There are many great reasons to discover how to plan a trip to Vienna. Austria may not make as many bucket lists as other spots in Europe (even though it’s one of the very best cities to visit), but its cultural heritage, and capital really is second to none: The city boasts one of the best classical (and jazz) music scenes in the world, and in terms of museums, it is hard to beat. It’s also home to some gorgeous palaces, cathedrals, and a lively social scene (the food is surprisingly delicious too). Plan your vacation with our guide and you’ll be strolling the city’s Baroque streets, feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time. Here’s a handy cheat sheet on how to plan a trip to Vienna, Austria.
When to Visit
Summer is the most popular time to visit Vienna — peak season is July and August. However, the crowds of tourists and higher room rates make for uncomfortable realities. The other surge of serious tourism comes in December, when European visitors head to the city to experience a genuine Viennese Christmas. But if you’re looking for cheaper room rates and milder weather, then April, May, September and October are safer, better bets. To figure out the perfect time for you to go, check out VacationIdea.
Getting Around
Navigating Vienna is pretty easy: The U-Bahn subway system connects every neighborhood in the city, and an S-Bahn local train will take you to the suburbs (if that’s really where you want to go). Then there are plenty of clean, efficient buses and charming trams. The trams might be the most fun, in fact, as they’ll take you through town for free. Taxis are on the expensive side, but if you love bikes, the city is also your oyster, and there are many spots to rent one if you’re not traveling with your own. For more information, including info on the Vienna Pass with Travel (that includes admission to many attractions) and the Vienna Card (a travel pass), go here.
Tour the Town (and Its Outskirts)
Some of the best travel experiences can be had on tour. There’s the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour. There also are several different music and concert tours, including the Schönbrunn Palace evening tour, dinner and concert experience. For tours that take you outside of the city limits, enjoy a Danube Valley and abbey tour, a Wachau Valley tour and wine tasting, and even trips to Salzburg and Vienna. Sample several here.
Can’t Miss, Won’t Miss
There are plenty of things to do in town, as you’ll discover while learning how to plan a trip to Vienna, Austria, but perhaps the best place to start your visit is to check out the Hofburg Palace, where every Austrian ruler has had an official residence since 1275 (it’s the current official seat of the Austrian president). Another leading attractions is the Spanish Riding School, where performances sell out quickly. Schönbrunn Palace is also a great place to visit, not just because the palace itself is gorgeous, but also because its landscaped grounds are tremendous. While you’re in town, you also really should attend a classical music concert — there always are concerts going on, all over town, and many are free — but the most magnificent place to hear one is at the Vienna State Opera.
Coffee Houses, Wiener Schnitzel and Wine
In Vienna, the pastries and cakes are divine. The city’s got such an amazing coffeehouse culture that you can’t throw a stone and not hit a place to get your sweet on: A tip on how to plan a trip to Vienna? Café hop: The most famous of the tortes is the Sacher Torte, developed by Café Sacher. Apple strudel here (and elsewhere) is also very good, as is the topfenstrudel, which is basically a Viennese cheesecake — most of these can be had at cafes and bakeries around town, too. Schnitzels, especially Wiener Schnitzel, is not to be missed also: Here’s a roundup of Schnitzels and where to get them. Vienna is also Austria’s wine capital; there are even wineries in town to visit. To check out the offerings, visit here. The city’s home to some pretty swanky, delicious restaurants as well, including several reviewed and rated by the Michelin Guide. However, the most highly rated dining spot is Steirereck, a restaurant that’s been in the family for several generations, but is now ultramodern and serves up contemporary Austrian cuisine.
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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