Welcome to Vienna! – Where Emperors Meet Espresso 

You’ve just landed in one of the coolest cities in Europe (yes, we’re biased – but also right). Vienna’s got it all: imperial palaces, crazy good art, cake that’ll change your life, and coffee that makes you feel royal.

Whether you're staying for a weekend or accidentally moving in forever (we get it), this city will charm your socks off with:
world-class museums
majestic palaces
cozy coffeehouses
and a chill-but-fancy vibe you’ll love

We’ve put together everything you need to know to squeeze every drop of awesome out of your trip. Let’s make it unforgettable!

What to See & Do

🏰 Historic Sights & Architectural Wonders

• Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
  The former summer residence of the Habsburgs is a must-see. Explore the palace’s opulent rooms, stroll through the beautiful baroque gardens, and visit the world’s oldest zoo.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
  This Gothic landmark stands proudly in the city center. You can climb 343 steps for incredible rooftop views or explore the catacombs beneath the church.

• Hofburg Imperial Palace
  A vast complex of museums and institutions including the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, Silver Collection, and the Spanish Riding School.

• Belvedere Palace
  A stunning baroque palace with landscaped gardens and the world-famous painting The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

• Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)
  A baroque masterpiece with a panoramic lift to the dome – a wonderful hidden viewpoint over Vienna.

🖼️ Museums & Culture

• Kunsthistorisches Museum
  A spectacular art museum featuring Old Masters, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and the Habsburgs’ private collections.

• Albertina & Albertina Modern
  Offers rotating exhibitions of modern and classical works by artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Schiele.

• Leopold Museum
  Located in the MuseumsQuartier, this museum showcases Vienna’s modernist artists like Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt.

• Haus der Musik
  An interactive sound museum where you can discover the legacy of Vienna’s famous composers.

🌆 Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

• Hundertwasserhaus & KunstHausWien
  A surreal, colorful building that celebrates the eccentric style of artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

• St. Marx Cemetery
  A peaceful, almost forgotten romantic cemetery where Mozart was buried.

• Prater Park & Giant Ferris Wheel
  A nostalgic amusement park and vast green space. The Ferris wheel offers one of the city’s most iconic views.

• Augarten
  A lovely baroque park with Vienna’s porcelain factory and two WWII flak towers that serve as landmarks.

• Setagaya Park
  A small but serene Japanese garden, perfect for a quiet stroll.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Taste Vienna

• Local Specialties to Try

  • Wiener Schnitzel – a crispy breaded cutlet served with potato salad.

  • Tafelspitz – slow-boiled beef with horseradish, apples, and potatoes.

  • Kaiserschmarrn – shredded pancake dessert with fruit compote.

  • Apfelstrudel – apple strudel with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

• Traditional Viennese Coffeehouses
  The Viennese café culture is timeless. Try a Melange (like a cappuccino), Einspänner (espresso with whipped cream), or Verlängerter (long coffee).
  Recommended cafés: Café Central, Café Sperl, Café Hawelka, and Demel.

• Local Favorites

  • Naschmarkt – Over 100 stalls and restaurants offering Austrian and international cuisine.

  • Heuriger – Wine taverns in the vineyards around Vienna. Grinzing and Nussdorf are especially picturesque.

  • Gourmet Dining – Try Steirereck for upscale Austrian cuisine or Motto am Fluss for a trendy riverside vibe.

🚇 Getting Around Vienna

Public Transportation

• Subway (U-Bahn) – Fast, clean, and easy. Operates from around 5:00 am to midnight (24h service on weekends).

• Trams & Buses – Cover most parts of the city. Great for short distances and sightseeing.

• Tickets – Buy at machines, Trafik kiosks, or via the WienMobil app. A single ride is €2.40, but 24/48/72-hour and weekly passes are more economical.

• Vienna City Card – Includes unlimited public transport and discounts at museums and attractions.

Walking & Biking

• Vienna is very walkable and safe. Most historic sites are within walking distance in the center.

• Rent bikes or e-scooters through Lime, Tier, or WienMobil Rad. Dedicated bike lanes make cycling easy and enjoyable.

Taxis & Ride Services

• Taxis are available 24/7 and can be hailed or booked by phone.

• Uber, Bolt, and Free Now apps operate reliably in Vienna.

From the Airport

• CAT (City Airport Train): 16 minutes nonstop to Wien Mitte.

• S7: Local train, slower but cheaper.

• Airport bus: Frequent departures to major stations.

• Taxi/Uber: 30–40 minutes to the city, depending on traffic.

🧳 Practical Tips

• Language: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Euro (€). Cash is still common, especially in small bakeries and traditional shops.

• Tipping: Round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants.

• Water: Tap water is among the cleanest in the world – no need to buy bottled.

• Opening Hours: Shops are usually open Mon–Sat, 9:00–18:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays.

• WiFi: Free WiFi is available in most public areas, cafés, and museums. Ask at reception for hotel WiFi access.

📅 Seasons & Events

• Spring (March–May): Blossoming parks, Easter markets, and mild weather.

• Summer (June–August): Open-air cinema, riverside bars, and music festivals. The city buzzes with life.

• Autumn (September–November): Golden leaves, wine festivals, and cozy Heuriger evenings.

• Winter (December–February): Christmas markets, ice skating, classical concerts, and warm cafés. Vienna shines in the cold season.

🚗 Day Trip Ideas from Vienna

Looking to explore beyond the city? Vienna is perfectly located for day trips by train, car, or organized tour.

🌄 Wachau Valley (approx. 1 hour)

A UNESCO World Heritage region known for vineyards, medieval towns, and castles. Visit Melk Abbey, taste Wachauer wine, and stroll through charming villages like Dürnstein. River cruises on the Danube are a popular way to see the region.

🏰 Schloss Hof & Marchfeld Castles (approx. 1 hour)

Step into Austria’s baroque countryside. Schloss Hof is a beautifully restored palace with gardens and exhibitions. Great for history lovers and families alike.

🌆 Bratislava, Slovakia (approx. 1 hour)

Just an hour by train or boat along the Danube, Slovakia’s capital offers a compact old town, castle views, and charming cafés. A true two-country experience in one day.

🏔️ Semmering & Rax Mountains (1.5–2 hours)

Looking for nature? The Semmering railway (also UNESCO-listed) takes you to mountain landscapes, perfect for light hikes or skiing in winter.

🎶 Salzburg (2.5–3 hours by train)

Birthplace of Mozart and home to The Sound of Music, Salzburg’s baroque beauty is a longer but rewarding day trip, especially if you’re into music and scenic Alpine views.

If you need help booking tours, finding transport, or getting a local tip – just ask us at reception. We’re happy to help make your stay in Vienna as smooth and memorable as possible!