Vienna travel guide
Vienna is the former imperial capital of the Habsburgs, known for grand palaces, classical music, art museums and its traditional coffee houses. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best time to visit Vienna
April to June and September to October bring mild weather for walking and outdoor cafés.
Summer is warm and busy; winter is cold but festive, with Christmas markets and the ball season in January and February.
Getting to Vienna
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is about 20 km from the centre. The City Airport Train (CAT) and the S-Bahn S7 connect it with the city. There are direct flights from some US cities.
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Getting around
U-Bahn, trams and buses
Wiener Linien runs an easy, reliable network. Single tickets, 24- to 72-hour passes and a weekly pass are available; the Ringstraße tram lines circle the old town.
On foot
The Innere Stadt (old town) is compact and best explored on foot.
Top things to do in Vienna
1. Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburgs' summer palace, with state rooms, formal gardens, the Gloriette viewpoint and the world's oldest zoo. Timed tickets for the palace tours.
See tours & prices ›2. Hofburg and St Stephen's Cathedral
The imperial palace complex with the Sisi Museum and Spanish Riding School, and the Gothic cathedral at the heart of the old town.
See tours & prices ›3. Belvedere
Baroque palaces housing Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt's The Kiss.
See tours & prices ›4. A concert or the opera
Classical concerts play nightly around the city, and the State Opera sells inexpensive standing tickets on the day.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- In a traditional coffee house you can linger as long as you like over one coffee; a glass of water comes with it.
- Many shops close on Sundays.
- Validate paper tickets at the blue machines before your journey.
Vienna travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Vienna?
Three days covers Schönbrunn, the Hofburg, the Belvedere and the old town. Add a day for the Wachau Valley or a trip to Bratislava.
How do you get from Vienna airport to the city?
The S7 S-Bahn and the faster City Airport Train both run to the centre; taxis and ride-hailing take about 25 minutes.
When are the Vienna Christmas markets?
Usually from mid-November until around Christmas, with the biggest in front of the City Hall (Rathaus).