Things to do in Vienna: city guide
Imperial palaces, Klimt in gold, Sachertorte in velvet-lined coffee houses and wine taverns among the vineyards on the edge of town. Vienna is the city break for lovers of elegance.
Vienna
Photo: Jacek Dylag / Unsplash
Vienna: the imperial city on the Danube
Vienna was the capital of the Habsburg empire for centuries, and it shows in the palaces, the museums and the grand Ringstraße boulevard that circles the centre. The historic centre and Schönbrunn are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Viennese coffee house culture is listed as intangible cultural heritage in Austria.
The city is also green, tidy and easy to get around, with trams, the U-Bahn and walking distance between most central sights. There are direct flights from several UK airports, and the train from the airport to the centre takes around a quarter of an hour. Read more about the rest of the country in our Austria guide.
Where to stay in Vienna
Innere Stadt
The first district inside the Ringstraße has St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the opera, the classic coffee houses and the shopping streets of Graben and Kärntner Straße. Best for a first visit.
MuseumsQuartier and Neubau
Just outside the ring lies the museum quarter, and behind it Neubau with design shops, bars and small restaurants.
Wieden and the Naschmarkt
Around the Naschmarkt food market there are stalls, restaurants and a Saturday flea market. The Belvedere is a short walk away.
Leopoldstadt and the Prater
Across the Danube Canal is the Prater park with the Riesenrad Ferris wheel and long avenues for running and cycling.
The Belvedere
Photo: Leyre / Unsplash
Things to do in Vienna
Explore the palace and vast gardens of Schönbrunn, the Habsburg summer residence.
See Gustav Klimt's The Kiss at the Belvedere.
Spend an afternoon at the Kunsthistorisches Museum or the Albertina.
Buy a standing ticket at the State Opera and hear opera for a fraction of the price.
Order Sachertorte and Wiener schnitzel in a classic coffee house.
Take the tram out to the wine taverns, Heurigen, in Grinzing or Nussdorf, where Vienna has its own vineyards.
See the white horses of the Spanish Riding School in the Hofburg.
Three days in Vienna
Day 1: The centre. St Stephen's, the Hofburg, a coffee house and the opera in the evening.
Day 2: Schönbrunn and the Naschmarkt. The palace in the morning, lunch at the Naschmarkt and the MuseumsQuartier afterwards.
Day 3: The Belvedere and wine taverns. Klimt in the morning and a long evening at a Heuriger.
The hotels we would book in Vienna
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hotel Sacher, by the opera
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Hotel Sacher: home of the Sachertorte
The legendary hotel behind the opera, where the original Sachertorte is served in the café. St Stephen's Cathedral is a few minutes away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Sacher Wien
Hotel Imperial: a palace on the Ringstraße
A grand hotel in a former palace on the Ringstraße, close to the Musikverein. Guests especially praise the staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Imperial, Vienna
Rosewood Vienna, city centre
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Rosewood Vienna: modern luxury near St Stephen's
A newer luxury hotel a few minutes from St Stephen's Cathedral, with a spa and restaurant. Guests especially praise the helpful staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Rosewood Vienna
Hotel Daniel: relaxed design by the Belvedere
An informal design hotel next to the Belvedere, with a restaurant and bar. A good choice if you want stylish rooms a little outside the centre.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Daniel Vienna
Schönbrunn
Photo: Johannes Mändle / Unsplash
When is the best time to visit Vienna?
April to June and September to October are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and outdoor terraces. Summer can be hot. From late November there are Christmas markets all over the city, and January and February are ball season. Check the current entry requirements before you travel.
See also our Christmas market breaks and European cities to visit at Christmas.
Vienna: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Vienna?
Three days gives time for the centre, Schönbrunn, the Belvedere and an evening at a wine tavern.
Where is the best area to stay in Vienna?
Inside the Ringstraße for easy access to everything, or Neubau and Wieden for a more local feel.
What should you eat in Vienna?
Wiener schnitzel, Sachertorte, apple strudel and sausages from a Würstelstand.
When are the Christmas markets in Vienna?
The markets usually open from mid to late November and run until Christmas.
How do you get from the airport to the centre?
By train. There is an express service as well as a regular local train to the centre.