable. On our last day, we purchased a 24-hour ticket each, which was especially helpful and cost-effective. It allowed us to hop on and off public transport as we explored the city, reach areas further afield, and make the most of a short visit.
Other options include the Vienna Pass - a sightseeing card that gives visitors access to over 70 of the city’s top attractions, including Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, the Giant Ferris Wheel, and the Albertina. It also includes unlimited use of the Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses, making it easy to explore the city at your own pace. Available for 1, 2, 3, or 6 days, the pass can be a cost-effective and convenient way to see Vienna’s highlights, especially if you plan on visiting several museums and landmarks. If you aren’t planning to visit the main attractions, then I would recommend sticking to the other tickets outlined above.
THINGS TO DO / DAY TRIPS
Stadtpark - Famous for its golden Johann Strauss Monument, this historic park, open since 1862, is filled with elegant statues, colourful flowerbeds, and tree-lined paths that offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city. It is home to the largest collection of monuments and sculptures in Vienna, with the statue of Strauss and his violin becoming one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. With its peaceful atmosphere and cultural significance, we found Stadtpark to be the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Prater - A historic amusement park in Vienna, the Prater is free to enter, and you only pay for the rides you choose to go on. We enjoyed strolling around in the evening, taking in the lively atmosphere, and sampling treats from the many food stalls. With its mix of attractions and the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, it’s a fun spot to soak up the city’s playful side.
Schönbrunn Palace - A magnificent former imperial residence, Schönbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains, with the grounds are free to enter, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Easily accessible by public transport, visitors can also explore the opulent state rooms and enjoy the Gloriette terrace for sweeping views of the palace and the city beyond, with tickets available to purchase online.
Burggarten - Renowned for its famous Mozart statue, framed by a flowerbed in the shape of a treble clef, Burggarten is a peaceful park tucked behind the Hofburg Palace. With neatly kept flowerbeds, shaded paths, and inviting cafés, it is the perfect spot to take a relaxing break while exploring central Vienna.
Albertinaplatz - Home to the Albertina Museum, Albertinaplatz is a bustling square in the heart of Vienna. Surrounded by historic architecture and lively cafés, it’s an ideal spot to soak up the city’s atmosphere and watch street performers in action. From here, you can take the escalator up to the Albertina’s terrace for views across the city.
Maria-Theresien-Platz – A grand square between the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum, Maria-Theresien-Platz is one of Vienna’s most striking public spaces. At its centre stands a monumental statue of Empress Maria Theresa, surrounded by formal gardens and fountains, making it a popular spot to pause while exploring the museum district.
Volksgarten - A serene park in the heart of Vienna, Volksgarten is famed for its beautifully maintained rose gardens. With elegant statues, shaded paths, and manicured lawns, it’s the perfect spot to take a peaceful stroll and soak up the city’s historic charm.
Rathaus - Vienna’s City Hall is known for its impressive architecture and towering spires. The square in front often hosts markets and events, making it a lively spot to admire the building and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Naschmarkt - A lively market in central Vienna, Naschmarkt is famous for its colourful stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, and international treats. With cafés and restaurants along the way, it’s usually a fantastic spot to explore and sample local flavours. Unfortunately, when we visited, torrential rain put a damper on our plans, so we didn’t enjoy it as much as we had hoped.
Karlskirche - A baroque church known for its impressive dome and ornate façade, Karlskirche allows visitors to admire its intricate interior and take a lift up to the observation platform for panoramic views of the city. It is one of Vienna’s most striking architectural landmarks and a must-see for fans of historic architecture.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at Numa Vienna Wood hotel which was conveniently located a short walk from the Westbahnhof station. We opted for their Large Room with Terrace, which had everything we needed. Although we didn’t spend much time in the room, it was comfortable and spacious, and the balcony would have been a lovely place to relax had it not been for the rain.
The location was ideal due to its close proximity to everything without being directly in the hubbub. Being adjacent to Westbahnhof station made it easy to access different parts of the city and stay connected, while still enjoying a quieter, more peaceful area.
If you’re planning a trip to Vienna, there are plenty of great districts to choose from depending on the experience you’re after:
Innere Stadt (1st District): The historic heart of Vienna, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to walk to most attractions.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District): Close to the Prater amusement park and lively restaurants and bars along the Danube Canal. Central but slightly calmer than the old town.
Landstraße (3rd District): Known for the Belvedere Palace and its easy airport access via Wien Mitte transport hub.
Margareten (5th District): South of Naschmarkt, with a more local and residential feel. A budget-friendly option with good tram and metro connections.
Mariahilf (6th District): Home to Vienna’s main shopping street, within walking distance of both the MuseumsQuartier and Naschmarkt, and well-connected by public transport.
Josefstadt (8th District): A charming, historic neighborhood filled with wine bars and small theatres, yet still walkable to the city centre.
Food + Drink
Vapiano - Known for its fresh, made-to-order Italian dishes, Vapiano serves everything from hand-stretched pizzas to bowls of pasta cooked right in front of you. With gluten-free and vegan pizza and pasta options, there’s something for everyone. The vegan crema di funghi pappardelle is especially worth trying; creamy, rich, and a rare treat for anyone seeking a plant-based pasta option. With several locations across Vienna, Vapiano is a convenient and reliable stop for a tasty break.
Max & Benito - With generous portions and plenty of veggie and vegan options, it’s the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal. Serving burritos, bowls, and salads with your choice of base and toppings, making it easy to customise your order. For an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack, the chips and guac are a must-try – they hit the spot perfectly. If you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, come hungry, because the portions are both generous and delicious, and you won’t want to leave a bite behind. A highlight for me was the veggie burrito with lime rice and guac; fresh, flavour-packed, and absolutely worth going back for.
Vienna Schnitzel - No trip to Vienna is complete without trying the city’s signature dish, the Wiener Schnitzel. This classic features a tender veal or pork cutlet, breaded and fried to golden perfection, usually served with a wedge of lemon and a side of fries or potato salad. I don’t eat meat, but my boyfriend enjoyed the pork cutlet with fries and a lemon wedge, and he said it was absolutely delicious.
Vienna Corndogs - A must-visit snack spot in Prater theme park, Vienna Corndogs offers a wide range of options including frankfurters, Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausages), as well as veggie and vegan fillings. Many of their corndogs can be coated in crispy mini potatoes, making for a fun and tasty twist. I tried the mozzarella-stuffed veggie corndog, topped with crispy mini potatoes and a drizzle of spicy mayo – it was delicious. It’s a popular stop with both locals and tourists, and for good reason.
Eis-Greissler - A local favourite for artisan ice cream, made with fresh ingredients sourced from their own farm in the Austrian countryside. Known for inventive flavours and a wide selection of vegan options, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sweet treat while exploring Vienna. The vegan dark chocolate is a standout choice – rich, silky, and reminiscent of a chocolate mousse. With multiple locations throughout the city, Eis-Greissler is a must-visit for dessert lovers.
keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights, and top tips for visiting vienna.
keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights, and top tips for visiting vienna.
MY HIGHLIGHTS + TOP TIPS:
Be sure to visit Prater in the evening, it's free to enter and has a fun atmosphere. Don’t miss Vienna Corndogs while you’re here, their crispy potato-coated mozzarella dogs were delicious.
You don’t need to plan too much in Vienna – with stunning architecture on every corner, you’ll see plenty just by wandering around.
Vienna has plenty of beautiful parks to enjoy, and you’ll spot impressive statues along the way – Stadtpark is home to the famous golden Johann Strauss monument, and it was one of my favourite spots for a stroll.
When visiting different countries, we often grab drinks from supermarkets while out exploring, it's a great way to keep costs down and stay hydrated. In Vienna, most plastic and glass bottles can be returned for recycling, and you'll receive a voucher worth 25 cents per bottle to spend in-store. There's usually a machine just inside the entrance that prints the voucher after you insert the empties.
Currency: Euro (€)
Plug Socket: Type F
Vienna is really easy to get around, with affordable transport links that make exploring the city simple. It’s also well connected to nearby countries – I took a quick trip to Bratislava by train, which was super easy and great value.
Although we took cash with us, the only place we actually needed it was Vienna Schnitzel. Public transport, supermarkets and all the other restaurants accepted card payments without any issues.