Vienna travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are mild and pleasant. July and August can be hot, though many locals leave the city. Winter is cold, and Christmas markets run from mid-November to late December.

Many shops close on Sundays and public holidays. Some theatres and the opera have a summer break, so check programmes before you plan.

How many days you need

Three days cover the Inner City (Stephansdom, Hofburg), Schönbrunn Palace, a major museum such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a coffee house visit and an evening concert. A fourth day allows the Wachau Valley or Bratislava.

Bratislava is about one hour by train. The Wachau Valley needs a full day.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is south-east of the city. Railjet and regional trains (REX7) go to Hauptbahnhof in about 15 to 20 minutes. Part of the main rail line is closed from September 2026 until the end of October 2027. In this period the S7 runs only between the airport and St. Marx, and Wien Mitte station is closed. From St. Marx you change to tram 18 or 71. The City Airport Train brand runs coaches between the airport and Wien Mitte. Vienna Airport Lines buses also serve the centre.

Check the ÖBB and airport sites before you travel, because works can change the timetable. Taxis are available but cost far more than trains.

Getting around

Vienna has a very good network of U-Bahn, trams and buses run by Wiener Linien. Tickets can be single, 24, 48 or 72 hours. Paper tickets must be validated before use.

The Vienna City Card is a sightseeing card with transport and some discounts. The centre is walkable, and trams are a pleasant way to see the Ring. Cycling lanes are common.

Where to stay

The Innere Stadt is central and elegant, but expensive. Leopoldstadt is close to the Prater and has restaurants. Neubau and Mariahilf suit shopping and cafes.

Landstrasse suits visitors who want quiet and a good link to the airport. Josefstadt is calm and near the University and the Rathaus.

What to book in advance

The palace advises booking tickets online in advance because of high visitor numbers. Tickets can also be bought at the ticket office, but queues are long in summer, so go in the morning.

The Vienna State Opera, Musikverein and the Spanish Riding School sell tickets online months ahead in high season. The Vienna Boys' Choir performs on set days, with limited seats. Do not buy tickets from people in costume on the street.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not buy concert tickets from street sellers in costume. Their programmes are often basic. Do not forget to validate paper transport tickets, because fines apply.

Do not order only coffee and expect to be rushed. Staying is normal in a coffee house. Do not expect shops to be open on Sunday. Do not bargain with taxis, which usually have a meter.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the euro. Cards are accepted in most places, but small cafes and some restaurants prefer cash. Tipping is about 5 to 10 percent, added to the bill by telling the server the total.

Plug types C and F are used, at 230 volts. Tap water comes from the Alps and is safe to drink. A city tax applies to hotel stays. Austria is in the Schengen area. Check official government sources for entry rules.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Vienna