Vienna Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Travel Planning and Logistics
How many days do I need in Vienna?
3-5 days is a popular answer for a first-time visit, as it allows you to see the main sights without rushing. You could easily spend a week or more to explore in-depth and take day trips.
What’s the best time to visit Vienna?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are considered the “shoulder seasons” with mild weather and smaller crowds.
Summer is warm and popular but can be crowded and hot.
Winter is cold but magical, especially with the Christmas markets. Snow is rare but possible.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For major attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere, it’s highly recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and avoid long lines.
Timed-entry tickets are common for many places.
For popular classical concerts or opera performances, booking well in advance is essential.
Is the Vienna Pass or Vienna City Card worth it?
This depends on your itinerary. If you plan to visit many of the more expensive attractions in a short period, it can be a good deal.
The Vienna Pass gives access to a large number of attractions and a hop-on-hop-off bus.
The Vienna City Card provides public transport access and discounts on attractions. Do the math to see if it makes sense for your specific plans.
What’s the best way to get from Vienna Airport (VIE) to the city center?
The CAT (City Airport Train) is the fastest and most direct, but more expensive.
The S-Bahn (S7 line) is cheaper and a bit slower but still very efficient.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
How do I get around the city?
Vienna has an excellent public transport system (Wiener Linien) consisting of a metro (U-Bahn), trams, and buses. It’s clean, efficient, and reliable.
The city center is very walkable.
The Ringstrasse tram is a popular way to see the major sights along the Ring Boulevard.
Bike-sharing is also a good option, with extensive bike lanes.
Is Vienna a safe city?
Yes, Vienna is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. As with any major city, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Do people speak English?
Yes, most people in the tourism and service industries speak excellent English. You’ll be able to get by without knowing German.
What currency is used?
The Euro (€).
Do I need to carry cash?
While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to have some cash for smaller purchases, like at traditional “Wurstelstands” (sausage stands) or some small shops and cafes.
Sights and Attractions
What are the top must-see sights for a first-timer?
Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace (to see Klimt’s “The Kiss”), and the Vienna State Opera.
Should I do a tour of the Vienna State Opera?
Yes, it’s a great way to see the stunning interior. If you don’t want to attend a full performance, a guided tour is a popular alternative.
What’s the deal with the Spanish Riding School?
It’s a famous institution where you can watch the Lipizzaner stallions perform. You can either attend a full performance (book well in advance) or an early morning practice.
Is Schönbrunn Palace worth it? Which tour should I do?
Yes, it’s a definite must-see. The “Grand Tour” is recommended to see more of the rooms, but the gardens are free to explore.
What’s the best way to see Klimt’s “The Kiss”?
It’s housed at the Upper Belvedere Palace. Go early or book a timed-entry ticket online to avoid the largest crowds.
What’s a “Heuriger”?
A traditional Viennese wine tavern, typically in the outskirts of the city, that serves their own new wine and cold food platters. It’s a great local experience.
Where can I find the best views of Vienna?
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (South Tower), Gloriette in Schönbrunn gardens, and the Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater amusement park are popular spots.
What are some “less touristy” things to do?
Explore a specific neighborhood like the 7th District (Neubau), visit a local market like the Brunnenmarkt, or go on an “Ugly Vienna” tour for an alternative perspective.
What’s the deal with the Mozart/Strauss concerts?
Many venues offer concerts featuring famous Viennese composers. Be cautious of tourist-trap concerts and look for a reputable venue like the Musikverein or Konzerthaus.
Is the Prater amusement park worth visiting?
Yes, especially to ride the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) for historic city views. The park itself is free to enter, you pay per ride.
Are there any good day trips from Vienna?
Yes, popular day trips include Salzburg, Melk Abbey and the Wachau Valley, Bratislava (Slovakia), and the Vienna Woods.
Food and Drink
What are the must-try foods in Vienna?
Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, Kaiserschmarrn, and a Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) from a Wurstelstand.
Where can I get the best Wiener Schnitzel?
Figlmüller is famously popular, but many locals say there are better, less crowded options. You’ll find great Schnitzel at many traditional Viennese restaurants (Gasthaus).
Where can I try the original Sachertorte?
At the Hotel Sacher’s Café Sacher.
What’s the coffee house culture about?
Viennese coffee houses (Kaffeehäuser) are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are places for leisurely lingering, reading newspapers, and socializing. It’s a cultural experience, not just a place to grab a coffee.
What are some classic coffee houses to visit?
Café Central, Café Sacher, and Café Landtmann are some of the most famous.
What’s a typical Viennese breakfast?
Coffee, a bread roll (Semmel) with butter and jam, and sometimes a soft-boiled egg.
What are the traditional Viennese sausages?
Käsekrainer (with cheese), Bosna (in a hotdog bun with onions and curry sauce), and Bratwurst.
What are the typical Viennese cakes and pastries?
Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, Linzer Torte, and Gugelhupf.
Is the Naschmarkt worth visiting for food?
Yes, it’s a great place to explore different food stalls and restaurants, although some parts are very touristy. The flea market on Saturdays is a popular local attraction.
Culture and Etiquette
What should I wear to a classical concert or the opera?
Dress codes vary. For a major venue like the State Opera, people often dress up in smart-casual or semi-formal attire. For most tourist-oriented concerts, smart-casual is fine.
How do I tip in Vienna?
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. A tip of 5-10% is considered polite for good service. You round up the bill or specify the amount you want to pay.
Is it rude to ask for tap water?
No, Viennese tap water is considered some of the best in Europe. However, in many restaurants, asking for tap water may be seen as unusual, and you might be charged for it. Ordering a bottle of mineral water is more common.
How do I order in a coffee house?
The waiter (“Herr Ober” or “Fräulein” for women) will come to you. Don’t rush them. Take your time, read the newspaper, and enjoy the atmosphere.
What’s the difference between “Wien” and “Vienna”?
“Wien” is the German name for the city; “Vienna” is the English name.
More Specific Questions
Are there any free things to do in Vienna?
Yes! The gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, walking the Ringstrasse, strolling through the city’s parks, and exploring many of the churches are all free. The “Ugly Vienna” tour also has a free option where you can tip the guide.
How is Vienna for solo female travelers?
It’s considered very safe and easy to navigate for solo travelers.
Are there good places to go shopping?
The city center streets of Graben, Kohlmarkt, and Kärntner Strasse offer high-end shopping. Mariahilfer Strasse is a popular shopping street with a mix of international and local stores.
Is it easy to find vegetarian/vegan food?
Yes, Vienna has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and most traditional restaurants will have at least a few meat-free options.
What’s the best way to experience classical music on a budget?
Standing-room tickets at the Vienna State Opera are a classic budget option and a unique experience. They are sold just before the performance.
What is a “Beisl”?
A traditional, often small and cozy, Viennese pub or restaurant that serves local food. It’s a great place for an authentic dining experience.
What’s a “Wurstelstand”?
A sausage stand, a staple of Viennese street food. A great and cheap way to grab a quick meal.
Where can I see the famous Lipizzaner horses?
At the Spanish Riding School in the Hofburg Palace complex.
Is it possible to go hiking near Vienna?
Yes, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) offer many hiking trails. It’s easily accessible by public transport.
What’s the best museum for art?
The MuseumsQuartier is a hub of museums. The Kunsthistorisches Museum has an incredible collection of European masters, while the Albertina and Leopold Museum are also very popular.
How do I get to the Danube River?
The U-Bahn (metro) lines U1 and U2 have stations that go to the Danube. Donauinsel is a popular spot for recreation.
What are the Christmas markets like?
They are a major highlight of a winter trip. They start in mid-November and are located throughout the city, offering crafts, food, and mulled wine (Glühwein).
Is it worth taking a trip to Bratislava from Vienna?
Yes, it’s a very easy and quick train or bus ride (about an hour) and a popular day trip.
Where can I see the work of Hundertwasser?
Hundertwasserhaus is a famous apartment building designed in his unique style. There’s also the Kunst Haus Wien museum nearby which is dedicated to his work.
What are some local phrases to know?
Grüß Gott (Hello), Danke (Thank you), Bitte (Please/You’re welcome), Entschuldigung (Excuse me), Auf Wiedersehen (Goodbye).