Vienna Hotels

There is a bundle of old and new things to explore even outside the City Centre. Get regal at the Hofburg or Imperial Palace, tour St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Analyse yourself at the Freud Museum and get seriously high (in culture terms) at the Vienna State Opera.

For the trendy Wendys out there, browse the Mariahilferstrasse, the hip and happening areas for posh rags, or take a coffee break at the famous Café Sacher.

Its prettiness, quaintness and almost fairytale skyline could be passed over as twee if not for the rich history and intellectual swagger Vienna holds. This city is no pop song (despite what 80s band Ultravox would have you believe) – it’s got the classical cred to cement its reputation as one of the premier tourist destinations in Europe, and with a population of sensitive, polite locals, Vienna will soon have you singing a different tune.

Vienna's Top 10

Vienna Local

Innere Stadt

The city centre of Vienna, the Innere Stadt is the home of some of Vienna’s most famous landmarks and the oldest structures. It is known as the historic core of the city.

Framed by The Ring, this is the home of the famous St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Donnerbrunnen Fountain, the Spanish Riding School and the lesser known but equally interesting former University District. With so many grand buildings on display, it’s to imagine yourself as part of the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy that walked the same streets a century ago.

And if you want to go even further back in time, visit the Mozarthaus, where Wolfgang Amadeus lived, worked and composed from 1784 to 1787.

Leopoldstadt

Vienna’s Leopoldstadt offers the rare opportunity of living on an island while still being close to the city. Located between the Danube and the Donaukanal, it allows easy access to the city, cheaper places to eat and stay and is a popular choice for students.

This is the home of the sweet baroque parks and theAugarten (which houses the Flak Towers built in WWII). In the north, check out the Carmelite Church, the Jewish Quarter and the Kirche St. Leopold.

Unquestionably, however, the highlight of Leopoldstadt is thePrater, Vienna’s own city amusement park. Ride the Wiener Riesenrad (the Ferris Wheel) and then, of course, make jokes for the rest of the day.

Mariahilf

First and foremost, the home of the best shopping in Austria is the Mariahilferstrasse,so it would be criminal not to give the plastic a workout here. The area is known to be quite arty and edgy, so dress to impress when visiting the multitude of small galleries, shops, cafés and eateries.

Mariahilf is less sightseeing and more arts and exploring, but it is home to two very famous and beautiful buildings, the Wienzeilenhaus and Majolikahaus, and is the place to see some live music at the famous Raimund Theatre.

Vienna Eat & Drink

Vienna Events

January to February hosts The Carnival in Vienna, with balls taking place at famous locations across the city.

Viennese Dream on Ice takes place from late January to early March with skating in the front of City Hall.

The Opera Ball occupies the ballroom at the Opera House each February.

Easter brings a music festival to Vienna known as the Vienna Sounds of Easter.

For a celebration of music, opera, film and art, May and June bring you the Wiener Festwochen.

Donauinselfest, Europe’s largest pop-music festival, comes around in June.

July brings on three music festivals: Jazz Festival Vienna, Klangbogen and the Rathausplatz Classical Music Film Festival.

October brings you the Viennale, the annual film festival.

From the famous Magic of Advent and Viennese Christkindlmarkt at the Rathausplatz to the romantic Christmas markets at the Spittelberg and Schönbrunn Castle, Vienna is a simply magical place to be in the lead up to Christmas.

St Stephen’s Cathedral is bursting at the seams for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Quite a spectacle, even for non-believers.

New Year’s Eve is different in every city. Vienna offers music and loads of entertainment in the Innere Stadt.

When To Go

• Winter (January to March) sees temperatures ranging from -3 to 8°C (27-46°F). It’s cold and snow is probable, making it fun for snow-angel fans!
• Spring (April to June) has pleasant temperatures ranging from 10 to 23°C (50-73°F). It also brings a lot more tourists.
• Summer (July to September) temperatures range from 15 to 24°C (59-75°F). It’s pleasantly warm and sunny, but thunderstorms are common so pack an umbrella.
• Autumn (October to December) temps range from 7 to 14°C (45-57°F). A jacket is required, but you won’t freeze.

What To Miss

Fiaker: A horse-drawn carriage sounds awesome, but it’s overpriced at €40 for 20 minutes.

Mexicoplatz, Karlsplatz: Although Vienna is a generally safe city, these areas can get a little dodgy at night. Unless you’re looking to buy some drugs or get in a fight, steer clear of these spots late at night.

Stephansplatz: A must-see, but beware of people trying to sell you things or play games with you. Nothing is free and you might find yourself with a rather annoying shadow!

Getting Around

Buses, Trams, Trains and Subway: Vienna has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. You can buy one ticket that allows you to use trams, buses, the underground (U-Bahn) and the S-Bahn regional trains. It’s very cheap at €27.20 for an eight-day pass, or around €2 for a single trip. Don’t be stingy – buy a ticket or be prepared to pay the €60 fine.

Bike Many people travel around Vienna on bikes, which you can rent for a whole day for around €5. If you get tired, you can also take your bike with you on the public transport system. Be careful, though, if you lose it, you’ll be charged €600!

HotelClub Blog

5 Best Vienna Cafes

5 Best Vienna Hotels

Vienna Park Guide

General Information

Attractions

Events

Climate