Vienna City Guide

General Information / Guide

Vienna, Austria's capital and largest city is a captivating blend of imperial grandeur and contemporary marvels. Despite being the smallest of Austria's nine provinces in terms of area, Vienna is home to a quarter of the country's population, making it the cultural and economic heart of Austria. The city is renowned for its rich musical heritage, architecture, and cuisine. Vienna also hosts prestigious institutions like the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Nestled along the Danube River, Vienna merges its historical legacy with modern life. Visitors can visit Schönbrunn Palace, stroll through the Volksgarten park, and indulge in pastries at a traditional Viennese café. The city's cultural scene is ideal for classical music concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Vienna experiences a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's lush green spaces. Winter, with temperatures between -1 to 5 degrees Celsius, transforms Vienna into a magical winter wonderland, especially during the festive holiday season. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, perfect for those who wish to avoid extreme weather while enjoying the city's attractions.

How to Get There

Vienna International Airport, located around 20 km from the city center, is accessible via direct and connecting flights from various locations. To reach the city center, travelers can opt for taxis, cab apps like Uber, or rental car services, all taking approximately 20 minutes. Otherwise, you can take the express CAT (City Airport Train) or the slower S7 Schnellbahn (city train), which both depart every 30 minutes from the airport, or buses which take at least 30 minutes to reach the city center.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Vienna takes pride in its culinary delights, offering a mix of traditional Austrian dishes and international cuisine. Indulge in Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, or savor the rich flavors of Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake. Viennese coffee culture is a must-experience, with historic coffeehouses like Café Central providing an authentic setting to enjoy a cup of Melange, a local coffee specialty.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Schönbrunn Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this opulent palace and its breathtaking gardens offer a glimpse into the imperial history of Austria.
• Belvedere Palace: An architectural masterpiece, the Belvedere is home to an impressive collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt's iconic painting, "The Kiss."
• St. Stephen's Cathedral: Dominating the Vienna skyline, this Gothic cathedral is a symbol of the city and offers stunning views from its tower.
• Hofburg Palace: The former imperial palace is a complex of museums, including the Sisi Museum, showcasing the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
• Vienna State Opera: Renowned for its world-class performances, the Vienna State Opera is a must-visit for lovers of classical music and ballet.

What to Do

For those planning to visit Vienna, there are numerous historical structures to explore. However, Mozart House is considered a priority of must-visit places for most visitors. If you are in Vienna, do not leave without seeing the house where the world-renowned musician Mozart lived for a while and later transformed into a museum. Of course, in this art city, do not forget to attend a concert or opera. It is quite normal to encounter cultural events or the sounds of music rising on any street in the city.
Regarding historical buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, St. Charles Borromeo Cathedral, and Schönbrunn Palace are among the most visited places by tourists.
The Butterfly House offers an entirely different experience. You can see a variety of butterfly species in a natural environment. Its location in the city center is also its biggest advantage. While in Vienna, do not forget to try schnitzel, and enjoy coffee.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Entertainment in Vienna generally starts around 22:00 - 23:00 and continues until the early hours, approximately until 04:00. Titanic is a popular venue for dance enthusiasts, Jazzland is ideal for jazz music aficionados, and for those seeking club-style entertainment, places like Queen Club, Rockhaus, and Mosaique are recommended. For wine enthusiasts, Palmenhaus is a well-known venue with a rich selection of wines.

Another thing synonymous with Vienna's culture is the "opera." This city, where the famous musician Mozart lived for a while, is known as one of the significant centers of art.

Shopping / What to Buy

One of the first things you should know about Vienna and shopping is that finding open places on Sundays can be challenging. Therefore, be mindful not to plan your shopping activities for Sundays. Mariahilfer Street is one of Vienna's largest streets, where you can find shops of various styles. For those who enjoy market shopping, Naschmarkt and Brunnenmarkt are ideal places. Shopping venues like Altman, Kuhne, Teuchtler, and Schwedenplatz are also prominent names in Vienna's shopping scene.
If you prefer street shopping, you can visit Graben, Kartner, and Kohlmarkt; these streets are home to numerous stores. Neubau, the 7th district hosts many boutiques. Kirchengasse, Burggasse, and Lindengasse are just a few of the streets in this area.
You've noticed that there are plenty of options for shopping in Vienna. For those looking to buy something unique as a souvenir, Mozart chocolates, various fruit-flavored liqueurs, silk scarves, and jewelry adorned with European motifs are recommended.

Festivals/ Events

January: Vienna Ice World
January: New Year markets
March: Vinyl & Music Festival 
April: Vienna Blues Spring Music Festival
June: Vienna Jazz Festival
June: AMADEUS Festival Vienna
June: Donauinselfest
July: Rathaus Film Festival
September: Viennacontemporary art fair
September: The Art Vienna fair
September: MQ Vienna Fashion Week
September: Waves Vienna music festival
September: Vienna Design Week
November: Viennale and Wien Modern
November: Vienna Comic Con
December: Christmas markets

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Years
6 January: Three Kings Day    
10 April: Easter Monday    
1 May: Labour Day    
18 May: Ascension Day    
29 May: Whitmonday    
8 June: Corpus Christi    
15 August: Assumption Day    
26 October: National Day    
1 November: All Saints’ Day    
15 November: St. Leopold's Day    
8 December: Immaculate Conception    
25 December: Christmas Day    
26 December: St. Stephen's Day

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

While Vienna is known for its safety, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Public transportation is efficient, but validate your tickets before boarding. Respect the local customs and etiquette when visiting churches and historical sites.

Transportation

The most important information you need to know about transportation in Vienna is the use of numbers in street and road naming. Besides the main roads for buses and vehicles, there are also pedestrian-friendly paths that are frequently used.
Although the city faces traffic issues during certain hours, overall, public transportation is comfortable. Considering that a significant portion of the country's population lives in the smallest state, occasional traffic is normal.
During the summer months, you can find buses until the early morning hours, making it ideal for those who enjoy nighttime activities and entertainment. Public transportation is both fast and inexpensive.
Vienna has dedicated paths for bicycles, including in the city center. Additionally, cycling can be a truly enjoyable activity around the Danube River.