Things to Do in Vienna in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April 2025) | Trip.com

About Vienna

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Vienna Local Travel Guide 2025

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Vienna Brief Guide

Vienna is the capital city of Austria. It is known as the “city of music”. This place has numerous music halls and opera houses; it is also the hometown of musical masters such as Schubert, Strauss and Mozart. Listening to a concert in Vienna is often the main reason for visitors’ journeys to the city. Vienna spent many years as the capital city of the Austrian Empire. Numerous residential palaces and museums reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors come here to see the ancient buildings and exquisite exhibitions, as well as to garner a deeper understanding of Austria and Austrian culture.

Vienna Must-try Local Experiences

1. Immerse Yourself in Imperial Grandeur Explore Vienna's imperial past by visiting Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs' summer residence, and Hofburg Palace, their winter residence. Don't miss the South Tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral for breathtaking city views. Wander through Vienna's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the Spanish Riding School. 2. Stroll Through Belvedere Palace Visit the Belvedere Palace, a baroque masterpiece housing an impressive art collection, including works by Gustav Klimt. The palace gardens offer beautiful views of the city. 3. Discover the MuseumsQuartier Explore the MuseumsQuartier, one of the largest cultural complexes in the world, including the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. 4. Experience the Vienna State Opera, Watch a Show at Goldener Saal Wiener Musikverein Attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera, one of the world's leading opera houses, known for its stunning architecture and world-class performances. In addition, Goldener Saal Wiener Musikverein is one of the oldest music halls in Vienna; and if lucky, you can enjoy a Vienna New Year's concert. 5. Experience Viennese Coffee Culture Indulge in a traditional Viennese coffee experience at renowned cafes like Café Central or Café Sacher. Savor a cup of Wiener Melange and pair it with a slice of Sachertorte. 6. Revel in the Festive Spirit of Vienna Experience the magic of Vienna's Christmas markets from late November to December. For a summer highlight, attend the Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert at Schönbrunn Palace. 7. Sample Viennese Culinary Delights Indulge in traditional Viennese dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Apfelstrudel. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or a traditional Viennese coffee. 8. Discover Treasures at Viennese Markets and Shops Explore the bustling Naschmarkt for food, spices, and souvenirs. For elegant shopping, head to Graben and Kohlmarkt streets, home to luxury boutiques and flagship stores. 9. Explore the Danube River Take a leisurely boat trip along the Danube River and enjoy scenic views of the city. Consider a cruise to the Wachau Valley, known for its vineyards and castles.

Vienna Must-see Attractions

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city steeped in imperial history and cultural richness, boasting landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace, the acoustically renowned Musikverein, the historic Hofburg Palace complex, the art-filled Belvedere Palace, and the esteemed Kunsthistorisches Museum, each offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's grand past and artistic legacy.

Vienna Food Guide

Vienna's food scene is epitomized by its iconic Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, and the Schnitzel Wiener Art, a local variation using pork, turkey, or chicken, both reflecting the city's rich culinary traditions and diverse taste preferences.

Vienna Transportation

Vienna's transportation infrastructure is robust, with Vienna International Airport and Vienna Hauptbahnhof railway station being key intercity travel hubs. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the primary airport serving the city, located approximately 18 km southeast of central Vienna. It is a hub for Austrian Airlines and offers a wide range of European and long-haul destinations. To reach the city from the airport, passengers can take the City Airport Train (CAT) to Wien Mitte station in just 16 minutes. Additionally, buses operate from the airport to various destinations in Vienna. Vienna Hauptbahnhof, also known as Vienna Central Station, is a modern and important railway hub in Austria. It connects Vienna to other Austrian cities and international destinations with its long-distance trains.

Vienna Where to Stay

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that seamlessly blends imperial traditions with contemporary creativity, making it a top destination for travelers seeking culture, history, and modern amenities. The city's accommodation options are distributed across various districts, each offering unique characteristics and experiences for visitors.

Vienna Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Vienna is during the festive month of December. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with charming Christmas markets that offer a taste of traditional holiday cheer. The twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, along with the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, create an enchanting atmosphere. Despite the cold, the warmth of the Christmas spirit and the reduced crowds at popular attractions make it an ideal time for a cozy and intimate exploration of Vienna's cultural offerings.

Vienna Travel Tips

1. St. Stephen's Cathedral Tower Climb Tips: Climbing the South Tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral involves 343 narrow, winding steps. It's physically demanding and not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. The climb offers stunning views of Vienna from the watchman's lookout room. 2. Greetings and Politeness: Austrians value politeness. Always greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving stores with 'Grüß Gott' (hello) and 'Auf Wiedersehen' (goodbye). Use formal titles like 'Herr' and 'Frau' when addressing people. 3. Respect No-Photography Signs: Certain attractions, like the Belvedere Gallery and Schönbrunn Palace, have areas where photography is prohibited. Always respect these signs to avoid fines. 4. Jaywalking is Illegal: Cross streets only at designated crosswalks and wait for the green signal. Jaywalking is illegal and can result in fines. Police enforce this law strictly, even on quiet roads, and you may also be reprimanded by locals.

Vienna Useful Guide

Vienna's official language is German, with Austrian German being the prevalent variation, influenced by Austro-Bavarian dialects. English proficiency is high, especially among the younger population, due to education and media, ranking Austria third in the EF English proficiency index. Translation services, bilingual information at museums, and English-language tours are readily available. Multilingualism is common, with many locals speaking English and other languages like Turkish, Serbian, and Slovene due to Austria's diverse linguistic landscape. For effective communication, learning basic German phrases is appreciated, and when language barriers arise, using maps, gestures, and facial expressions can be helpful.