Vienna, Austria: A Guide to 3 Days in the City of the Habsburgs
Last Updated: May 16, 2025
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Uncover the city of Music and Art one Gallery at a time
Vienna or Wien, as it's called in German, is known by many names, including 'The City of Spies', 'The City of Music' and 'The City of Dreams', thanks to those who once called Vienna, Austria, their home.
Vienna's culture is built on classical music, opera and the arts. Every other building is an art gallery or opera house or has links to the once-powerful rulers - the Habsburgs.
Within Vienna, you'll discover some of the most impressive architecture in Europe, excellent shopping and famous artworks.
If you have a musical talent or are a demon with a paintbrush, Vienna will blow your mind.
In this guide to Vienna, Austria, I will take you on a tour of the city, showing you the best things to do in Vienna, where to stay, where to find the best food and why spying is rife...
Are you ready to rub shoulders with Mozart and Beethoven and spill your secrets to Sigmund Freud... If so, let's go.
What's Vienna, Austria Like?
In truth, Vienna is like many other large, historic, busy European cities.
Narrow streets scatter like the vines of a grape plant, and grand, almost theatrical Baroque buildings tower overhead. Shops, restaurants, cafes and bars line the streets and statues stand tall, showcasing the city's wealth and talent. Vienna is imperial on a scale I've only seen in London, Rome and Madrid.
Generally, the city is all about architecture, theatrics, song and vibrancy. Nevertheless, it is the residents of Vienna who have lovingly handcrafted the city. Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Freud, Marie Antoinette and Gustav Klimt have all left their colourful influences on Vienna, most of which can still be seen and felt today.
The old melts with the new in a seamless and classy style. Overtly, the city screams culture and wealth, while in reality, it craves love and affection, which it gets from most visitors.
Nevertheless, Vienna is a popular and busy city. People scurry like ant colonies throughout every street, which is a shock after visiting Austria's quieter cities, Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Furthermore, all the best things to do in Vienna are busy, and you never get a moment to relax unless you head out to the outskirts. Here, the greenery opens up, and the sounds of a vibrant city disperse, replaced by the sounds of nature, and the fresh smells return.
How to Get To Vienna, Austria
Unsurprisingly, Vienna is super easy to navigate, and public transport is cheap and easy to use.
Whether you're visiting Vienna via Vienna International Airport or through its extensive rail network, you will find Vienna, Austria, easy to get to.
Ultimately, numerous transport hubs feed Vienna, but the main three are the International Airport (Flughafen Wien Schwechat), Vienna Central Train Station (Wien Hbf) and Vienna International Bus Terminal.
Before I dive into how to get to Vienna from each of those three locations, I want to give you a heads-up about the Vienna Pass.
Like Salzburg and Innsbruck, Vienna operate a tourist card, called the Vienna Pass. This pass allows free or cheap access to many of the best things to do in Vienna, as well as free public transport.
However, unlike Salzburg and Innsbruck, I'm not convinced it's value for money. I'll talk more about the Vienna Pass later.
How to get to Vienna from Vienna Airport (Flughafen)
There are many ways of getting to Vienna from the airport.
Firstly, there's the Airport City Train that runs every half an hour Monday to Sunday starting at 6:37am from the airport station (5:37am from the city). The journey takes sixteen minutes to Wein Mitte.
However, a single journey will cost €14.90 at the station (€12.66 online) and a return ticket €24.90 (€21.16 online).
Similarly, the S7 runs the same route from the airport to Wien Mitte, but for a lot less money. You can jump on one of these for a much more user-friendly price of €4.50. Nevertheless, it will take a few minutes longer.
Once you arrive at Wien Mitte, you can haul yourself and your bags the short ten to fifteen minuet walk straight to Dom St. Stephen's (The Cathedral) in the centre of Vienna.
Yet, if you want to go from Vienna Airport to Vienna Central Station, you should take the RJX direct, which takes fifteen minutes one way.
How to get to Vienna from Vienna Central Train Station (Hbf)
From Vienna Central Station, things couldn't be easier.
All you have to do is take the S1 (underground), which runs regularly to Wien Mitte every three or four minutes.
Another option is to exit the station to the northwest and walk to the underground at Südtiroler Platz and take the U1 to Leopoldau, which drops you into the heart of the city, three stops later, next to the Cathedral at Stephensplatz.
Once on the underground, that journey will take six minutes. However, it only runs every half an hour.
Again, if you want to go from Vienna Central Station to Vienna Airport, you should take the RJX direct, which takes fifteen minutes one way.
How to get to Vienna from Vienna International Bus Terminal
The bus terminal is where all the major international buses and coaches arrive in the city, including the mighty Flix Bus.
Ok, stand by for a set of instructions that even I can follow.
Exit the bus and cross the road to the underground station (Erdburg). Then take the U3 which leaves the station every four minutes, arriving six stops and seven minutes later in Stephensplatz.
That's it... done!
Timing your Trip
How Long Should You Spend Visiting Vienna?
Vienna has more to see and do than anywhere else in Austria, and the question of how long you should spend visiting Vienna, Austria, can only be answered by another question. That question: Do you like art?
If you are a cultural mastermind and someone who gets excited by art galleries and museums, then you could easily spend five days in Vienna.
However, if, like me, you don't find art and classical music all that intriguing, three days in Vienna, Austria, is about right.
The Best Time Of The Year For Uncovering The Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria
As with many places in Austria, there are a few cracking times to visit Vienna.
Obviously, there's Christmas, when the famous Vienna Christmas markets put on a world-beating display, and often a carpet of snow and sensational Christmas lights dazzle the city.
Nonetheless, for me, the best time of year is during the summer, when the weather is hot and dry and all of Vienna's attractions are open.
During the winter, the city boards up and turns off its fountains, due to fear of freezing up and cracking. Frankly, having visited in March, I felt the city was lacking something without the sights and sound of trickling water and stunning waterfall displays.
Where to Stay Whilst Visiting Vienna
Vienna is, for Austria, a vast city that lies on the banks of Europe's second-longest river, the Danube.
Despite its size, much of the city is like any other city you visit. There are homes, offices, and everything else you'd expect to see in your hometown.
Basically, people going about their daily lives.
Hence, you'll want to stay within the prettier, grander, old town, which, essentially, is a small pentagon-shaped area between the western bank of the Danube River, down to Stadtpark and the small River Wien, diagonally northwest to Vienna State Opera and then due north to Rathausplatz, Burgtheater and back, northwest, to the Danube.
That way, you'll be near most of the bars and restaurants and the prettier Baroque buildings, museums, art galleries, palaces, etc...
I've only stayed in one location in Vienna, Austria, and whilst it could do with a slight lick of paint, I'd happily recommend it...
Comfort Apartments - Stephansdom
- What: Large, basic flat in a fantastic area of Vienna, Austria
- Where: On Postgasse opposite Griechisch-katholische St.-Barbara-Kirche. (map)
- Why: The apartment is in a great location and is superb value for money.
- Why Not: Overall, it is basic and needs a bit of TLC...
There are pros and cons to this one.
Firstly, there's a lot of apartment for your money. Our apartment had three extremely cosy and snuggly double beds as well as a pull-out sofa bed. Furthermore, outside of the bathrooms, all the rooms were large and airy. The kitchen was well-equipped, and the wifi/internet was fantastic.
Plus, I really liked the little wafers that were left on our beds.
Similarly, the location was excellent, close to Wein Mitte station and the centre of Vienna. Plus, there were some great restaurants and bars within a few minutes of the front door. I can't leave the pros without mentioning the magical rickety old lift that runs throughout the apartment block, which they named Schindler's Lift.
However, there are cons to this apartment.
It was dated, tired and whilst clean, it needed a good paint job and a few cupboard doors fixing. There were no toiletries in one of the bathrooms (I can't say for the other). Likewise, there were no bathmats, so the floors got a bit slippery.
Overall, for the money, location and comfy beds, I can look past that.
Just be warned, don't book it if you like style and hotel-standard, clinical decor.
In March 2025, I paid €685 (£574), for four people for three nights. That works out at €57 (£47.80) a night per person.
Further Accommodation
As always, my choices aren't for everyone, and in this instance, despite recommending it (if there's a group of you) I can't blame you if you wanted somewhere a little more luxurious.
However, as long as you've taken on board what I've said about location being key, I'm sure you'll find somewhere perfect for you.
Consequently, to help, I've added my trusty trio of accommodation sights that I use for booking accommodation.
As you'll discover, Vienna has everything from stunning five-star hotels for those who want and can afford luxury to cheap and cheerful hostels for those visiting Vienna on a budget.
Best Things to do in Vienna, Austria
Let's start with the Vienna Pass.
The Vienna Pass is a card that gives you free or discounted entry to many of the best things to do in Vienna, Austria and free public transport within the city.
I've fully backed similar cards in the Austrian cities of Salzburg and Innsbruck. While more expensive than those two, the Vienna Pass can bring large savings. The three-day Vienna Pass costs €165 (£138). That sounds like a lot, but entry prices in Vienna soon add up.
I decided not to go for it, but looking back, I think I would have saved money over three days as well as forced myself to fill my time better. Unlike the other two cities, this decision is a tough one.
Take a look at the Vienna Pass here and make your own decision.
The city has fantastic public transport links, including buses, trains and the underground. Not only is it on time, but it's cheap to get about. Yet, if you've taken my advice and stayed in the old town, everything is walkable except Schloss Schönbrunn and Prater, the theme park.
Finally, before we dive into the best things to do in Vienna, I'll mention that if you're visiting Vienna in the cold, winter months, many of the statues are boarded up, as are some of Vienna's attractions don't run or are partially closed.
Time your trip based on what you want to see.
That said, here are a few of my suggestions outside the headlining museums to keep you busy for three days in Vienna, Austria.
Discovering Vienna, Austria: The Highlights
Uncover the City with the Free Walking Tour
- Why: You'll learn more about the history of Vienna than by walking around on your own.
- Where: Meet the guide and the rest of your gang next to the Albrechtsbrunnen. (map)
- How long: It depends on which tour you take. I went on the two-hour tour, but it lasted slightly longer...
- How much: The clue's in the name. It's free. However, they expect a tip. The average is around €20 (£16.67) per person.
I love a free walking tour.
As with any city break, I advise you to do this one on the first day of your trip. Like many similar tours, this one brings Vienna and its history to life.
Then, later in your trip, you'll know what you're seeing, the history of what you're seeing and, of course, the weird and wonderful stories of what happened there.
In Vienna, Austria, I went with GuruWalk and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Vienna has so much history that throughout the two-hour tour, we didn't walk all that far. There was so much to learn and discuss within a very small area. Nonetheless, there are longer tours, and I'd highly recommend them if you have more than three days in the city. However, if you only have three days in Vienna, the two-hour tour gives you more than enough to digest.
Our guide, Inga, was incredible. She had so many stories to tell and facts to give. When your guide is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, it radiates through the group.
Make this your first thing to do in Vienna, Austria.
Ride the old Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
- Why: Stunning views, plus it brings your inner child out.
- Where: Within the grounds of Prater Park near Praterstern Station. (map)
- How long: One rotation is about fifteen minutes.
- How much: One rotation costs €14.50 (£12.09). (Vienna Pass holders - Free)
Officially titled Wiener Riesenrad, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1897 and is the central masterpiece of the exciting Prater Amusement Park.
Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is the oldest Ferris Wheel in the world, and at times, the rickety old look confirmed that. Meh, what's the worst that can happen?
Anyway, once at the top, you'll have fantastic 360-degree views of Vienna and the surrounding landscape. However, if I'm honest I think there are better views out there.
For me, the enjoyment didn't come from the views, it came from the old-style carriages, the space within them and the overall look and feel of the wheel.
In truth it was a tad overpriced, but if you have the Vienna Pass or combine the ticket with another activity it's worth it to say you've been on the Wiener Riesenrad. Plus, after, you can relax in the beautiful park surrounding Prater Amusements.
Ascend the Danube Tower
- Why: It's the tallest thing around Vienna, with views to match.
- Where: In the beautiful Donaupark, between the Danube and Alte Donau River. (map)
- How long: Unless you're going to get a beer or a bite to eat, twenty minutes is more than enough.
- How much: A ride to the top, the views and the ride down costs a towering €18 (£15.05). (Vienna Pass holders - free)
Ok, not a lot to say to this one.
Standing at two hundred and fifty-two meters tall, there is nothing else like it in Vienna (for now). You can see it for miles around, and from the top, you can see as far as the horizon allows.
The views are spectacular and cover the city of Vienna and beyond.
Whilst the views are the best in Vienna, there are other highlights, such as a bar and restaurant and a slide for those who like to get their heart racing.
The slide twists and turns outside and around the top of the tower and crashes back inside at the observation deck.
Another highlight is the lift that races you up and down the Danube Tower. The lift has a glass top, and the lift column is lit with colourful lights. It's a lovely touch, showing the speed of the lift and adds a wow factor to what could have been a standard tower lift.
Again, I think it's slightly overpriced for what it is, but if you have a Vienna Pass or a combined ticket, it is worth it. For those who don't like heights, there's a nice restaurant and bar with a large garden at the bottom, where you can enjoy a pint as you wait.
Discover the history of the Habsburgs at Schonbrunn Palace
- Why: It's a beautiful palace, with endless stories and untold history, and the gardens are unique, colourful and captivating.
- Where: On the A1 (the main route out of town), west of Vienna, next to Auer Welsbach Park. (map)
- How long: You could enjoy a whole day in the palace and its grounds, but if you only have three days in Vienna, half a day is good.
- How much: Basic entry to the palace and grounds costs €27 (£22.58). (Vienna Pass holders - free)
Schönbrunn Palace was the home and country retreat for one of the most powerful families the world has ever known, and where the influential and mighty Habsburg Empire was run.
Inside is a treasure trove of history, stories, artefacts, paintings and items collected by the family throughout their reign. Schönbrunn Palace is a lavish, grand and, at times, bewitching delight.
Everything about Schönbrunn Palace, apart from the crowds, is magnificent and on a scale unseen in many palaces. However, the masterpiece of the palace is the gardens, turning the sublime into exceptional.
Within the gardens are so many wonderful things to enjoy, including the gigantic glass Palm House, the Botanical Gardens, cafes, bars, chocolatiers, grand fountains and statues, rose gardens and even a zoo.
This is the number one best thing to do in Vienna, Austria, and no trip to the city is complete without visiting Schönbrunn Palace.
Admire the art at Belvedere Palace
- Why: The buildings and gardens are glorious, and you'll come face to face with some famous art pieces.
- Where: Just south of the monument in honour of the soldiers of the Soviet Army. (map)
- How long: You'll need an hour to explore the buildings and gardens unless you're an art freak, in which case, you'll need two hours.
- How much: Upper Belvedere costs €17.50 (£14.88) and Lower Belvedere costs €14.60 (£12.42). (Vienna Pass holders - free)
I'm going to be honest. I had done no research and assumed I was visiting another palace. After all, it is called Belvedere Palace.
Hence, upon entering and discovering it was an art gallery, which isn't something I enjoy, I was a bit disappointed. That said, I do like stunning architecture and ravishing gardens.
Luckily, Upper and Lower Belvedere are exquisite with incredible design, magical statues and numerous fantastic windows. Furthermore, the gardens are captivating with grand fountains and displays.
Inside, this lavish and stylish design continues and no one can say it isn't impressive, because it is. However, other than a few sculptures of some funky heads on poles, the artwork didn't thrill and excite.
Even the palace's masterpiece The Kiss, by Gustav Klimt, was underwhelming and further made me question what people see in art. People were standing and staring and having their photos taken with it... But as always when I see a celebrated artwork, I wondered what people would make of it if it didn't have his name on it.
Take in the sights from the Big Bus Tour
- Why: It provides an easy way to get around the city and see all the best things to do in Vienna, Austria.
- Where: There are numerous stops around the city, but you can catch them both near the Albrechtsbrunnen. (map)
- How long: Again, it depends on whether you book the twenty-four-hour or the forty-eight-hour ticket... Hop on and off as you please.
- How much: This depends on how many days you book and if you combine activities with the tour. I'll discuss below.
Firstly, if you have bought the Vienna Pass, you will not need to worry about booking the Big Bus Vienna... You get free access to a big yellow sightseeing bus.
Those who opted not to buy the Vienna Pass can buy a ticket for the Big Bus for twenty-four or forty-eight hours. You can buy a three-day pass in person at the bus stop.
The twenty-four-hour tour costs €51 (£43.37) and the forty-eight-hour tour costs €59 (£50.18). However, you can combine them with tickets to Belvedere Palace, Schonbrunn Palace and the Ferris Wheel. Ultimately, the more you add, the higher the price.
There are two routes (the blue and the red), both of which are included in the price. Between them, they take you to almost every attraction in Vienna, Austria.
If you are looking for an easy and informative way to get around Vienna, Austria, with a contestant stream of information, this is it. However, if you're incorporating the tour with more than four of the best things to do in Vienna, it's probably cheaper to get the Vienna Pass.
Check out St Stephen's Cathedral
- Why: Cathedrals are always pretty to see, and it's in the heart of the city.
- Where: On Stephansplatz amid the shops. (map)
- How long: A quick walk around it and a peek inside should be fifteen to twenty minutes.
- How much: It's free to walk in, but the tours differ in price depending on what you do. An access all areas ticket is €25 (£21.43).
The fascinating history of St. Stephen's Cathedral is matched by its external glittering beauty.
Standing amid the, by Vienna standards, average architecture of the big shops below, the glistening and shimmering mosaic tiles almost dance and change colour in the sun's rays.
The majestic building has been rebuilt numerous times since the cathedral was first erected in 1137, and additional towers have sprung up, which give it the grandeur you see today.
Once inside, I didn't partake in a tour, but there are several areas within St. Stephen's Cathedral to visit. For example, you can climb the south or north tower, visit the cathedral museum or the catacombs.
From what I could see, the inside was like many other cathedrals I've visited, and despite its internal beauty, the exterior was what caught my eye.
Where to Eat in Vienna, Austria
As with the rest of the country, Vienna is a culinary delight.
Pastries, fluffy cakes and baked goods are on every menu, stall, counter and street corner.
Desserts are a big deal in Vienna, as is coffee culture, which often accompanies, you guessed it, a cake. Cafes run riot across the city, spreading along the streets, parks and open spaces.
Meals out are just as essential in Vienna, and the restaurants fill up quickly. Frankly, unless you book, you'll probably have to wait for a table or lose out.
Every restaurant was booked out, and I visited in the low season. We soon learnt to book, even for breakfast.
Across Vienna, you'll discover numerous styles of restaurants, cafes and eateries. Modern, artsy, hipster, rustic and traditional styles can be found throughout the city.
However, if traditional styles and dishes are 'a bit of you', Vienna could quickly become your new favourite city. Austrian classics such as the schnitzel, Goulash and Tafelspitz are served in mesmerising colourful and traditionally styled restaurants, which you must try.
Before I give too much away, let's dive into the best places to eat in Vienna, Austria. I've included two breakfasts, two cake stops and two epic main meals.
Offerl - Wollzeile 31
- What: Cafe with a smell of fresh baking and epic breakfasts. (Veggie options and one vegan choice)
- Where: Just up the road from the northern corner of Stadtpark. (map)
- How much: The cheeky breakfast above with a cuppa costs €22.70 (£19.63). The combo below cost €20.80 (£17.98) (menu)
From the outside, this beautiful little bakery looks exactly that - a bakery.
However, once you pass the couple of small tables out front and weave past the counter of fragrant and fluffy cakes and pastries, the hard-working and ever-full ovens, the cafe awaits.
Light bites and stunning breakfasts are served daily until 6pm, and my god, they are flavourful, large and darn right tasty.
We had breakfast twice in Offerl, and both times I was stunned by the quality and taste of their food.
If you want to start a busy day in Vienna, Austria, right, then Offerl is where you need to be.
Bio Cafe Blutezeit
- What: A veggie and vegan hangout with a natural vibe. (Veggie and Vegan friendly)
- Where: Down the road from Sweden Bridge (where you board the city cruises and boat tours). (map)
- How much: This fresh bowl and a cuppa cost €13.50 (£11.67). Bargain.
Close your eyes and imagine an earthy, mother-nature, vegan-friendly breakfast joint, and you might well picture this place.
Inside is full of natural materials, greenery, friendly staff and eco-friendly vibes.
We opted for the healthy(ish) acai and matcha bowls, and they did not disappoint.
The bowls had everything, the presentation, the textures, the flavour and the taste.
Other dishes looked as colourful and yummy as our bowls, and if I were to return to Vienna for three days, I'd come back here and try another of their dishes.
Everything about Bio Cafe Blutezeit was calming and relaxing, and a lovely way to start the day.
Aufzug Cafe
- What: Random and fun cafe with tantalising and tasty cakes. (veggie friendly)
- Where: On the B221 at the southern tip of Belvedere Palace Gardens and over the road from the Swiss Gardens. (map)
- How much: A mug of tea and a slice of heaven cost €8 (£6.92). (menu)
Ordinarily, I mention cafes, restaurants and bakeries based on their tasty food, and, yeah, the food was great at Aufzug Cafe.
Truthfully, the cakes were lovely, but having seen the excellent reviews, that was not outrageously unexpected. Similarly, the drinks were top class, but again, weren't too dissimilar to any other top cafe.
The reason Aufzug Cafe stood out among many was because of the unique decor, the vibes and the staff.
Aufzug is a small and cosy cafe with two refurbished elevators that have been turned into little booths. Furthermore, the waiters are dressed as lift attendants, which adds a Je ne sais quoi to the cafe.
Everywhere you look, including the toilets, are dedicated to the old-time elevators, and that's just fun.
Aufzug Cafe is the perfect spot for a coffee and cake after Bevadere Palace, where you can recoup and feel a sense of nostalgia with a hearty piece of cake and a hot drink. Who doesn't love that?
PAREMI Boulangerie Patisserie
- What: Fancy cakes and sticky treats. (veggie friendly)
- Where: In the centre of Vienna, behind the impressive Edificio Wüstenrot. (map)
- How much: The tasty cake you see above and a cappuccino cost a delightful €11.60 (£10.07). (menu)
At the other end of the scale to Aufzug Cafe is the fancy, up-market, PAREMI Boulangerie – Patisserie.
Inside is an Instagrammer's wet dream with perfectly aligned and perfectly crafted bite-sized treats.
The decor is crisp and clean, and the staff are more concerned with getting the tables turned over as quickly as possible. Not in a rude or pushy way, but in a more efficient way.
PAREMI is exquisite and would probably win one of those bake-off shows with every detail thoroughly thought through and executed to the highest level. The cakes even come with gold leaf.
Honestly, I preferred the vibe at Aufzug Cafe, but the ruthless perfectionists here at PAREMI have crafted some of the best-tasting and prettiest cakes in Vienna, and for that, I love them.
Purstner
- What: Epic Austrian restaurant with atmosphere to match. (Veggie friendly, vegan is an option, just)
- Where: Between St Stephen's Cathedral and Stadtpark. (map)
- How much: A main, a couple of beers and a dessert cost me €43 (£36.96). (menu)
Second only to Zwettler's Wirtshaus in Salzburg, this has to be my favourite restaurant in Austria.
With a funky outlook on everything, this captivating restaurant is as unique, rustic and traditional as they come.
Many of the tables within the restaurant are built into what I assume are old whisky barrels and then painted with historic scenes from Vienna.
Throughout the restaurant, your eyes are diverted here, there and everywhere as you slowly pick up on new and interesting items strewn across the room.
However, despite the charm of the decor and friendly staff, it is the food that takes the prize here. Every dish is as traditional as it can be with family recipes passed down over the generations.
It was so delicious, we ate here twice and frankly, I'd go back again on my next visit. The flavours were mouthwatering, and all the ingredients blended beautifully to create some of the best meals I've had in Austria.
Griechenbeisl
- What: Another beautifully done Austrian Restaurant. (Veggie friendly and one vegan option)
- Where: Up the lane from Schwedenplatz (where you join the city boat tours). (map)
- How much: The beast of a meal above (for two), plus four beers and two desserts, cost €95 (£81.65). (menu)
If the interior of Pürstner was fun and interesting, the exterior of Griechenbeisl is spooky and haunting.
The shape of the building, the bright, almost yellow glow through the windows and lanterns, and the crawling and dangling vines make for the perfect horror film setting. Back in the 1350s, I expect those scoundrelous pirates roamed these floors.
There was, however, something inviting about it all that made me want to go in. I guess it's like any good horror movie. You think, no, don't go in there, but you do anyway...
Only, instead of a murdering axeman and savage peglegged pirates, I found a warm, traditional, inviting (still kinda spooky) restaurant.
Luckily, the smells and tastes of the food were far from savage or spooky. They were delicious, moorish and memorable.
Again, every dish is traditional and lovingly prepared.
Clearly, pride and care have been taken with every plate, and the ingredients are fresh. This is a restaurant where quality matters, and only the best of the best leaves the kitchen.
Where to Party in Vienna
I didn't get out much in Vienna, except for one eventful night to watch a Champions League (football) game.
We arrived around forty-five minutes before kick-off at a bar I had earmarked called Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant, only to find the place so manicly full we weren't allowed to stand and were asked to leave.
After being rejected, we checked out Billabong – Australian Pub and were again greeted with another nope, not today. We tried a couple more places before ending up in a betting shop that sold beer near Wien Mitte-Landstraße called Ascot Sports Bar.
Sadly, the atmosphere didn't quite match that of the previous bars, but it served cold beer and allowed you to bet. Unfortunately, while allowing us in, it doesn't make it onto my recommendation list.
However, it did teach me that, like meals out, you need to book a table if you want a drink in Vienna during any sporting event.
No one seemed to eat and drink at home in Vienna; bars and restaurants were crazy busy.
Anyway, other than advice on booking a table, I can tell you nights out in Vienna are safe even for lone travellers. There are a variety of bars in the city, and no matter what type of night you want, you will find it.
Below are three places I drank at other than the places I ate.
Weinorgel
- What: A small, stylish, friendly wine bar with a nutty surprise.
- Where: A couple of blocks northeast of the Cathedral. (map)
Unique and stylish are two words that spring to mind for Weinorgel.
This small and dark bar has an almost underground vibe with distinctive and unusual decor, adding a touch of class and mystery.
Despite the captivating decor and friendly staff, the most unique and fun thing about Weinorgel is the free monkey nuts (peanuts in the shell) that come with your table.
I know what you're thinking... Nice to get some free nuts, but that's nothing too unusual, and no, no it's not. It's what you do with the shells of the nuts that is unusual. Here, you enjoy the nuts and throw the shells on the floor.
As the night goes on, the piles of shells grow, and the crunch of every footstep can be heard vibrating through this small and charming bar.
If you enjoy a glass of wine and are looking for somewhere different, yet with relaxing vibes, Weinorgel is it.
Likewise, if you think it sounds fun, but don't know much about wine, the staff will help you choose something you'd ike with their impeccable wine knowledge.
Gin Gallery
- What: As the name suggests, it's a gallery of top-quality gins.
- Where: On the corner of Postgasse and Fleischmarkt, opposite Griechisch-katholische St.-Barbara-Kirche. (map)
If you're a gin fan, this is the only place you'll need to visit in Vienna.
Every corner of the bar is overflowing with all the gins you could imagine.
I can see why it's called a gallery, as you gaze at every bottle on display, and frankly, this is the type of gallery I prefer.
The gins are listed on the easy-to-read and extensive menu, and the service is fantastic. Genuinely, I could have stayed here all night.
The atmosphere is mellow and chilled with relaxing vibes. Furthermore, all the staff were super friendly and were knowledgeable about gin.
If Belvadere Palace is a gallery, but called a palace, this is a gallery that should be called a palace. The Gin Palace Gallery...
Only, in this case, the decor is very wooden and sleek, yet it feels busy, purely due to the number of bottles on display.
Cafe Gloriette
- What: A stunning sun trap with cold beers and bites to eat.
- Where: In the grounds of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. (map)
In truth, this is a shout-out for those beautiful hot days, when the sun is shining and the sweat is beading on your forehead.
After a breathtaking walk around the scrumptious gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, make your way to the exquisitely designed Gloriette Schönbrunn.
Originally, Gloriette Schönbrunn was a hunting pavilion and lookout during the reign of Maria Theresa. From here, you had views far and wide across Vienna.
Now, this magical building houses a top-class cafe with light bites, cakes and other tasty treats.
Nevertheless, in the sun trap of a garden, a cold local beer is what you'll want and need.
You couldn't ask for a better spot to sup on some golden nectar.
Is Vienna, Austria Safe?
Yes, Vienna, Austria, is a very safe city to visit.
When planning a city break to Vienna, I'd forgive you for thinking it's another large capital city with high crime rates. However, it isn't
Crime rates in the city are low, and even walking alone at night is safe. Likewise, there are no major concerns regarding road safety or natural disasters.
Unlike Innsbruck and Salzburg, I can't even suggest winter sports as a hazard. This isn't where you'd come for that.
Furthermore, you can even drink the water from the tap or one of the many water fountains dotted across the city.
With that said, let's look into the safety of Vienna in more depth.
Crime
As mentioned, crime rates in Vienna, Austria, are low. For example, Vienna's crime rates are roughly 29.5, far lower than London's (55.5) and Paris' (58). Hence, the chances of becoming a victim of crime in Vienna are low.
Nevertheless, as with any major city, there is crime, consequently, there is still a chance of being a victim. Overall, the main risk to you and your belongings is pickpockets. After all, Vienna is a busy city and pickpockets like to work in the crowds.
Being aware of your surroundings and keeping your belongings where you can see them reduces the risk.
Likewise, even at night, the streets are safe. They are well lit, and there are still numerous people meandering around into the early hours.
Road Safety
Much like crime rates, the roads are generally a safe place to be. Vienna has a great public transport network, both above and underground. Therefore, the roads tend to be less congested than in other major cities.
While I'll always suggest looking both ways before crossing (especially as a tourist), the speed limits in and around Vienna tend to be fairly low. Most of the roads are either 30kph (19mph) or 50kph (31mph). Even where accidents occur, they tend to cause too much devastation.
Look out for trams, bikes and electric cars, and life on the road will flow easily. I didn't see any accidents or near misses in Vienna.
Natural Disasters
Regarding natural disasters, Vienna, yet again, strikes top marks for safety.
Frankly, the only concern, if you want to call it that, is flooding.
Due to its location on the Danube, there is potential for flooding during heavy rain or as the snow melts. However, this is a rare phenomenon and shouldn't be a consideration when planning a trip to Vienna, Austria.
And now for something you didn't expect
Spying
Yes, you read it right! Spying...
Vienna is the spy capital of the world.
Due to its location, close to the Iron Curtain and the West, Vienna is the perfect location for a quick meeting or hopping across borders between the likes of Russia, the USA and Europe.
Also, with Austria staying neutral in the Cold War, it became the perfect place to meet and exchange prisoners without anyone ever knowing.
The Cold War and the Iron Curtain are long gone, but due to laws in Austria, many secret services and spies have remained. So be careful who you chat with. That stranger at a bar may lead to you being followed.
It won't, but it's a great way to end the blog. Although it might. How would I know, or would I? 🙂
Leave a comment
Thank you for checking out my guide to Vienna, Austria.
As you can see, Vienna is all about culture with more art galleries and museums than there are days in the year to see them all. I genuinely think you could visit Vienna for a year and still have more to visit.
That said, I've been told numerous times that I am not cultural, hence why Vienna will never be my favourite city in Austria. I did have a great time and there are sublime things to see and do. Therefore, I have to recommend it, but if you're not a fan of art and museums, maybe don't put it at the top of your list.
Please, as always, let me know in the comments below what you think of my Vienna guide and your thoughts on the city. I love hearing what everyone thinks of places I've been. Likewise, if you think I've missed a gem, let me and others know.
I hope you enjoy the city and that I have helped you in even the smallest of ways.
Thanks
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