Schnitzels and strudels!
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Vienna is a city full of beautiful, ornate buildings, cosy coffeehouses and of course, their incredible opera. Whether you’re more excited to spend your days in and out of beautiful cafes, drinking some of the best coffee in Europe, to explore ancient palaces, or to stroll through the city’s serene parks, Vienna will be a destination that absolutely captures your heart. It’s known to be a really romantic, relaxing city, full of the finer things in life. If this sounds like your ideal break, maybe Vienna is the city for you?
Can you believe that there are actually over 50 palaces in Vienna? Many of these have now been converted into other attractions, like museums or theatres, but some have been preserved as palaces for you to explore! The main two palaces are Schönbrunn and Belvedere.
Schönbrunn palace is a little out of the city centre, so you’ll probably want to jump on the metro or a tram to get a little closer. Alternatively, if you want to splash out, you could take a private guided tour from the city centre. It’s the number one sight to see in all of Vienna, so it’s not worth missing.
This palace was our personal favourite because it’s not just a palace, it has a huge amount to see in the grounds like other stunning buildings and perfectly maintained gardens such as a labyrinth and an orangery. The design, both exterior and interior, is breathtaking, so definitely take a look at ticket options.
Schönbrunn also has some beautiful cafes, inside some of the palace’s buildings, where you can feel like royalty and enjoy a traditional Viennese treat! Although they're not cheap, so be prepared to pay more than in a standard city centre café.
Belvedere is still a little out of the centre, but closer than Schönbrunn. It’s made up of two stunning Baroque palaces, which are also now museums, holding a collection of incredible artwork. If art isn’t your thing, you can easily just visit the Belvedere gardens for free, and enjoy the view. But if you want to go and experience some of Austria’s most valuable art, you can look for tickets here.
If you’re looking to stay central whilst you’re visiting Vienna, don’t worry, you’ll still be able to experience some very extravagant and beautiful architecture. See the opera house, or head straight to Karlskirche (St Charles’ Church) and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
For the food lovers, and those of you who want a small experience of everyday life in Vienna, head to Naschmarkt, a long market stretching for over 120 stalls. You can get some great bargains here, especially in the flea market on Saturdays!
Whether you prefer strolling through parks or admiring gothic cathedrals like St Stephen’s, you’ll be able to find plenty to occupy you in Vienna. Don’t forget about the high street, it's packed full of both independent and big-name shops, right in the city centre.
After a day of sightseeing, head out to enjoy a drink in one of many bars across the city centre. We really didn’t expect Vienna to have a thriving nightlife, but we booked a guided pub crawl and were proven completely wrong. These events are a great way to meet other travellers, find the best spots to drink and dance, and get some great deals on your drinks too!
If you enjoy wandering through beautiful streets for hours on end and stopping to enter a beautifully preserved palace or museum, we’re sure Vienna is the perfect next destination for you. Visit as a quick city break, or combine it with exploring other stunning Austrian cities like Salzburg, or the surrounding countryside towns.
Additional information:
How do I get to Vienna?
Vienna is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 2 hours. You can also access Vienna by train or coach from cities in Austria or surrounding countries.
Where should I stay in Vienna?
We stayed in this airbnb which was absolutely fine for a short stay, but quite a way out of the city centre. If you don't mind a walk or a short bus trip, it's ideal.
However, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Vienna. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below:
Do I need a visa to visit Vienna?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Austria for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Vienna?
The currency of Austria is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Austria.
What languages are spoken in Vienna?
The official language of Austria is German, but English is widely spoken in Vienna as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Vienna?
Vienna has a pretty mild climate, it's nice and warm in Summer, but really does cool off in the Winter months.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Vienna:
Spring: 16°C / 5°C
Summer: 24°C / 13°C
Autumn: 13°C / 10°C
Winter: 3°C / -3°C
Here's the current weather in Vienna:
What's the time zone in Vienna?
Austria is in the Central European Time Zone, usually an hour ahead of the UK, and the same as it's surrounding countries.
What are the best things to do in Vienna?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Vienna on GetYourGuide
