Things to do in Vienna: the Ultimate Tour Guide
- Adriana Leos
- Jul 7, 2024
- 24 min read
Table of Contents:
First and foremost, in Vienna - which is often hailed as the cultural heart of Europe - there is sooooo much to do that it's almost impossible to be bored; I stayed for a month and still wish I had more time to explore. Between music, art, history, tours, museums, cafés - I promise you'll find something for you.
And it is for this very reason that I highly encourage you to spend at least a week in Vienna. Most people tend to spend 2-3 days in major European cities or while traveling through Europe, however, because there is genuinely so much to take in - I recommend that you take the time to truly enjoy everything that Vienna has to offer.
The architectural landscape of Vienna alone offers a wealth of inspiration and stimuli, encouraging exploration, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the interplay between art, history, and environment.
The first thing I would recommend doing (before finding some fantastic food) is to book a walking tour with a local guide - I would recommend doing this in almost any new city you go to. This is simply because there is so much to do and see that a local guide will not only take you around to the major attractions, but this also gives you a chance to ask questions and get the inside scoop of the city.
I booked a Best of Vienna Walking Tour with Hannes through Airbnb Experiences, and it was totally worth it - and not to mention affordable for the all the value and knowledge you receive. It's such a nice introduction to any new city/town you're visiting.
top tip: if you're not into walking tours, look into a food tour! This way you not only get to try the amazing cuisine of a new city but you get the inside scoop of the best spots that locals frequent (and avoid those over-priced tourist traps).
Now, let's get into some of the most amazing things to do while in Vienna and things to know while you're there.
Things to know about Vienna
What is the official currency of Vienna, Austria?
The official currency in Vienna is the Euro (symbol: €), and has been the official currency since January 2002. While many places do accept card/contactless payment, Vienna is unlike many other major European cities that are predominately card-only; as of now, Vienna has many places that are 'cash only' and do not accept card. Therefore, it's a good idea to withdraw some cash to have on hand while you're exploring the city.
What is the official language of Vienna, Austria?
The official language in Vienna is German. However, many locals speak English (and other languages), so it is not at all difficult to communicate with locals.
How to get around Vienna?
Vienna is an extremely walkable city so I genuinely walked everywhere as walking is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the city (and not miss any cool views!) but public transportation is also super convenient (and affordable) as well as Uber.
top tip: the people in Vienna very much abide by the crosswalks and street signs - "jay walking" or walking when the light is red is not common as it is in many major cities in the United States. Also, pay attention to designated biking and walking lanes; however, while you're walking or crossing the street - many cyclists will stop and give you the right-a-way as a pedestrian.
Another cool thing to look out for as you're exploring the city are the Viennese Traffic Light Couples throughout the city.
While visiting the Wien Museum, I learned that "Drag Queen Conchita Wurst won the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest for Austria, bringing the following year's event to Vienna. To mark the occasion, 54 pedestrian signals were fitted with "traffic-light couples": two women, two men, or a woman and a man. The project, emblematic of Vienna's commitment to equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation, received a great deal of international attention. Within a few months, traffic signals in numerous cities around the world were similarly appointed."
I spotted some of these awesome 'traffic-light couples' on Mariahilfer Straße, the long pedestrianized street that is lined with shops, near the Museum Quartier.
Where should I stay while I'm in Vienna?
As I stated earlier, I was in Vienna for a month so I booked an Airbnb in the 3rd district, and I can't recommend this Airbnb enough. It is an elegant studio in the perfect location: a beautiful residential area just off a main street with plenty of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, a nice shopping center nearby. It is also only about a 15-20 minute walk down to the City Center (Stephansplatz - where St. Stephen's Cathedral is located).
The neighborhood has that Central Europe continental vibe with restaurant terraces, lovely parks, and beautiful architecture everywhere you turn. You can walk everywhere, and public transport is right around the corner; also, so is the train station, Wien Mitte (12 mins by foot) which has frequent direct connections to the airport.
It has all you need for short or long stays; and two people (max) will fit comfortably in this studio, however, if you're traveling solo - it's perfect.
However, there are also plenty of other options throughout Vienna - various other Airbnbs, and tons of hotels and hostels to choose from.
Can I drink the tap water in Vienna?
Yes! The tap water is high quality as it comes from the mountain ranges nearby. You'll also find drinking fountains accessible all throughout the city to refill your water bottle as you walk around and explore.
Recycling & taking out the trash in Vienna
Vienna is big on recycling (honestly, more cities around the world need to take note). On almost every street corner you will find various waste bins throughout the city including bins for clear glass, colored glass, plastic bottles, beverage cartons, paper/cardboard, and even vegan waste (such as plant-based kitchen waste like fruit and vegetables that have not been cooked or seasoned).
Pay attention to what bin you are throwing your waste in as they are clearly labeled for various recycling purposes. For a visual representation and a better idea of what waste goes into what bin - check out this waste bin guide.
Closed on Sundays
In Vienna, lots of things are closed on Sundays including markets for groceries, pharmacies (apothekes), as well as various museums, salons and shops.
If you are staying for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to purchase any groceries or medicine you may need on Friday or Saturday before they close on Sunday.
Bring a Bag
Almost every store I frequented had an additional charge to purchase a bag (for example at grocery markets or in clothing stores), therefore, it's a good idea to bring your own reusable bag and/or tote bag with you when you go out to explore. This is also the reason why you'll see almost all locals carrying a tote bag with them as they are familiar with this custom and don't want to pay the extra 20-50cents for a bag, and instead carry their own tote/reusable.
Pharmacies (Apothekes) in Vienna
If you're not feeling well or are in need of medicine while in Vienna, keep in mind that you won't find medicine at supermarkets or stores, you will have to buy medicine at a pharmacy, also known as an Apotheke. This includes medicine like pain reliever.
Apotheke's are closed on Sundays and most have hours from 8am - 6pm Monday through Friday, and 8am - 12pm on Saturdays. However, I did find one open until 6pm on a Saturday called Apotheke zum römischen Kaiser, it's located very near St. Stephen's Cathedral and the staff was incredibly helpful. Hopefully, you won't feel under the weather on your trip, but in case you do, keep this in mind if you do need to find medicine.
Location: Wollziele 13, 1010 Vienna
Is it safe to travel in Vienna alone?
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and hundreds of cities, and I can honestly say that Vienna is one of the cities that I have felt the safest in (especially as a woman traveling solo). I attended some concerts/shows later in the evening that didn't end until late and I walked back to my Airbnb and can confidently say that I felt extremely safe. Additionally, it is not uncommon to see women and children walking around on their own or riding a bike or a scooter around the city.
However, this isn't to say that bad things can't happen in any city, so it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and stay on the alert no matter what city you're traveling to.
Food, Treats & Cafés in Vienna
What is the official cuisine of Vienna, Austria?
Typical Viennese cuisine heavily relies on meat-based dishes. Vienna's culinary heritage is rich and flavorful, featuring iconic meat-based dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, which is breaded and fried veal (they also have chicken options), Tafelspitz, a flavorful boiled beef served in broth, Bratwurst (sausage), and Selchfleisch, smoked meat with sauerkraut and dumplings.
For those with a sweet tooth and looking for dessert or a mid-day treat, the dense chocolate Sachertorte and the delicious apple-filled Apfelstrudel are must-tries (which you can find at many cafés and restaurants).
Aida
Josef Prousek trained to be a confectioner, also known as a 'Zuckerbacker' (sugar baker). In 1913, Josef and his wife Rosa, bought and ran a pastry shop in Vienna called Bonsaing & Sohne. A few years later, in 1921, their small shop became Chocolaterie & Grosskonditorei AIDA, and production remained there for 53 years, until 1974. However, during this time, several branches were opened all over the city of Vienna - for instance, in 1931 on Mariahilfer Straße, in 1932 on Bognergasse; and by 1939, 11 different locations had opened in Vienna.
After WWII, Josef Prousek and his son began re-building each branch during the reconstruction era and AIDA's continued existence remained secured. Demand began to become too high and in 1974 a production plant was opened - to this day, up to three tons of Viennese confectionery are produced by hand on a daily basis.
There are now 34 locations throughout Vienna and the business has stayed within the Prousek family (now on the fourth generation of the family); and this year they celebrate their 111th anniversary year.
So, if you happen to stumble upon one of these cafés while exploring Vienna (btw, there's a location right in the City Center next to St. Stephen's Cathedral), I highly recommend you stop for a sweet treat and/or coffee. And one of my personal favorites is their hot chocolate - it's truly one of the best hot chocolates I've ever had:)
Bitzinger Würstel & Co.
You simply can't go to Vienna and not have a bratwurst (sausage), and let me tell you... this place will not let you down. Bitzinger is located directly in front of the Albertina (and another location can be found at the Ferris Wheel), and is usually fairly busy but for good reason. My tour guide for my walking tour of Vienna mentioned that this place can be known as a "tourist trap" but even he said that if you're looking for a quality bratwurst from a stand on the street - this is the place to go (he was not wrong).
Location:
Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Café Central
A popular café for tourists to visit while in Vienna is Café Central, famous for its history and patrons including Adolf Hitler, Leon Trotsky, Sigmund Freud and Stalin. Since 1876 Café Central has been a center and cradle of Austrian culinary tradition, literature, philosophy and culture. Since then Vienna has been through two world wars, five new currencies and eleven presidents – and for the majority of this time Café Central has provided a constant expression of the Austrian attitude to life as well as a central meeting point for the capital’s intellectuals.
And while the topic of equal rights is more relevant now than ever, Café Central was already quietly laying the groundwork a hundred years ago. It was the first café to permit women patrons to visit without a man at their side. In every other coffeehouse in the city, women were only admitted if they were in the company of a man.
Location: Strauchgasse 4, 1st district
Manner
Another must-have while in Vienna are the Manner Original Neapolitan Wafers that were invented in 1898 by the company's founder Josef Manner I and the format and the basic recipe remain unchanged to this day.
Up to 4,000 Manner wafers are sold at the Manner shop at Vienna's Stephansplatz each day (I purchased at least ten packs at this location myself), and around two packs of Manner wafers are eaten every second!!
The Original Neapolitan Wafers are Manner's classic and best selling product and have become a symbol of Viennese culture and lifestyle. So do yourself a favor and give in to temptation and enjoy a piece of history!
top tip: the lemon wafer flavor were my favorite:) so if you're a lemon-flavored fan, these are a must try!! They also make for a great gift if you're looking for something to give to others when you get home.
Snack Box
If you're looking for a delicious Kebab shop for an affordable price - look no further than Snack Box.
This place is soooo good and right around the corner from the Airbnb I stayed at. The owners are so so kind and welcoming and even remembered my order each time I visited (I definitely became a regular and will 100% go back the next time I'm in Vienna). Additionally, the portions are incredibly generous for the price (see image below - I used my hand for size reference).
1000/10 recommend!
Location:
Baumgasse 1, 1030 Vienna
Hours: Mon - Sun 10 am - 9 pm
Things to see and do while in Vienna
Classical Concerts
Concert at the Mozart House in Vienna
While in Vienna, there are dozens of various classical concerts to choose from. However, I want to specifically highlight one that is so spectacular, I think I cried about four different times during the show simply due to how spectacular it was. This is the Konzerte im Mozarthaus; Classical Concerts by the Mozart Ensemble Vienna at the Deutschordenshaus Wien.
This classical concert was genuinely one of the most spectacular classical concerts I have ever attended (and I have attended several).
It is held at the Sala Terrena (from Italian: hall of the ground floor) in Mozarthaus Vienna, is located in Vienna’s historical city center - only a three minute walk from St. Stephan’s Cathedral - and is the oldest concert hall in Vienna.
It was built as part of the monastery of the German Teutonic Order in the second half of the 12th century. And although Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in several various apartments throughout Vienna, in 1781, he lived in the monastery of the German Teutonic Order and played several concerts in the Sala Terrena on behalf of Archbishop Colloredo.
The venue is quite small, however, the room makes for a unique intimate experience where the acoustics bounce off the walls and into your ears like pure magic. And honestly, the beauty of the fresco's alone are enough of a reason to go (see images below).
Cost: ranging from 42-69 Euro (depending on seat selection)
top tip: I chose the higher priced ticket and arrived 30-minutes early in order to choose a seat in the front row, and I have to say, it was 100% worth it. You're probably only going to be in Mozart's house once in your lifetime, so in my opinion, make it count;)
Vivaldi - The Four Seasons - at St. Stephen's Cathedral
"Where else would it be more fitting to experience Vivaldi's Four Seasons - a parable of life and death - than in St. Stephen's Cathedral, where his funeral festivities were celebrated after the composer's death in 1741?
In 1740, a poor Vivaldi arrived in Vienna, with high hopes for patronage from the Emperor. However, only ten months after his arrival, Vivaldi passed away and was therefore buried in Vienna."
The show is about an hour long, with no breaks, and is very much a beautiful experience.
I purchased my tickets here at Kunst & Kultur, however, keep in mind there are only certain dates to see the Vivaldi concert, for more concerts and events at St. Stephen's, check out Viator's website, a Trip Advisor Company.
Cost: ranging from 20-40 Euro (depending on seat selection)
Konzerte in der Annakirche
This is a unique experience of a classical concert in St. Anne's Church in Vienna.
One of the most unique aspects of this concert were the instruments. The violins were from 1764, while the cello was from 1740. Having the opportunity to listen to some classical music of this time period (I attended a Mozart and Beethoven concert) with instruments from that same period was truly amazing. You could genuinely imagine what it must have been like to attend a concert during this time, and that made it really special.
Cost: 33 Euro
Shopping in Vienna
Vienna offers a delightful mix of shopping experiences, from high-end luxury stores to quirky independent boutiques, vintage shops, and flea markets. Here's a little breakdown to find something that will suit your taste:
Mariahilfer Straße: This is a long pedestrianized street that is lined with shops selling everything from clothes and shoes to souvenirs and electronics. It's honestly a great place to spend the afternoon to find bargains and soak up the atmosphere of Viennese shopping.
You'll find the typical mainstream (fast fashion) stores like Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, to vintage stores that offer a wide variety of gems for everyone (including a personal favorite called Vintage Fabrik).
Vintage shopping in Vienna
Vintage Fabrik
Vintage Fabrik offers a wide variety of unique vintage goods right in the heart of Vienna. The shop itself is super cute and welcoming and the clothes are in great condition. The majority of inventory is women's clothes, however, you can find some item's for men on the second floor.
Location: Mariahilfer Straße 22, 1060 Vienna
Hours:
M-F 10 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
(closed on Sundays)
Humana
Humana is another great vintage shop in Vienna, however, keep in mind that there are currently 19 different locations throughout the city. Five of them are vintage shops, nine are family shops with children's clothing and five branches are a mix of vintage and family items. Personally, I visited one of the vintage shops located in the 3rd district and it was a super cute shop with lots of gems! Here you will find a wide selection of the finest vintage clothing for him and her on two floors.
top tip: if you happen to buy one too many items while in Vienna and the airlines weight limit is not on your side, you can of course buy another suitcase/bag to take your new found items back home; however, you can also donate to Humana in-person at one of their stores or you can drop off your clothes in one of their donation bins that you'll find in several locations throughout the city (the picture I have included is located near my Airbnb on the corner of Landstraße Haupstraße and Wassergasse).
Simply follow the instructions below to donate:
1. Wash and dry your clothes (please don't donate dirty items!)
2. Put in a plastic bag (you can get suitable bags for your donation in their shops free of charge)
3. Drop it off in one of their stores or in a container near you
Yeah, it's that easy to give your clothes another life:)
Location: Landstraßer Hauptstraße 21, Vienna (3rd district)
Hours:
M-F 9 am - 6:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
(closed on Sundays)
Upscale shopping in Vienna
If you're looking for more upscale stores - checkout:
Kohlmarkt: this beautiful street is lined with prestigious designer stores like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
Goldenes Quartier: this upscale shopping complex houses brands like Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent.
MUST see museums in Vienna
There are over 100 museums in Vienna so it was fairly difficult to choose which ones I wanted to visit but I can honestly say that there is definitely something for everyone.
Here's a little something about the few I visited:
The Albertina
The Albertina Museum is one of the largest museums for modern art in Central Europe, with art exhibitions ranging from famous artists including, Picasso, Monet, Degas, Lichtenstein, and more.
Within the museum you can also visit what is known as the 'State Rooms.'
For around 100 years, the present-day museum building served as the residence of Habsburg archdukes and archduchesses. There are 20 extravagantly decorated Habsburg State Rooms that sweep you away into the magnificent world of classicism with their wall coverings, chandeliers, fireplaces and stoves and exquisite furniture. You'll really feel the energy of what it must have felt like to live in that time period.
Cost:
19 Euro for adults
Location:
Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Wed & Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Austrian National Library; State Hall
The State Hall of the Austrian National Library is one of the most beautiful historic libraries in the world. It was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI, designed by famous architect Johann Bernhard Fischer Erlach and was built between 1723 and 1726 by his son, Joseph Emanuel.
Court painter Daniel Gran completed the magnificent ceiling frescoes by 1730, and after serious construction damage, they were restored in 1769 by Franz Anton Maulbertsch.
Today the State Hall is home to over 200,000 historical books from 1501 to 1850. These books have since been digitized and are available in the library's online catalogue at onb.ac.at
Cost:
10 Euro for adults
Location:
Josefplatz 1, 1015 Vienna
Hours:
Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Thurs 10 am - 9 pm
(closed on Monday)
The Belvedere Museum
This magnificent museum, which features the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces and their expansive gardens, is among the most remarkable Baroque architectural designs you might ever lay eyes on.
In the 18th century, Austrian general Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned the esteemed Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt to design a summer residence. However, following Prince Eugene's death, Empress Maria Theresa acquired the palaces and converted the Upper Belvedere into an exhibition space for the imperial collections, establishing it as one of the first public museums in the world. While the Lower Belvedere, once Prince Eugene's residence, now houses prestigious exhibitions.
While the palaces and gardens themselves are reason enough to visit this museum, you might not want to miss seeing one of Gustav Kilmt's most famous paintings, 'The Kiss.'
The Kiss was painted at the height of Klimt's Golden Period without a direct commission. It shows a couple, melting into one, at the edge of a meadow of flowers, only the different patterning of the robes distinguishes their bodies that are enveloped in a shimmering golden halo.
Klimt actually used real gold leaf, silver, and platinum in his picture. He presumably started work on it in 1907 and exhibited the painting at the Kunstschau in June the following year under the title Lovers. From his show, the Ministry of Art purchased it for the Modern Gallery - now the Belvedere - for a price that was high even for the time. In autumn 1909, a catalogue of this museum cited the work for the first time as The Kiss, the title by which it is world famous today.
Cost:
Upper Belvedere - 17.50 Euro
Lower Belvedere - 14.90 Euro
Belvedere 21 - 9.30 Eur0
2 in 1 day (visit both the Upper and Lower Belvedere) - 25.90 Euro
3 in 1 day (visit Upper, Lower, and Belvedere 21) - 28.20 Euro
top tip: there are certain dates out of the year that you can attend the Upper Belvedere for FREE on Friday evenings (this is what I did), from 6-9p.m., simply check their website
Location:
Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
Hours:
M-F 9 am - 6 pm
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum was built in 1891 near the Imperial Palace to house extensive collections of the imperial family. And while the building architecture with vast halls full of marble and fresco painted ceilings are enough of a reason to go to this museum alone - the art collection is outstanding (to say the least).
This museum houses some of the world's greatest painters including Caravaggio, Raphael, Peter Paul Ruebens, Gustav Klimt and more. Additionally, for an added bonus, the Egyptian collection is magnificent as well.
Of all the museums I visited while in Vienna, I confidently say that this one is a must-see.
Cost:
21 Euros for adults
Location:
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Thurs 10 am - 9 pm
Leopold Museum
The Leopold Museum is located in the Museum Quartier and is home to the largest collection of Austrian art featuring artists including Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Richard Gersti.
The Leopold Museum is also home to one of Klimt's most famous paintings, 'Death and Life'.
"This large-scale painting, of which there existed an earlier version (pictured below), addresses the human cycle of life. Klimt created first drafts on paper for this work as early as 1908 and began executing it in oil from 1910.
Premiering the work, then called Death, at the 1911 International Art Exhibition in Rome, Klimt won the gold medal. While the work was again shown at exhibitions in Dresden, Budapest, Mannheim, Prague and eventually in Berlin in 1916, it was curiously enough never exhibited in Vienna during the artist's lifetime.
The current version was first shown at the Berlin Secession in 1916, with Klimt making last-minute changes to the work when it was already framed, leaving traces of paint on the original frame.
Klimt's allegory consists of the personification of death on the left side and the three-part cycle of life on the right side, made up of a mother and child, an elderly woman and a pair of lovers.
The first version showed the solitary figure of death, shrouded in a cloak with blue ornaments, statically inclining its head, whereas in the final work it approaches life almost dynamically, raising a small red cudgel. The group of people on the other side, now grown to nine figures, is tightly packed into an oval ornament. Except for the squinting baby and the woman facing death directly with her open, glassy eyes, all the other figures appear to levitate in a dream-like state."
Cost:
17 Euro
Location:
Museumplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
Hours:
M - F 10 am - 6 pm
The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK)
The MAK - Museum of Applied Arts - is an arts and crafts museum that focuses on contemporary art, design and architecture.
The MAK wisely combines art of the past, present and the future, something which can be clearly sensed and experienced when visiting its extensive collection, large exhibition halls, themed special exhibitions and discourse-centered program of events.
The exhibitions I had the pleasure of visiting reflected the complex issues that shape our diverse, global, and rapidly changing world including issues focused on fast fashion, global protests and the digital design that is intertwined in our daily lives and how it impacts our everyday reality.
Cost:
16.50 Euro; however, they offer half-priced entry tickets on Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm for only 8 Euros
Location:
Stubenring 5, 1010 Vienna
Hours:
Tues 10 am - 9pm
Wed - Sun 10 am - 6 pm
(closed on Monday)
MUMOK
The MUMOK or the Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien is located in the Museum Quartier and is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
MUMOK houses over 10,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, installations, drawings, graphics, photos, videos, films, architectural models, and furniture; and it regularly hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection. These exhibitions often explore contemporary themes and new artistic trends, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists.
Cost:
10 Euro for adults
Location:
Museumplatz 1
1070 Vienna
Hours:
Tues - Sun 10 am – 6 pm
Sisi Museum
The Vienna Hofburg Palace was the residence of the Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. During the course of the centuries it developed into one of the most important centers of European history. It was from this palace that the Habsburgs reigned from the 13th century.
Originally a medieval (13th-century) fortified castle, the Hofburg was extended by each Emperor, eventually coming to resemble a 'city within a city'. The complex extends over 240,000 meters, comprises 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms in which nearly 5,000 people still live and work today.
Besides the former residential apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), which are open to the public, the Hofburg Palace contains the offices of the Federal President of Austria, various ministries, the Federal Monuments Office, and university institutions such as the Department of Theater Studies.
The Sisi Museum houses numerous personal items that once belonged to Elisabeth (Sisi) and are used to help illustrate the life of the frequently misunderstood Empress.
Sisi married her cousin, Emperor Franz Joseph, at the young age of 15, she was the Empress of Austria, became the Queen of Hungary and later was assassinated in Switzerland. She had quite an interesting life, to say the least.
You can now tour the rooms in which Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth resided.
Cost:
19.50 Euro for adults
Location:
Hofburg – Michaelerkuppel
1010 Vienna
Hours:
M-F 9 am – 5.30 pm
Wien Museum
The Wien Museum has several locations throughout Vienna - 17 to be exact. And they all offer a wide range of collections and exhibitions - from art, music, and history - there's genuinely something for everyone. For instance, there's the Wien Museum, Beethoven Museum, Pratermuseum, Johann Strauss Wohnung, and several other museums to choose from.
The Wien Museum is the place you go if you want to learn about the history of Vienna. In the main building on Karlsplatz, the current permanent exhibition Vienna My History takes you on a journey through the centuries of Vienna. The history of Vienna is told through the centuries on three different floors with the help of 1,700 objects from the city's extensive collection.
Cost:
the permanent exhibition is free;
the temporary exhibition (on the 4th floor) is 12 Euros
Location:
Karlsplatz 8, 1040 Vienna
Hours:
Tues, Wed & Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Thurs 9 am - 9 pm
Sat & Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Books & vinyls
Shakespeare & Company
If you're looking for a fabulous bookstore in Vienna with books written in English (as most bookstores will only house books in German), then look no further than Shakespeare & Company.
This bookstore is like walking into a slice of heaven - it's so good. And if you're a bookworm like me, this place is a MUST!
Location:
Sterngasse 2, 1010 Vienna
Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 8 pm
closed on Sunday
Major Babies
If you're looking for all things music - look no further than Major Babies which houses a wide collection with everything from records, cassette tapes, CDs and DVDs.
They also have genres ranging from Pop, Hip Hop, Rap, Classical, Rock and so much more.
It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking to pick up a record while in Vienna.
Location:
Babengerberstraßer 3, 1010 Vienna
Hours:
M-F 11 am - 7 pm
Sat 11 am - 6 pm
closed on Sunday
Tattoos & Piercings
If you're anything like me and have a thing for tattoos and piercings, you might be interested in finding a good shop to go to while in Vienna.
As I was walking around Mariahilfer Straße I stopped at a few different shops and talked to some locals, I asked if anyone knew of a good tattoo/piercing shop and a few people highly recommended this shop: Kruez & Quer. One woman even told me that she gets all her work done there and doesn't go anywhere else in Vienna. Luckily enough, it's located right off of Mariahilfer Straße and so I walked over to ask some questions and see if they had any openings available.
As soon as I walked in, everyone I spoke with was so kind and helpful. They scheduled me for an appointment about an hour and half after I walked in for a lip piercing. Daniel was my piercer and not only was he so kind, but made me feel super comfortable as I was pretty nervous (I hate needles even though I've had my lip pierced in the past lol). He talked me through the entire process, the aftercare and recommended solution and mouth wash.
He was extremely knowledgable but honestly it was his vibe and our conversation that made the process so easy and helped calm my nerves, I'm pretty sure he knew that conversing with me would help keep me distracted and that seriously helped calm my nerves.
I would give this shop and everyone I spoke with a 10/10, and will definitely go back when I'm back in Vienna again.
Location:
Lindengasse 61-63, 1070 Vienna
Hours:
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 12 pm - 6:30 pm
Sat 12 pm - 5:30 pm
closed Sunday & Monday
Mani's & Pedi's in Vienna
If you're looking for a nice place for a manicure and pedicure in Vienna, look no further than G Bar. This was genuinely one of the best manicures and pedicures I've ever had in my life (and I've had hundreds). They take their time with each service and really give you a top-tier experience. And as an added bonus, the shop is super cute. Additionally, they specialize in nails, hair, and make-up - so if you're looking for a one-stop-shop, this is the place. 10/10 highly recommend!
Location:
Hainburger str. 34, PZL 1030, Vienna
FREE things to do in Vienna
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of Vienna's most iconic landmarks and a must see. It is one of the most important Gothic structures that is synonymous with the reconstruction of the Republic after WWII. It's also pretty cool to know that Mozart got married here in 1781.
Another interesting fact about St. Stephen's Cathedral to note is the affinity for numbers: 1, 3, 4, and 7.
For instance, 3 represents the supernatural, and 4 the natural (Earth, Water, Fire, and Air). 3+4 = 7, which is considered the 'perfect' number: the number of days in which the world was created. The south tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral is 444ft high and 333ft long, (according to old specifications). 3x4 = 12; which there are 12 smaller steeples grouped around the spire of the south tower which apparently represents Christ surrounded by his 12 Apostles. And finally, there are 343 steps leading to the old Watchman's Chamber in the south tower.
The Watchmen's Chamber was an apartment for the watchmen and firefighters, who manned the tower day and night from the 15th century until January 1956. They gave visual and acoustic alarm if a fire or a storm was spotted in the city: rang the bells, pointed to the threat with large red flags or during night time - with a lantern and used the megaphone.
During the Siege of Vienna in 1529 and again during the Battle of Vienna in 1683, it served as the main observation and command post for the defense of the walled city.
Cost:
Admission to visit the Cathedral is free, however, if you want to climb the 343 steps to the take in the view from the watchman's tower - this will cost you 6.50 Euros.
Note: I've seen YouTube videos in the past that state the entrance fee to climb the 343 steps is 3 Euros, however, the price has gone up and it was 6.50 when I visited in June 2024. But I promise you - the view is definitely worth the climb.
P.S. The entrance to the south tower to climb up to the Watchmen's Chamber is located outside of the Cathedral, on the right-hand side (if you were standing in front of the main entrance).
Location:
Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
Minoritenkirche
The Minoritenkirche is a 13th-century Gothic church where you can see the famous replica of 'The Last Supper."
Keep in mind that this is not the original painting (which is housed in Milan); this piece is a 50 square meter mosaic replica of Da Vinci's Last Supper, and was commissioned by Napoleon to a local artist named Giacomo Raffaelli.
Originally, in 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte had given orders to seize Da Vinci's original painting from Italy and take it to Paris, however, this didn't work out for him and so he decided to commission a mosaic copy to Raffaelli. The piece took ten years to complete and wasn't finished until 1814 when Napoleon had abdicated the throne and was exiled to the Island of Elba. The work was then inherited by Roman Holy Emperor Franz II who decided to take it to Austria.
And even though this is not Da Vinci's original painting - it is still 100% jaw dropping and worth the visit.
Location:
Minoritenplatz 2A, 1010 Vienna
Stadtpark
If you simply walk around the city of Vienna you're bound to stumble across some of the most beautiful and peaceful parks you've ever encountered - just as Stadtpark is.
One of my favorite things to do during my time in Vienna was to find a park and sit (or lay) down and read a book (that I purchased from Shakespeare & Company). So much so that I was able to read five different books while in Vienna. The parks are so peaceful and enjoyable that you can easily get lost in a book for hours.
And one thing to note specifically about Stadtpark is the Johann Strauss monument. If you’re into classical music like me then you might be familiar with the famous artist, Johann Strauss. And just as Copenhagen has their own Little Mermaid, Vienna has the golden Johann Strauss.
Many locals call Strauss the Walzerkönig (“King of the Waltz”), which offers a clue to some of his more famous works as this is the man who gave us the Blue Danube waltz, perhaps the composition most closely associated with Vienna.
So if you're looking for a way to spend some time, I highly recommend a stroll through one of Vienna's gorgeous parks.
Location:
Parkring 1, 1010 Vienna
----
I absolutely loved my stay in Vienna, Austria and I hope you’ll love it as much as I did. Hopefully this Vienna guide has given you plenty of inspiration and ideas for exploring more things to do yourself. If you have questions about visiting Vienna, make sure to leave them in the comments below!
Like this post? Pin it for later & share it with others!
Comments