Is Vienna worth visiting? Is Vienna expensive? And everything else you need to know

Are you planning a trip to Austria and wondering ‘is Vienna worth visiting’? In this post we answer all the hard hitting questions like ‘is Vienna expensive’ and ‘what is there to do in Vienna’ to help you decide.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Before we answer the question ‘Is Vienna worth visiting’ here is some background

Vienna is a hugely multicultural city and over 30% of the population are not Austrian. This has contributed significantly to its culture in recent years.

Vienna is also winning awards for the best city in the world to live in. It’s one of the greenest cities in the world to live, and has a high quality of living.

The city is a mix of modern and traditional culture, and is known for music, the arts, and dancing. And If you like balls, you are also in lucky because Vienna hosts over 300 balls annually. So if you are visiting between January and March, and have packed a ballgown and tuxedo in your carry on then you should try and get yourself to one of these spectacular events.

If balls aren’t your thing, don’t worry, Vienna is also known as the ‘city of music’ because a number of classic composers worked in Vienna. That is also why you will see a number of people dressed up as Mozart in case you were wondering.

Is Vienna expensive?

One thing we get asked a lot is ‘is Vienna expensive’. When we visited Vienna we actually found the prices to be quite reasonable. It’s probably more of a mid range city where it is slightly more expensive than the likes of Germany, but cheaper than Switzerland.

On average you are looking at paying around €15 – €20 for a main meal in a restaurant. A pint of beer will probably set you back around €4 or €5 depending on where you are drinking. Obviously touristy areas will be a little more expensive.

Accommodation can be expensive depending on where you are staying but you can easily find somewhere to stay to suit all budgets.

You can do Vienna on a budget but for a mid range trip we would recommend putting aside €120 per person per day. This will cover things like your public transport, tourist attractions, food, and several evening cocktails.

Do I need cash in Vienna?

The vast majority of places in Vienna will accept card payment. This is especially the case in touristy areas. Some smaller restaurants or shops though will ask you pay with cash. For this reason you should try and have some cash on you when you visit.

The currency in Vienna is Euro, and you can withdraw money easily from ATMs in the city.

What language do they speak in Vienna?

The official language spoken in Vienna is German. That being said if you speak English you should generally be ok to get around Vienna. The vast majority of people speak English, particularly the younger generation.

Is Vienna easy to get to?

Vienna is a popular European destination, and there are hundreds of flights that arrive in the city from around the world each day. There are also a number of low cost European carriers that fly here like Easyjet and Ryanair.

Once you have landed at the airport here are your options for getting into the centre of Vienna.

Train

The quickest and easiest way to get to the centre is to get the train from the Airport. You can either hop on the CAT – or the City Airport Train which will take you directly into the centre. It’s around 11 Euros for a single or 19 Euros for a return. In around 16 minutes you will arriving at Wien Mitte.

From here you can get a bus, tram, or subway to your onward destination. The CAT is the dedicated Airport Service, so there is plenty of room for luggage, and the trains are pretty frequent too.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a cheaper option you can get a standard train into the centre, at half the price, but keep in mind they stop at way more stops and your travel time will be longer.

Taxi

If you want to save yourself the hassle of buying tickets and waiting for your train, you can also get a taxi or an Uber. You are looking at about 35 Euros for the luxury, but on the plus side you will be taken straight to your hotel.

How long should I spend in Vienna?

We didn’t find Vienna to be a huge city in terms of attractions. So we would say you need around 2 days in Vienna as a minimum and maybe 5 days maximum to get to grips with the city. This timeframe should give you time to see some of the main attractions, eat some incredible food and enjoy the nightlife on offer.

Where to stay in Vienna

Apart from wondering ‘is Vienna worth visiting’ you might also be curious about accommodation in Vienna. I always find it so overwhelming when trying to decide on where to stay in a new city. Here is a breakdown of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Vienna.

Innere Stadt (Dirstrict 1)

This is in the very centre of historic Vienna, and it is close to a lot of the main attractions like St Stephen’s and the Spanish Riding School. Accommodation can be a bit more expensive here, but transport links are excellent. If you are a first time visitor, this is probably the best area to stay in.

Leopoldstadt (District 2)

Slightly cheaper and a little less touristy is District 2. This is still close to the main attractions, and also just a stones throw away from the Prater Amusement Park. It’s also ideal for those on a budget.

MuseumsQuartier (District 7)

If you are into culture then this might be the area for you. I’m sure you can tell by the name that this is where the city’s museums are located, but you might not know that it is also good for restaurants and bars too. If you are wanting to visit some awesome bars at night this is a good option in terms of accommodation.

Is Vienna safe?

Considering Vienna is a large European capital, it’s actually a pretty safe city. Like anywhere you visit you get good and bad neighbourhoods, but if you stick to tourist areas you should be fine.

The biggest issue in Vienna in terms of tourist safety is pickpocketing, but even then it’s not as much of an issue as in places like London or Paris.

Take your usual precautions when visiting Vienna. For instance try to avoid walking home late at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. Generally you should be fine though.

Is Vienna worth visiting compared to other European cities?

Vienna definitely holds its own as one of the imperial cities of Europe. It’s known for culture, cuisine, and coffee. So if that is your thing you should definitely visit. It’s the perfect place to go for a city break, and to learn all about history and culture.

Vienna is also a great place to visit as part of a larger Prague Vienna and Budapest itinerary.

If you are trying to decide between Vienna or Budapest here is a helpful guide.

Or if you are tossing up between Vienna and Prague here is a helpful guide.

Can I use public transport in Vienna?

Public transport in Vienna is incredibly reliable, and cheap. For instance you can purchase a 2 day travel card for about €15 per person. This pass is valid on trams and trains.

You need to carry your pass on your at all times, and show your ticket to inspectors when asked for it.

What is there to do in Vienna?

Wondering is Vienna worth visiting for attractions alone? Here are some of the best things to do in Vienna to help you decide.

Schonbrunn Palace

Topping the list of attractions is this grandiose palace built in the 1630’s. It is a former imperial summer residence and is definitely very regal.  You can do a tour of the inside which gives you an insight into the lives of the palace’s former inhabitants.

But if you are looking for something a little different the palace gardens are also a real treat. There is even a life sized maze to get lost in (and hopefully find your way out of again).

Hofburg Palace

Sticking with the palace theme Hofburg Palace is another one for royal fans. It was used as a winter residence for rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire, but these days it serves as a base for the President of Austria.  You can do tours of the museum or explore the imperial apartments.

Also good news for those who have purchased the Vienna Pass as the Hop On Hop Off bus stops here making it super easy to get to.

Prater amusement park

The park has various rides like bumper cars, roller coasters and all your fair ground games. If you want to visit it is important to note that it is only open March – October every year. The most prominent feature of the park is the Riesenrad, a 212 ft tall ferris wheel. Tickets can be purchased online in advance if you are wanting to skip the queues, or you can buy them on the day.

First constructed in 1897 it was one of the first ferris wheels ever built. It is worth a ride. The gondolas are wooden and really make you feel like you have gone back in time. I will admit it did freak me out a little at first but I can guarantee it is totally solid and you do feel safe.

If you are feeling really brave the park is also home to the tallest swing ride in the world. It’s 117 metres tall and apparently offers some amazing views of Vienna. We wouldn’t know because there was no way we were getting on it. We will have to leave you with pictures from the Riesenrad instead.

St Stephen’s Cathedral

Located inStephensplatz in the historic centre of Vienna, St Stephen’s Cathedral is the tallest in Austria. It’s opulent design, particularly the hundreds of colourful tiles that make up the roof dominate the Viennese skyline, making it hard to miss.

The church is free to enter or rather a small part of it is, but if you want to do anything extra you will need to pay. Something we do recommend is to climb the 343 steps in the south tower for some incredible city views. It is only a small fee you have to pay (something along the lines of 3 Euro). Alternatively you can do a tour of the catacombs for about 4 Euro.

Hundertwasserhaus

This housing complex is a really unusual building which was built after an idea and concept by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, hence the name. If you are looking for an offbeat experience it is certainly worth a visit.  And of course it is a great place to get a few Instagram shots.

Explore the MuseumQuartier

The MuseumQuartier, actually only opened in 2001, but it has since become home to a number of top class museums. You will need a bit of time to visit them all but if you are on a short trip we recommend visiting at least one. The Leopold Museum is a good choice as it houses a number of modern art works by Austrian artists.

Nearby the MuseumQuarter you also have the popular Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Musuem) with its massive dinosaur hall, which is perfect for kids and adults alike.

The Vineyards

We had no idea there were vineyards in Vienna and this was a pleasant surprise. It is a bit of a journey out of town and you will need to take a bus to Kahlenburg. But it really is worth doing and a real quirky thing to do in Vienna.

We had a lovely afternoon walking around and stopping at local vineyards for a sample along the way. The cool thing is you get to walk around in the Vineyards which is such a beautiful experience. The wine here is also pretty cheap, and goes great with a cheese and meat platter.

There are also some really beautiful views from here.

Rathaus

The Rathaus or Town Hall is another interesting thing to see. It was constructed in the 1800s in a Neo-Gothic style to create more space for the city mayor. It’s a really beautiful building to visit, and gives off those opulent European vibes. If you want to go inside you can but only on certain days, and you have to book a specific tour.

Spittelau waste incineration plant

Another really quirky thing to do is to visit Vienna’s waste incineration plant. Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who also designed the apartment complex at the top of this list was tasked with designing the new plant. You can do a tour of the plant which seems to be popular with school children who can learn all about the heating and cooling process. Even if that’s not your thing it will probably be the most beautiful waste incineration plant you will ever see.

Is Vienna worth visiting for solo travellers?

Considering it is a relatively safe city Vienna is the perfect place to visit for solo travellers. It’s also great for women travelling alone. Obviously you should take your normal safety precautions when travelling but as a whole it is safe.

It’s also relatively easy to get around, and there is a lot to see and do in the city so you definitely won’t be bored. You can also book onto a number of city tours or food tours, that are great for meeting other travellers.

Is Vienna worth visiting for couples?

Vienna certainly has an air of romance surrounding it. There are so many amazing date ideas in the city. For starters you can visit the vineyards, get lost in the royal palace gardens, or just sip drinks at one of the trendy bars along the Danube.

And for fancier date nights you can go to the Opera, or to a Ball, or just hang out in one of the grand coffee houses in the city.

Is Vienna worth visiting for families?

Vienna is a great place to visit for families. For starters it’s a safe city, which is good to know when travelling with kids. It’s also very historical and they can learn all about European history whilst checking out cool buildings and attractions.

Vienna is a very kid friendly city, with plenty of parks, and even when visiting Schonbrunn Palace there were lots of things for kids to do including mazes, and playgrounds, and even a Children’s Museum. You’ve also got the Prater Amusement Park which is perfect for both kids and adults.

Is Vienna worth visiting for foodies?

If you are into your food Vienna is a great place to visit. For starters it’s such a multicultural place, with around 30% of the population having not been born in Austria. With that in mind, this multiculturalism has seeped through into the food in Vienna.

From street food to fine dining Vienna really does have it all. Make sure you try the schnitzel for something more traditional, and wash it down with a shot of schnapps. It’s also worth visiting a coffee house and ordering Sachertorte a rich and decadent chocolate cake.

Is Vienna worth visiting for the nightlife?

Vienna is great for nightlife especially if you love clubbing. Inner Stadt is a great place to go with the highest concentration of nightclubs in the city.

If that isn’t your thing there are also a number of cocktail bars, and pubs to sample some great drinks. Basically there is a little something for everyone in Vienna when it comes to nightlife.

Is Vienna worth visiting for nature lovers?

Austria as a whole is a great place to visit for nature lovers, but you might be wondering if Vienna is too. Vienna is a pretty green city, and you can enjoy nature. Not far out of the city you have incredibly natural landscapes including vineyards, and parklands. In fact here are some of the best places to go for nature in Vienna.

Is Vienna worth visiting for history buffs?

Vienna is honestly the perfect city to visit if you love history. There are several imperial palaces and churches dating back to 600 years of Hapsburg rule. You also have a massive amount of museums in the city, where you can learn about art history, modern history, and much much more.

Is Vienna worth visiting for culture lovers?

Vienna is in our opinion one of the top destinations in Europe for culture lovers. In fact culture and Vienna pretty much go hand in had.

It has a long history for producing fantastic classical music, including Beethoven and Mozart to name but a few. There are also so many amazing museums, and theatres in Vienna, allowing you to experience some of this culture firsthand.

Whilst we are discussing culture, let’s not forget the coffee culture in Vienna. It’s an important part of life in the city, and something that you must experience on your next trip.

Is Vienna worth visiting in the summer?

Summer in Vienna is an incredibly popular season to visit. The weather is try and temperatures are warm averaging somewhere between 20 – 27 degrees Celsius.

With the warmer weather you will really see the city come to life. Restaurants and bars open outdoor areas or extend their service to the pavement. There are also a number of festivals in the city.

It also means that tourism is at its peak, particularly with school holidays occurring in summer. If you are planning to visit at this time of year do your research and book accommodation and tours well in advance.

Is Vienna worth visiting in the winter?

Winter is another popular time to visit Vienna, although this is mostly because of the Christmas Markets in December. Winters can be cold in Vienna with temperatures average between 1 – 4 degrees Celsius. It’s also not unusual for it to snow, turning the city into a winter wonderland.

Is it worth getting a Vienna Pass?

We are usually dubious about buying city passes when we visit a new place. But if you are thinking of getting the Vienna Pass do your research in advance. Is everything you want to see covered in the Vienna Pass? Yes public transport is included but will you be using it much anyway?

The Vienna Pass in a nutshell gives you use of the Hop on Hop Off Bus network, access to public transport, free admission to some attractions, discounted admission to others, and in many places means you can skip the queues. It is definitely worth it if you are planning on visiting a lot of tourist attractions. But not so much if you are looking for some of the quirkier things to do in the city.

Plan what you want to do in advance, look at the entry costs online and work out if it worth buying the pass or not. I know that sounds so obvious, but a lot of people panic and think they have to buy the pass to get around cheaply or get free entry to attractions and that isn’t always the case. Think about if you want to see these attractions in the first place, or are you just doing it because you paid for the card and now you need to get your money’s worth?

What to pack when visiting Vienna?

Apart from your usual packing list here are some things we recommend bringing on your trip to Vienna.

• Comfortable shoes because you will want to walk around a lot!
• At least one nice outfit in case you decide to go to an opera or theatre show
• Ball gown/ tuxedo if you are attending one of the famous balls!
• Comfortable clothing – layer up as weather can vary
• A heavy jacket for the winter, and a light waterproof jacket for the summer (particularly summer nights as they can get quite cool)

What should I know before visiting Vienna?

Here are some things we think you should know before visiting Vienna.

• It’s useful to learn a little German, even just a simple, Hello, and Thank you.
• Don’t just stick to the centre of Vienna get out and explore
• When paying at a restaurant it is customary to round up the bill
• A lot of supermarkets and stores are closed on Sunday
• Some museums are free to the public on the first Sunday of each month so check when you are there.

So Is Vienna worth visiting?

Hopefully after reading this article you will have an answer to the question ‘Is Vienna worth visiting’? And hopefully that answer is a yes! We loved our time in Vienna, and our only gripe was that we didn’t have long enough to spend doing absolutely everything in the city.

It’s a great place to go for a city break, especially if you are into culture, and history.

If you found this guide useful make sure you pin it for later.

Happy travels!