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Vienna travel guide
Imperial palaces, a Gothic cathedral, Klimt and coffee houses.
Photo: Valentin Ivantsov / Pexels · Pexels License
Vienna was the Habsburg capital for centuries, and it shows. The compact old town (Innere Stadt, the 1st district) inside the Ringstrasse holds St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and the State Opera, all within walking distance. Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere are a short metro or tram ride away. Public transport is excellent, so three days is plenty for the highlights.
Plan your Vienna trip
Best things to do in Vienna →
14 honest picks with costs, timing and skip-it-ifs.
Where to stay in Vienna →
4 neighbourhoods compared, with hotel picks per budget.
Vienna in 3 days →
A day-by-day route grouped by area.
Day trips from Vienna →
3 easy escapes by train or bus.
Vienna City Quest →
A printable self-guided treasure hunt.
Vienna quick facts
- Best time to visit
- April–June and September–October. Christmas markets run from mid-November; July–August can be hot.
- Money
- Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for small cafés and market stalls.
- Airports
- Vienna International Airport (VIE) in Schwechat, about 18 km south-east of the centre.
- Airport to city
- Cheapest: an ÖBB train for €5.50 (€2.30 from the airport to the city boundary plus €3.20 for Vienna). Until the end of October 2027, rail works mean the REX7 runs to Wien Hauptbahnhof (about 20 min) and the S7 only goes as far as St. Marx. The City Airport Train (CAT) currently runs as an express bus to Wien Mitte (€14.90 one way). Checked October 2026.
- Getting around
- U-Bahn, trams and buses. A single ticket costs €3.20 on paper or €3.00 in the WienMobil app; a 24-hour ticket costs €10.20 on paper or €9.70 digital (2026). Validate paper tickets before you travel. Tram lines 1 and 2 circle much of the Ringstrasse.
- Budget
- Mid-range by Western European standards. Museums and palaces cost roughly €15–€42 each, so pick your paid sights. Compare live hotel prices.
- Language
- German. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Plugs
- Type C and F, 230 V.
Only have one day? Do these three
Top things to do in Vienna
- 1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) · Entrance area free
- 2. Hofburg Imperial Palace · Courtyards free
- 3. Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens · Palace Ticket €42
- 4. Belvedere & Klimt’s The Kiss · Upper Belvedere €23
- 5. Kunsthistorisches Museum · €22 online, €24 on site
- 6. Vienna State Opera · Guided tours and standing places are relatively cheap
Watch: Vienna in one video
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Our walk-through of Vienna is in production. See all videos.
Turn sightseeing into a game
Vienna City Quest
Follow 12 quest stops from the State Opera past the Imperial Crypt, St. Stephen’s and the Anker Clock to the Hofburg and Heldenplatz, with riddles, photo missions, a kids’ mode and a printable map.
Get the questVienna FAQ
How many days do you need in Vienna?
Two days covers the old town, the Hofburg and Schönbrunn. Three days adds the Belvedere, a museum and the Prater at a relaxed pace.
What is the cheapest way from Vienna airport to the city?
Take the ÖBB train for €5.50 (€2.30 to the city boundary plus €3.20 for Vienna). Until the end of October 2027 the REX7 goes to Wien Hauptbahnhof and the S7 only as far as St. Marx because of rail works. Checked October 2026.
Do I need to book Schönbrunn Palace in advance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Entry is by fixed time slot and the official online seller is imperialtickets.com. The Palace Ticket costs €42 for adults (2026). The park is free.
Where can I see Klimt’s The Kiss?
At the Upper Belvedere. An adult ticket costs €23 in 2026 and you book a time slot online.
Is there still a 72-hour public transport ticket in Vienna?
Wiener Linien now sells single, 24-hour and 7-day tickets: the 7-day ticket costs €25.20 digital. The Vienna City Card adds sightseeing discounts. Check wienerlinien.at for current options.
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