Vienna, a city where timeless elegance meets vibrant modernity, dazzled us during our summer visit. From the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace to the lively atmosphere of the Naschmarkt, our journey through the Austrian capital was a captivating blend of old-world allure and seasonal vibrancy.

If you want to cut to the chase and know the best picture spots in Vienna, click here. Otherwise, for your essential guide to Vienna, keep reading!

About My Trip: Tips and Practical Info

I visited Vienna in August on what was meant to be a girls trip to see Taylor Swift. Unfortunately the concerts were cancelled but myself and my friend Kayla decided to head to Vienna anyway for a weekend of sightseeing. We stayed in Vienna for almost 3 days and saw everything that we wanted to see without feeling rushed. Below are some useful tips.

• Accommodation: We booked an apartment through CheckVienna. Even though it ended up being only 2 of us staying there, it would have been perfect for 5-6 people! Only a 5 minute walk to the metro or a 2 minute walk to a bus stop. Definitely recommend checking it out if visiting Vienna.
• Getting to the city from the airport: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT buy the CAT (City Airport Train) ticket. It is a tourist trap! Instead, download the WienMobil app and buy your ticket pass for the days you are visiting Vienna. Then at the airport, head down to the train station and buy a ticket on the machine, selecting that you have a valid ticket for Vienna. It should only cost you €2.10 and the train only takes 16 minutes to get to Vienna City Centre. Your other choice is get an Uber or Grab from the airport and they will collect your outside the departures entrance.
• Public transport: Vienna has one of the best public transport systems in the world. Download WienMobil app and buy a ticket pass for either 1, 2, 3 or 7 days. Vienna’s public transport works on an honesty system so you don’t scan/tap when getting on a train/bus/metro. We used Google Maps to help us get around it was very accurate.
• Cost: Vienna can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. Many of Vienna’s top attractions, like its beautiful parks, historic sites, and public art, are free or low-cost. Public transport is relatively inexpensive and efficient, helping you get around the city affordably. For example, my 72 hour public transport pass cost €17.10. Breakfast including coffee in Cafe Central cost €16. A main course and drink in Prater Amusement Park cost €27.50.

Places To Visit In Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see when visiting Vienna. The extensive and beautifully landscaped gardens are open to visitors free of charge. This includes the main park area, the Roman Ruin, the Neptune Fountain, and the Flower Garden. The maze and the labyrinth in the gardens are also free to explore, along with The Gloriette (the picture above). I would suggest walking around the free areas first before deciding if you want to pay to enter the palace. We decided not to go inside the palace and instead to enjoy a coffee with the views from the cafe in The Gloriette.

You can also explore Schönbrunn Park in comfort aboard the Schönbrunn panorama train! The Schönbrunn panorama train takes you to a total of 9 stops including the Gloriette (pictured above). It costs €15 and you can hop-on and hop-off as much as you like throughout the day.

MQ Libelle

MQ Libelle is a rooftop observation deck with views over all of Museumsquarter and most of Vienna’s city center. And it is free to enter! There is a small bar up there if you do wish to have a drink and take in the views, but it is worth the visit regardless! Click here for location.

Cafe Central

Café Central in Vienna is a historic and elegant café renowned for its rich history and classic Viennese ambiance. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic establishment first opened its doors in 1876 and quickly became a popular gathering place for notable intellectuals, writers, and artists, including figures like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky.

If you are organised, I would suggest booking in advance via their website. Otherwise we arrived at 8am just after they opened and managed to get a table after a few minutes wait. We got breakfast and it cost €16 including coffee so I would say it was worth the price!

Albertina

The above picture was taken just outside of the Albertina Art Museum. We did go inside the museum as entry was free with our Taylor Swift tickets. It is a beautiful museum, however, unless you are an art history fanatic, I would probably visit other attractions before this one.

Burggarten & Mozart Monument

Burggarten is a beautiful park located in central Vienna and within walking distance from the other attractions. The Mozart monument is a fitting monument for the world’s greatest composer and the treble clef in front is so lovely and appropriate.

Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Stroll through the many stands selling vintage goods and end your morning with a juice or gelato in one of the cafes.

Prater Amusement Park

Prater Amusement Park is a fantastic way to spend an evening in Vienna, especially with children. It is free entry and you pay per ride, which there are over 250 of and something for everyone! There are also a few restaurants there however the chicken schnitzel we ate there was not the best.

Stadionbad – Outdoor Swimming Pool

Stadionbad is a fantastic way to spend the day in Vienna’s summer heat. It is the perfect place for adults and children alike. With a range of different swimming pools including a lengths pool, a wave pool and many water slides. Kids under 7 are free to enter, and a day ticket costs only €6.50.

Stephenplatz & St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Another must-see when visiting Vienna. This magnificent church is not only breathtaking from the outside, but absolutely beautiful inside too. And the best part- it is free to enter!

Café Mozart

Another beautiful cafe in Vienna. It is a little pricey but worth it (to be honest, I thought that Cafe Central was better value for money). We arrived for breakfast and there were plenty of tables.

Restaurant Recommendation – Hao Han

I couldn’t write a guide and not include one of the best Asian restaurants I have ever eaten at! Hao Han (location here) was amazing and had the best dumplings and gyozas EVER. I would highly recommend a visit! €21.70 for a starter (gyozas/dumplings), a ramen main course and an Aperol Spritz.