Austria

Things to do in Vienna

Vienna's imperial sights split in two: the Hofburg, the State Opera and the big museums sit inside the Ringstrasse, while Schonbrunn Palace is a 15-minute U-Bahn ride west. The city has its own vineyards, with heuriger wine taverns in Grinzing and Nussdorf, and the Wachau Valley on the Danube is a day trip of apricots, Gruner Veltliner and Melk Abbey.

  • Schonbrunn Palace Grand Tour
  • Hofburg and Sisi Museum
  • Belvedere and Klimt's The Kiss
  • Coffee house and cake tour

Experiences in Vienna

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Vienna

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Highlights

  • Schonbrunn Palace Grand Tour
  • Hofburg and Sisi Museum
  • Belvedere and Klimt's The Kiss
  • Coffee house and cake tour
  • Wachau Valley wine and Danube trip
  • Classical concert in a historic hall

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are the best months for walking and the vineyards. From late November to Christmas the markets in front of the Rathaus and at Schonbrunn draw big crowds.

Getting around

Five U-Bahn lines, trams and buses run on one ticket, and the Ringstrasse is easy by bike. The CAT train reaches the city from the airport in 16 minutes, while the S-Bahn is slower but cheaper.

Local tips

  • Schonbrunn tours run on timed tickets, so book a morning slot and visit the gardens afterwards, which are free.
  • Vienna State Opera sells cheap standing-room tickets for most performances, a good option if you are flexible.
  • Some traditional coffee houses still do not take cards, so carry some euros in cash.

Day trips from Vienna

  • Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey
  • Bratislava
  • Salzburg
  • Hallstatt
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Vienna?

The most booked experiences in Vienna are Schonbrunn Palace Grand Tour, Hofburg and Sisi Museum, Belvedere and Klimt's The Kiss and Coffee house and cake tour.

When is the best time to visit Vienna?

April to June and September to October are the best months for walking and the vineyards. From late November to Christmas the markets in front of the Rathaus and at Schonbrunn draw big crowds.

How do I get around Vienna?

Five U-Bahn lines, trams and buses run on one ticket, and the Ringstrasse is easy by bike. The CAT train reaches the city from the airport in 16 minutes, while the S-Bahn is slower but cheaper.

Do I need to book tours in Vienna in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Vienna?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Budapest214 km awayPrague251 km awayKrakow332 km awayMunich355 km away